Of the Imitation of CHRIST, Three, both for wisdom, and godliness, most excellent books; made 170. years since by one THOMAS of KEMPIS, and for the worthiness thereof oft since translated out of Latin into sundry languages by divers godly and learned men: now newly corrected, translated, and with most ample texts, and sentences of holy Scripture illustrated by THOMAS ROGERS. john. 14, 16. I am the way, the truth, and the life. Mark. 8, 34. Whosoever will follow me, let him forsake himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 1. Cor. 11, 1. Follow me, as I follow Christ. Imprinted at London, by Henry Denham, dwelling in Pater noster Row, at the sign of the Star. Cum privilegio Regie Maiestatis. DOMINO THOMAE BROMLAEO, EQVITI AURATO, NON MINUS EGREGIA PIETATIS, MORUM, AC LITERARUM LAUD, QVAM SUMMI IN ANGLIA CANCELLARIATUS AMPLITUDINE ILLUSTRI; THOMAS ROGERIUS HOS VERE QVIDEM AUREOS DE CHRISTO IMITANDO LIBELLOS, A SE E LATINO CONVERSOS, CASTIGATOS, ET VARIIS, AC MULTIPLICIBUS SS. SCRIPTURAE SENTENTIIS INSIGNITOS, IN GRATI ANIMI TESTIMONIVM CONSECRAVIT. The first Epistle of the Translator touching Christian imitation in general, to the faithful Imitators of our Saviour Christ in England, S. WHO entereth into Ma● by nature is given to imitation. a due consideration of man's nature, shall easily perceive that most strangely it is addicted unto Imitation; and, though in truth, we should live by laws not by examples, that examples do more mou●, than do laws. Servants in a family; soldiers in an army; subjects in a Commonweal may confirm what I say. For servants will imitate their masters; soldiers their captains; subjects their governors a Ecclus. 10 verse. 2. , be they good, be they bad, yea get they praise or get they infamy, profit or hurt thereby: thinking their lives to be a law; and that to be well done which is done after their example b Hieron. in Epist. ad Heliodo. . 1. Whereby I note, first, that they should have great regard unto themselves, who are any way, either for birth, or for office, or for calling, whether it be spiritual or temporal better than other men. For they cannot sin without great hurt, and danger to the Commonweal say I of them, as once spoke Cicero of judges c Cic. act. 2. in Vetrem. . Whence it is, that mighty men shall mightily be tormented d Wisd. 6, 6. . 2 secondly, that, seeing our nature is such, we are to take special heed whom we follow, or imitate. For every one may not be followed; neither shall the ungodly behaviour of others excuse us before God. For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ e 2. Cor. 5, verse. 10. Reu. 22, 12. to receive according to our own deeds f Ps. 62, 12. Mat. 16, 27. Rom. 2, 6. . The licentious life of the Magistrate shall not quite the subject, if he live not under laws; nor the wickedness of masters excuse the servant, if he be ungracious; nor the ill conversation of the preacher, be a cause to save the hearer, if he be ungodly. For that soul that sinneth, be he what he be may, shall die g Ezec. 18, verse. 4. . The precept therefore which is given Who are to be followed. to an imitator of Orators, I could wish were followed of a Christian Imitator. In oratory imitation two sorts of examples there be: one always, and most necessary to be followed h Sturmius in ca 1. lib. sui de Imitat. Orat. Oratory Imitation. Demost. Cicero. Poets. Historiographers. Christian imitation. Christ always to be followed. Good men but sometime and in somethings to be followed, and why; Four sorts of examples of good men mentioned in the holy Scripture. , the other but sometime and in somethings. The example always necessarily to be followed of an Orator is among the Grecians Demosthenes, Cicero among the Latins: they who are but sometime, and in some things to be followed, are Poets and Historiographers. So in Christian imitation two sorts of examples there be: one to be followed and that both necessarily, and always, which is our Saviour Christ; the other but sometime and in some things, as are good men and women, whether they be alive or dead. Strange perhaps it may seem, that the good but sometime and in some things should be imitated. Yet is it not so strange as true. For every example of theirs may not be followed of us. For the better conceiving whereof it is to be noted that four sorts of examples, yea of the elect, and righteous we may read of in the holy Scriptures. 1 The first we may behold to imitate: as Abraham's faith i Gen. 15, 5. 6. Rom. 4, 9 10, etc. ; joseph's chastity k Gen. 39, 7 8. 9, etc. ; David's zeal l Psalm. 119, 14, 20, etc. ; Tobias pitifulness toward the poor m Tobit. 1, 16. 17. 18. Tob. 2, 2. 3. 4. ; and such like wherewith the Bible is most singularly replenished. These are set before us, that we should not be slothful, but followers of them n Heb. 6, 12 which through faith & patience inherit the promises. 2 Other examples there be which are wicked: as the incredulity of Moses and Aaron o Nomb. 20 verse. 12. Nomb. 27, verse. 14. Deut. 32, 51 52. ; the adultery of David p 2. Sam. 11 verse. 2. 3. 4. 5. ; Peter's denial q Matt. 26, verse. 69. 70, etc. ; the ambition of the Apostles r Luke. 22, verse. 24. 25, etc. etc. which are placed before us, but for divers ends. First to keep us from that vane opinion which in these days hath mightily crept into the minds of many, that the elect and regenerate sin not. For that each of these, yea and all these too were elected, I think the most fantastical will not deny, and yet that they sinned in most ●ainous manner is apparent. secondly to make us the more warely to look unto our footing. For, if they so highly in God's favour, & so singularly adorned with his heavenly gifts, did fall and defile themselves so filthily with sin, with what great fear and trembling ought we to make an end of our salvation s Phil. 2. 12. , who are nothing comparable in spiritual gifts unto them; lest as God either punished (as he did Moses t Deut. 34, verse. 1, etc. 4. 5. , Aaron u Nomb. 20 verse. 25. 26. Nomb. 33, verse. 38. , and David x 2. Sam. 12 verse. 10. 11. 2. Sam. 16, verse. 22. with temporal punishment) or reproved (as Peter y Lu. 22, 61. , and the Apostles z Mar. 10, 42 Luk. 22, 25. 26, etc. ) them to their amendment: so he punish us eternalie to our utter confusion! thirdly, though we sin, that we neither go on forward, and proceed in wickedness, nor despair of God's mercy, no more than they did. For the Lord is rich over all a Ro. 10, 12 that call upon him, & repent. Therefore ought no man to despair. For it is a true saying b 1. Tim. 1, verse. 15. and by all means worthy to be received, that Christ jesus came into the world to save sinners c Matth. 9, verse. 13. Mark. 2, 17. , whereby many have attained mercy, unto the ensample of them d 1. Tim. 1, verse. 16. which shall in time to come believe on him unto eternal life. Last of all they are set before us to this end, that as God is merciful; so should we be e Luk. 6, 36. . And as he is ready to receive such into favour as repent f Luke. 15, verse. 20. 21. Ecclus. 2, verse. 18. 19 20. 21. : so should we be merciful towards all men g Matt. 18, verse. 21. 22. Matt. 5, 44. Luke. 17, 3. 4. , that in his judgement, we may find mercy h Matt. 5, 7. . whereby certain both Heretics, as the catharan's, or novatians, who taught that none which sinned after they were regenerate, could be saved i Cypr. lib. 4. Epist. 2. Epist. Euseb. lib. 2. cap. 43. ; and Atheists, as Machiavelli, & his favourers, who think that injuries received should never be forgiven k Theorem. 6. lib. 3. Comment. contra Machiavelli. page. 314. 315. 316, etc. , are confuted. 3 Other things were well done by good men in times passed, which in these days cannot be followed of us without offence to God. As they circumcised their male children the eight day l Leu. 12, 2, 3. , which is unlawful for us to do m Acts. 15, verse. 1. 5, etc. Gal. 5, 1. ; they offered sundry, and many sacrifices, I mean bloody sacrifices, unto the Lord n levit. 17, verse. 3. 4, etc. Levi. 22, 17. 18. 19, etc. , we may not so do o Coloss. 2, verse. 20. Hebr. 9, 1. Heb. 10, 1. 2, etc. ; one brother in those days married the wife of another p Deut. 25, verse. 5. 6, etc. Ruth. 4, 3. Mat. 22, 24. 25, etc. Mar. 12, 19 20, etc. , so to marry now were incest. 4 Finally some deeds we may read of which were singular, such as neither we may, nor others in those days might follow without the special and extraordinary motion of the holy Spirit. As was Abraham's readiness to kill his own and only son Isaac q Gen. 22, 1 2. 3, etc. ; as likewise was the spoil which the jews made of the Egyptians by detaining their jewels of silver, and jewels of gold r Exod. 12, verse. 35. 36. . The doing whereof was commendable in them, because they were commanded s Gen. 22, 1. Exod. 11, 1. 2. ; but most damnable should be in others, for that there be commandments to the contrary t Deu. 5, 17. Exod. 20, 13. Matth. 5, 21. Deut. 5, 19 Exod. 20, 15. Rom. 13, 9 , but none to do so. Whereby it is apparent that good men are not in all things to be imitated. But as S. Paul would be so followed, as he followed Christ u 1. Cor. 11, 1. : so should they be. Therefore our Saviour is the example Christ always necessarily to be followed, & why; of us to be followed, and that always, and necessarily: always, for that he was most perfectly good x isaiah. 53, 9 john. 8, 46. 1. Pet. 2, 22. 1. john. 3, 5. ; and necessarily, because both himself y Matt. 11, verse. 29. joh. 13, 15. 34. joh. 15, 12. , and his Apostles z 1. Cor. 11. verse. 1. Ephes. 5, 1. ●. Philip. 2, 5. 1. Pet. 2, 21. , have commanded us to do so. But here mistake me not, I beseech you. For albeit I say our Saviour Christ is always; yet do I not say in all things: and though necessarily to be followed; yet not as he was God. For he fasted forty days and forty nights a Matt. 4, 2. ; he rebuked the waves of the sea, and the winds, and they cess raging b Luk. 8, 24 25. Mark. 4, 39 ; he walked on the sea as on dry land c Matt. 14, verse. 25. ; with seven loaves and two little fishes he fed four thousand men d Mar. 8, 9 besides women and children e Matt. 15, verse. 34. 38. at one time; at another with five loaves and two fishes, he fed about five thousand men f joh. 6, 10. , beside women and children g Matt. 14, verse. 19 21. ; he restored sight to the blind h Matth. 9, 27. 28. 29, etc. ; health to the sick i Mark. 5, 25. 26, etc. Matth. 4, 23. 24. Matth. 9, 35. ; to the dead life k john. 11, 43. 44. Mark. 5, 35. 41. 42. ; and many other miracles by the almighty power of his Godhead he wrought, which are unimitable (as I may say) of mortal man. In somuch that they offend greatly, whether they do it of superstition, as Papists; or of mere zeal, as did the God of Norweigh l One so called for his fasting 40. days, which he did more than once: of whom John Wierus in a treatise of his De Jeiunijs Comentitijs, pag. 125. , who dare enterprise to imitate our Saviour in any thing which he did miraculously as a God. My reason is, because there is neither commandment that we should, nor example of any disciple or Apostle in holy Scripture that would, or durst so do. For we are not commanded to make a new world, to create things visible or invisible; no nor in the world to do miracles, and to raise the dead, said Augustine m August. de verbis Domini. Wherein Christ is to be imitated. , and so do I Our Saviour Christ therefore in those things which he did as a God must religiously be worshipped; and followed zealously in what he did as a man. He that loveth and hateth what Christ as a God, doth love and detest, imitates Christ as much as man may imitate God n Theodor. lib. de Activa virtute. ▪ he that doth that which Christ did as a man, doth follow Christ as a Christian should. What that is, this book at large most notably, and Bernard in few words doth show, namely o Bernardus li. Sent. , to abhor the vanity of the world, and that courageously; For jesus, because he would not be elected a King, fled fro the multitude: to repent, and that heartily; For jesus was killed as a Lamb: to have true charity; For jesus prayed for his enemies. 1 And hereunto we are moved, as by Reasons why we should imitate, or follow our Saviour Christ. the commandments both of Christ himself, and of his Apostles Paul and Peter, of which afore: 2 so partly because we are called Christians; but Christians have their name of Christ, therefore is it meet that as they be coheirs of his name, so they should be followers of his holiness, so Bernard p Bern. lib. Sent. ; and No man is rightly called a Christian, who to the uttermost of his ability doth not resemble Christ in his conversation, so Cyprian q Cyprian. de 12. ab●sionibus. ; finally, Who doth not imitate Christ, may well be called a Christian, but he is none, so Augustine r August. de vita Christiana. . For what doth it profit thee to be called, what thou art not▪ & to usurp a strange name? If thou lovest to be called a Christian, show the fruits of Christianity, and then well mayst thou take the name of a Christian unto thee, said the same Augustine s In the foresaid place. . 3 Partly for that he is our God. Therefore is it our parts to imitate him, whom we worship and serve. 4 Partly, because we are by nature given to imitation. Wisdom would therefore we should imitate the best. 5 And partly because we are Englishmen, who of all other people are most famous, and infamous too for imitation. A shame were it therefore for us to imitate so painefulie as many do in eloquence Cicero; in philosophy Aristotle; in law justinian; in Physic Galen for worldly wisdom; yea to imitate, as most do, the French in vanity, the Dutch in luxury, in bravery the Spanish, the Papists in idolatry, in impiety and all impurity of life the Atheists, and not to follow our Saviour Christ in heavenly wisdom, and in all godliness of manners. That we may so do, he from whom every good gift, and every perfect gift doth come t jam. 1, 17. , the Father of lights grant, who with the Son, and holy Ghost, be praised evermore both in our hearts, mouths, and conversation, that others seeing our good works may glorify our Father which is in heaven u Matth. 5. verse. 16. 1. Pet. 2, 12. Amen. the 30. of julie, An. 1580. Farewell in him whom we are to follow, Tho. Rogers. ¶ A second Epistle concerning the translation and correction of this Book. SEbastian Castellio having translated this book into Latin, thought it good by way of Preface to give some reasons, both why he had translated the same being in Latin already; and why so he had translated it, leaving somewhat of the Author out. The case standeth with me as it did with Castellio. Therefore am I to yield some reasons both why I have translated this book into English being in English already; and why so I have translated it, leaving somewhat out, as I have done. For the first I say, that neither is my doing for novelty strange; nor am I (as I trust) to be reproved therefore. For both I have examples of good men in all sciences, and professions, who to their great commendation have done the like; as may witness the sundry and divers interpretations of the works of Aristotle, and Plato for philosophy; of Demosthenes and Isocrates, for Oratory; of Galen and Hypocrates, for Physic; for Divinity of the sacred Bible: and also I have taken the translation thereof upon me, not so much to translate, as to illustrate the same with places of Scripture. For doubtless great pity was it, that a book so plentifulie, or altogether rather freighted with sentences of the Scripture, was either no whit, as in some, or no better, as in the best impressions, quoted. Besides, I have not only showed the chapter, but the very sentence also of every chapter where what is written may be found: a thing which, that I hear of, none afore me hath done. The bringing of which to pass, how painful it hath been to me, he alone can best report, who either hath done or doth go about the like; how not comfortable only, but profitable besides it willbe to others▪ they shall find that zealously do read the same. And this whatsoever I have done, was taken in hand at the motion of the Printer hereof; whose zeal to set forth good books for the advancement of virtue, and care to publish them as they ought to be, would some printers follow, neither would the sale of good works be marred many-times for lack of well handling; nor vain and vile books to the dishonour of God, the infamy of this land, to the confirming of the wicked in naughtiness, and alienating of the well disposed from virtue, I say, to the discredit of the Gospel, and abuse of printing would not daily be so broached as they are. In which my translation I have rather followed the sense of the Author, than his very words, in some places; the which also I have studied, as nigh as I could, to express by the phrase of the holy Scripture, supposing it to be a commendation, as to Ciceronians to use the phrase of Cicero: so to Christian's most familiarly to have the words of the holy Scripture in their mouths, and books. Now touching my correction, I trust no good man will mislike the same. For I have left out nothing but what might be offensive to the godly. Yet is it neither for quantity much, nor for number above four sentences. The first whereof is this a In the second book, chapt. 12, in the beginning almost. Hoc signum crucis erit in coelo, cùm Dominus ad judicandum venerit. According to Castellios' translation: Atque hoc erit signum crucis in coelo, cùm Dominus ad judicandum veniet. In the English copy set forth by Edward Hake, thus, And this sign of the cross shallbe in heaven, when the Lord shall come to judge the world. Which sentence, for somuch as I see neither the Scripture, nor any good writer doth confirm the same, I have left out altogether. The second is this b In the foresaid chap. , Sed nec inimicum Diabolum timebis, si fueris fide armatus, & jesus cruse signatus. According to Castellio, Quinne Diaboli quidem inimicitias timebis, si fide armatus, & jesus cruse signatus eris. In the English translation, Nay thou shalt not fear the enmity of the Devil neither, if thou be armed with faith, and marked with the cross of jesus. What needs these words, And marked with the cross of jesus? I have therefore not mentioned them. The third is c In the same chap. , Non enim flat meritum nostrum, & profectus status nostri in multis suavitatibus, & consolationibus, etc. According to Castellio, Neque enim in copia voluptatum & consolationum situm est meritum nostrum, officijque profectus, etc. In the English translation, Neither is our merit, and the coming forward in our duty consisting in plenty of pleasures and comforts▪ etc. Which I have thus Englished, Neither doth our coming forward consist in the store of pleasures, and comfort, etc. leaving out the word merit. Because both the scripture is clean against our meriting, and the Author too in many places d As most principally in the third book chap. 26, cha. 52, pag. 227, chap. 58. condemns the same. The fourth e In the 3. book chapt. 20, in the middle thereof. , Sed neque qui tunc justi erant, & saluandi ante passionem tuam, & sacrae mortis debitum, coeleste regnum poterant intrare. According to Castellio: Quinetiam qui tunc justi, seruandique erant, ij ante supplicium tuum sacraeque mortis meritum in coeleste regnum intrare non poterant. In Hakes translation, Nay also even those who then were justified, and in the state of salvation could not enter the kingdom of heaven before thy passion, and the merit of thy precious death. Where then were they? In hell? I think none will say it. In Abraham's bosom, as some f Catech. Trident. upon these words of the Creed, Descendit ad inferos. Bern. in festo omnium Sanct. serm. 4 , in Limbo patrum, as other Papists g D▪ Tho. in 4. dist. 45. q. 1. Art. 3. Javellus' philosoph. Christ. p. 8. Tract. 4. cap. de locis infoelicium damnat. do say? but that will not easily be proved. Wherefore as that which otherwise might offend the godly, I have clean omitted, & left out that sentence. And as I have overpast without mentioning these, which savour of superstition: so have I added some godly sentences, which have been omitted both by Castellio, and such as followed him, as may appear both in the 47. according to castle. as in mine the 48. chap. within three sentences of the beginning; and also in the 63. as in mine the 64. chap. somewhat after the middle thereof. So that I marvel, both why these were omitted, and the rest not amended by such as have taken the translation of this book upon them. I grant they have done the duty of translators: yet sure I am they have neglected a greater duty than of translatorship. For my part I had rather come into the displeasure of man, than displease God; and rather move the obstinate heretic, than offend the weak & simple Christian. It may be objected that I might have given some note by the way, and so let them pass; as doth Erasmus in his translations. Surely Erasmus might better do so in Latin, than I may in English. For as much as most are learned, & have judgement which read his; and I do that which I do for the simpler sort. And were other books, that I could name, excellent for many good points, yet for some things superstitious, purged and corrected, sure I am, both God would greatly like thereof, and many men would then read them, who now reject them; and much profit would be reaped, whereas now there is either little or no profit at all taken. One chapter you shall find in this my translation more than is in other books. Yet have I added no chapter, but divided the 6. chapter of the third book. For as much as it comprehendeth partly a thanksgiving unto God for his benefits, and partly a commendation of charity, which aptly, me thinks, makes two chapters. Now he, who principally both stirred the Author to make this book, and me to do what I have done, even God almighty grant that both you, and I, and every of us may use it to the comfort of our souls, Amen. Yours in Christ Tho. Rogers▪ A godly Preface made by him, whosoever he was, that translated this book out of the Latin tongue into French. IF this book, which concerneth the following Christ's example, have heretofore yielded some fruit to such as have given themselves to the reading thereof; I think it will yield no less hereafter, specially now that it is rid and cleansed from a number of imperfections that were in it afore. And although it be apparent, that the conversation of such as call themselves Christians, is woonderfulie corrupted: yet notwithstanding because God is so good, that he will evermore draw some one or other of an infinite multitude from it: it maketh me that I am not altogether out of hope. Again, like as in great and sore diseases, all the best remedies that can be devised, are wont to be applied with all speed: even so the more we see wickedness and ungodliness to abound, the more ought we to consider by what means they may be remedied, that some may be saved among so many thousands, which are hard-hearted and enemies to all good warnings. It must needs be granted, and experience proveth it sufficiently; that there was never any age, wherein Christians have been more out of order, nor have had less regard of godliness, than they have at this day: yet notwithstanding, this ought not to bar us, from hoping that God will draw some continually to himself. On the other side, like as among a great sort that are stricken with extreme sicknesses and diseases, some do always scape as it pleaseth God: so is it to be hoped, that among an infinite number of false Christians, God will touch some to bring them back from the filthiness and corruptions of the world, and to lead them to the fearing of himself. Moreover, it is not to be doubted, but that God hath always some servants of his, as it were covered under the great number, which by the power of his holy spirit, do live continually in all pureness & undefilednes, without cleaning or consenting to the ungodliness & disorderednes of the wicked. And this is it which confirmeth me in my hope, that this little book shall not be unprofitable nor fruitless. Nevertheless, this book is not full of great cunning, nor beautified with flowers of human wisdom, neither doth it discourse or treat of high or dark things▪ neither is it stuffed with subtle questions and arguments, nor indicted with eloquent style, as those commonly be which are propounded and set forth to the world, rather for boasting and vainglories sake, than for any desire to do other men good. This book is plain, and without any great gayness; but yet so full of good and wholesome instructions, that I dare well avow, that whosoever readeth it with a right disposed mind, without respect to Profit of this book. any other thing than God and the salvation of his own soul, which is the only mark that we must level at: he shall reap singular profit thereby. As for my part, I can witness of myself, that God hath oftentimes made it to serve me for a spur, to quicken and waken me up from my slothfulness and dullness, and to kindle in me a desirousnes of his service; and I hope that the like shall befall to all such as shoot at none other mark, but to know, fear, and love him with a pure, right meaning, and single mind; and to lead a holy conversation before him. And in good sooth, it may well be said, Good books as ladders to climb up to heaven. that unto true Christians, good and holy books are as ladders to climb up to heaven; as sparks to kindle the heat of the spirit, when it is quenched or waxed cold in them; and as props to stay up their faith that it may take increase. I speak of true Christians. For as for them that are Christians but in words and ceremonies: some of them be so bereft of all true feeling of God and of their own conscience, that they never enter into the considering of the thing that might be available and necessary to the well instructing of them in the truth, and to the training of them to some godly behaviour; but are wholly given to the things of this life, as though there were none other after it▪ And othersome have their minds so tied to the letter, that they can make none account of any other books, but such as may make them skilful, eloquent, sharp-witted, and subtle, and consequently wonderful among men, despising all such works as may make them better by moving them to the exercises of their profession. And of this sort the number is very great nowadays; of whom nothing can be said, saving that (as the Apostle speaketh of them) they can well-enough say with their mouth that they know God, but in their deeds and works they renounce him a Tit. 1, 16. . And truly we be come to a time, wherein we be more given and more hasty to reason and dispute of our religion, than to be religious in deed; more given to make great and large discourses of it, than to put it in practice, and to show the truth and pureness of it by our holy conversation; & at a word more given to talk than to do: insomuch that we may well perceive, that the Christian profession is nothing else nowadays, but a lipwisedome, and a skill to hold talk among such as make their vaunts of it. But what▪ do I term it a lipwisdome▪ Nay, would God it were not rather turned into a fleshly and licentious looseness▪ as we may partly see already by too many effects thereof. But so doth it always befall to such as having received Christ's doctrine, apply not themselves forthwith to the forsaking of themselves, without the which it is not possible for us to be Christ's true disciples b Matth. 16, verse. 24. . For as the light cannot match with darkness c▪ 2. Cor. 6, verse. 14. : so cannot Christ's Spirit match with sin and the lusts of the flesh: insomuch that if the practice thereof be omitted, there is none other thing to be looked for, but a kind of liberty whereby men shaking off all yoke, shall give themselves over to all evil, & soothe themselves in their sins. Not that they keep not still some outward show and countenance of godliness: for unless it be some Epicures and godless men, they never proceed so far as to do away and to give over all service of God. But yet are all such shows and outward countenances in vain, & of none account before him which requireth men's hearts d Deut. 6, 5. Matt. 22, 37 , and contenteth not himself with the only outward deeds e john. 4, 22. 23. , wherewith notwithstanding they think to quiet their own consciences, and to avoid the feeling of God's wrath for their sins▪ which thing may well serve for a time in the behalf of the ignorant, and of such as have no better skill; but as for those which know wherein the serving of God consisteth, they cannot but be marvelously abashed, if they fall to examining of their own wicked conversation. For then there is no ceremony (how fair a show so ever it bear, no not even though it be of the number of those which God hath enjoined for the keeping of order in his Church) that can satisfy the conscience which is troubled with the feeling of it own sin, and make it sure before the judgement of God, who will not judge us according to ceremonies, but according to our works f 2. Cor. 5, 10 . We read what jesus Christ will say to such as shall have cast out Devils in his name g Mat. 7, 23 , prophesied in his name, and wrought many other great things in his name: Away from me (will he say to them) ye workers of wickedness. How much more than will he say so, to such as occupying themselves alonelie in some ceremonies, & not in the true godliness which the Apostle saith is profitable to all things h 1. Tim. 4, 8 , shall have given themselves to follow their flesh and the world! To be short, we must come to this point, that forasmuch as Christianity is not an outward profession, ne a thing that consisteth in outward ceremonies, (so as it may suffice to busy ourselves about it,) or in words (as who would say it were enough to have the skill to talk and discourse of it as men do of other worldly sciences;) but it is the very power and might of God i Rom. 1, 16. 1. Cor. 1, 18. , whereby God intendeth to renew, and as it were to create again his own image and likeness in man, who is fallen from it by his own fault, and to set it again in the former brightness and perfection, that he may attain again to the blessed immortality: it is not to be doubted but that the same is the thing whereon we ought to fix and settle the eyes of our mind, and whereunto we ought to apply all our wits, straining them earnestly and to the uttermost of their powers to attain thereunto. Otherwise we shall but lose our labour in seeking after this or that; and all that ever we can do shall serve to no purpose, but only to train us the further from the mark that is set before us. I know well it will be replied hereunto, that the thing which I speak of can not be obtained in this life, wherein we be subject to so many infirmities k Genes. 6, 5. , and are so corrupted and frail, that it is unpossible to attain thereto. Neither do I say, that we can attain so far as to be set perfectly again in our former uncorruptness, so long as we be held wrapped in this mortal body l Wis. 9, 15. : That is reserved for the world to come, wherein all things shall be reduced to the highest perfection m Reu 21, 1. 2, etc. . But my meaning is only to declare, that the thing which shall be accomplished there, must be begun in such wise here, as we may not cease to draw nearer and nearer unto it n Phil. 3, 13. 14. , by shortening our way continually. And surely the Scripture teacheth us manifestly, that none shall become partakers of the glorious rising again o Rom. 6, 5. 4. , wherein consisteth the full measure of our felicity, but those which have endeavoured here to die unto sin, and to live again in newness of life, (which is called the first resurrection,) even by the Spirit of Christ whom all true Christians have clothed themselves withal: which have mortified the deeds of the flesh p Gal. 5, 19 20. 21. Roman. 8, 4. 5. 2. Corin. 7, 1. Coloss. 3, 5. ; which have put off the old man q Eph. 4, 22. 24. with all his works; and put on the new man according to the image of him that created us; and which have cleansed themselves here from all uncleanness both of body and soul. And that is the reason why saint Paul r Colos. 3, 4. 5. , having said that when Christ appeareth, we also shall appear with him in glory; doth forthwith warn us to mortify our members that are upon earth: whereby he doth us well to understand, that this mortification must go afore in us here, if we purpose to attain to glory. The same Paul telleth us that our bodies shall be quickened by reason of Christ's spirit s Rom. 8, 11. which shall have dwelled in us here, and whereby we shall have repressed all our froward affections. Also Saint john protesteth t 1. joh. 3, 3. , that whosoever putteth his trust in Christ, doth purge himself after the example of Christ. To be short, there are infinite texts touching this point in the holy Scriptures. And though there were no more but this one which they utter so often, namely that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God u 1. Cor. 6, 9 ; it might be enough to content us withal, & to put us in fear, and to move us to the true and earnest repentance. But alas▪ We be so loath to yield to this point, and our flesh breedeth us so many hindrances, that we do what we can to eschew that burden, and to shake it from our shoulders. But in so doing what do we else, but strive against our own soulehelth, and resist God's grace, who cometh to save us, howbeit by such means as he himself hath ordained, and by such way as he commandeth us, and not by means or ways of our own choosing! Well said, God hath commanded us to believe in his Son, and for our believing on him he promiseth us everlasting life, so as all they which believe in Christ, taking him for their Saviour, and applying to themselves all the benefits which he hath purchased for us by his death: are in the right way. But who be these believers▪ Even they (saith the Apostle) which walk not after the flesh but after the spirit x Rom. 8, 1. ; they which take pain to frame themselves to the will of Christ; into whose body they be graffed, and unto whom they be knit together as his lively members y Eph. 3, 17. 18. 19 Ephes. 4, 15. 16. ; they which endeavour to love God, and to give over the love of themselves z Luk. 9, 23. and of the world a 1. john. 2, verse 15. 16. ; they which have their whole conversation in heaven b Phila. 3, 20 ; they which loathe their former life, and for fear of falling thereinto again, do the more watch, and look the warelier to their thoughts, devices, words, and deeds: they which feeling their own weakness and infirmity, make incessant prayer to God for the spirit of strength and steadfastness c 1. Thes. 5, verse. 17. ; & which feeling their coldness and unlustiness, do crave the spirit of fervency and earnestness; they which in adversity do keep themselves from murmuring, and endeavour to be patiented d Rom. 5, 3. 4. 5. james. 1, 3. 4. ; they which bethink themselves of God's benefits, and yield him thanks for them e Psal. 116, verse. 12. 13. ; they that strain themselves to succour their neighbours both in body and soul f Rom. 12, 4. 5, etc. 1. Cor. 12, 12 13, etc. ; and at a word, they which crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts thereof g Colos. 3. 5. . Insomuch that they in whom these fruits are not found, ne make not the talon of faith to prevail in such manner as I have told you, cannot be said to be in the number of the true believers & faithful ones, notwithstanding that they pretend some countenance of honesty, and therefore much less can those be said to be of that number, in whom the works of the flesh h Gal. 5, 19 20. 21. are apparent. But some fleshly Christian will say still, Imputation of righteousness. that as for him, he is clothed with the righteousness of Christ; that the perfect obedience which Christ hath yielded to God his Father in satisfying the law, is imputed unto him, as if he himself had yielded it; and (to be short) that he is reckoned for righteous by his faith, so as none of all his imperfections are to be made account of. If thou listest to beguile thyself, thou mayst: but it will be to thy harm and confusion. In deed Christ layeth not our sins to our charge, if we believe aright in him, neither shall all our imperfections hinder the virtue and efficacy of his death. But to bear thyself in hand, that Christ holdeth thee for righteous, when thou givest thyself to unrighteousness, and hast none other care but to follow thine own inordinate lusts: it is not only a doing of great dishonour unto him, but also a scorning of him for his redeeming thee. And I pray thee, what man of good and sound judgement, dareth say, that Christ holdeth him for lowly, which is puffed up with pride▪ Or for liberal and charitable, which is full of niggardliness, distrust, and unkindness▪ Or for a lover of God, which is full of self-love and love of the world▪ Or for a worshipper of God, which maketh no right account of him▪ Or for a delighter in God, which hath none other care but to satisfy his own pleasures and delights▪ Or for a man mindful of God's benefits, which is unthankful▪ Or (to speak more homely) a whoremonger for a chaste person, or a glutton and a drunkard for a sober and moderate feeder▪ I believe that even thou thyself (if thou consider it thoroughly,) wouldst be ashamed to think it, and much more to speak it. For how is it possible that a man should be righteous without righteousness, good without goodness, virtuous without virtue! Saint john saith manifestly, that as Christ is righteous i 1. Ioh 3, 7. 8. ; so he that worketh righteousness is righteous; and that he which sinneth is of the Devil: yea and he saith moreover, that the thing wherein the 10. children of God do show themselves to differ from the children of the Devil, is that the one sort work righteousness, and the other sort work sin. And of a truth, I cannot tell how Gods true children, who are all true Christians, could otherwise be better marked out, than by their applying of themselves night and day, to do whatsoever is pleasant and acceptable to their heavenly Father; whom because they know to be righteous, they also do wholly endeavour themselves to do righteous things, wherein they show themselves to be borne of him, as S. john showeth yet further. If ye know (saith he) that God is righteous, know ye also that whosoever worketh righteousness, is borne of him k 1. john. 2, verse. 29. . Moreover, how can it come to pass, that the true Christians should not give themselves to righteousness, seeing they have Christ's spirit, (for he that hath not Christ's Spirit (saith the Apostle) is no Christian,) which being holy of himself, cannot but drive forward the party to all holiness, whom he possesseth? It cannot be but that he must needs bring forth his fruits, which are l Gal. 5, 22. 23. lovingness, gladness, quietness, mercifulness, meekness, faithfulness, mildness, and staidness. To be short, it cannot be, but that he must needs alter the whole man both within and without, to make a new creature of him. But see to what point Satan and our own nature bring us: namesie, to fall a sleep, and to soothe ourselves in our vices, and to make us to let the bridle lie lose on our necks, & all under colour that Christ imputeth not our sins unto us m 2. Corin. 5, verse. 19 , Nay, he imputeth them unto us if we continue in them n Tit. 2, 11. 12. . For he died not to leave us in them still, but to take us out of them really and in very deed o Rom. 6, 5. 6, etc. , as witnesseth further saint john, who telleth us plainly p 1. joh. 3, 5. that Christ appeared to take away our sins. In which place he intendeth not to speak (as I take it) of the forgiveness of our sins past, but to say that Christ doth really and in very deed take away their sinning in works, which do believe on him; which cannot be done, but that he must also therewith put into them, and imprint in them the love of righteousness. Nevertheless, I will not strain myself any further about this matter, which would require a whole book rather than a Preface. And in good sooth, I had not spoken so largely thereof, but that I hoped to do some men good thereby, who under pretence that they deserve not aught at God's hand, do make so small account of the good works which God requireth at our hands, that they give over the exercise of all godliness, and do weed out of their hearts all regard of good life, and of seeking their soulehelth with fear & trembling q Phili. 2, 12 Rom. 11, 20. as they show well enough by the sequel. Furthermore, I thought by that means to draw on the readers to the receiving of this little treatise the more willingly; wherein as there is not any thing contained, but such as may serve to teach us to order our life well; so was it also requisite to show, that there is no point of Christianity in us, unless we set our whole heart thereupon. And on the other part, forasmuch as the ground hereof is how we may follow the example of Christ: it was very convenient to warn Christian folk to enforce themselves thereto, without flattering themselves, & without foding themselves with vain opinions that might turn them from the right way, or hinder them in it. For sith hat Christ's life was not set forth unto us alonely to make a legend of it, or to make a wondering at it in words, but to be followed by us: it is the mark whereunto we must tend, in drawing to perfection as near as is possible, and as much as our frailty can afford. And otherwise, seeing we be tolled there unto by jesus Christ himself, not only in words but also by examples, which are as lively portraitures of the life which we ought to lead here, in waiting for his glorious coming again; we cannot exempt ourselves from it without prejudice of our salvation, no nor yet without bewraying that we have no list to it. For were we rightly desirous to become happy, and to attain to the endless life which is promised us in Christ: we could not show it better, than in taking the way thereto, whereby we both may and must attain unto it. And that way is none other, than to believe in Christ, and to walk as he walked. And that is Saint john's meaning where he saith r 1. john. 2, 6 , that he which saith he dwelleth in Christ, aught to walk as he walked, that is to say, he ought to endeavour to live as he lived. There are always enough which boast Boasting Christians. themselves to believe in Christ, or to be Christians. But the very mean to know them, is to mark whether their whole endeavour be to follow Christ or no, which is as the badge of this so excellent profession, or as it were the fair coloured livery whereby we show and declare ourselves to be the same in deed which we report ourselves to be. And certes it is not possible that they which are united and knit unto Christ as his members, should not be touched with a desire to resemble him and to follow his steps. For the very thing wherein the union and conjunction are showed, is that the members do show themselves to be of the self same that the head is. And where that is not done, it is an evident proof that the member is rotten, senseless, and void of the life which is in the head. And in this behalf I report me but to the judgement of man, who is wise enough of himself to attain easily to this reason. Not without cause therefore doth Saint Paul say, that we must be of the same mind which jesus Christ was of s Philip. 2, 5. . For thereby his meaning is to do us to understand, that we which are members of Christ, must be answerable to him in unity of affection and wil Which thing he teacheth yet more plainly in another place, where he saith t Rom. 6, 5. that we be graffed into Christ after the likeness of his death and resurrection; meaning thereby, that we which are ●oined unto Christ as an imp is to the stock of a tree, ought so to live of his life, as there may not appear any deformity in us; but that as he hath died, so we must die also; and as he is risen again, so we must rise again likewise: we must die (I say) unto sin, and rise again unto newness of life; for that is the death and the life which he speaketh of. Which thing I have said to the end that we which boast ourselves to be Christ's members, should understand that our vaunting of that title is in vain, if we labour not to resemble him in all our whole life. And in what things? Not in raising the dead u joh. 11, 43 ; in giving sight to the blind x Mat. 9, 28 29▪ 30. ; in healing the sick y Mark. 2, 3. Luke. 5, 18. Matt. 4, 23. 24. , or in fasting forty days z Luke. 4, 1. 2, etc. ; (for these are miracles which he wrought both by himself, and by his Apostles, for the confirming of his doctrine among men, that they might receive it as heavenly and coming from God; and he wrought them once for all, without any need of having them done again by us;) but in following his virtues, as his faith, his obedience, his patience, his constancy, his temperance, his lowelines, meekness, mildness, gentleness, perseverance, diligence, earnestness in praying and thanksgiving, and many other things. All the which he did, not to make a show of them to us, but to train us to the same by his own example: not to impute them after such a sort unto us, that we should be held for such as he himself is, without being so in deed; but to the intent that as he did them, so we should do them too, as he himself saith a Matt. 11, verse. 28. 29. ; and as Peter saith b 1. Peter. 2, verse. 21. , to the end we should follow his footsteps. And how shall we know that we be in him, and are made partakers of his graces; but by our endeavouring of ourselves to keep his commandments? And soothlie the only mean to know and to be assured in ourselves that we dwell in Christ & Christ in us; is our keeping of his commandments, as Saint john teacheth c 1. joh. 2, 3. 4. etc. ; adding further, that our knowing that he dwelleth in us, is by the Spirit which he hath given us; because that by that Spirit, we endeavour to follow him, and to frame ourselves to his will, whereby we yield proof of the union that is between him and us. For even as the children of this world, do witness themselves to be all one with the world, by following their worldly lusts d 1 john. 2, verse. 15. 16. , ambition, covetousness, and pleasures, which thing I say also of the members of Satan: so in like case, the Christians show themselves to be made one with Christ by his holy Spirit, when they follow Christ step by step, and make his life to serve them as a most perfect rule to lead their life by. What remaineth then to be done in this ●ase? Sooth that we on our part do enforce ourselves, by eschewing all slothfulness, which being hurtful and noisome in all things, is most hurtful and noisome in this behalf, forasmuch as it is of such importance, that we cannot neglect it without wilful disappointing ourselves of our salvation and sovereign felicity. This way is narrow and rough, I confess it is so, as all Christians do, and so doth Christ himself say it also e Mat. 7, 14. . For in as much as thereby we must sorsake ourselves to follow Christ f Luk. 9, 23. (which is very painful & hard to the flesh which desrreth nothing but her own pleasures and commodities:) no doubt but we feel it to be very bitter and burdensome. But what for that? Yet must we take that way, without stepping aside one way or other. For that is the only way which after many labours and hard pinches, leadeth in the end unto life. As for the other way, it is very broad g Mat. 7, 13 , fair, & accompanied with great pleasures but the end thereof (saith he) leadeth unto death. Now, it is much better to go by labour to rest, by tribulation to joy, and by death unto life: than contrariwise to go by rest to labour, by joy to tribulation, and by life to death: for look what things cometh last, shall be everlasting. What thing then should hold us back or hinder us in this race? If it be the world with all the goods, honours, and pleasures thereof; let us understand that all those things pass away h 1. Co. 7, 31. 1. joh. 2, 17. like an arrow which is shot at a white, the trace whereof is not perceived any more when it is once past. If it be the roughness and uneasines of the way: let us consider how there is nothing so uneafie, nor so rough, which becometh not easy and smooth by continual use. If it be the infirmity and weakness of our nature; let us think upon him which hath promised to stand by us, to help us, and to strengthen us; who being good will help us; and being almighty will also strengthen us, conditionalie that we pray to him continually. Ask (saith he i Luk. 11, 9 ) and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock at the door, and it shall be opened unto you. Provided always that we on our side do strain ourselves k Matt. 11, verse. 12. : for he helpeth not them that are idle and do nothing. He giveth his Spirit; but it is to such as feeling their own feebleness, and being displeased with it, do earnestly desire and crave his Spirit l Luke. 11, verse. 13. . To such as nothing ask, nothing he doth give. It is even he that worketh in us; howbeit, not so long as we ourselves sleep, not so long as we fold our arms across, and much less so long as we resist him. The kingdom of GOD, (saith jesus Christ,) suffereth violence m Matt. 11, verse. 12. , and the violent pluck it to them. And who be those violent? Those which being inflamed with great desire and zeal to fashion themselves like to their head, do offer violence and force to themselves, to the intent that their nature and flesh being restrained and bridled, may not cast any impediment in the way of God's Spirit, which worketh in them; which feeling themselves cold and lazy, whether it be in praying to God, or in giving him thanks for all things, or in any work of godliness either towards God or towards their neighbours, do quicken and stir up themselves, without suffering themselves to go on, and to be overcome of their flesh; which take pains to mark all their own thoughts and affections, and to restrain them from passing their bounds, & from roving astray, setting a sure watch upon their mind, and following the counsel of the wise, because that from the mind cometh the wellspring of all evil n Matt. 15, verse. 11. 18. 19 20. ; which knowing how easy it is for them, to slip aside at every least occasion in the world, do set good guard upon themselves continually, labouring to subdue and overcome themselves; and finally which by Christ's Spirit do incessantly crucify the flesh with the lusts thereof. And of a truth, we be of our own nature so contrary to God, and so bend to the seeking of our own selves; and our affections are so heady and vehement, and we be haled unto evil with so great force by our flesh, that we must not think that God can have his dominion in us, unless we use great force to overcome and subdue ourselves to him. Yet notwithstanding, there are some nowadays, yea and a great some, who without taking much pain, (I will not say, without taking any at all) cease not for all that to brag afterward, that they be of God's kingdom. But they deceive themselves. For seeing that God's kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy through the holy Ghost (as saith saint Paul o Rom. 14, verse. 17. :) how can it have place in them which suffer unrighteousness to reign in them! And verily it is a suffering of it to reign, when they repress it not, according also as they show in effect by their conversation, which is no better than the conversation of those whom they condemn. I know well they have their shifts for it, saying that we have no power at all, that we shall be flesh still, as long as we be in this life, and that we cannot proceed far forward in this great frailty and weakness of our nature; but that Christ will supply all our wants, and not lay our sins to our charge. Yea verily; but when they say so, or rather flatter themselves after that manner; perceive they not how they disgrade themselves from the degree of Christians? For if they cannot obey God, and do the thing that he commandeth, they have not Christ's Spirit p Rom. 8, 5. : and if they have not Christ's Spirit, then are they not Christians. Saint Paul saith well, that the flesh neither will nor can obey God's law: but 9 yet he addeth therewith, that Christians are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit. You be not in the flesh, (saith he) but in the Spirit; at leastwise if God's Spirit be in you. 8. Whereupon it must needs follow, that they which cannot obey God are in the flesh, and those (saith he) cannot please God. Which reason may serve also to this saying of theirs, that we shall always be flesh. For if we be always flesh, we shall always Who are fleshly. be still unchristianlike, because that to be flesh, and to be Christians, are things that can by no means match together, I mean to be flesh in such wise as to make none other trade than to follow a man's own lusts. For otherwise I deny not, but that the flesh is still in us, (so long as we be wrapped in this mortal body) to provoke us unto evil, and to make war against the Spirit: but not to follow the froward motions of it any more. For this standeth true, that whosoever followeth them, is not to be registered in the number of Christians. And therefore Saint Paul threateneth everlasting death, to such as live after the flesh q Rom. 8, 13 , specially after they have been taught that they be always subject to damnation. As touching our frailty and weakness, wherewith they think to prevail continually against such as press them with their duty: surely I confess with them, that it is great, and such as maketh even the holiest to be overthrown and vanquished oftentimes by Satan and their own flesh, which thing they lament and bewail: but as for to make a shield or a defence of it to soothe themselves in their vices, and to take licence to follow their lusts; it is for such folk to do, as seek all manner of occasion to do evil, and to rid away all regard of upright dealing & righteousness: which thing cannot agree with true Christians, whose whole study is to maintain themselves in good works, as they that know how il it beseemeth those which profess themselves to be made clean by the blood of jesus Christ r Heb. 9, 14. , to turn back to the defiling of themselves again. Moreover, to say that Christ will supply all our wants, and not charge us with our sins, whereunto we have yielded ourselves so freely and willingly after we have known him, seemeth in my judgement to tend to none other thing, than to make Christ a cloak for our vices, and to take occasion of his grace, to flatter and maintain ourselves in them: which cannot be done without manifest wickedness. For seeing that Christ maketh us partakers of his grace, upon condition that we shall lead a life both pure, holy, and beseeming him; and to bring the same to pass, doth promise us his Spirit, so we ask it of him in faith: if we do the contrary, it will not be without doing him wrong. Wherethrough it will come to pass, that we shall bereave ourselves of the benefit of our redemption, and make ourselves unworthy thereof. For (as Saint john teacheth us,) Christ's blood maketh none clean, save those which walk in the light as God is light s 1. joh. 1, 7. 9 . But I beseech these men in the name of God, to consider these things advisedly, and to think earnestly upon this saicng of Christ's, That not all they which say Lord, Lord, shall be saved, but they which do the will of his heavenly Father t Mat. 7, 21 . Neither words nor ceremonies do prove folk to be Christians, children of God, faithful ones, members of Christ, and chosen of God, (which are titles wherewith they deck themselves as with things which belong peculiarly and alonely unto them) but their deeds, and their love proceeding from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from an unfeigned faith. Let us then conclude, that the only true mark of Christians and right believers, is love; without the which, a man may well talk of Christ, and of the Gospel, and he may well have the Sacraments, and all the godly ceremonies that can be devised; and yet all shall be nothing u 1. Co. 13, 1 2. 3. . And would God that the Christians of our time, as well the one sort as the other; (for alas they be divided asunder) had put it well in ure these former years. For than should we not see now so much hatred, hartburning, cruelty, meddling, sedition, partaking, treason, treachery, desire of revenge, and other infinite mischiefs that reign among us. Neither should blood have been shed after such a sort and in so great abundance as it is; and yet still shallbe, unless God using his absolute power restrain men's minds, which are now fiercely bend and fleshed one against another, as they may not be able to bring their desires and passions to pass: and that they also on their side do suffer themselves to be bowed by acknowledging their faults, and by having recourse to the remedy of repentance, which is the only mean to appease God's wrath so kindled against us; and (at a word) do turn their rage and cruelty into mildness & charity. And to lay forth the matter yet more Marks of christianity. particularly; the Christians are those which crucify the flesh with the lusts and affections there of x Gal. 5, 24. . The children of God are they that are led by God's Spirit y Rom. 8, 14. , and not by the devils spirit, nor by their own affections. The faithful are they, which not only repenting themselves truly, do trust in God's mercy through jesus Christ, but also do exercise themselves in all good works, and (as saith Saint Peter z 2. Pet. 1, 5. ) do endeavour to show, in their faith, strength; in their 6. strength, skill; in their skill, staidness; in their staidness, patience; in their patience, 7. godliness; in their godliness, brotherlines; and in their brotherlines, lovingness. The members of Christ, are they that take pain to frame and fashion themselves like to their head, as much as can be in this life; assuring themselves that it is not possible for the head to be of one will, and the members of another a Eph. 1, 22. 23. . God's elect or chosen, are they that endeavour to be holy and unblamable before him in love. Those, those be the marks where by a man may & aught to discern them from the unbelievers, the heathenish, the unholy, the children and limbs of the Devil, & finally from all kinds of false Christians. In respect whereof it is not amiss to allege the saying of S. Augustine. The wicked man (saith he b August. de laud charitatis. ) may have baptism; he may have the gift of prophesying; he may receive the Sacrament of the body and blood of our Lord; he may bear the ●ame of a Christian & have Christ's name ●n his mouth; and he may have other virtues: but charity is the thing which the wicked cannot have; it is peculiar to the true Christians. And therefore (saith he) ●et every man examine himself what he ●oueth c 1. Cor. 11, verse. 28. , and thereby he shall find to what city he belongeth. If he love the world and worldly things, that is to wit, fleshliness, money, or honour; he is a citizen of Babylon: but if he love God, he is a citizen of jerusalem. He is good and righteous, and therefore he must not doubt, but that God will at that day▪ give unto him the crown of righteousness, Amen. A. G. BLESSED ART THOU O LAND, WHEN THY KING IS THE SON OF NOBLES ECCLES 10.17 The first Book of the Imitation of Christ. Chapter. 1. That all worldly things are vain, and to be contemned. HE which followeth me, saith Christ a john 8, 19 , doth not walk in darkness, but hath the light of life: by which words we are iniomed to imitate his manners, and conversation, if we desire truly to be enlightened, and delivered from all blindness of heart. Wherefore, it is our parts most earnestly to consider what the conversation of our Saviour was. The doctrine of Christ surpasseth all the learning even of the best men b joh. 7, 46. ; & a man endued with his Spirit, findeth an hidden, and heavenly Manna c Reu. 2, 17. john. 14, 26 in his words: but for want of the Spirit of Christ d joh. 16, 13 many though much they hear, yet little they profit by the preaching of the Gospel. Wherefore if any would fully understand, and with pleasure attain to the knowledge of our saviours words, he must endeavour to frame his life after his example. What availeth it thee subtly to dispute about the Trinity, if thou lack humility, and so displease the Trinity? Doubtless dark saying make not an holy man: but a virtuous life bringeth into the favour of God. For my part I had rather find myself converted from sin, than cunningly define what sin is. If thou hast the whole Bible, yea & the saying of all Philosophers too at thy finger's end e 1. Cor. 13, 2 3. , what art thou the better if thou be out of charity, and the favour of God? Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity f Eccles. 1, 2. Eccles. 12, 8. , save only to love, and to serve God sincerely. When all is done, the true wisdom is g 1. Cor. 1, verse. 20. by contemning the world to go on towards heaven. It is vanity for a man to seek transitory riches h Mat 6, 19 20 , and to trust in them i Psal. 49, 6. 7. Psal. 52, 7. Eccles. 2, 9 Prou. 11, 7. . It is vanity to hunt after preferment, and to be puffed up k Pro. 16, 18. Psal. 52, 1. 5. Psal. 62, 9 . It is vanity to follow, and favour the lusts of the flesh l prover. 6, vers. 25, etc. Galat. 5, 16. 2. Cor. 10, 6. , which one day thou wilt rue full grievously. Vanity it is to desire a long life m Wisd. 4, 8 9 , and not to care for a good life n Rom. 8, 12. 13. . It is vanity to behold the time present, and not to foresee what will come hereafter o Sirrah. 18. 23 . And vanity it is to covet those things which pass away most swiftly p 2 Pe. 3, 10. , and not to hasten thither where is joy without end q Reu 5. 16. 17. . Forget not the Proverb r Eccles. 1, 8. , The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the care with hearing. Wherefore endeavour thou to withdraw thyself from the love of this world s 1. joh. 2, 15. Coloss. 3, 1. 2. Hebr. 11, 14. 15. 16. , and look on things which are not seen t 2. Cor. 4, 18 . For they which give the rains to their desires u jam. 1, 14. 15. , both defile their consciences with sin, and slay their souls through God's displeasure x Wisd 1, 3. 12. 15. . Chap. 2. Against vain glory in spiritual things. ALL men naturally desire to know: but what is knowledge without the fear of God a 1. Cor. 13, 2. Cor. 8, 7 ? The simplest country swain fearing God, is better than a proud Philosopher which stareth upon the Stars, and careth not for himself b Luk. 12, 56 57 . He which knoweth himself throughly esteemeth of himself but lightly c Luk. 18, 13 , and weigheth nought the praise of men. If I had all knowledge and had not love d 1. Cor. 13, 2 , what would that profit me afore God, who will judge me according to my deeds e Psa. 62, 12. Matt. 16, 27. Rom. 2, 6. 2. Cor. 5, 10. reve. 22, 12 ? Study not over earnestly for knowledge: for that is but a vexation of the Spirit f Eccle. 1, 17 18. , and a deceiving the mind. For learned men commonly would be known, and counted wise g 1. Cor. 8, 1. . Many things there be which known but little, if they do any thing, profit the soul: and he is extremely foolish that casteth his mind upon any thing which tends not unto his everlasting welfare h Mat 6, 33. Luk. 12, 31. . Much words do not satisfy the mind; but a good conscience is a continual feast i Pro. 15, 15. 1. Pet. 2, 19 , and maketh a man with boldness to approach before God k 2. Cor. 1, verse. 12. 1. joh. 3, 20. 21. . By how much thou knowest more, and better things than other men, by so much shall thy pains be greater, and more grievous l Luk. 12, 47 Luk. 19, 23. 24. james. 4, 17. than others, unless thou live by so much better than other folks. So then let none Art, nor knowledge make thee proud; but having knowledge be thou more humble m Eccl. 1, 13. Rom. 11, 20. . And if, in thine opinion, thou knowest much n 1. Tim. 6, 3 4. , know thou that far more things there he which thou knowest not: and never be proud, man, but confess thine ignorance. Why preferrest thou thyself before others o jer. 9, 23, 1. Cor. 1, 19 20, etc. 1. Tim. 1, 7. , seeing that many there be better learned, and more skilful than thyself? If thou wilt be learned, and know in deed, then study to be unknown, and to be obscure p 1. Cor 2, verse. 1, etc. . For the true & perfect knowledge, is to know, and debase ourselves: and he which will esteem lightly of himself, & greatly of others q Phili. 2. 3. Rom. 12. 10 Matth. 8, ●. Matth. 23▪ 6 , is doubtless a wise, and perfect man. When thou seest one openly to offend r Roma 11, vers. 17, etc. Roman. 14, verse. ●, etc. , and grievously to transgress, conceive not by and by better of thyself than of him: for thou knowest not how soon thou mayst fall thyself s 1. Cor. 10, verse. 12. . For in very deed we are all frail t jam. 3, 2. 13. : but think none more frail than thyself u Galat. 6, 1. . Chap. 3. Of true knowledge, or knowledge of the truth. Happy is that man whom the truth itself a Wisdo. 9, verse. 4 etc. 17. john. 14, 6. , not letters, nor figures which vanish, doth teach. For our own opinions, and senses b 1. Corin. 2, verse. 1, etc. do many times deceive, and seldom profit us. What availeth it c 1. Cor. 2, 6. 1. Cor. 13, 2. subtilely to dispute about obscure and dark things, the ignorance whereof shall be none hindrance unto us at the day of judgement? certainly it is egregious folly to bend our wits unto curious, and hurtful things, neglecting profitable and necessary matters: to have a thorough insight in profane affairs, and to have no sight at all in God's will, and word d Mat. 13, 13 Mat. 23, 16. 17, etc. . What should we pass for terms, and questions e Titus. 3, 9 2. Tim. 2, 16 ? For he is rid from sundry opinions, whom the everlasting word doth speak unto. For by one word all things were made f john. 1, 3. 2. 1. Hebr. 2, 10. ; and one word all speak; one word which was in the beginning speaketh unto all, without whom no man g Luke. 10, verse. 22. can either judge, or understand the truth. Now he, to whom all things are but one thing; which draweth unto one thing all things; and seethe all things in one thing h joh. 17, 21. , doubtless abideth both constant in mind, and continually in God. O God, which art the truth i john. 14, 6. , make me one with thee in perpetual charity k 1. joh. 4, 16 ! Many times to read much, and to hear much it irketh me: whatsoever I can either wish or desire, it is in thee l Mat. 23, 8. 10. . All teachers be ye silent m Zac. 2, 13. , & all creatures hold your peace n Haba. 2, 19 , but speak, Lord, speak thou only unto me. For the nigher one is to himself, and the less he wandereth abroad, the more easily he conceiveth, and the more excellent things; because he taketh the light of his understanding from above. A pure mind, and a constant, is not distracted divers ways; because it doth all things unto the glory of God, & laboureth earnestly to be free from self-love o Matth. 6, vers. 22, etc. . For what doth more hinder, and hurt a man than the unruly affections of the mind p Eph 4, 22. james. 1, 13. 14. ? A good, and godly man before he goeth about any matter, consulteth first with himself q Sirac. 37, verse. 16. ; and is never drawn away by wicked affections, but maketh them to serve at the commandment of reason. Of all combats the sorest is to conquer ourselves; and of all cares the chiefest should be to wax strong against vice, and continually to profit more & more in virtue, and holiness r Ephe. 4, 11. 12. 13, etc. Coloss. 1, 9 10, etc. Coloss. 2, 1. 2. 1. Pet. 2, 12. 2. Pet. 3, 18. . The greatest perfection of this life is not without imperfection s Roman. 7, verse. 18 , & when we are best learned we are ignorant in many things t 1. Cor. 13, verse. 9, etc. . To conceive modestly of ourselves u Pro. 3, 34. Galat. 6, 3. is a readier way unto happiness, than earnestly to study to be deeply learned x 1. Cor. 13, verse. 2. . And yet is not science, or knowledge to be contemned, because being rightly considered it is good, and allowed of God y 1. Cor, 12, verse. 8. 1. Cor. 1, 5. 1. Tim. 4, 6. : But for all that, the goodness of a man z Pro. 19 22 2. Cor. 1, 12. is better than his knowledge, and a good life is to be preferred afore learning a Sirrah. 19, 23 . But because many desire to know, rather than to please God, it falleth out commonly that they err; & reap either no fruit, or very little by all their study b 1. Cor. 4, 19 20. . Now would they be as earnest in rooting out vices c Matt. 3, 7. 8. Matthew. 7, vers. 15, etc. Matt. 12, 33. 34. , and in planting virtues, as they are diligent in proposing questions, certainly both the rude multitude would be more virtuous, and the learned sort more sage than they are. Assuredly at the day of judgement we must tell, not what we have read, but what we have done d Matt. 25, vers. 34, etc. Rom. 2, 6. 2. Cor. 5, 10. Reu. 22, 12. ; and how religiously we have lived, not how rhetoricalie we have persuaded. Go to then, where be now those masters so famous, and so pointed at in their life time e 1. Co. 1, 20 ▪ whose places such have as perhaps never think on them? In their life time, who but they? now, where are they? So quickly vanisheth the glory of this world f Eccles. 1, verse. 2, etc. Eccles. 2, verse. 1, etc. . Now, if they had lived according to their knowledge, (and known rightly the word of God,) then had they studied to their everlasting praise & profit g Psa. 112, 6. . Alas, how many even of the learned sort perish in this world for lack of the fear of God h isaiah. 28, 13 14. isaiah. 33, 18. 1. Cor. 1, 20. 21, etc. ! And because they covet to be rather famous than virtuous, they are carried away with vain imaginations i Roman. 1, vers. 21, etc. . So that in truth he which loveth much k Col 3, 14. Ephes. 3, 17. 19 , is famous; he which despiseth glory l Matth. 23, verse. 8, etc. Matt▪ 18, 4. , is glorious; he which humbleth himself, is honourable m Pro. 15, 33 Luk. 18, 14. ; he which counteth all things but dung to win Christ n Phili. 3, 8. , is prudent; & he is learned in deed, which abandoneth his own will to do the will of God o joh. 7, 16. 17. 18. . Chap. 4. Wisdom must be used in all our dealings. Believe not every saying, or spirit a 1. joh. 4, 1. , but examine the matter wisely by the word of God. For, alas, naturally we are given b Gen. 6, 5. both to think and speak rather ill, than well of others. But good men believe not every man's words: because they know how that we are prone always unto evil c Gen. 8, 21. , and that the best offendeth with his tongue d Ps. 116, 11. Sirac. 19, 16. james. 3, 2. . It is a point of great wisdom to be neither heady e Tob. 4, 18. james. 1, 19 in our actions, nor obstinate in opinion f Pro.: 7, 12. . As great wisdom is it, neither to believe every man's words g joh. 22, 11. 12. Sirac▪ 19, 4. Pron. 17. 4. , nor by and by to rehearse that which hath been told h Sirac. 19, 7. 8 . Take counsel of a godly man i Sirach. 37, verse. 12. Prou. 2, 20. whom thou knowest to keep the commandments of God: and follow the counsel of the wise k Pro. 12, 15. before thine own fancies. A good life maketh a godly wise man l Pro. 9, 19 . The more a man humbleth himself afore God m Prou. 1, 4. Prou. 15, 33 Sirac. 3, 20. , the more wise he is and quiet in all his affairs. Chap. 5. How to read, and study the holy Scriptures with profit. Look in the holy scriptures for truth, not for eloquence: & read them with that mind wherewith they were written, for thine everlasting profit a joh. 5, 39 1. Tim. 3, 16. 17. , not for a polished phrase. Study as well godly books though they be rude b 1. Corin 1, vers. 17, etc. 1. Cor. 2, 13. 2. Pet. 1, 16. Rom. 1, 16. , as works both eloquent for style, and profound for method. Respect not in the author either learning or ignorance, but let the pure love of the simple truth allure thee to read c Psal. 43, 3. : and never mark who speaketh, but what is said. Men die d Psa. 89, 48. Psal. 49, 10. ; but the word of God shall stand for ever e isaiah 40, 8. Psal. 100, 5. Psal. 117, 2 : and God sundry ways speaketh unto us not respecting our persons f Galat. 2, 6. 1. Pet. 1, 17. Deut. 10, 17 . Many times through our own curiosity we profit little in the reading of good books, whilst we stand to discuss those things which ought simply to be overpast. If thou desirest to reap commodity, read with all humility g isaiah. 66, 2. , simplicity, and zeal: and never covet to be counted learned h jer. 9, 23. 24. 1. Cor. 1, 29. 31. . Be questioning always with godly men, and hearken with silence unto their saying i Sirac. 6, 36. Prou. 13, 20. ; be not offended with the dark speech of thine elders, for they never speak without cause why. Chap. 6. That inordinate, and carnal affections must be mortified. Whensoever a man doth covet a thing immoderately strait way his mind is out of quiet a Pro. 18, 14. Esaie. 48, 22 james. 1, 13. 14. 15. . The proud & the covetous be ever vexed b Pro. 13, 10 25. Prou. 15, 6. Eccles. 5, 9 : but he which is poor c Matt. 5, 3. , and meek in spirit d Mat. 11, 29 liveth at great ease e Pro. 15, 16 Matt. 11, 30. . He which doth not mortify the inordinate affections of his mind f Rom 8, 〈◊〉 Galath 6, ● Coloss. 3, , may easily be carried away to wickedness, and with trifling things be overcome. He that is weak, worldly, and carnal g Roman. ● verse. 5, & can no ways withdraw himself from earthly desires h Galath. vers. 17, & : and therefore when he resisteth them, it grieveth him; when he is contraried, he fretteth; and if he fulfil his mind he sinneth, and by and by doth wound his cons ience i james. 1, Roman. verse. 5, ● , because he followeth his desires, which in steed of that peace which he looked for, bring continual disquietness k Pro. 14, isaiah. 57, . Wherefore the true quietness of mind is attained, not by following, but by resisting wicked affections l 1. Pe. 2, ; & remaineth in him which is fervent, and godly zealous m Gal. 5, , not in carnal, and worldly men n Rom. verse. . Chap. 7. Against vain hope, and vain glory. IT is a vain thing to trust either in man a Psalm verse. 1 jerem. , or in any other creature b Psal. 2 . Be not ashamed to be in subjection to others c Gala. for Christ's sake; nor if thou be poor in this present life d Matt. 5, 3. . Depend not upon thyself, but put thy confidence in the Lord e Prou. 3, 5. Psalm. 2, 12. . Do thy part notwithstanding and GOD will bless thine endeavour f Matth. 25, vers. 14, etc. . Trust not to thine own knowledge, neither do thou repose any confidence in the wit of man g Psa. 118, 8. , but only in the Lord h Psa. 56, 11. which exalteth the humble, and bringeth down the proud i james. 4, 6. 1. Peter. 5, 5. . Glory thou neither in thy riches k jere. 9, 23. 24. 1. Cor. 1, 31. , if thou have much; nor of thy friends, if they be mighty, but in the Lord, who both giveth all things l jam. 1, 17. Rom. 8, 32. , & gladly would give himself afore all things. Be thou proud neither of thy beauty, or bigness m jer. 9, 23. . For a little sickness doth both deform the one, and consume the other n job. 2, 7. job. 14, 2. Psal. 39, 11. . Like not over well of thyself, if thou have a good wit, lest y● offend God thereby, which gave whatsoever good thing thou hast by nature o 1. Cor. 4, 7 . Think not thyself better than other men p Luk. 16, 11 12. Matth. 7, 3. 4. , lest God, who knoweth what is in man q john. 2, 25 Rom. 8, 27. Psalm. 7, 9 , condemn thee utterly for thine arrogant conceit. Dost thou well? Take heed of pride. God judgeth not as man doth r 1. Sam. 16, verse. 7. . For that commonly displeaseth him which pleaseth man s isaiah. 55, 8 9 . If thou hast any goodness in thyself, think that another hath more t 1. Cor. 13 verse. 4 : so shalt thou always retain the true modesty of mind. To debase thyself even under all men, can never hurt thee; but to prefer thyself afore one man, may easily condemn thee u Luk. 18, 1 1● 1● Mat. 20, 1● 1● . The humble man is always in quiet x 1. Pet. 5. ● : but the haughty mind fumeth commonly with indignation y jam. 4, ● . Chap. 8. What company is to be followed, or refrained. OPen not thine heart unto every man a Sirac. 8, , but communicate thine affairs with the wise and godly b Sirrah. 37, . Acquaint thyself with reverend old men c Sirac. 8, , and delight not much in the company of youth, and strangers. Flatter not the wealthy d Sirrah 13, ; and take heed of the mighty e Pro 23 Sirac. 13, ; join thee to thine equals f Sirrah. 13, 17, ● , which are godly g 2. Sam. verse. ; and Psal. 18, do that which is honest h 1. Tim. , and for the public welfare i Ephes. vers. 11, . Be familiar with no woman unlawfulie k Prou. 5, 3. 8, etc. ; but generally commend as many as are good l Pro 31, 30 1. Peter. 3, verse. 6, etc. . Wish to be familiar but with God only, and his holy Angels m Phili. 3, 20 : and utterly avoid the company of some men n Pro. 22, 24 Prover. 23, verse. 6, etc. 20. 21. Pro. 29, 24. Sirac. 19, 3. . Have peace with all men o Rom. 12, verse. 18. 1. Thes. 3, 12 , but not familiarity p 1. Cor. 5, verse. 9, etc. Psal. 26, 4. 5. . Many times it falleth out, that we love a stranger through the report of others, whom afterward we hate, having tried his conditions: And many times we displease others by our lewd behaviour, whom we thought we should please right well, if we had but their acquaintance. Chap. 9 For obedience, and subjection. IT is greatly for our behoof to live under others a 1. Pe. 2, 13. 14. , not as we list ourselves; and at more ease live subjects, than rulers. Many obey for fear b Ephe 6, 6. Colo. 3, 22. rather than for love; & grudginglie, not gladly. But such can never have the liberty of mind, before they obey both for conscience c Rom. 13, 5 , and for the Lords sake d 1. Pet. 2, 1● . Wheresoever thou becomest look never to live at ease, unless thou keep thyself within thy calling, and obey thy superiors. The opinion, and change of places hath deceived many a man. Every man by nature would follow his own mind, and favoureth such as are of his opinion: but, if we fear God, we will sometime change our minds for quietness sake e Psa. 34, 1. Rom. 12, 3 Roman. 14 verse 1, etc. . For who is so wise, that he knoweth all things f Rom. 12 verse. 6, etc. 1. Cor. 12 verse. 8, etc. ? Therefore trust not too much unto thine own opinion g Prou. 3, ●● , but willingly give ear to the judgement of others h Pro. 12, ● 1● . And albeit thou stand in a good matter: yet, if it be more expedient to have it otherwise, altar thy mind, and thou shalt do better i 1. Cor. ● verse. 1, etc. 19, etc. . I have heard many times that it is easier, yea better to hear, and take, than to give counsel k Pro. 17, 2 2 : and he bewrayeth his pride, and pertinacy l Pro. 21, ● , which will stick in an opinion, though it be good, if wiser than himself through deeper judgement and circumstances would have it altered. Chap. 10. Against idle meetings, and vain talk. Eat the common meetings of men a Matth. 14, verse. 23. , as much as thou canst. For to talk of worldly matters b Pro. 10, 19 doth greatly hurt us, mean we never so well. The reason is. We are easily drawn away with vanity. And for my part I have wished many times that I had been both silent, and absent. Now if any would examine the cause why so gladly we chat, & prattle together, seeing we seldom speak without offence to God, and hurt to our conscience, he shall find it to be even comfort forsooth, & recreation. For the more earnestly we covet, and desire a thing; or the more certainly we know any evil to be toward us, the more vehemently we love to talk and think thereof, albeit commonly to small profit, and purpose. For this outward comfort, doth not a little hinder the inner consolation. Wherefore we are to watch and pray c Mat. 26, 41 that we spend not the time idly d Matth. 12, verse. 36. : and if we will, or must of necessity speak, let our speech be good to the use of edifying e Eph. 4, 29. that it may minister grace unto the hearers. To babble much we should not use, both because the custom thereof is nought, and for that in many words there cannot want iniquity f Pro. 10, 19 . But godly speech greatly availeth to a virtuous life g Pro. 10, 11 Pro. 18, 21. Luke. 6, 45. , especially where men of like minds and spirit, are coupled together in the Lord. Chap. 11. How to come to quietness in mind▪ and to a godly life. Would we not intermeddle a 1. Tim. 5, verse. 13. with other men's doings, and saying, we might live at great ease & quietness. But how is it possible that he should be quiet which busieth himself with those matters that touch him not? which picketh occasions to go abroad; and little, or seldom can keep himself at home? Blessed are the meek b Matt. 5, 5 for they have much rest c Matth. 11 verse. 29 . In old time many attained unto singular perfection, and were zealously addicted to the contemplation of heavenly things. And how so? They mortified their earthly members d Colos. 3, 5. 2. Pet. 1, 4. . We lose the bridle to all beastly desires, and care altogether for temporal trash e Luk. 21, 34 1. Corin. 7, vers. 32, etc. : Seldom, if at all, we subdue one affection in deed, neither desire we to profit more and more daily in well doing. If therefore we remain in religion either cold, or lukewarm f Reu. 3, 15. , what marvel? But were we dead unto ourselves g Rom. 6, 2. 2. Pet. 2, 10. , and not entangled inwardly with perturbations, doubtless we should taste the unspeakable sweetness of a godly life, and be inflamed with a burning desire of celestial things. For in very deed the greatest, if not the whole, let from godliness is, because we are in bondage to vile affections h Rom. 6, 12 Romans. 7, verse. 4, &c. Romans. 8, verse. 1, etc. , and labour not to follow the footsteps of the faithful. Hence it is that if we be never so lightly touched with adversity, we are marvelously dismayed, and seek help of man i Luk. 8, 43. Mark. 5, 26. Esaie. 30, 16. , which cometh from the Lord k Psalm. 44, verse. 1, etc. . Now would we keep our places l Ephe. 6, 10 like valiant soldiers, the Lord would help us from above. For he is ready to assist them which serve him m 1. Cor. 10, verse. 13 ; and will give us victory, if we fight his battle n jam. 1, 12. . But if we place our religion in doing these outward things, in short time our religion with them o Col. 2, 22. will utterly decay. Wherefore the axe must be laid unto the root p Mat. 3, 10. , and our wicked affections cut of; which is the only way to find rest for our souls. If every year we would root out a vice from our minds, oh how quickly should we prove good men! But alas we see by experience that after many years we are worser than when at the first we professed religion. And he is a holy man counted now a days, which can retain a part of his first & former zeal: yet should the fire of godliness increase daily, and be inflamed more and more. The remedy whereof is at the beginning to strain ourselves, so shall we afterward do all things at pleasure. I confess in deed it is hard to leave old wonts q Luk. 9, 59 : and as hard, yea harder for a man to bridle his affections. At the beginning therefore strive with thine inclination, and leave a wicked custom, lest otherwise when you would you cannot so easily. For it is impossible that he should vanquish & subdue mighty, which cannot overcome light, & trifling things. Oh, if thou wouldst consider what quietness to thyself, and joy to others thou shouldst bring by godly, and good behaviour r Luk. 15, 7. 10. , doubtless thy chiefest care would be, how to live in the sight of God religiously, and honestly in the eyes of man! Chap. 12. Of the profit gotten by adversity. IT is good for us sometime to suffer affliction. For it maketh us to know ourselves in this world a Ps. 119, 67 71. , and to repose no confidence in any creature b 2. Chr. 10, verse. 7. Psalm. 118, verse. 5, etc. 2. Cor. 1, 9 . It is good for us sometime to be il spoken of c Mat. 5, 11. , & il thought of, although we deserve not the same. For that bringeth to humility d 2. Sam. 16, verse. 10. 11. 12. Rom. 5, 3. , and driveth from pride. And the more earnestly we call for the testimony of God in our conscience e Rom. 8. 16 17. 1. Pet. 4, 14. 1. joh. 3, 21. when we are contemned among men, & of no credit. So that every man ought so to depend upon God f Psalm. 94, vers. 17, etc. 2. Cor. 1, 9 , that he need not care for any worldly comfort. For a good man the more he is troubled either outwardly in body, or inwardly in mind, the more he considereth how greatly he standeth in need of God's assistance, without which he seethe he can do no good g Phili. 2, 13 . Then he sorroweth, and sobbeth, and desireth to be delivered from misery; than it grieveth him to live any longer h Rom. 7, 24 ; and wisheth to be loased, and to be with Christ i Phili. 1, 23. ; and then he perceiveth full well that in this life we cannot find perfect peace, and security k joh. 16, 20 Reu. 7, 16. 17. . Chap. 13. That no man either is, or hath been without tentation, and how both to suffer and resist the same. AS long as we live in this world we cannot be without temptations, and troubles. And that made job to call man's life here on earth a warfare a job. 7, verse. 1, etc. . Wherefore it standeth every man upon to think hereof, and to watch in prayer b Mark. 13, verse. 33. 37. Matth. 26, vers. 41, etc. , that the Devil have no vantage against us, which never sleepeth, but rangeth about always seeking whom he may devour c 1. Pet. 5. 8. Reu. 12, 12. . The best man is tempted sometime d Sirac. 2, 1. 1. Cor. 10, verse. 13. Hebr. 12, 8. ; and to be utterly without tentation it is impossible. Yea expedient is it sometime that we be tempted e james. 1, verse. 2, etc. , though we like not thereof f Hebr. 12, verse. 11. Psa. 119, 67. 7●. : for thereby we are humbled, purged g job. 5, 17. 18. Wisd. 3, 5. , and instructed h Hebr. 12, verse. 5, etc. Sirac. 18, 12 . All the holy fathers have endured tentation, and been schooled thereby i 1. Pet. 1, 6. 7. judit. 8, 25. 26. 27. ; but they which fainted under the same, are utterly cast away k Luk. 8, 13. Hebr. 12, 8. . There is no calling so holy; nor place so solitary, but you shall find there both troubles to try you, and adversity to disquiet you: no, let not man look in this life to be free from temptation. For we have that in ourselves which tempteth us l jam. 1, 14. 15. , in as much as we are borne in concupiscence, and conceived in sin m Psa. 51, 5. . temptations come upon temptations, miseries upon miseries, and always we have somewhat to suffer: because we are fallen from the state of our felicity n Gen 3, 24. . Many whilst they shun some troubles, fall into worser o Matth. 26, vers. 70. etc. . For they are not avoided by flight only p Mat. 26, 56 , but by patience q isaiah. 30, 18 Luk. 21, 19 james 1, 2. 3. 12. ; and true modesty maketh to prevail over enemies. He which only outwardly shunneth temptations, and plucketh not up the root from whence they do spring; is so far from escaping them, that they assail him the sooner, and make him much worse than he was before r Matth. 12, verse. 45. Hebr. 6, 4. 5. 6. 2. Pet. 2, 20. 21. . By sufferance, through God's grace, thou shalt more prevail s Roman. 5, verse. 3, etc. james. 1, 12. , than by stubbornness, and resistance t 1. Cor. 10, verse. 10. . In thy troubles use counsel. If thy neighbour be afflicted, give him no ill words u Galat. 6, 1. , but comfort rather x job. 6, 14. , which thou wouldst have thyself, if thou wert in his case. The cause of all wicked temptations in unconstancy of mind, and lack of faith y Mat. 8, 26. Matt. 14, 31. . For as a ship without a stern is carried to and fro with wind, and weather: so the wavering z jam. 1, 6. 8. , and unconstant man is diversly tempted. As fire trieth iron: so tentation trieth man a Wisd. 3, 6. Sirach. 2, 5. 1. Pet. 1, 7. . What we are able to do we know not many times: but what we are, tentation shows b 1. Cor. 3, verse. 13. james. 1, 12. . To avoid tentation it is good to be circumspect at the beginning of the same. For the enemy is the more easily overcome, when we shut the door of our understanding against him, and meet him at the threshold as soon as he gins to knock. And therefore said a certain Poet right well to this effect c Ovid in his 3. book de Arte amandi. Learn before thou speak, and use physic or ever thou be sick. Sirac. 18, 18. : If thou be'st sick, prevent the worst, And seek for remedy at the furst. For when a sickness hath taken root, If thou take Physic, it will not boot. For first cometh into our minds a The steps to sin. bare cogitation of evil; then followeth a strong imagination; out of which proceedeth a wonderful delectation; wicked motions, and assent unto sin: and so by little and little the malicious enemy entereth in, when at the first he might easily be kept out. Whereby this we get, that the longer we tarry before we resist, both we are the weaker when we do resist, & our enemy the stronger whom we must resist d jam. 1, 14. 15. . Some as soon as they begin to amend their lives, others at their end, & divers all their life time are tempted, and afflicted: again there be, which are but lightly assaulted, which thing God, who worketh all things for the salfetie of his elect e Rom. 8, 28. , bringeth to pass according to the wisdom, and equity of his heavenly wil And therefore we must not despair, when we are tempted, but so much the more earnestly pray unto God that he would vouchsafe to help us in all extremities, and, according to the words of Paul f 1. Cor. 10, verse. 13. , give issue that we may be able to bear our tentation. So then in all temptations, and troubles let us humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God g 1. Pet. 5, 6: jam. 4, 10. . For he exalteth the humble and meek h jam. 4. 6. Prou. 3, 34. . In adversity man is tried i 1. Cor. 3, 13 , how he hath profited in well doing, and so he getteth not only favour before God k 1. Pet. 1, 6. 7. , but also fame among men. For it is no great thing for a man in prosperity to seem devout, and zealous: but he which continueth patiented in the time of adversity l Rom. 5, 3. james. 1, 3. , will doubtless prove a perfect man. Many overcome great troubles, which are overcome by small, and daily: but such cannot trust to themselves in great, which are so weak in trifling things. Chap. 14. Against rash judgement. Look into thyself, and judge not other men a Matth. 7, 1. Luke. 6, 37. . For in judging others we labour vainly, ere commonly, and easily offend b jam. 4, 11. : but in judging and examining ourselves c 1. Cor. 11, verse. 31. we reap singular commodity. As we fancy a thing, so we judge thereof: and blinded with private affection we commonly give partial sentence d Rom. 2, 1. . Now were the love of God always, and our only guide, our senses, which are enemies to truth, would not so easily trouble us. But commonly somewhat either lurketh within, or chanceth without which carrieth us away. Many in their doings unwittingly seek themselves; which are so long quiet in mind, as they enjoy all things according to their wish: but if any thing fall out otherwise than they would, they chafe, fret, & fume. Great dissension riseth many times even among friends, and countrymen, yea among the godly and zealous too through diversity of opinions. For, such is our nature, we can hardly break an old custom; and farther than he seethe no man will gladly go. But if we cleave, or depend more upon reason and sense e john. 3, 3. 4. than upon that virtue which bringeth under the obedience of Christ, let us never look to be inflamed with the light of God's holy Spirit. For God will be served not with a piece of man, but with whole man f Deut. 6, 5. Luk. 10, 27. Mark. 12, 29 30. Mat. 22, 37. ; neither doth he allow reason to judge of religion. Chap. 15. Of the works of charity; and how to do good works. WE ought not to do wickedly for any thing a Rom. 3, 8. , nor for any man's sake b Rom. 8, 38 39 : albeit in respect of the weak c 1. Co. 9, 20 21. 22. a good work may be undone sometime, or done otherwise. And that is not to neglect a good work, but leave one good work to do a better. If thou have not love, thine outward deeds profit nothing d 1. Co. 13, 3 ; if thou have love, be thy works never so small, and simple, they profit much. For God respecteth not what is done, but how, & with what affection a thing is done e Luke. 7, vers. 40, etc. . He doth much that loveth much f Luk. 7, 47. ; He doth much that doth a thing as it should be done g Mat. 26, 10 . And he doth so, that seeketh the common welfare before his own profit h 1. Co. 13, 5. . It many times seemeth a charitable Carnal works, what; deed, which in deed is a carnal For that which is done, as commonly works are done, either of affection; or desire of gain; or hope of reward, which are carnal inclinations, is doubtless a carnal, and not a charitable work. A man endued with perfect charity Fruits of charity. serveth not his own turn, but only in all things seeketh the glory of God i 1. joh. 2, 15 16 17. james. 4, 4. : He envieth not k 1. Co. 13, 4 . For he loveth no private joy l Jere▪ 9, 23. ; neither will rejoice in himself, but in the Lord m 1. Co. 1, 31 : whose blessing he desireth before all things. He ascribeth no goodness unto any, but acknowledgeth all things to come of God, from whom every good gift, & every perfect gift doth proceed n jam. 1, 17. , and in whom all the Saints do rest in perpetual bliss o Reu. 7, 15. 16. 17. . Finally he which hath but a spark of this true charity, accounteth all worldly things but mere vanity p Eccles. 1, verse. 3, etc. Philip 3, 8. . Chap. 16. That men which offend must be borne withal sometime. THat which thou canst not amend neither in thyself, nor others, must patiently be suffered a 1. Thess. 5, verse. 14. , till GOD otherwise work b isaiah. 30, 18 Luk. 21, 19 . Think with thyself, that perchance God doth it to try thy patience b Rom. 5, 3. 4. 5. james. 1, 3. 4. without which our merits do little avail: notwithstanding in thy troubles thou oughtest to beseech almighty God to assist thee with his grace, that patiently thou mayst endure his cross, and trial c Luk. 17, 5. james. 1, 5. . If any being divers, and sundry times admonished, will not amend d Titu. 3, 10. , deal with him no more, but commit the whole matter to God, that his will, and glory may appear in all his creatures e Mat. 6, 10. which knoweth well how to turn all things to the best. Endeavour thyself patiently to bear the faults, and infirmities of other men whatsoever they be f Galat. 6, 1. 2. 1. Thes. 5, 14 : forasmuch as thou art faulty thyself g james. 3, 2. , and must be borne withal. And if thou canst not be such as thou wouldst be, thinkest thou to make another according to thy mind? We wish that others were godly, and yet we amend not ourselves h Matt. 7, 3. 4. 5. Rom. 2, 1. 2. 3. . We would have others severely corrected i Matth. 7, 1. , which we refuse ourselves. We find fault with the licentiousness of others, and we ourselves will not be gainsaid. We seek that others should be bridled by laws, and we ourselves refuse obedience. Whereby it is evident how we love not our neighbour as ourselves k Mat. 7, 12. Luke. 6, 31. Tob. 4, 15. . If all were perfect, what should we suffer at other men's hands, for God's sake l Mat. 5, 10. 11. 1. Pet. 4, 14. ? But now it pleaseth God, that we must bear one another's burden m Gala. 6, 2. ; & that because no man is without fault; no man but hath his burden; no man that can live by himself; no man but lacks advise sometime; & therefore we ought one to suffer with another n 1. Cor. 12, vers. 26, etc. ; to comfort one another; to help, instruct, and admonish one another. And never shall the virtue of a man be so known as by occasion of adversity o jam. 1, 12. . For occasions make not a man frail, but show what he is p 1. Pet. 1, 6. 7. . Chap. 17. The way to quietness both temporal, and eternal. THou must bridle, & break thy will in many things, if thou wilt live a quiet life a Psa. 120, 7. Matth. 5, 5. . And if thou wouldst stand upright, and go forward in godliness, account thyself in this world but a banished man, and a pilgrim b Ps. 119, 19 Heb. 11, 15. 16. 1. Pet. 1, 17. 18. . And if thou desirest to be a Christian, thou must prove a fool before men c 1. Cor. 1, vers. 23, etc. 1. Cor. 3, 18. 1. Cor. 4, 10. for Christ's sake. A hood, or a shorn head maketh not a religious man: but an alteration from vice to virtue d Eph. 4, 22. james. 1, 21. 26. 27. , and a mortification of the lusts e Rom. 13, verse. 12. 13. 14. . He which loveth any thing besides God, and the salvation of his soul f Psa. 119, vers. 29, etc. Mark. 12, 30 Luke. 9, 23. 26. , shall find nothing but misery, and sorrow. And let not him look to be long in quiet, which laboureth not in the sight of man to be most abject and inferior to all g jam. 4, 6. Matth. 20, vers. 24, etc. . For thou art in this life to serve h Mat. 20, 28 Philip. 2, 7. , not to rule; and called to suffer i Luk. 9, 23. , and to labour k Gen. 3, 19 , not to loiter, and to live at pleasure. For men are tried in this world as gold is in the furnace l job. 23, 10 Wisd. 3, 6. 1. Pet. 1, 7. Psal. 66, 10. : and let no man look to stand here upright, unless with all his heart he humble himself for the Lord's sake m 1. Co. 4, 10 . Chap. 18. The virtuous life of the holy Fathers. Behold the examples of those holy fathers, in whom true religion, and perfection did shine, and you shall easily perceive how little, and in a manner nothing it is which we do. Alack, what is our life compared with theirs! Those holy men, and friends of Christ did serve the Lord in hunger, and thirst a 2. Cor. 6. verse. 4, etc. 2. Cor. 11, vers. 27, etc. , in cold and nakedness, in weariness, & painfulness, in watchings, and fastings, in prayers and meditations, in manifold persecutions, and troubles b Hebr. 11, vers. 36, etc. . What, and how great miseries did the Apostles, and Martyrs, and Confessors, and Virgins, and all which at any time followed the steps of our Saviour Christ, endure? For they hated their lives in this world c joh. 12, 25 Matt. 10, 39 Matt. 16, 25. Mark. 8, 35. Luke. 9, 24. Luk. 17, 33. that they might save them for eternal life. O what an hard, and severe life did those holy father's lead in deserts! what long and grievous temptations suffered they! How often did the enemy assail them! how zealously did they offer the sacrifice of prayer unto God with what severity did they tame their bodies! what study spent they to profit in religion! what conflicts had they with vices and wickedness! How uprightly did they spend their time before God In the day time they laboured, in the night they prayed, and at no time cess they from devout meditations d Eph. 6, 18. Colos. 4. 2. 1. Thes 3, 10 1. Thes. 5, 17 . Finally no time was idly spent, and all hours that they consumed seemed very short, insomuch, that many times for to profit their souls, they little did regard the relief of their bodies e Mat. 14, 15 Mark. 6, 35. 36. Luke. 9, 12. . And as for wealth, authority, promotion, friends, and kinsfolks they renounced them f Mat. 19, 27 Mark. 10, 28 Luk. 18, 28. Acts. 2, 44. 45. , together with all worldly things. So that in man's eyes they were poor g Matt. 5, 3. Luke. 6, 20. , but in the sight of God, and in respect of their virtues most mightily rich; outwardly they seemed needy h 2. Cor. 6, verse. 10. , but inwardly they were refreshed with God's heavenly grace, & comfort i Psa. 94, 19 ; in the world mere strangers k joh. 16, 2. , but to Christ friends, and familiars l joh. 15, 15. ; in their own judgement most vile m joh. 13, 6. 8. , & odious to the world n joh. 15, 19 , but to almighty God dear and precious o joh. 16, 20 22. . They were humble, and obedient, and friendly, and patiented: whereby they found good success in the spirit, and grace before God p 2. Cor. 9, verse. 13. 14. . Therefore should all godly men follow their steps, and be more moved by the example of them to virtue, than of lukewarm Christians, though they be infinite, to wickedness. Oh what zeal had the godly in the primative Church q Acts. 4, vers. 10, etc. ! what devotion to prayer r Acts. 2, 46. 47. ! what contention to excel in well doing! what severe discipline! what reverence, yea what obedience showed they to the doctrine of their teachers! Their monuments to this day show, that they must needs be most singularly perfect, which have so valiantly subdued the world s Heb. 11, vers. 36, etc. . But now a days if a man can but keep himself from gross offences, or refrain from revengement, he is accounted a good, and perfect man. O the security of our time, which have so quickly declined from our first heat t Revel. 2, 4. , and loathed life because we are lukewarm u Reu. 3, 16. , & weary x Matth. 24, vers. 48, etc. ! But surely it is a manifest argument that we are dead from well doing, which see so many examples of godly men before us, and follow none of them. Chap. 19 The exercise of a true Christian. THe life of a Christian should be adorned with all virtues; that he may be inwardly such, as he outwardly appeareth to the world a Matt. 5, 14 16. 20. 47. 48. : yea more virtuous should he be, than he seemeth; inasmuch as God seethe our hearts b 1. Sam. 16▪ verse. 7. Psal. 33, 15. Revel. 2, 23. Hebr. 4, 13. , whom we must entirely reverence wheresoever we are, & before whom we must walk uprightly as Angels. Every day we should renounce our minds c Rom. 12, 2 , and as though we were but newly converted from sin, we ought to inflame our zeal, and say: O my Lord and God, assist me I humbly beseech thee, in this my good purpose, and zeal; and give me grace even at this present time godly to enter into thy service. For what hitherto I have done, is nothing. In this our race, and going forward in godliness we must use great diligence, if we mind to finish our course as we should. For if he which courageously goeth on, is tired many times; what will become of him which either seldom, or faintly setteth forward? Many things cause us to change our good minds: but we never so lightly omit spiritual exercise, but we greatly hinder ourselves thereby. The purpose of the just dependeth upon the favour of God d Philip 2, verse. 13. , not upon their own wisdom e Prou. 3, 5. , on whom they trust in all their enterprises. For man may purpose f Prou. 16, 9 33. , but God disposeth; neither can man of himself bring any thing to pass. If we omit our accustomed exercise, either for religions cause, or to profit our brethren, we may easily attain thereunto again: but if carelessly of sloth, or faintness of mind we neglect the same, we do both highly displease God, and greatly endamage ourselves g james. 1, verse. 22. 23. 24. . Let us do our best, yet shall we offend in many things h james. 3, 2 . Albeit it willbe good to shoot at some certain thing, and especially against those vices which hinder us more than others. We must examine, and set in order aswell outward, as inward things, for both are necessary to our proceeding i Ephes. 4, vers 20, etc. Coloss. 3, 17 . If thou canst not at all times take an account of thyself, yet do it sometime, and at the least once a day, to wit, at morning, or at night. In the morning consider how thou wilt spend the time till evening: and at night call into mind how thou hast passed the day, & what thy thoughts k Psal. 19, 14 , words, and deeds have been. For thereby we commonly both displease God, and offend man. Gird thy loins like a man l Eph 6, 14. against Satan m 1. Pet. 5, 8 ; bridle thy riotous appetite n Prou. 23, vers. 31, etc. 1. Thess. 5, 6 , so the more easily shalt thou bring under all the unruly desires of the flesh. Be thou at no time idle altogether o prover. 6, verse. 6, etc. , but always either read, or wright, or pray, or meditate, or do somewhat for the public welfare. The body must be exercised with judgement. For all exercises be not for every man. Private exercise must not be used in a public place. Albeit thou art to take heed that thou be not to public slow, and swift unto private: but having done thy duty according to thy calling, if any leisure be gotten betake thee to thyself, as thy profession doth require. All men cannot use one exercise: but that is for some, which is not for others. Again, according to the diversity of times we think of exercises. For some like us on holie-days, some on working-days; some in the time of war, some in the time of quietness; some we mind when we are pensive, and some when we rejoice in the Lord p 1. Cor. 1, 3● . Good exercises should oftentimes be renewed especially on holiedays, as though we then were departing out of this life, and going to the everlasting days of rest. And therefore at such times especially we should show ourselves most devout, and most carefully execute God's hests, looking, as it were presently for a reward of our labour from God. Which if it be deferred, let us think with ourselves that we are not sufficiently prepared, but unworthy so great glory to be revealed unto us at a time convenient, and prepare ourselves more diligently to our end. Happy is that servant, saith our Saviour Christ p Luke. 12, verse. 43. 44. , whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watchful: know ye of a truth, he will make him ruler over all that he hath. Chap. 20. Of solitariness, and silence. Seek a convenient time to meditate; and oftentimes call the benefits of GOD into mind. Omit curious things: and choose such matter as may rather stir up thy mind unto godliness, than busy thee too much. Withdraw thyself from speaking vainly a Matth. 12, verse. 36. Philip. 4, 8. 9 ; from gadding idly; from listening unto rumours and novelties, and thou shalt find good leisure, and sufficient for thy spiritual exercise: & that after the example of the most godly, who shunned the company of men, as much as they might, and choase to live apart unto God. One said b Seneca. , I never came among men, but I departed more wicked than I was afore. And this we find true when we talk much together. It is easier to be altogether silent, than not to exceed in words; and to tarry at home, than not to offend abroad, it is easier. Wherefore he which would be zealous, and godly, must avoid company with jesus c Matth. 14, verse. 23. Mark. 6, 46. . No man salfelie doth go abroad, but he which gladly can abide at home; no man salfelie doth govern, but he which gladly can be in subjection d Matth. 20, verse. 26. 27. ; no man salfelie doth command, but he that hath learned willingly to obey e Rom. 13, verse. 1, etc. Coloss. 3, 22 23. ; no man salfelie is merry, but he that hath a good conscience f Prou. 15, verse. 13. 15 2. Cor. 1. 12. ; and no man salfelie can speak, but he that willingly can hold his peace. And yet hath not the security of good men, at any time been without the fear of God g Pro. 28, 14 : neither did their excellent, and heavenly gifts make them any whit proud, but the more humble h Rom. 12, verse. 16. 1. Cor. 4, 6. 7. . But the security of the wicked, as it ariseth of pride i Pro. 28, 25. 26. : so it turneth to their destruction k Esa. 48, 22. . Never look to live at thine heart's ease in this world, seem thou never so godly, and religious l Psa. 34, 19 Acts. 14, 22. . It falleth out many times that they fall grievously through pride, which in man's opinion were most religious men m Luke. 18, vers. 10, etc. : whereby it is evident, that tentation is very good for some n Ps. 119, 67 71. lame. 1, 1. 2. ; both to keep them from pride o 2. Cor. 12, verse. 7. , and outward consolation. O, if man would avoid vain pleasure, and not love the world p 1. john. 2, verse. 15. 16. 17. ; what a good conscience should he always retain! If man would cast away all vain cares, and think only upon heavenly things, and trust wholly in God q Psalm. 3, verse. 1, etc. Psalm. 4, 7. 8. 1. Pet. 5, 7. Esaie. 26, 4 , what a continual joy should he feel in his mind! No man shall find any spiritual comfort, except he occupy himself diligently in stirring up his mind unto godliness r Esaie. 26, 8. 9 : the which thou shalt the more easily attain, if thou enter into thy chamber s Matth. 6, 6. , and shut thyself from troubles of the world, as it is written t Psalm. 4, 4. , Examine your own heart upon your bed, and be stil. For commonly thou shalt find that in thy closet, which thou wouldst lose abroad. The more thou usest thy closet, the more thou wilt like it: the less thou comest thereinto, the more thou wilt loathe it. But frequent the same rightly, and tarry therein at thy first conversion from wickedness, and afterward thou shalt do it with exceeding pleasure. Solitariness, and quietness is good for him that would proceed in virtue, and learn the mysteries of holy Scripture. For there shall he find even floods of tears u Psal 6, 6. , whereby he may wash, and cleanse himself every night, that he may by so much be nigher unto his maker, by how much he is farther from the resort of men. So that God with his holy Angels cometh unto him, which withdraweth himself from his friends, and acquaintance. It is better to live in a corner, so a man have a regard to himself, than without care of his own salvation even to work miracles x Matt. 7, 22 1. Cor. 13, 2. . It is no shame, but praise for a godly man seldom to go abroad y Psal. 102, verse. 6, etc. ; to shun to be seen, and not to love to see. Why lookest thou on that, which is not lawful for thee to have z Exo. 20, 17 ? The world passeth away, and the lust thereof a 1. john. 2, verse. 17. 1. Cor. 7, 31. . The desire of pleasure maketh thee to rove abroad: but when the pleasure is past, which is quickly gone, what gettest thou thereby but repentance, and a wandering soul? A merry out going bringeth commonly a mournful returning home; and a merry evening watch is sign of a louring morning: even so the joy of this world entereth pleasantly, but endeth bitterly b Prou. 14, verse. 13. Prou 23, 31 32. . What canst thou see in another place which is not here? Behold the heaven, & the earth, and all the elements: for of these do all things consist. What seest thou in any place that abideth ever c 1. Cor. 7, verse. 31. 1. john. 2, verse. 17. ? Perchance thou thinkest to satisfy thyself with contemplation; but thou shalt never do so. What if thou sawest even all things before thine eyes? it were but a vain sight d Eccl. 1, 14 . But lift up thine eyes, man, unto God e Psal. 25, 1. Psal. 121, 1. ; and ask pardon for thine offences f Sirach. 17, verse. 23. . Leave vain things to vain folks; and give thou thy mind to do the will of God g Deut. 11, 1 Eccle. 3, 12. . Shut thyself within thy door h Matt. 6, 5. , and call thy well-beloved jesus unto thee i Salamons' songs. 2, 14. Sal. songs. 3, verse. 4. . Tarry with him in thy chamber: for else where thou shalt never find so great quietness. Hadst thou not gone abroad, nor listened unto rumours and tales, thou mightedst the better have enjoyed quietness: but now because thou givest thine ears to hear news, thou art troubled greatly, and vexed in mind. Chap. 21. Preparatives unto Godliness. WIlt thou come forward in godliness? Then fear God a Prou. 1, 7. Prou 9, 10. Psal. 19, 9 Ps. 111, 10. Sirach. 1, 16 ; & be thou not over lose in behaviour, nor given to vain pleasure b Prou. 9, 17 18. , but keep under thy senses by discipline. Prepare thyself to unfeigned repentance c Rom. 12, 2 , and thou wilt prove religious. For repentance bringeth unto godliness, and negligence quickly doth forego the same. It is marvel that any man can heartily rejoice in this life, which considereth his banishment, and the manifold perils of his soul d 1. Pet. 1, 6. . Through the weakness of our minds, & security, we feel not the sorrows of the mind, but oftentimes we laugh, when in deed we should weep e Matt. 5, 4. Luke. 6, 21. . There is no true liberty, nor good mirth; but in the fear of God joined with a good conscience f 2. Cor. 1, 3. 4. 12. 1. Pet. 3, 15. 16. Prou. 15, 15 . Happy is that man which casting of the lets of all worldly business, can give himself wholly to the stirring up of his mind. Happy is he that can keep himself from all those things which may either defile or burden his conscience g 2. Cor. 1, 8 9 10. . Fight like a man h 2. Tim. 2, 1 ; custom is overcome by custom. If thou mindest not to meddle in other men's matters; they for their parts, will not meddle in thine. Take not upon thee another man's charge; neither trouble thyself in the affairs of thy betters. But look upon thyself i Matth. 7, verse. 1, etc. ; and before thy dearest friends give thyself counsel. If thou lack the good will of men, take it not heavily; but if thou behave not thyself well, and circumspectly as becometh the servant of GOD, and a true Christian k Luk. 8, 21. Rom. 2, 8. 9 , howl and weep l james. 5, 1. . It is good for a man not to have much comfort in this life, especially worldly comfort. As touching heavenly, if we either feel it not at all, or but seldom, the fault is in ourselves, which neither seek occasions to stir up the mind, nor forsake transitory, and external comfort m 2. Cor. 1, verse. 9 Heb. 12, 1. . Think with thyself not only that thou hast not deserved any heavenly comfort, but also that thou dost deserve great misery, & affliction n Luk. 18, 13. . A man set on fire with the sparks of true godliness loveth not o 1. john. 2, verse. 15. but loatheth the world p Philip. 3, 8. , and all that is therein q 1. john. 2, verse. 16. . A good man continually findeth occasion to weep, and mourn. For whether he behold himself, or other men, he seethe that no man liveth without misery in this world. Yea the more earnestly he considereth himself, the more abundantly doth he shed tears r Luke. 23, verse. 28. . And in deed our manifold sins, and transgressions s isaiah. 59, 2. wherewith we lie so wrapped that hardly we can behold celestial things, should move us so to do. Think more often of thy death t Sirach. 7, verse. 36. , than of a long life; & doubtless thou wilt give thyself more earnestly to repentance, than thou dost. Again call into thy mind the pains of hell, when God shall turn away his face u Sirach. 18, verse. 23. ; and it will make thee both to lament thy sins, and to take adversity in good part. But because these things come not into mind x Prou. 14, 9 ; and we follow the vain pleasures of this transitory world; we go on, God knows, coldly and slowly in religion, for lack of the spirit of God y Gal. 5, 18. 22. Roman. 8, vers. 12, etc. ; whence it is that our wretched bodies do so easily complain. Wherefore make thine humble petition unto almighty GOD, that he would inflame within thy breast his heavenly fire z Psalm. 51, verse. 6, etc. , and say with that Prophet a Psal. 80, 5. Psal 102, 9 : Feed me, O Lord, with the bread of tears, and give me tears to drink with great measure. Chap. 22. A view of the misery of mankind. wheresoever thou art, & whethersoever thou turnest thyself, thou art miserable, unless thou return unto God a Psa. 84, 10. 11. 12. . Why art thou troubled? Because things fall not out according to thy mind? But who is he that hath all things at his hearts desire? Not I, not thou, nor any mortal man: no doubtless, man is not without misery and trouble, no not a King, nor the proud Pope himself. Who is then in best estate, & condition? Even he which for God's cause can suffer affliction b Matt. 5, 10 11. 1. Pet. 3, 14. 1. Pet. 4, 14. . Weak, & foolish people say commonly, See how happy he is; how wealthy; how mighty; in what authority; of what a goodly stature; how fair is he! But look upon heavenly gifts, and thou shalt find that these things are not to be accounted of. For they are uncertain c Matt. 6, 19 1. john. 2, 16 17. , and burdensome d Mark. 4, ●9 because they can never be kept without carefulness & fear e Luk. 12, 33 34. . Man should not think that in abundance of these worldly things an happy life doth consist f 1. Tim. 6, 17 18. 19 Luk. 12, 21. ; but he is to content himself with a mean estate g Psa. 37, 16 , and to think that as long as he liveth in this world he is miserable. The more a man hungereth after godliness, the more he abhorreth this life h 2. Cor. 12, verse. 10. ; because he perceiveth more sensibly, and more evidently seethe the sins of man's corruption. For undoubtedly to a man zealously addicted, & desirous to be loased from sin i Rom. 7, 24. , to be with Christ k Phili. 1, 23 , it is a misery & trouble even to eat, to drink, to sleep, to rest, to labour, and to be subject to other things necessarily incident unto mortal man. For these things do greatly suppress the mind of man l Wisd. 9, 15. . Therefore most humbly doth that Prophet desire to be delivered from them on this wise, Draw me out of my necessities, O Lord. But miserable are they which see not their own misery: but more miserable which love this misery m Luk. 6, 24 25. , & mortal life, in which some so delight (albeit with all their carking, and care they can hardly provide things necessary for themselves) that, were they sure to live always in this world, they would not set a point by the kingdom of God n Matt. 6, 21. Luk. 12, 16. 17. 18. 19 . Which mad, and faithless wretches, so deeply drowned in the earth that they can think upon nothing but earthly things, shall one day to their pain understand, how vile & vain it was which they loved o Philip. 3, verse. 19 . But those men of God, and friends of Christ, looked not on those things which pleased the flesh, & flourish for a time p Phili. 3, 7. 8. : but they coveted after everlasting riches with all desire, & greediness; yea with their whole hearts they longed for things on high, not seen q 2. Cor. 4, verse. 18. 1. Pet. 1, 8. , that the desire of things which are seen, might not draw them unto things below. Despair not, brother, to come forward in godliness; thou hast yet time, and space r Psal. 32, 5. 6. Esaie. 55, 6. 7. . Defer not therefore thine amendment s Eccles. 12, verse. 1, etc. from day to day: but rise, and out of hand begin, and reason with thyself on this wise, Behold now is the time to work, now to win the field, now is the time to amend t 2. Cor. 6, 1. 2. Galat. 6, 9 10. ; in adversity the time is to deserve well. Through fire and water thou must pass, before thou canst come to the place of comfort u Psa. 66, 12. . Except thou offer violence unto thyself x Matth. 11, verse. 12. , thou shal● never triumph over sin. As long as we bear about frail, and earthly bodies, let us not look to live without grief, and sorrow y Roma. 7, verse. 24 . In deed we could wish to live quite from misery: but forasmuch as through sin we have lost our innocency z Rom. 5, 15 , our felicity, and quietness is gone therewithal. Wherefore let us be patiented a Luke. 21, verse. 19 , and expect the mercy of God, until our wickedness be put away, & this mortality be swallowed up of life b 1. Cor. 15, verse. 54. . O Lord, how great is man's frailty! How is man prone continually unto sin c Gen. 6, 5. Gen. 8, 21. Sirac. 17, 14. ! To day thou dost confess thy sins d Matt. 6, 12 13. Luke. 11, 4. , and tomorrow thou wilt sin as fresh as erst thou didst. Now thou art purposed to offend no more, and yet by and by thou dost so wickedly, as if thou hadst never meant to do well e Roman. 7, vers. 15, etc. . So that great cause we have to debase, and to think humbly of ourselves, being so frail, and subject to offending f james. 3, 2. james. 4, 1. . Again, if with little negligence we lose that, which by great labour could hardly be obtained; what will become of us at the end which so soon wax cold g Luk. 9, 59 61. ? woe to us, if we so go on unto rest, as if now there were peace and security h 1. Thess. 5, verse. 6. 7. , when in very deed as yet there appeareth no token of godliness in our behaviour. Then undoubtedly we must be trained up afresh, like young soldiers i 2. Tim. 2, 4 , if we hope to return unto goodness, and to proceed in godliness. Chap. 23. That man ought to think upon his end. seeing the life of man is so frail, and short a job. 14, 1. , consider wisely what thou takest in hand. To day a man, to morrow none b Sirach. 10, verse. 11. : and being out of sight, thou art out of mind c Eccl. 1, 11. Eccles. 9, 5. . Oh the dullness, and hardness of man's heart, that thinking of things present, hath no care of the time to come d Sirac. 7, 16 17. Sirac. 18, 23 ! It were thy part so to behave thyself in all thy deeds, and thoughts, as though thou shouldest departed out of this world by and by. Hadst thou a clear conscience, y● wouldst not greatly fear death e Rom. 8, 23 2. Cor. 1, 8. verse. 9 Sirach 41, 1. . It is better to avoid sin, than to fly death. If thou art not ready to day, how wilt thou be to morrow? The next day is not certain f Matth. 24, vers. 36, etc. Matt. 25, 13. Mark. 13, 32 33. Luk. 21, 34. . And again, how knowest thou that thou shalt live till to morrow? What are we the better to live long, if we prove not better by our long life? Assuredly long life doth not make us better to God ward, but the farther from God g Rom. 2, 4. james. 5, verse. 1, etc. . Oh well were we, if we had lived well but one day in this world! Many keep in mind how long they have favoured good religion, but they never think what fruit they have showed worthy amendment of life h Matt. 3, 8. . If thou think it irksome to die, thou shalt find it more perilous and dangerous to live long. Happy is that man which always thinketh of his end, and prepareth himself daily for to die i 2. Cor. 4, vers. 16, etc. . When thou seest a man to die, consider by and by that thou must departed the same way k Heb. 9, 27 Sirac. 41, 3. . In the morning think not to live till night; & at night look not to live till morning: and always live so circumspectly, and be so godly prepared, that death may find thee ready whensoever he shall come. Many before they look for death, depart suddenly l Luk. 12, 20 : for the Son of man will come in an hour when men look not for him m Luke. 12, verse. 40. Matth. 24, verse. 50. . But when that hour shall come, then wilt thou begin to think otherwise of thy life past than thou hast done, and then wilt thou bitterly bewail, that ever thou wast so sluggish, and negligent n Mat. 7, 22 23. Matth. 25, vers. 41, etc. . Happy is that man which endeavoureth to seem such in this life, as he would appear at the hour of death o Luk. 12, 37 . He which hateth the world perfectly p 1. john. 2, verse. 15. ; and favoureth godliness zealously q Reu. 3, 15 16. ; and will be admonished willingly r prover. 2, verse. 1, etc. ; and endeavoureth to amend his life seriously s Luk. 3, 3, Matth. 3, 8. 10. ; and can obey his superiors gladly t Ti●. 3, 1. Colos. 3 22 23. ; and deny himself thoroughly u Mark. 8, verse. 34. Luke. 9, 23. ; and take affliction for Christ's sake patiently x Matth. 10, verse. 38. Matt. 5, 10. 11. 1. Pet. 3, 14. 1. Pet. 4, 14. , giveth most notable tokens that he will die a good man. Whilst thou art in health thou mayst do many good deeds; but when thou art sick, I see not what thou art able to do. For in the time of sickness few amend: and they which defer their amendment till then, do hardly come into the favour of God. Better is it to amend, and while time is y Gal. 6, 10. 2. Cor. 6, 2. to live well, that hereafter thou mayst live for ever z Reu. 7, 15. 16. 17. 1. Cor. 2, 9 . But if thou forego so good opportunity, thou afterwards wilt seek it, when it is too late: and perhaps desire but an hour, or two to repent, and they will not be granted. Wherefore consider diligently both what perils thou shalt escape, and what miseries avoid a Prou. 14, verse. 27. , if always like a wise man, thou think upon thine end. And endeavour so to live in this world, that at the hour of death thou mayst rejoice rather than fear b Psal. 23, 4. . Now, while time is, learn to die unto the world, that then thou mayst live with Christ c Rom. 6, ●8. . Now, while time is, learn to contemn the world d 1 john. 2, verse. 15. Luke. 14, 26 33. Matt. 10, 37 , that then without let thou mayst go unto Christ. Now, while time is, beat down thy body e 1 Cor. 9, verse. 27. by repentance, that then thou mayst have an assured boldness. Ah fool, what thinkest thou to live long, seeing thou art not sure to live one day f Luk. 12, 17 18. 19 20. 40. ? How many have been deceived & suddenly taken out of this world g Eccles. 9, verse. 12. ? Thou hast heard, I am sure, and that oftentimes, how one was killed by the sword; another drowned; another broke his neck with a fall; another as he was at meat; another at play; another with a knife; another of the sickness; another of thieves. Thus all die h Sirac. 41, 3 (though not after one sort), & man's life passeth away like a shadow i job. 8, 9 job. 14, 2. Psa. 102, 11. Psa. 144, 4. . Who after death will help thee, if in thy life time thou lose good opportunity k Luke. 16, vers. 24, etc. ? Now, I say, now or never is the time to do well l 2. Cor. 6, 2. , while both thou knowest not the hour of thy death, and mayst do good to thyself in time. Now, while time serves, lay up everlasting treasures for thyself in heaven m Matth. 6, verse. 20. Luk. 12, 33. ; think of nothing but on heavenly things n Coloss. 3, verse. 1. 2. , and care for nothing but thy salvation. Now, I say, while time serves make friends, which after death may receive thee into everlasting habitations o Luk. 16, 9 . Account thyself on the earth but a pilgrim, & stranger p Hebr. 11, vers. 13, etc. , unto whom the affairs of the world do nothing appertain. Get thee a quiet conscience, & lift up thy mind unto God q Coloss. 3, 1 : because in this world thou hast no continuing city r Heb. 13, 14 Micah. 2, 10. . Thither direct thy prayers, and daily groans with tears, that after death thy spirit may go to God in bliss s Psal. 31, 5. Luk. 23, 46. Acts. 7, 59, . Chap. 24. Of the last judgement; and of the punishment for si ne. Whatsoever thou takest in hand remember thine end a Sirac. 7, 36 , and how thou must appear before a severe judge, in whose sight nothing is hid b Heb. 4, 13. , which neither is pleased by reward, nor admitteth vain excuses; but rightly & indifferently judgeth all men c 1. Pet. 1, 17 . O fond man, & miserable wretch, what answer wilt thou make unto God, who knoweth all thy sins d job. 9, 3. 14. , which oftentimes fearest even the looks of an angry man? Why dost thou not look to thyself against the day of that judgement, when no man shall excuse, or defend another e Rom. 14, verse. 12. 2 Cor. 5, 10. ? for every man shall have enough to answer for himself f Psa. 62, 12. Rom. 2, 6. 1. Cor. 3, 8. Galat. 6, 5 . Now mayst thou do good, if thou take pain; now will thy tears be accepted, if thou weep; now may thy groans be heard, if thou sigh g Psal. 32, 6. Esaie. 55, 6. , and both pacify God, and purge thyself. And in deed thoroughly is the patiented man purged, which being injuried, doth bewail the wickedness of the inferrer rather than the injury offered to himself; prayeth for his enemies h Matt. 5, 44. Luk. 23, 34. Acts. 7, 60. 1. Cor. 4, 13. ; forgiveth them from his heart i Matt. 6, 12. 14. Mark. 11, 25 Sirac. 28, 2. ; asketh pardon speedily of others whom he hath offended k Matt. 5, 24 ; is more easily moved to pity than to anger; offereth often violence unto himself l Matt. 11, 12 ; and laboureth earnestly to bring his body into the subjection of the Spirit m 1. Cor. 9, verse. 27. . And these things must not be deferred, but be done while we live, and that with speed n Gal. 6, 10. . But we deceive ourselves through an inordinate desire of the flesh o Rom 8, 12 13. . That hell fire p Matth. 25, verse. 41. , what else will it burn but sins? The more thou hast loved thyself, and pampered thy flesh, the more shall be thy pains, and the more substance to burn thee haste thou lay together q Luk. 12, 20 Luke. 16, verse 19, etc. james. 5, 3. . For in what things a man hath sinned, in the same he shallbe punished r Wisd. 11, verse. 13. , according to the greatness of the offence. There idle persons shallbe pricked with burning forks; gluttons there shallbe tormented with extreme hunger, and thirst s Luk. 16, 24 25. ; there epicures and voluptuous persons for their sweet delights shall have burning pitch to boil them, and stinking brimstone to anoie them; the envious there shall howl like mad dogs; & no vice but shall have his torment. There the proud shall have shame; and the covetous churl shall have miserable penury. To be short; one hour of pain in that place shallbe more grievous, than all the time they had in this world to amend their manners. For there is no rest t isaiah. 66, 24 2. Thess. 1, 8. ; comfort there is none: here sometime their sorrow ceased, and sometime they received comfort of their friends. Wherefore have a care of thyself whilst thou art alive, and bewail thy sins, that in the day of that judgement thou mayst safely rejoice with Gods elect u Luk. 16, 25 Wisd. 3, 3. Matt. 25, 34 . For than shall the righteous with great boldness stand against such as have vexed, and oppressed them x Wisd. 5, 1. Psalm 1, ●. . Then shall he sit to judge y Matth. 19, verse. 28. , which now is content to be judged of men. Then shall the poor z Matt. 5, 3. , and meek a Luk. 14, 11 Luk. 18, 14. triumph, when the proud shall quake on every side b Prou. 16, verse. 18. . Then shall they say, He was wise, which for Christ his sake seemed a fool and abject c 1. Cor. 4. verse. 10. . Then shall the memory of misery patiently sustained be sweet d Ps. 126 5. Esaie. 25, 8. , when in the mean while the wicked shall sob, and sigh e Reu. 21, 8. . Then shall the godly rejoice, and be glad, but the reprobate shall howl and weep f Mat. 25, 46 john. 5, 29. Dan. 12, 2. . Then shall the afflicted more triumph, than if continually he had been in joy g Roma. 8, verse. 18. . Then shall the base apparel be glorious h 2. Cor. 5, 2 , & the proud attire infamous. Then shall the poor cottage be more commended i 2. Pet. 1, 13 14. 2. Cor. 5, 1. , than is the gilded palace praised. Then shall constant patience more prevail k isaiah. 30, 18 Luk. 21, 19 than all the power of the world. Simple obedience shall more be commended then, than all the subtlety of man l isaiah. 29, 16 1. Cor. 1, 20. . Then shall a clear and good conscience more rejoice a man m Esaie. 33, verse. 14 15. , than profound skill in Philosophy. The contempt of riches shall do more good n Matt. 5, 3. then, than all the riches in the world. Then shall a zealous prayer bring more delight o Sirach. 35, vers 13, etc. , than ever did fine cates. Thy silence kept in thy life time shall more cheer thy heart at that time p Esa. 30, 15. , than long babbling q Matt. 6, 5. 6. 7. . Good works then shallbe more respected r Roma. 2, verse. 10. , than copy of sweet words. And then shall thy pains taken to reform thy manners more delight s prover. 11, verse. 3, etc. than could all the pleasure in the world t Wisd. 5, 8. . Wherefore learn in this life to suffer small things u Rom. 8, 18 35. , that in the world to come thou mayest escape great, & grievous dangers. Try first in thy life time, what thou canst suffer after thou art dead. And if thou canst not endure but light things in comparison now, how wilt thou bear afterward everlasting torments? And if now so little pain can make thee impatient, what will the fire of hell do? For persuade thyself, thou canst not be twice happy, that is, enjoy thy pleasure in this life x Luk. 16, 25 , and reign too with Christ in the world to come. Now suppose thou hast lived hitherto in perpetual honour and pleasure, what good would these things do thee, if thou shouldest die out of hand y Luk. 9, 25. Luk. 12, 20. ? Seest thou not how all things are vain z Eccle. 1, 2. Eccles. 12, 8. , save only to love and to serve God a ●. Pet. 1, 10 ? For he which loveth God with all his heart, feareth neither death, nor pain, nor judgement, nor damnation b Rom. 8, 38 39 . For perfect love maketh a man with boldness to appear afore God c 1. joh. 4, 17 18. . But marvel it is not though, he which delighteth as yet in sin d Rom. 6, 12 14. do both fear death, and the day of judgement. Notwithstanding, if the love of God cannot allure thee unto godliness, yet let the fear of hell fire drive thee from wickedness e Prou. 14, verse. 27. Luke. 3, verse. 7, etc. . But if neither the love of God, nor the fear of hell cannot better thee one jot, then look not to stand in a good thing long, but quickly to fall into the snares of Satan. Chap. 25. That we must earnestly endeavour to amend our lives. BE thou zealous, and earnest in the service of God: consider with thyself wherefore thou wast made, and wherefore thou hast renounced the world, even to live to God a Rom. 7, 4. , and to become a good man b Ephe. 2, 10 . Therefore endeavour thou zealously to go forward. For yet a little while and thou shalt have a reward of thy labours, and neither fear nor sorrow shallbe about thee c isaiah 25, 8. Revel. 7, 17. Revel. 21, 4. Matth. 5, 4. . Labour but a while longer, & thou shalt find great, yea everlasting rest d Rom. 8, 18 . If thou continue faithful, and diligent unto the end e Matth. 24, verse. 13. 2 Thess. 3, 13 2. Tim. 2, 5. , God will show himself faithful, and bountiful in rewarding f Matth. 25, vers. 21, etc. . Hope well to win the garland g Rom. 8, verse. 24. 2. Tim. 4, 7. 8 , but shun security h Matth. 24, vers. 42, etc. Matth. 25, 8 Luk. 12, 42. , both to avoid weariness, and pride. A certain man tossed between hope and fear, on a day in his prayers uttered these words, Oh if I knew certainly that I should persevere! and forthwith he seemed to hear these heavenly words in his mind: What if thou knewest as much; wouldst thou continue in the course thou hast taken? well go to, Do that which thou wouldst do, & doubt not to persever. With which comfortable words being encouraged he strait way committed himself to the will of God; & from thence forth neither wavered any more in mind, nor laboured curiously what might become of him, but bent himself wholly to do that was agreeable to the will of God i 1. joh. 2, 17 , & most necessary for his going forward, and continuing in the race of virtue. Trust thou in the Lord, and do good, (saith the Prophet k Psal. 37, 3. ) so thou shalt dwell in the land, and be fed assuredly. One thing there is that withdraweth many men from proceeding in virtue, and earnest amendment of their manners, and that is the horrible hardness, and the painfulness to subdue ourselves l Matth. 19, vers. 21, etc. Mark. 10, vers. 21, etc. Luke. 18, vers. 22, etc. . But who profit more than others in well doing? Not they whom such things dismay, but they which endeavour valiantly to overcome those counterbuffs m Ps. 27, 14. 2. Tim. 2, 1. . For the more a man overcometh, & by God's assistance subdueth himself n 2. Pet. 2, 9 , the more he goeth forward, and cometh the more into the favour of God. How be it all men have not like power to overcome, and to mortify themselves. Yet this I say, he which hath less ability, if he use diligence in this point, shall more prevail o Matth. 19, verse 27, etc. Luk. 18, 13. , than another which is slothful, though perhaps otherwise he seem virtuous p Matth. 19, verse. 20. Luk. 18, 11. 12. 21. . Now there be two things, that make much to a man's amendment, namely, to withdraw ourselves violently from such things, whereunto by our wicked nature we are inclined q Mat. 11, 12 ; and to bend ourselves wholly to the attaining of that good, which we stand in need of r Psal. 37, 3. 4. . Also those things are especially to be taken heed of, and avoided, which we commonly mislike, or condemn in other men s Matt. 7, 3. 4. Roman. 2, verse. ●, etc. 1. Cor. 11, 31 . Take profit of every thing. If thou hearest, or seest examples of virtue, follow them; if of wickedness, avoid them. As thou priest into other men's manners: so do others into thine t Matth. 7, 4. 2. . Oh what a ioieful and comfortable thing is it to see professors of Christianity, followers of Christ's doctrine u 1. Cor. 13, verse. 3 4. 1. Tim. 1, 5. 19 ! Again what a lamentable, and grievous thing is it that such as would be counted Gospelers live loosely, and contrary to their calling! How hurtful is it to alter the purpose of thy profession, and to incline to those things which are not commanded thee x 1. Tim. 4, verse. 1, etc. 1. Tim. 5, 13. Coloss. 2, 20 ! Remember thy profession, and always have in mind Christ which was crucified y Gal. 6, 14. 1. Cor. 1, 23. ; when thou seest his life be ashamed of thyself, that hast so long a while professed Christianity, and yet so little, if any whit, followed the example of Christ z 1. Cor. 11, verse. 1. ●. Pet. 2, 9 21. . He which attentively, and carefully thinketh upon the life, & death of jesus, shall find sufficiency of all necessary, and profitable things in the same; neither shall he need to seek any better thing without jesus a Roman. 8, verse. 1, etc. Coloss. 2, 12 13. 14. . If jesus crucified came into our minds, quickly, and sufficiently learned we should prove b 1. Cor. 2, verse. 1, etc. . The delight of a Christian is in the Law of the Lord c Psal. 1, 2. 1. john. 5, 2. , and therein doth he exercise himself: but if he once wax negligent, and lukewarm d Reu. 3, 15. 16. , than miseries come which oppress him, and troubles that vex him, because he is void of inward consolation, and forbidden to seek any outward comfort e Esaie. 57, verse. 3, etc. . And doubtless he which passeth the bounds of Christ's doctrine, is greatly subject to a grievous destruction f Prou. 1, 24 25. 26. ; and he that loveth a lose, & secure life, is never in quiet g Esa. 57, 20 21. ; for some thing evermore displeaseth him. Rather follow the straight, and virtuous life h Matt. 7, 13 14. of the Apostles, and Disciples of Christ i 1. Cor 11, 1 1. Thess 1, 6. 7. 1. Thess. 2, verse. 14. 2. Thess. 3, 9 Hebr. 13, 7. ; and in so doing, doubt thou not, but that God of his wont mercy will give thee strength to do well. This is the way to be full of hope, and strength; this is the way, even the heavenly way so to proceed, that thou mayest despise all worldly things k Psa. 56, 4 ve. 10, & 11. . And would to God we had no let, but that we might praise God even with heart, and mouth l Psal. 34, 1. 2. , and keep his commandments m Psa. 119, 5. ! would to God we were quite rid from all worldly business, and did set our affections on heavenly things n Coloss. 3, 2 ! For when man is come to that point, that he careth for no worldly comfort o Psal. 86, 7 8. Psal 2. 0, 7. Psal. 56, 11. Rom. 8, 38. 39 , then beginneth he to taste the sweetness of God; to take all things in good part, howsoever they fall out; to be neither over jocund in prosperity, nor too pensive in adversity p Psal. 30, 7. 8. ; but evermore confidently to hope in God q Psal. 37, 3. 4. , who is all in all r Ro. 11, 36. 1. Cor. 8, 6 1. Cor. 12, 6. 1. Cor. 15, 28 , to whom nothing dieth, but all things live, and continually obey at his beck s Ps. 104, 1. . Always remember the end t Sirac 7, 36 ; and think that time lost will never come again u Eph. 5, 15. 16. Galat. 6, 10. . Without care, and diligence thou shalt never attain to godliness x Rom. 12, 6 vers. 7, & 8 2. Cor. 11, 23 . If thou wax faint, thou shalt every day be worse & worse y Luk. 9, 62 john. 5, 14. 2. Pet. 2, 1. vers. 12, etc. : but go thou zealously forward z Mat. 25, 10 ve. 21, & 22. 1. Pet. 3, 10. 11. Psal. 34, 12. 13. , and thou shalt find both great peace, and pleasure in thy well doing, both because God favoureth thee, & thou favourest virtue. An earnest, and zealous man is prepared unto all things a Rom. 8, 35 38. 39 Ephes 6, 12. . It is more painful to resist vices, and perturbations of the mind, than to sweat again with bodily labour: and he which in time taketh no heed of small sins, by little and little falleth into great offences b james. 1, verse. 13. 14. . Thou shalt evermore be merry at night, if thou hast behaved thyself godly in the day. Watch for thyself c 1. Cor. 16, verse. 13. ; stir up, and admonish thyself; whatsoever becometh of others, have a regard to thyself d 1. Tim. 6, verse. 11. 12. ; For so dost thou profit, as thou offerest e Mat. 11, 12 violence unto thyself. Thus endeth the first Book. The second Book of the Jmitation of Christ. Chapter. 1. Of the inward life of man. THe kingdom of God is within saith Christ a Luk. 17, 21 . Turn thee unto the Lord with all thine heart, having forsaken this wretched world, and thou shalt find rest for thy soul b Psal. 4, 8. Psalm. 15, 1. Matt. 11, 29. . Learn to contemn outward things c Luke. 17, verse. 20. 21. , and to addict thyself to spiritual; so shalt thou perceive the kingdom of God to come into thee. For the kingdom of God is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the holy Ghost d Ro. 14, 17. , which the wicked enjoy not e isaiah. 57, 21 . Christ will come unto thee, & comfort thee f john. 14, 23 , if thou make a fit resting place for him within thee. For all his glory, and beauty is within g Psa. 45, 13 ; there doth he gladly abide. With the inner man doth he oftentimes walk; and reason sweetly; and delight himself pleasantly; and agree notably; and familiarly continue h prover. 8, vers. 32, etc. . Go to now, O faithful soul, prepare thine heart for this bridegroom i Sal. song. 5, verse. 4. 2. Cor. 11, 2 , that he may come unto thee, & dwell within thee. For thus he saith k joh. 14, 23 , If any man love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and will dwell with him. Wherefore keep out others, and let Christ have room: if thou hast him, thou hast enough l Rom. 8, 17 Philip. 3, 8. . For he will have a care of thee, and so faithfulie oversee all thine affairs, that to put any confidence in man thou shalt not need m Psa. 37, 3. 34. 39 Hebr. 13, 6. . For men quickly are changed, and speedily depart n Psal. 62, 9 Psal. 39, 11. Psal. 116, 10. 11. : but Christ abideth for ever o Heb. 13, 8. , and continueth by his unto the end p Matt. 28, verse. 20. . Neither set any great affiance on mortal and frail man, albeit he be dear unto thee, and may do thee good q Psa. 118, 8 9. ; and if sometime he gainsay, and trouble thee, be not over pensive. They which take thy part to day, to morrow may be thine enemies, & afterward thy friends: for they change many-times like the wind. But put thy confidence in the Lord r 1. Pet. 5, 7. Psal. 43, 5. , and see thou serve, and love him s Matth. 22, verse. 37. Mark. 12, 29 30. : he will handle thy cause right well, and set it in good order t Ps. 73, 24. . Here thou hast no continuing city u Heb. 13, 14 , & wheresoever thou goest, thou art a stranger, and pilgrim x Heb. 11, 13 vers. 14, etc. , never finding rest till thou art fast joined unto Christ y Ephe. 2, 19 . Why dost thou here gaze about, seeing this is not the place of thine abode? In heaven should be thy conversation z Phil. 3, 20 , as for earthly things thou shouldest behold them only to see how they pass away a 1. Cor. 7, 31 1. john. 2, 17 , and thou with them b Psal. 90, 5 verse. 6, etc. . So look upon them, that thou love them not c 1. john. 2, verse. 15. 16. , lest thou perish being taken with vain delight. Cast thy cogitations upon the most high God d 1. Pet 5, 7 ; & pray unto Christ without ceasing e Psa. 55, 16 17. Luke. 18, 1. Coloss. 4, 2. 1. Thess. 5, verse. 17. . If thou canst not meditate on deep and heavenly mysteries, rest thyself in the pains of Christ, and abide willingly in his wounds f 1. Pet. 2, vers. 21, etc. 1. Pet. 4, 13. . Run thou zealously unto those healthful wounds, and stripes of Christ, and thou shalt find a great comfort in adversity, yea thou shalt not set a rush by the reproaches of men, but take all slanders in good part g 1. Pe. 2, 19 20. 1. Pet. 3. 9, 14. . Christ himself was despised of men in this world h Psal. 22, 6. Matt. 27, 31 john. 15, 18. 19 20. Hebr. 12, 2. 3. ; yea at a great extremity his very friends forsook him, and fled i Mat. 26, 56 70. 72. . Christ himself suffered, and was contemned k Esaie. 53, verse. 3, etc. Luk. 18, 32. ; and wilt thou complain? Christ himself had adversaries, and backbiters l 1 Pet. 2, 23 24. ; and wouldst thou have no enemies, nor be il spoken of? How shall thy patience be crowned, if thou sustain no adversity m 2. Tim. 2, 3 4. 5. ? And if thou wilt not be contraried in any thing, how wilt thou be the friend of Christ n joh. 15, 13 14. 20. ? But make thou an account to suffer tribulation both with Christ o Rom. 8, 17 , and for Christ p 1. Pe. 4, 14 , if thou desire to reign with Christ q 2. Tim. 2, verse. 11. 12. . Oh hadst thou but once entered into the secret closet of jesus, and felt but even a very little of the heat of his love, thou wouldst not only make none account either of prosperity, or adversity in this world r Luke. 5, 11 Luke. 9, 23. , but also even rejoice when thou art defamed s Acts. 5, 41. ! For the love of Christ makes a man even to despise himself t Roman. 8, vers. 35, etc. Philip. 3, 8. . I say the true spiritual man, which is void of inordinate desires, and loveth jesus unfeignedly, can both turn himself freely unto God, and ravished in spirit above himself, quietly enjoy him u Phil. 3, 20. . He, to whom all things seem as they are in deed, not as they are esteemed in the vain opinion of man, is doubtless a wise man, and rather taught of God x Esa. 54, 13. john. 6, 65. , than of men. He that hath learned to abide within, and to make small account of outward things, neither seeketh a place y 1. Tim. 2, 8 , nor expecteth leisure to exercise himself in godliness z Galat. 6, 9 10. 1. Thess. 3, 10 . The inward man can quickly call himself home, inasmuch as he never is altogether abroad. Neither outward labour can let him, nor necessary business stay him for a time: but as every thing falleth out, so doth he apply himself a Rom. 8, 38 39 . He that is well prepared, and reform inwardly, is nothing troubled with the wonderful, and perverse behaviour of the world b Psal. 56, 4. 1. Cor. 4, 3. . Look how greatly a man draweth business unto himself, so much is he hindered, and distracted. Wert thou well settled, & throughlie purged, all things would be for thy good, and profit c Rom. 8, 28 . But for that thou art not plainly dead unto thyself d 1. Pet. 2, 1. 2, 3. Coloss. 3, 5. , nor separated wholly from earthly things, many things displease, and trouble thee oftentimes. Nothing doth so defile, and snarl the mind of man, as the impure desire of earthly things e Titus. 2, 12 . Wherefore if thou wilt despise the consolation which this world doth minister f 1. joh. 2, 15 , thou shalt more easily both behold celestial things, and inwardly rejoice. Chap. 2. Of Patience, and humility, two virtues necessary to be in a Christian. CAre not greatly who is on thy side, or against thee a Psal. 56, 4. 2. Cor. 1, 12. , but care to please God in all thy doings, and to have a good conscience: so will God defend thee right well. And whom he defendeth, none can hurt b Rom. 8, 31 . If thou hast learned to hold thy peace, and to be patient c Psa. 27, 14 , doubt thou not but God will aid thee from above. He knoweth when to deliver thee d 2. Pet. 2, 9 ; therefore oughtest thou to commit thyself to his pleasure. It is God that aideth e Psa. 121, 2. , and delivereth man from shame, and rebuke. It is many-times good, to bring us more and more down, to have our vices known, and reprehended of others f Ps. 119, 67 71. . When a man humbleth himself for his offences, he easily pacifieth such as are offended, and with small ado cometh into favour again. The humbled man doth GOD protect, and save g Psa. 34, 18 ; to the humble he humbleth himself, yea the humble hath many things at his hands h jam. 4, 6 ; the humble he exalteth unto glory i 1. Pet. 5, 6. Prou. 22, 4. ; and to the humble he both revealeth his secrets k Luk. 10, 21 , and offereth himself l isaiah. 66, ●. . The humble man, be he never so much injuried, or backbited, is always quiet in mind: because he trustethin God, not on the world m Psal. 23, 4. . Think not to come forward in religion any whit, unless thou think thyself inferior unto all n james. 4, 6 . Chap. 3. That we ought to be at peace both with ourselves, and with all men. BE first of all at peace with thyself a Psa. 51, 12 13. : and then shalt thou pacify others b Matt. 5, 9 . A quiet man doth more good, than a learned. The contentious construeth a good thing on the ill part, and hearkeneth unto evil c Prou. 17, 4 : But a good, and quiet man turneth all things to the best d Pro. 15, 18 . The quiet man conceiveth sinisterly of no man e 1. Cor. 13, verse. 5. : but the unquiet, and suspicious, will neither be quiet himself, nor suffer others to be at rest; he both speaketh that many-times which he ought not, and doth not that which he should; he considereth what is another man's duty, and neglecteth his own f joh. 21, 21 22. . Wherefore do first thine own duty: and then look that another man do his g Matt. 7, 5. . Thou hast the trick how to colour, and excuse thine own deeds h Rom. 2, 1. 3. yet will thou not allow the excuses of another. But reason would, thou shouldest excuse another, and accuse thyself i Pro. 10, 12. Prou. 17, 9 1. Pet 4, 8. . If thou wouldst be borne withal, be are thou with another: and see how far thou art as yet from true patience, and charity, which fretteth and is offended with none but with itself k 1. Cor. 13, verse. 4. 5. 6. 7. . To dwell with good, and quiet men it is no hard matter, for all men naturally do like thereof, and every man desireth quietness, and love such again as love them l Matt. 5, 46. 47. . But to live quietly with crabbed, and froward fellows, with enemies, and il conditioned men, is doubtless the part of a man in deed deserving commendation m Mat. 5, 44 45. . Some are at peace both with themselves, and with others n Roma. 12, vers. 18, etc. : Some will neither be quiet themselves, nor suffer others o Prou. 6, 19 Rom. 3, 17. ; these are ill to themselves, but worse to others. Again some both keep themselves in charity p Prou. 3, 30 , and study to bring others unto concord q Matt. 5, 9 . And yet all the peace which we have in this miserable life, doth rather consist in patiented suffering r Luk. 21, 19 , than in not feeling adversity. The more a man knoweth how to suffer miseries, the more quietness doth he enjoy: and such a man is a victorious conqueror of himself s Matt. 5, 38. 39 ; a Lord of the world t Rom. 8, 37 ; a friend of Christ u joh. 15, 13 14. ; and an heir of heaven x Rom. 8, 17 32. Matth. 5, 10. . Chap. 4. Of pureness in mind, and plainness in meaning. MAn is carried over earthly things with two wings, to wit with plainness a Matt. 6, 16 , and pureness b Matt. 6, 22 2. Cor. 1, 12. . Plainness is of meaning, pureness is of the mind; that mindeth God, this apprehendeth, and tasteth what he is c Matth. 5, 8 Psalm. 24, 4. . No good action shall hinder thee, if thy mind be free from all inordinate affections d Matt. 6, 22 23. . If thou only seek, and mind to please God, & to profit others, thou shalt enjoy the freedom of mind e Psal. 1, 2. 3. Psal. 27, 14. . Were thy mind upright, the whole world were nought unto thee but even a glass to frame thy life, and a book of godly instructions f Rom. 1, 19 20. . For nothing is there so small, & vile, but it representeth the goodness of God g Psalm. 8, 2. Psalm. 19, 1. 2. . And if thy mind were good, and pure, thou shouldest easily behold, and well perceive all things h Matt. 6, 22 . For a pure mind penetrateth both into heaven i Matt. 5, 8. , and hell: & as a man's mind is, so doth he judge of things k Matt. 6, 23 . If there be any joy, the man which hath a pure heart doth enjoy the same l Psal. 51, 10. 6 : and if there be any sorrow, and misery, he hath it which hath a guilty conscience m Esa. 57, 20 21. isaiah. 48, 22. . As fire taketh away the rust from iron, and maketh it bright: so doth repentance wipe away wickedness, & maketh of a sinner a new man n Deu. 4, 29. 30. 31. . A man that is but warm in godliness, flieth even the least pains, and seeketh outward comfort o Pro. 19, 15 24. ; but would he once earnestly begin to subdue himself, and stoutly take the ready way to a virtuous life, doubtless those things which at the first he counted grievous, will seem light, and easy p Matth. 11, verse. 29. 30. . Chap. 5. Of the consideration of a man's self. WE ought not overmuch to trust to ourselves a Prou. 3, 5. Luk. 18, 11. 2. Cor. 1, 9 : for many-times we lack both grace, and wil Small is the judgement which we have b john. 1, 9 , and that also we may easily forego by negligence c Matt. 25, 8 . And yet, so blind are we, many-times we perceive not so much: and many-times when we sin, we excuse our wickedness; yea, & through a blind affection, suppose it to be zeal, which is worst of all d 1. Cor. 2. 14 . We reprehend others for small things: and overpass great offences in ourselves e Matt. 7, 4. . We can quickly see when we are injuried, and will not easily put up wrong: but how we injury others ourselves we never call into mind. Assuredly would a man rightly, and wisely consider his own doings f Matth. 18, verse. 32. 33. Luk. 7, 37. 38. 39 , he should find no cause why to condemn another. The godly man hath a greater care of himself, than of any thing beside: and he which looketh to himself diligently, will speak but little of another. Look not to prove godly, and religious, unless thou bridle thy tongue from talking of others, and have a through insight into thyself g 1. Cor. 11, verse. 28. 31. 2. Cor. 13, 5. . If thou give thy mind wholly to know thyself, and to do the will of God, no outward thing shall move, or trouble thee h Phil. 3, 7. 8. 2. Cor. 4, 16 . Where art thou while thou art not with thyself? or when thou hast overpast all things, what art thou the better, if thou neglect thyself i Mat 16, 26 Mark. 8, 36. Luke. 9, 25. joh. 12, 25. ? Thou must of necessity neglect all other things and think hereof, if thou mind to attain unto peace, and quietness: yea thou shalt mightily increase, if thou cast of worldly cares k Mat. 6, 25. Luk. 12, 22. Philip. 4, 6. ; & contrariwise as greatly decrease, if thou make any account of earthly things l 1. Tim. 6, 8. 9 10. 1. Pet. 5, 7. . Count nothing wonderful, nothing excellent, nothing grateful, nothing acceptable, but either God, or that which is of God m 1. john. 2, verse. 15. 16. 17. 1. joh. 4, 21. : as for worldly pleasure deem it but vain n 1. Cor. 7, verse. 30. 31. 1 john. 2, 15. 17. . The soul which loveth God, in respect of GOD, contemneth all things o Phili. 3, 7. 8. . God alone which is eternal p 1. Tim. 1, verse. 17. , infinite q job. 11, 7. , and incomprehensible r 1. Kings. 8, verse. 27. , is the comfort of the soul, and the true joy of heart s 1. Ioh 4, 16 Sirach. 1, 11. 12. . Chap. 6. The joy of a good conscience. THe glory of a good man consisteth in the testimony of a good conscience a 2 Cor. 1, 12 . If thy conscience be good, thou hast continual joy b Prou. 15, verse. 15. . A man that hath a good conscience endureth much c Roman. 8, vers. 35, etc. , yea rejoiceth in adversity d james. 1, verse. 2, etc. : but a wicked man is evermore timorous e Gen. 3, 8. , and unquiet f Gen. 4, 5. 6. isaiah. 57, 20. 21. . Sweet willbe thy sleep, if thy conscience accuse thee not g Psal. 3, 5. . Rejoice not, but in well doing h 1. Cor. 13, 6 . Wicked men at no time rejoice in deed, neither feel the peace of a godly mind: for, as saith the Lord i Esa. 48, 22. isaiah. 57, 21. , There is no peace unto the wicked. And though they say they live in peace, & can never be molested with adversity, nor injuried by man, believe them not. For suddenly shall the heavy displeasure of God so fall upon them k Rom. 1, 28 Rom. 2, 8. 9 1. Thess. 5, 3. , that both their doings shall come to nought, and themselves utterly consume away. For a godly man to rejoice in tribulation is no hard thing l Rom. 5, 2. 3. 2. Co. 12, 10 Galat. 6, 14. james. 1, 2. : and so to rejoice, is to rejoice of God's fatherly care. Vain is the praise which is either ascribed, or received of men m joh. 5, 41. 44. john. 12, 43 . The praise of the righteous is in their conscience n 2. Co. 1, 12 , not in the tongue of men. The righteous rejoice of GOD, in God o Psal. 9, 2. 14. jerem. 9, 24. 1. Cor. 1, 31 2. Cor. 10, 17 , and in the truth p 1. Cor. 13. verse. 6. . He that seeketh for true, and eternal glory, contemneth worldly praise q Ioh 8, 54. Galat. 6, 14. : but he that either coveteth, or doth not contemn temporal, he doubtless weigheth but little celestial glory r joh. 12, 43. . Great quietness hath he that careth neither for praise, nor dispraise s 1. Cor. 4, 3. . And he is well content and quiet whatsoever his condition be, which hath a clear conscience t 2. Cor. 1, 12 . If thou be'st praised, thou art not the better; nor the worse, if thou art dispraised: what thou art, thou art; and greater thou art not, than God accounteth thee to be u 1. Sam. 16, verse. 7. . Consider what thou art within, & way not what thou art thought to be abroad x 1. Cor. 4, 3 . Man beholdeth the countenance, but God the heart y 1. Chr. 28, verse. 9 Psalm. 7, 9 jere. 11, 20. jere. 17, 10. jere. 20, 12. Rom. 8, 27. : and man judgeth of the deeds, but God of the mind, and intent. Evermore to do well, and to count basely of a man's own self z Roma. 12, verse. 10. , is a singular token of a modest mind. So is it an argument of rare integrity, and faith, to contemn the comfort of worldly things. He that seeketh no record elsewhere a joh. 5, 34. 41. , hath doubtless wholly addicted himself to the service of God. For he that praiseth himself, saith Paul b 2 Cor 10, verse. 18. , is not allowed, but he whom the Lord praiseth. To deal with God in mind c Psal. 16, 7▪ 8. 9 Acts. 2, 26. 46. 47. , and never to be moved outwardly with any perturbation, is the property of him that is a spiritual man. Chap. 7. That our Saviour Christ is to be loved above all things. BLessed is he which knoweth what it is to love jesus, and for his cause to contemn all things a Mark. 8, 34 35. Luke. 9, 23. 24. . For loves sake even the beloved must be left: in as much as jesus willbe loved above all things b Matt. 10, verse. 37. Luk. 14, 26. . The love of earthly things is deceitful, and frail: but the love of jesus doth endure, and continue. He which loveth worldly things, shall perish therewithal c 1. joh. 2, 17 : but he that embraceth jesus abideth ever d joh. 3, 16. . Love him, & retain his good will, which when all things vade away will never forsake thee e Mat. 28, 20 john. 14, 16. , nor suffer thee to perish f john. 6, 37 38. 39 40. . Will thou, nil thou, one day thou must leave this world g job. 14, 5. Psalm. 39, 5. : and therefore stick to Christ both in life, and death h Rom. 14, verse. 8, etc. Phil. 1, 21. reve. 14, 13 , commit thee unto him which alone can help thee when all things fail. This thy friend is of that nature, that he will only be loved, he alone claimeth thy mind for himself, and he alone will sit there like a King in his throne. Therefore have thou no fellowship with earthly things i Luk. 9, 24. Luke. 19, 8. 9 , and jesus gladly will abide with thee. Thou shalt find that well nigh lost, whatsoever is spent upon any besides jesus. Neither trust, nor stay upon a wavering reed k 2. King. 18, verse. 21. Esaie. 36, 6. . For all flesh is grass, and all the grace thereof, is as the flower of the field l Esaie. 40, 6. . If thou trust in man m jere. 17, 5 thou shalt easily be deceived: yea if thou seek comfort, and profit by any other thing, thou shalt sustain great loss n Phil. 3, 7. . If thou seek jesus in all things, thou shalt find jesus; but if thou seek thyself, thou shalt find thyself, but to thy damnation o Matth. 10, vers. 37, etc. Matth. 16, vers. 24, etc. john. 12, 25. . For whosoever seeketh not jesus, doth more hurt himself, than all the world again, and his enemies beside can do. Chap. 8. Of the familiarity with jesus. WHile jesus is present all things go well, and seem comfortable: but when he is absent, nothing is sweet a john. 16, 6 . If jesus speak not in the mind of man, little good can worldly comfort do him: but speak he but a word, and great joy shall he feel b joh. 16, 22 . So Marry Magdalene arose quickly from the place where she wept c joh. 11, 29 28. as soon as she heard by Martha that the Master was come, and called for her. Happy is the hour wherein jesus calleth from tears unto the joy of the Spirit d joh. 16, 22 . How hard, and dry art thou without jesus e john. 15, 6 ? How vain, and foolish if thou desire any thing without jesus? Greater shall be thy loss if thou do so, than if thou shouldest lose the whole world f Philip. 3, 8. 1. john 2, 17 Matt. 16, 26. . For what can the world do without jesus g Mat. 28, 18 john. 17, 2. ? To be without jesus is a bitter death: but to abide with him, is even a pleasant life h Psal. 27, 1. john. 14, 6. . If Christ be with thee, what enemy can hurt i Rom. 8, 31 38. 39 john. 10, 28. ? He which findeth jesus, findeth a good treasure, or rather the chiefest felicity k Coloss. 2, 2 3. : he which loseth jesus, loseth too much. What said I too much? He loseth more, than if he lost the whole world l Mark. 8, 36 . He that liveth without jesus, is most miserable m Matth. 19, vers. 21, etc. : but he whom jesus favoureth, is for riches most wealthy n joh. 17, 2. 3. . To live with jesus, is great cunning; and to know how to keep him is most singular wisdom o joh. 8, 31. . Be thou meek, and lowly p Matth 11, verse. 29. , and jesus will come to thee. Yea, be thou godly, and quiet, and jesus will abide with thee q john. 14, vers. 15, etc. . But turn thou once unto outward things r Galat. 4, 9 Coloss. 2, 20 , and thou dost make him forsake thee, and so lose his favour. And if he once forsake thee, unto whom wilt thou fly s john 6, 68 Hebr. 6, 4. 5. 6. ? or what friends wilt thou find? Without a friend thou canst not long live: and if jesus be not thy friend before all others, thou shalt mourn without measure, when he once doth leave thee t Sal. song. 5, verse. 6. . And therefore thou dost foolishly, if thou either trust, or rejoice in any besides him u jere. 9, 23. 24. jerem. 17, 5 Galat. 6, 14. . Better were it to have the whole world against thee, than Christ jesus alone x Rom. 8, 31 38. 39 . Wherefore before all things which thou lovest, love jesus best y Matth. 10, verse. 37. Luk. 14, 26. : love others for jesus sake, but love jesus for his own. He alone must singularly be loved, because he alone is the good and faithful friend z john. 15, vers. 13, etc. 1. john. 3, 16 1. john. 4, 10 19 . For him, and in him thou must love both friend, and foe a Matth. 5, vers 43, etc. ; and pray him, that all men b 1. Tim. 2, 1. may know, and love him. Never covet thou any singular praise, or love c jere. 9, 23. Dan. 4, 34. ; for that belongeth unto God, who hath none equal d Dan. 3, 29. . Neither wish to have any body addicted unto thee e 1. Cor. 3, 3 verse. 4, etc. , nor do thou in ordinatelie love any man f 1. Cor. 7, verse. 23. : but let jesus be in thee, and in all good men g Gal. 1, 10. . Have thou a pure mind h Matt. 5, 8. , void from all hindrance of worldly things i jam. 1, 21. . For thou must be pure, and bring an upright mind unto jesus, if thou wilt behold, and see how sweet the Lord is k Matth. 5, 8. Psal. 34, 8. Psalm. 24, 4. . And doubtless thou shalt never come to that point, unless God prevent thee, and draw thee l john. 6, 44. , whereby thou mayest reject, and renounce all things, & be coupled to him alone m Luk. 5, 11 . For if thou be in God's favour, nothing is there, which thou canst not do n Mark 9, verse. 23. Philip. 4, 13. : but if that be gone, thou art poor, and feeble, & left as it were to the whip o Ps. 104, 29 . Now if thou feel the want thereof, thou oughtest not to cast down thyself, or despair p james. 1, verse. 2, etc. 12. , but patiently abide the good pleasure of God, and bear all chances to the praise of Christ jesus q 1. Pet. 1, 6. 7. . For summer followeth winter; & after night day comes; and fair weather after storms r Tob. 3, 22 . Chap. 9 Of the want of comfort. IT is none hard thing to contemn worldly comfort, while thou feelest heavenly a Psa. 94, 19 : but to lack both worldly, and heavenly consolation b Matth. 27, verse. 46. , and willingly to bear the banishment of the mind for the glory of God; and neither to seek thyself in any thing, nor to respect desert, is doubtless a great matter, or rather the greatest of al. For what great thing is it to be merry, and godly, while God favoureth c Psa. 94, 19 ? who doth not wish to see that hour? He rideth cheerfully, whom the grace of God carrieth: and what marvel if he feel no burden, which is borne of the almighty d Esa. 10, 20. Mat. 11, 28. and led by the best guide? Greatly do we delight ourselves with some one thing of this world or other, and hardly can man forsake himself altogether e Matth. 19, vers. 22, etc. Luke 9, 23. Luk. 18, 22. ; therefore mightily, and a long while must he strive, before he can learn to subdue himself, and draw all his senses under the obedience of God. As long as man dependeth on himself he will easily slide unto worldly delights: but the unfeigned lover of Christ, and earnest follower of virtue, neither inclineth unto those comforts, nor seeketh such delight of senses, but rather vehement exercises, and sore labours for the love of Christ f Luk. 9, 23. 24. 2. Corin. 4, verse. 8, etc. Galat. 6, 14. . Therefore if at any time spiritual comfort be given thee from above, receive the same with thanksgiving, and think that it is God's gift g 1. Cor. 4, 7 , not that thou dost deserve it, and be not puffed up therewithal h Coloss. 2, verse. 18. . Be not high minded, or proud because of thy gift i Roma. 11, verse. 20. , but so much the more humble rather, and in all thy doings circumspect, and fearful. For the time of comfort will pass away, and tentation will follow. And though thy consolation be gone, despair not out of hand, but look for help from above and that with modesty, and patience k Rom. 5, 3. Rom. 15, 4. james. 1, 2. 3. . For GOD is able to endue thee with a more ample benefit, & consolation l 2. Corin. 1, verse. 3, etc. . Neither is this a new thing, and strange to such as tread in the paths of godliness m Psalm. 94, verse. 1, etc. 2. Cor. 7, 4. 5. Acts. 14, 19 . For men of greatest holiness, and the old Prophets have tasted such alteration many times n Ps. 34, 19 . And therefore said one upholden by the power of God, on this wise o Psal. 30, 6. , In my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. But what happened unto him when that was taken away, he joineth afterward in these words: But thou 7. didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. Yet for all that he despaired not, but so much the more earnestly prayed unto God, saying: Then I cried unto 8. thee, O Lord, and prayed to my Lord. At the last he obtained the end of his prayer, and confesseth that he was heard, when he said: O Lord my 2. God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast restored me. But wherein? Thou hast 11. turned my mourning into joy, thou hast loosed my sack, and girded me with gladness. Now if these things have happened to men of such wonderful holiness, we miserable and poor souls should not despair p Rom. 15, 4 Revel. 3, 19 though we be sometime in cold, and sometime in heat, as much as the spirit goeth, and cometh at his pleasure q john. 3, 8. . Therefore saith job r job. 7, 17. 18. : Thou dost so magnify him, that thou settest thine heart upon him; and dost visit him every morning, and triest him every moment. So then in what thing should I hope, or to whom should I trust, but only to the infinite, and heavenly mercy of almighty God s Psalm. 5, 11 12. Psal. 20, 7. Psal. 28, 7. Psal. 56, 11. Psalm. 146, verse. 5, etc. ? For be it that I have about me good, and godly brethren, and faithful friends, and holy books, and pleasant speech, and sweet music, yet little doth all this help, little doth it comfort, if, being forsaken of God t Ps. 119, 50. 92. 2. Cor. 1, 3. 4. , I am left to myself. At that time the best remedy is patience u Luk. 21, 19 , and the denying of myself x Luk. 9, 23. according to the will of God. For my part I never yet found man so religious, that hath not felt sometime the lack of God's assistance, and at sometime been cooler in zeal than at others: Neither hath any godly man been so carried aloft, and illuminated, but either sooner, or later, or at one time or other he hath been tempted y Roman. 7, vers. 14, etc. 2. Cor. 12, 7 Galat. 5, 17. james. 1, 2. . He is not worthy to behold God in deep contemplation, who hath felt no misery for God's sake z job. 5, 17. Matt. 5, 10. james. 1, 12 . For commonly the tentation that goeth afore, is a sign of consolation to come afterward a Psa. 94, 12 13. 2. Cor. 1, 7. . And they, which are tried with tentation, are promised the joys of heaven b jam. 1, 12. Matth. 5, 10 . To him that overcometh, saith the Spirit c Revel. 2, 7 , will I give to eat of the tree of life. Furthermore God sendeth his comfort, that man may be the stronger to bear adversity d Rom. 5, 2. 3. james. 1, 3. 4. . And tentation followeth, that he wax not proud of his gift e 2. Cor. 12, verse. 7. . Satan sleepeth not f 1. Pet. 5, 8. , and the flesh is not yet dead g Rom. 7, 23 Rom. 8, 5. Galathi. 5, vers. 16, etc. : therefore at all times prepare thyself unto battle h 1. Tim. 6, verse. 12. 2. Tim. 2, 3. 2. Tim. 4, 5. : for on every side thou hast troublesome enemies i Psal. 91, 7. . Chap. 10. Of thankfulness unto God for his benefits. WHat seekest thou for quietness, seeing thou art borne unto labour a Gen. 3, 19 job. 5, ●. ? Give thyself to patience b Luke. 21, verse. 19 rather than to pleasure; and to bear the cross, than to delectation c Eccle. 7, 4. . For what worldling is there which would not willingly enjoy spiritual comfort, if he might at all times? as that which surpasseth all the joys of the world, & pleasures of the flesh d joh. 16, 22. Philip. 4, 7. . For all worldly delights are either vain, or vile e 2. Pet. 2, vers. 13, etc. : but the joys of the Spirit are only sweet, only honest, springing of virtue, and powered into pure minds of God himself f Roma. 14, verse. 17. Rom. 15, 13. 32. 1. john. 1, 4. . But these heavenly consolations are of that nature, that no man can keep them at his pleasure; forasmuch as tentation ceaseth not any long time g Luke. 4, verse. 2 etc. 2. Cor. 12, 7. . Two things are great enemies to this heavenly joy, false freedom of the mind h isaiah. 66▪ 3. , and too much confidence in ourselves i jerem. 17, verse. 5, etc. . God doth well, which bestoweth on man the benefit of his comfort; but man doth ill, which doth not with thanksgiving k 1. Thess. 5, verse. 18. acknowledge God to be the giver of the same l 1. Cor. 4, 7. james. 1, 17. . Hence it is that God poureth not his benefits upon us; even because we are ungrateful, and send not all things back unto the spring of the fountain m 1. Cor. 12, verse 6, etc. Hebr. 2, 6. 7. 8. . He which giveth thanks, beggeth a new benefit: and that is commonly taken from the proudly ungrateful n Matth. 18, vers. 32, etc. Matt. 25, 28 , which is bestowed upon the modestly thankful. I like not that comfort which taketh from me all sorrow for sin o Luk. 6, 24 25. 26. : neither desire I that knowledge that makes me forget myself p 1. Cor. 8, 1 . For all that is high, is not holy; neither is every desire pure; nor all that is sweet, wholesome; nor every thing that liketh man, pleaseth God q Luk. 16, ●3 . But those benefits are welcome unto me, which make me humbler than I was before r Luk. 9, 48. Rom 11, 20 1. Corin. 3, vers. 18, etc. ; and readier to forsake myself s Luk. 9, 23. . He whom God hath schooled both by prosperity, and adversity, will arrogate nothing unto himself t 1. Cor. 4, 7 : but confess rather his nakedness, and misery t job. 1, 21. Eccles. 5, 14 1. Tim. 6, 7. . Give unto GOD that which is Gods, and ascribe unto thyself, that which is thine: that is, give GOD thanks for his benefits u 1. Thess. 5, verse. 18. , and ascribe sin to thyself x Dan. 9, 5. 8. , & for sin think thou deservest punishment y Deut. 28, verse. 15. 16, etc. . Take the lowest room, and the highest shall be given thee z Prou. 25, 6 7. Luke. 14, 8. 9 10. Mat. 23, 12. : for without the lowest, there cannot be highest. Those whom God accounteth chiefest for holiness, they esteem themselves for vilest: and the more glorious they are, the more humbly they behave themselves, being full of celestial truth and glory a 1. Cor. 1, 31 , not of vain glory desirous. They which depend upon God, never wax insolent; and they, which ascribe unto God whatsoever good thing they have, receive not praise one of another b john. 5, 44 , but seek it of God, whom they wish might be extolled above all things, both of themselves, and of all other holy men; and to him ward always they tend c Psal. 34, 3. 9 11. 1. Thess. 5, 11 14. 15. . Wherefore be thankful in small things, so shalt thou be meet to attain greater d Matth. 25, verse. 21. 23. . Albeit account even the least, and vilest gifts, for glorious and greatest. For if you respect the majesty of the giver e james. 1, 17 ; no reward or gift ought to seem vile, or little. For that is no small gift which the most high God giveth, whatsoever it be: yea if he give thee stripes, and correction, thou oughtest to receive it in good worth, inasmuch as it maketh always to our welfare whatsoever he sendeth or suffereth to come unto us. He that would keep the favour of God, let him both be thankful for benefits given f Coloss. 3, verse. 17. , and patiented if they be taken aware g Colo. 1, 11 ; that they may come again, let him pray: and lest he lose them when they are come, let him be wise, and humble. Chap. 11. The small number that love Christ unfeignedly. CHrist hath now adays many that love his heavenly kingdom a Luk. 9, 59 Luke. 18, 18. Matt. 19, 16. 22. but few that will bear his cross: many that desire comfort, but few adversity b Matt. 7, 13. 14. : many partakers of his meat c john. 6, 26 27. , but few of his continency. All men would rejoice with Christ d Matth. 20, vers. 20, etc. , but few sustain adversity with him e Matth. 26, verse. 56. Mar. 14, 50. . Many follow jesus even to the breaking of bread f john 6, 26. ; but few to drink of his cup g Luke. 22, verse. 54. : Many honour him for his miracles h Mar. 7, 37. ; but few follow the shame of his cross i Gala. 3, 13. : Many love him, while prosperity doth last k Mark. 10. verse. 37, 38. ; and many praise, yea & thank him while they receive any comfort at his hands l john 6, 14. 15. : but if he but hide himself, and forsake them for a while, they fall either to bitter complaining, or to utter despair. But they which love jesus, not for any pleasure that they look to find, but for jesus sake, they as well in misery, and sorrow, as in prosperity commend him m Mat. 5, 10. 11. 12. Acts. 5, 41. Rom 5, 3. Rom. 12, 12. , and thank him evermore: which they will always do, albeit he should never give them any comfort at al. Such is the force of the unfeigned love of Christ, it seeketh neither outward profit, nor itself n 1 Cor. 13, 5 . So that as many as seek always for pleasure may rightly be termed hirelings o joh. 10, 12. 13. : and such as hunt after profit and lucre p Matth. 10, vers. 37, etc. john. 12, 4. 5. 6. , love themselves, more than Christ out of doubt. How many will serve Christ freely without gain q Matt. 10, 8. ? Or who is so spiritual that will forsake all r Luk. 18, 28 Matt. 19, 27 ? I say, who can find him that is truly poor in spirit s Matt. 5, 3. , & bare from all worldly things? that precious fellow may be sought the whole world over. If a man feed the poor with all his goods t 1. Cor. 13, verse. 3. , he hath yet done nothing; and if he chastise himself with sorrow for his sins, it is yet too little; and though he knew all secrets, and 2. all knowledge, he is yet far from the mark; yea were he most singularly 3. virtuous, and could burn for religion, yet lacks he something, even one thing which is needful u Luke. 10. verse. 42. . And what is that? Even that, when he hath forsaken all things, he forsake himself x Luk. 5, 11. Luke. 9, 23. ; and going wholly out of himself, retain no piece of self, or private love within him y Matth. 10, verse. 37. 38, etc. . When he hath done, which he knows should be done, let him think that nothing he hath done; neither let him glory in that he may be great, but confess rather that he is an unprofitable servant, even as the truth itself doth say z Luke. 17, verse. 10. : When ye have done all things, which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: We have done but that which was our duty to do. Then at length will he find himself needy, and naked in spirit a Matt. 5, 3. , & may say with that Prophet b Psal. 86, 1. , I am poor and needy. And yet notwithstanding none is richer, none freer, none mightier than he which can forsake the world, and himself too c Luke 5, 11. Luk. 18, 29. 30. , and debase himself even under the basest things d Phil. 2, 5. 6. 7. 8. . Chap. 12. Of patiented bearing the cross of Christ. THis seemeth a hard saying to many, Forsake thyself a Matth. 16, verse. 24. Mark. 8, 34. Luke. 9, 23. , take up thy cross, and follow me: But those last words will be much harder b Matth. 25, verse. 41. , Depart fro me ye cursed into everlasting fire. For they which now gladly do hear, and follow the saying of the cross, shall not then dread the heavy sentence of eternal punishment c Psa. 112, 6. 10. . Then all the servants of the cross, which have lived after the example of him that was crucified, shall approach unto Christ with great boldness d Wisd. 5, 1. Matt. 19, 28 29. Luk. 22, 28. . Why then fearest thou the cross, which is the way unto heaven e Luke. 24, verse. 26 Rom 8, 17. 2. Tim. 2, 11. 12. ? In the cross salvation is; in the cross, life; in the cross, aid against enemies; in the cross, celestial comfort; in the cross, strength of mind; joy of the spirit is in the cross; in the cross, the chiefest virtue; perfection of holiness is in the cross; finally without the cross there is neither salvation of the soul, nor hope of eternal life f Gala. 2, 19 Galat. 6, 14. . Wherefore take up thy cross, and follow Christ, and thou shalt go unto eternal life g Luk. 9, 23 24. john. 12, 25. 26. . He went before thee bearing his one cross h joh. 19, 17 , and for thy sake died on the cross i Gala. 3, 13. 1. Pet 2, 24. , that thou also mightest bear the cross, and desire to die upon the same k 1. Pet. 2, vers. 21, etc. . For if thou die with him, thou also shalt live with him; if thou suffer with him, thou shalt also reign with him l 2. Tim. 2, 11 12 Matt. 19, 28. Luk. 22, 28 29 . For know this, in the cross, and in dying all things do consist, neither is there any other way unto life and quietness, than by the cross, and daily mortifying of thyself m Rom. 6, 3. 4. Galat. 6, 14. Coloss. 3, 5. . wheresoever thou turnest thyself, or castest thine eyes, thou shalt find neither above, nor beneath, a better way unto bliss, than by the cross n Luke. 24, verse. 26. Acts. 14, 22. . Though thou set all things in never so good order, yet can it not be avoided, but something thou must suffer either voluntarily, or against thy will o Sirac. 2, 1. , & always run upon the cross. For either sickness of body, or sorrow of mind will vex thee. Either God will forsake, or man afflict, or (which worser is,) thou wilt be a burden to thyself: and that in such sort, as no remedy can salve, nor comfort quite thee, but of necessity thou must bear it, as long as God thinks good p Phil. 1, 23. . For it is Gods will to have thee suffer misery without comfort q Matth. 27, verse. 46. , that thou mayst submit thyself wholly unto him, and be more humble through adversity r Ps. 119, 67 71. . No man so feeleth the pains of Christ in his mind, as he which hath suffered the like himself s Gal. 6, 17. Philip. 2. 17. 30. . So that the cross is prepared, and abideth for thee in every place, neither shalt thou escape it, run where thou wilt t joh. 16, 1. 2. 20. Galat. 6, 12 : for wheresoever thou becomest, thou bearest thyself about, and shalt find thyself always u Rom. 7, 14 . Turn thee upward, turn thee downward, turn thee outward, or turn thee inward, everywhere thou mayst find the cross; and always thou must have patience, if thou wilt enjoy the peace of mind, & crown of rest x Luk. 9, 24 Luk. 21, 19 . If thou wilt carry the cross willingly, the cross will carry thee even to the desired end, namely where misery hath an end y Reu. 7, 17. , which will not be in this world z joh. 16, 20 33. . But if thou bear it grudginglie, thou dost increase thy burden, and press down thyself the more, and yet must thou bear it do what thou canst a Prou. 14, 14 . If thou escapest one misery, thou shalt assuredly fall into another b Matth. 19, vers. 22, etc. 2. Tim. 3, 12 13. judith. 8, 11. 14. , and perhaps into a worser. Thinkest thou to escape that which no mortal man could ever yet c job 5, 7. 17. job. 14, 1. ? What man ever lived in the world without his cross, and misery d Ps. 34, 19 Acts. 14, 15. 22. ? Yea even our Lord & Saviour Christ was no one hour without grief, & trouble while he lived here on earth e Luk. 9, 22. . For Christ suffered f Luke. 24, verse. 26. , and so entered into his glory, and wilt thou seek another path: and not walk in this kingly high way? The whole life of Christ was even a mere cross, and vexation g Esaie. 53, 3 john. 7, 7. john. 15, 18. , and wilt thou seek for rest, and quietness? Thou art out of the way, surely thou art out of the way, if thou lookest for any thing but misery in this world: seeing the whole life of mortal man is full of troubles, and compassed about with calamities h job. 14, 1. 22. . And the more godly a man is, the more often doth he suffer adversity, for the soarnes of his affliction increaseth through his love of God i Rom. 8, 35. 36. 2. Co. 12, 10 Philip. 1, 14. 20. 21. . And yet is not this man of whom we speak without comfort, inasmuch as he believeth that by this cross he shall reap much fruit k Psa. 94, 19 Rom 5, 3. james. 1, 3. . For whilst willingly he cometh under the cross, it falleth out that the whole burden of troubles is turned upon the confidence of God's heavenly comfort l Psal. 34, 22 Psalm. 91, 2. 9 2. Cor. 7, 11. : and the more the flesh by calamity is weakened, the more the Spirit is confirmed by the comfort of mind m Roman. 7, vers. 23, etc. Roman. 8, vers. 10, etc. 2. Cor. 4, 16. . Yea so is he strengthened many times through the feeling of troubles, and adversity (of such force is his love which suffereth after the ensample of Christ n 1. Pet. 2, 21 ,) that he would not wish to be without sorrow, and affliction o Rom. 6, 5. Rom. 8, 35. 2. Tim. 2, 3. 11. 12. . For he believeth that he is the more acceptable to God, the more he can suffer for his sake p Acts 5, 41. 2. Cor. 4, 16. 17. 18. . And yet is it not by the power of man, but of the mercy of God, that he can in his frail flesh love, and through the zeal of the spirit set upon those things q Gal. 5, 16. 24. Phil. 4, 13. 1. Tim. 1, 12. , which man by nature doth fly, and abhor. For man of himself cannot endure the cross, love affliction, tame and bring under the body, shun promotion, abide to be reviled, despise himself, yea covet to be despised, bear adversity, and contemn the prosperity of this world r Luk. 22, 32 40. 46. 2. Cor. 4, 7. 8. . If thou depend upon thyself s 2. Cor. 1, 4. thou shalt do none of these things: but if thou trust in God, he will send thee comfort from above t john. 16, 7. , whereby the world, & the flesh shallbe brought under thy subjection u 2. Co. 12, 9 10. . Yea thou shalt not fear the malice of the Devil x Psal. 91, 5. , if thou be steadfast in faith y 1. Pet. 5, 9 . Thou therefore suffer affliction as a good soldior of jesus Christ z 2. Tim. 2, 3 , who for thy sake was crucified a 1. Pet 2, 24 . Prepare thyself to suffer much adversity, and sundry incommodities in this miserable life: for as much as such is thy lot wheresoever thou becomest, or lurk where thou wilt, yea by no means shalt thou escape these troubles, but must bear them of necessity b Luke. 21, verse. 19 . Drink heartily of the lords cup c Mat. 20, 22 23. if thou desirest to be his friend and companion. And as touching consolation, refer that to the will of GOD, let him give it at his discretion: but yield thou thyself to the bearing of adversity, and let it be thy joy d Acts. 5, 41. james. 1, 2. . For the afflictions of this present time, are not answerable to the glory which shall be hereafter e Rom. 8, 18 , though thou couldst bear them all thyself. After thou art come unto that pass, that thou canst with pleasure & joy endure adversity for Christ's sake, think thou art an happy man, which hast found the kingdom of heaven here on earth f Matt. 5, 10. On the otherside, as long as it grieveth thee to bear it, so long art thou in il case, vexed every where with the flight of misery g Prou. 10, verse. 29. . But do thy duty, that is, prepare thyself to the cross, and to die, and in short time shalt thou be assisted, and find quietness h 1. Pet. 4, 12 13. . If thou wert taken up even into the third heaven with Paul i 2. Cor. 12, verse. 2. , yet wert thou not assured, that none adversity shall come to thee. I will show him, saith Christ k Acts 9, 16. , how many things he must suffer for my Name sake. So that of necessity thou must suffer, if thy mind be to love, and serve Christ evermore l Luk. 9, 23. . And would to God thou wert counted worthy to suffer for the Name of jesus m Acts. 5, 41 ; then what glory to thyself n Rom. 5, 2. , joy to the Saints of God o 1. Cor. 12, vers. 26, etc. , and profit to mankind p Colos●. 1, verse. 24. 2 Tim. 2, 1●. , would arise! For all commend patience, though few will suffer q Matth. 26, verse. 56. . Doubtless there is great cause why thou shouldest endure a little for Christ, seeing thou canst suffer a great deal more for the world r 1. Cor. 9, verse. 25. . And know this for a truth, that thou must live by dying to thyself s Roman. 6, verse. 8, etc. 2, Tim. 2, 11. . And the more a man dieth to himself, the more he liveth to God. No man is meet to comprehend celestial things, unless he can be content to bear adversity for Christ his sake t Rom. 8, 35 . To conclude, nothing is either more acceptable in the sight of God, or profitable for thyself in this life, than willing lie to suffer adversity for the Name of Christ; insomuch that, if choice were given, thou shouldest choose to suffer for Christ rather than to be refreshed with much consolation u Rom. 12, verse. 12. Galat. 6, 14. : for so shalt thou become the more like to Christ x joh. 15, 20 1. Pet. 2, 21. , and all his holy servants y Matt. 5, 11. 12. . Neither doth our coming forward consist in the store of pleasures, and comfort, but rather in bearing great evils, and adversity z Rom. 5, 3. james. 1, 2. . And if any thing had been better, or more expedient for man than to suffer misery a joh. 14, 27. , doubtless Christ would have shown the same both by words, and deeds. But now in plain words he doth counsel both his own disciples, and as many as are desirous to follow him, to bear the cross, in these words b Matth. 16, verse. 24. Mark. 8, 34 Luke. 9▪ 23. Luk. 14, 27. : If any man will follow me, let him forsake himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Therefore all things being read over and over, and put in practice, let this be the end of our speech c Acts. 14, verse. 22. : By many afflictions we must enter into the kingdom of God. Thus endeth the second Book. The third Book of the Jmitation of Christ. Chapter. 1. Of the spiritual communication between Christ, and the faithful soul. I Will ha●ken what the Lord within me will say a Psal. 85, 8. . Blessed is the soul, which heareth the Lord speaking within her, and from his mouth receiveth the word of comfort. Blessed are the ears, which can hear when God whispereth, and do nought regard the noise of the world b Psa. 38, 13. 14. . Yea blessed are the ears, which listen not to the outward sound, but to the truth speaking to the heart c Psa. 94, 12. Matt 16, 17 john. 8, 43. . Blessed are the eyes which are close from seeing outward, but open to behold inward things. Blessed are they who pierce unto spiritual things, and prepare themselves more and more by daily meditations d Psalm 1, 1. 2. to come unto the knowledge of God's heavenly mysteries. Blessed are they who rejoice in serving God, & cast of all those things as may withdraw them from so doing e Luk. 10, 41. 42. . O my soul, consider these things, & banish from thy mind carnal affections f Gal. 5, 19 20, etc. , so shalt thou understand what thy Lord God will say within thee g Psal. 85, 8. . Thus saith thy friend: I am thy Salvation h Ephes. 1, 7. Ephes. 2, 5. , thy peace i joh. 16, 33. , and thy life k john. 14, 6. ; stick unto me, and thou shalt find quietness l Matth. 11, verse. 28. 29. Ephes. 2▪ 14. . Leave all worldly things m Luk. 16, 13 Luk. 12, 15. 16, etc. Matth. 6, 24. 25. , and seek after heavenly n Luk. 12, 31 Coloss. 3, 2. . For what are all things in this world, but vain o Eccl. 2, 11. ; or what good can they do, if God forsake thee p Mat. 16, 26. Mark. 8, 36. Luke 9, 25. ? Wherefore, all things renounced, seek unfeignedly to please God q Eccle. 12, 1 13. Rom. 12, 1. 11. , that thou mayst attain unto the true felicity r Re●. 2, 26. . Chap. 2. That the truth speaketh inwardly without noise of words. SERVANT. Speak Lord; for thy servant heareth a 1 Sam. 3, verse. 10. . I am thy servant: O give me understanding b Ps. 119, 34 , that I may learn thy statutes. Incline my soul unto the words of thy mouth, even unto thy words which still down like the dew c Deut. 32, 2 . The Israelites said unto Moses in old time d Exo. 20, 19 Deut. 5, 27. Hebr. 12, 18. 19, etc. : Talk thou with us, and we will hear, but let not God talk with us, lest we die. But I pray not so, Lord, I pray not so, but with the Prophet Samuel rather I beseech thee, saying e 1. Sam. 3, verse. 10. Psal 85, 8. : Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth. And let not Moses, nor any other prophet speak to me, but thou Lord, which inspirest, and lightenest all the Prophets f 2. Pet. 1, 21 ●ohn. 1, 9 , speak thou to me. For thou canst instruct me without their help, but they can profit nought without thee g 1. Cor. 3, 7. . They may sound outwordes in mine ear, but they bring not the Spirit h joh. 14, 16 john. 15, 26 john. 16, 7. . They can speak trimly, but, if thou hold thy peace, they inflame not the mind i Matt. 7, 28. 29. . They teach the letter, but thou openest the meaning k Revel. 5, 9 . They talk of deep things, but thou unlockest the sense of that which was sealed up l Rom. 16, verse. 25. 26. Coloss. 1, 26 27. . They pronounce the commandments, but thou helpest to fulfil them. They show the way, but thou givest strength to walk in the same m 2. Pet. 1, 3 . They deal outwardly with the senses, but thou teachest and lightenest the minds n Ephes. 1, vers. 15, etc. 18. . They water, but thou givest the increase o 1. Cor. 3, 6 7. . They cry with open mouths, but thou givest wisdom unto the hearer p Ioh, 6, 68 . So then, let not Moses talk with me, but speak thou my Lord, & God, which art the everlasting truth, lest I die, and prove unfruitful: and lest, being outwardly admonished, and not inwardly inflamed, the word heard, not done q Mat. 7, 26 27. Matt. 13, 19 ; known, not loved r Rom. 2, 8. 13. ; believed, not observed s jam. 1, 22. 23, etc. , make unto my condemnation. Wherefore speak Lord, for thy servant▪ heareth t 1. Sam. 3, verse. 10. . For thou hast the words of eternal life u joh. 6, 68 . Speak to me even that which may be to the comfort of my soul; to the amendment of my life; and to the advancement of thine everlasting glory, Amen. Chap. 3. That the words of God with all reverence should be heard; and that they are not understood of most men. LORD. Son hear my words, for they are most comfortable, and excel the knowledge of Philosophers, and wise men of this world a Prou. 9▪ 10 1. Cor. 1, 18. . My words are spirit, and life b joh. 6, 63. , and are not to be weighed by the sense of man, nor drawn to serve for vain pleasure, but must be heard with silence, and received with humility and greediness. SERVANT. Blessed is the man c Ps. 94, 12. 13. , whom thou chastisest, O Lord, and teachest in thy Law, that thou mayst give him rest from the days of evil, whiles the pit is digged for the wicked. LORD. I both inspired the Prophets in old time d 2. Pet. 1, 21 2. Tim. 3, 16. , and cease not in these days to speak unto all: but many are deaf and will not hear my words e isaiah. 42, 19 20. . Most hearken unto the world rather than to God, and more gladly obey the desire of the flesh f Rom. 8, 5. 6 Galat. 5, 16. 17. , than his heavenly wil The world promiseth but temporal, and small things, and they serve it even with greediness g Luk. 16, 13 14. . I promise most excellent, and eternal things h isaiah. 64, 4 Esaie. 23, 18 Matt. 7, 11. 1. Cor. 2, 9 , and men care not for them. Who with such a desire serveth, & obeyeth me in all things, as they serve the world i Matt. 7, 13. 14. , and the Prince thereof k joh. 14, 30 ? Be ashamed hereof, & if thou wouldst know why, hearken: For small wages many run a great way: but for eternal life few will once step their foot out of doors l Matt. 7, 13 14. . Filthy gain is earnestly sought for; for one penny sometime they shamefully contend; for a vain thing, and small reward men fear not even to weary themselves night and day: but for goods immutable, for a reward unestimable, for honour endless, & immortal glory, they will take no pains. Wherefore blush I say, thou slothful, and whining servant, that they shall be more ready to fall into the pit of hell, than thou to come unto heaven; that they shall take more pleasure in vanity, than thou in the truth. Again they many-times miss of their purpose: but what I promise I fulfil, & he that trusteth in me speedeth well m Ps. 37, 34. Psal. 22, 4. 5. . That which I promise in words I perform in deed n Esa. 46, 11. , to him which continueth constant unto the end in loving me o Matth. 10, 22. Mark. 13, 13 . I reward all good things, and I am a diligent examiner of all religious men p Hebr. 11, vers. 36, etc. . Writ my words in thine heart, and meditate earnestly thereupon. For in the time of tentation they will do thee good q Ps. 119, 92. . That with reading now thou dost not conceive, in the time of curing thou shalt understand. And two ways I am wont to cure mine elect, to wit, by tentation, and by comfort r 1. Sam. 2, 6. 7. Psal. 66, 8. 9, etc. Psal. 94, 12. 13. 19 Tob. 13, 2. Wisd. 16, 11. 13. : and two ways I instruct them daily, first by reprehending their wickedness, then by exhorting to proceed in virtue, and godliness. He that heareth my words s joh. 5, 24. 29. joh. 12, 48. 2. Cor. 2. 15 16. , and despiseth them, hath that whereby he shall be condemned in the day of judgement. Chap. 4. A prayer for the attaining of the true knowledge of God's heavenly will; a●d for zeal in religion. SERVANT. O Lord my GOD, which art all my goods and riches, what am I that I dare speak to thee? I am thy poor servant, & a vile worm a job. 25, 6. , yea much more vile, and poor, than I either know, or dare show forth b Luk. 18, 13 . And yet, Lord, remember even this one thing, that I am nothing, that I have nothing, that I am nothing worth. Thou alone art good c Mat. 19, 16 17. , thou alone art righteous d job. 9, 32. Sirach. 18, 1. , thou alone art holy e Deu. 32, 4. , thou canst all f job. 11, 7. 8, etc. , thou dost all g isaiah. 44, 6. 7, etc. , thou fillest all h 1. Kings. 8, verse. 27. Psal. 139, 7. 8, etc. , only the wicked thou sendest empty away i 1. Sam. 2, 7. 8. Luke. 1, 53. . Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies k Psal. 25, 6. Psal. 98, 3. Luke. 1, 54. , and fill me with thy favour, thou wilt that none of thy works should serve in vain. For how can I stand upright in this wretched world, unless thy mercy and favour do hold me up l Ps. 119, 41. 76. 77, etc. ? Turn not thy cheerful countenance from thy servant m Ps 51, 11. ; defer not to heal me from day to day; withdraw not thy comfort, that my soul be not as the thirsty land n Ps. 143, 6. . O Lord, teach me to do thy will o Ps. 143, 10 8. , teach me to walk worthily, and humbly in thy presence. For thou art my wisdom p 1. Cor. 1, verse. 30. , and knowest me in deed q Psa. 139, 1. 2, etc. . Yea thou knewest me not only afore I was conceived in my mother's womb, but also afore the very world was made r Psal. 90, 2●▪ Rom. 8, 29. 30. . So be it. Chap. 5. That we must walk sincerely, and humbly before God. LORD. Son, walk thou uprightly in my sight; & seek me always in singleness of mind a Matth. 5, 8 . He that walketh uprightly, walketh salfelie: for the truth delivereth him from deceivers, and slanders of the wicked. And if the truth shall make you free b joh. 8, 32. 36. , you shall be free in deed, and fear nought the vain words of men. SERVANT. Truth Lord: therefore I beseech thee deal so with me, that is, let thy truth instruct me, defend me, and bring me to a blessed end c Psal. 43, 3. . Yea, let the same thy truth deliver me from all wicked lusts, and inordinate affections: so will it come to pass, that I shall enjoy a wonderful freedom of the mind d 1. joh. 3, 19 . LORD. And I will teach thee what is right, and acceptable in my sight e Psal. 25, 4. 5. . Call thy sins to remembrance continually, & that with hearty sobs, and sorrow f joël. 2, 12. 13. Ezec 18, 30 31. 32. ; and never brag of any good deed which thou hast done g 1. Co. 4, 6. 7. . For in very deed thou art a sinner h Ps. 143, 2. , and subject to many infirmities of the mind; yea by nature always thou tendest unto vanity i Gen. 6, 5. Gen. 8, 21. , and mayst easily fall, easily be overcome, and easily trodden down, and cast to the ground k Rom. 3, 23 . Finally thou hast nothing wherein to boast l 1. Cor. 4, 7. : but many things to make thee humble; being much more weak than thou canst perceive. So then look that none of thy deeds seem great in thy sight, or excellent, or precious, or wonderful, yea count nothing excellent, nothing glorious, nothing commendable, and to be sought for in deed, but only that which is eternal m Ps. 119, 14. 24. 35. 50, etc. . Let the everlasting truth like thee above all things n Psal. 57, 9 10. Psal. 108, 3. 4. Psal. 117, 1. 2. ; & thine extreme vileness mislike thee o ●s. 108, 12. . Fear nothing, fly nothing, mislike nothing so much as thy sins, and wickedness p Psal. 119, verse. 128. 136. 1ST. 158. Psa. 139, 19, 20. 21, etc. , they should more disquiet thee, than the loss of the dearest thing in the world. Some behave themselves not sincerely enough towards me, seeking out earnestly, through curiosity and pride, my secrets, and mysteries, neglecting themselves and their salvation q Rom. 1, 21 Rom. 2, 17. 18, etc. 1. Cor. 13, 2. : these fellows, by reason of their pride and curiosity, fall many-times into grievous temptations r Rom. 1, 26 28. 2. Thes. 2 11 12. , through my displeasure. But stand thou continually in awe of the heavy sentence of the almighty God s Psa. 90, 11. Prou. 28, 14 Philip. 2, 12. ; and search not out the works of the most High, but search out painfully both how much evil thou hast committed, and what good thou hast left undone. Somes religion is altogether in their books, or in pictures, or in some outward signs, and ceremonies t Matt. 23, 5. 23, etc. ; some have it in their mouth u Mat. 7, 21. 22. 23. isaiah. 29, 13. , but not in their heart. And contrariwise some being clear in mind, and pure in heart x Matt. 5, 8. john. 4, 23. 24. , do covet always after heavenly things y Col. 3, 1. 2. , hearken unwillingly unto earthly matters, & serve the necessities of nature with grief, and sorrow: and these men perceive what the Spirit of truth speaketh within them, how it teacheth them to despise earthly and to desire celestial things, to contemn the world, and to wish for heaven night, and day z Psal. 1, 1. 2. Philip. 3, 8. Colos. 3, 2. . Chap. 6. A praise and thanksgiving to God for his benefits. SERVANT. OCelestial father, father of my Lord jesus Christ a 2. Cor. 1, 3 , I praise thee for vouchsafing to remember me a poor, and sinful wretch b 1. Cor. 15, verse. 9 10. . O father of mercy c 2. Cor. 1, 3 , and God of ●l comfort, I yield thee humble ●hankes, for refreshing me, unworthy all comfort, with thine heavenly comfort d 2. Cor. 7, 6 . Evermore will I praise, and magnify thee together with thine only begotten Son, and the holy Ghost ●he comforter e 1 joh. 5, 7. for ever and ever f 1. Tim. 1, 17 . O Lord my God, which lovest me ●o holily, I will rejoice with mine ●hole heart, when thou shalt come ●nto my mind. Thou art my glory, and the joy of ●ine heart: thou art mine hope and refuge in the day of my trouble g Ps. 59, 16. . But forasmuch as yet I am weak, & of small power, I have great need of thine assistance, and comfort: wherefore visit me oftener h Ps. 106, 4. , & school me with holy discipline. Set me free from wicked affections of the mind, and heal my soul of all unbridled desires, and sins, that being inwardly healed, & purged thoroughly, I may be made fit to love, strong to suffer, and constant to continue i Psal. 23, 4. Psal. 59, 9 17. , Amen. Chap. 7. The praise and force of godly love. Love is a great thing, doubtless love is an excellent thing; it can make the which is heavy light a Rom 8, 35 1. Cor. 13, 4. 5, etc. ; and carry that equalie which is unequal. It beareth a burden and feeleth it not; and converteth all sour things into sweet and savoury: I say that noble love of jesus driveth one to adventure great things, and forceth always to come unto perfection b Ephe. 3, 17 18, etc. . Love will be above, and cannot be kept▪ down by any abject thing c The force, and power of true love you may behold as in a glass, Rom. 8, 35, etc. Rom. 14, 1. etc. Ro. 15, 1, etc. 1. Cor. 13, 1, etc. 1. Tim 1, 5. 2. Pet. 1, 5, etc. 1. joh. 2, verse. 7, etc. 1. john. 4, 7. Acts. 2, 42. 44. 45 46. 47. . Love will be free, and lose from all worldly affection, that neither her inward sight be dimmed, nor she be either entangled by worldly prosperity, or subdued by adversity. Love is most sweet, most strong, most high, most large, most comfortable, most perfect: nothing is better than love either in heaven above, or in earth beneath. For it ariseth from God d 1. joh. 4, 7 16. , and resteth on God above all things. He that loveth, flieth, runneth, rejoiceth, is free and cannot be bound; he giveth all for all, and hath all in all, as he which resteth in one above all which is most high e 1. john. 2, verse. 5, etc. , from whom every good thing doth spring, and arise f jam. 1, 17. . He respecteth not gifts, but looketh on the giver above al. Love knoweth no measure, but burneth above measure. Love feels no burden, ways no labour, contendeth above strength, and considers not whether a thing may be done or no, for it counteth nothing hard, or unpossible. Therefore love can do all things; and he that loveth brings many things to pass, if he faint, and tire not. Love waketh, and sleeping slombreth not; labouring tires not; loaden faltereth not; terrified dismayeth not, but as a quick flame, and burning touch breaketh forth upward, and falsely pierceth out. He that loveth, knoweth what this meaneth. A great cry in the ears of God, is the ardent affection of the mind, while it says, O my God, my love, thou art all mine, I am wholly thine. Raise up in me a vehement love, that I may taste g Psal. 34, 8. with the inner mouth of mine heart, how sweet it is to love, and swim as it were in the streams of love. Grant that I may so burn in love, that through the heat of desire I may exceed myself h Psal. 18, 1. Psa. 119, 97. 103. : that I may sing the ballad of love, follow thee my lover aloft, and set forth thy praises with such a zeal, that even my heart may faint again: that I may love thee more than myself; yea neither love myself, nor any other, that love thee unfeignedly, but in thee, and for thee, even as the law of love that shineth out of thee commandeth, and doth require. Love is swift, sincere, godly, pleasant, and fruitful; it is strong, patiented, faithful, wise, long suffering, & manly; love seeketh not her own i 1 Cor. 13, verse. 5. . For there love perisheth, where any serves himself. Love is circumspect, modest, just, not dainty, not light, not given to vanities, but sober, chaste, constant, quiet, and temperate in all the senses. Love obeyeth betters, despiseth itself, feareth, thanketh, trusteth and hopeth always in GOD, yea when God seems to abhor it k For without pain, none live in love. . He that is not prepared to suffer all things, and to yield himself to the pleasure of his friend, is unworthy to be called a friend. To conclude, a friend must receive all, even hard, & bitter things in good part for his friends sake, and never leave him in the time of adversity l Rom. 5, 7. 8, etc. . Chap. 8. How to try a true friend; also, how to resist the enemy. LORD. MY son, as yet thou art not a stout, and prudent lover. SERVANT. Why Lord? LORD. For as much as a little assault makes thee to leave off a 1. john. 4, verse. 18. , and over greedily thou seekest consolation. A valiant lover endureth temptations, and giveth no ear to the subtle persuasions of the enemy: and therefore he so liketh prosperity, that with adversity he will not be troubled b Psal. 16, 8. Acts. 2, 44. 1. Pet. 5, 10. . A wise lover respecteth not so much the gift of the lover, as the love of the giver; he looketh more on the mind, than on the thing; and weigheth no gifts in respect of his friend. The noble lover resteth not in the gift, but in me above all gifts. Neither must thou by and by be out of heart, though sometime thou think not so reverendly, as thou wouldst, either of me, or my servants. That good and sweet affection wherewith thou art delighted now and then, is an affection of present favour, and a certain foretaste of the celestial country, on which foretaste thou must not too much depend, because it altereth many-times. But to strive against the wicked motions of the mind, and to despise the enticements of Satan c 1. Pet. 5, 8. 9 , is doubtless a valiant exploit, highly pleasing God. So that no cause is there why these absurd imaginations, which are wont to arise of every trifling occasion, should so torment thee: persevere constantly in thy purpose d Psal. 25, 2. Psal. 27, 14. , & serve God with an upright affection. Neither is it an illusion, that thou suddenly sometimes art ravished up on high, and by and by cast down unto the old vanities of the mind e 2. Cor. 12, verse. 7. : which, for as much as thou sufferest them rather against thy will f Roman. 7, vers 17, etc. ; than willingly, as long as they displease thee, & thou strugglest against them, they are rather profitable than hurtful. Know this for a certainty, the drift of the old enemy is to hinder thy study of godliness, and to withdraw thee from all exercise of religion g 1 Pet. 5, 8. , that is to say, from the godly remembrance of the pains of Christ, from the care of thy salvation, and from thy purpose to go forward in well doing h Matth. 13, verse. 25. 39 . Many wicked cogitations doth the enemy bring into thy mind i Matth. 13, verse. 25. 26. , to make thee to loath & abhor prayer, and the reading of the holy Scripture. He cannot abide an humble confession of sins, & if he could, he would withdraw thee also from the communion. But believe him not, though manietimes he lay snares to entrap thee, care not for him. Turn them upon his own pate, when he provoketh thee to wickedness, and say unto him k Mat. 4, 10. : Avoid Satan, thou unclean Spirit, blush thou cursed wretch, thou which puttest these things into my head, avoid I say; thou wouldst carry me away from my God, but thou shalt not. For jesus will assist me, and so thou shalt but get a shameful foil. I had rather die, and suffer any thing, than consent to thee l Roman. 8, vers. 35, etc. . Wherefore be quiet, and hold thy peace, for I will not hear thee though thou trouble me never so much m Matt. 16, verse. 23. . The Lord is my light, and my salvation n Psal. 27, 1 , whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Though 3. an host pitched against me, mine heart should not be afraid, the Lord protecting and delivering me. Thou therefore strive courageously as a good soldier o 2. Tim. 2, 3 : and if at any time of infirmity thou fall, take a better heart unto thee, and doubt not of mine especial favour p Psal. 91, 2. 3. : and in any wise beware of pride, and arrogancy, a cause why many are led into error, and fall into blindness almost incurable many times q Rom. 1, 21. 24, etc. . Let the fall of those proud ones, foolishly arrogating too much to themselves r Rom. 11, 18 19 20. 1. Pet. 5, 5. Luk. 18, 14. isaiah. 14, 10. 11, etc. 2. Pet. 2, 4. , be a continual warning to thee to beware of pride. Chap. 9 Of modest concealing the benefits of God. LORD. Son, it is good & profitable for thee to keep close the zeal of religion that GOD has given thee, not to commend the same too insolently with words, or to praise it out of measure, but rather to despise thyself, and, as one unworthy those so excellent gifts, to fear a Ro. 11, 20. 1. Cor. 4, 6. 7. . Thou must not stick too much unto that affection, which may easily be changed into the contrary. Think while thou hast the favour of God, how miserable and wretched thou shouldest be without his favour b Rom. 3, 24 Rom. 5, 1. 2, etc. 1. Co. 15, 10 Ephes. 3, 7. : and think not that thy coming forward in godliness consisteth only in having the benefit of God's heavenly comfort, but also if thou canst patiently, and quietly endure the want thereof c Rom. 5, 3. james 1, 2. 3. 4. , in such sort that thou faint not in prayer, nor omit altogether thine accustomed exercises, but aswell as thou canst, discharge that which is in thee to do, and neglect not thy duty for the unquietness of mind which thou feelest in thyself. For many, when things fall not out even as they would have them, are by and by either impatient, or careless d Luk. 8, 13. . It is not always in the power of man to dispose his affairs at his pleasure e jerem. 10, verse. 23. , but God it is that both giveth and comforteth f Phil. 2, 13. Rom. 9, 16. , both when he will, and what he will, and whom he will, and as he will himself. Some through a blind devotion have cast themselves away, whilst, endeavouring above their strength, they consider not the corruption of their nature, but follow the affection of their mind, rather than the judgement of reason: the which, because they took in hand more than God's will was they should, did quickly forego the favour of God: & they which made their nests in heaven, became poor, vile, and forsaken g Esa. 14, 10 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Luke. 1, 51. 52. , that the afflicted and poor might learn not to fly with their own wings, but with my feathers. As for such as are but younglings, and not trained up in the way of the Lord, they unless they hearken to the counsel of the wise, may easily be deceived, and overthrown h Prou. 12, 1. Prou. 13, 1. 14. 18. : yea if they follow their own brain before such as have experience, they are in the greater danger, because they will not be withdrawn from their opinion once conceived i Pro 21, 29. . It is seldom seen that selfe-wise men will yield to any. And therefore better is it to have small wisdom with modesty, than profound knowledge with a proud mind: yea better is it to have little, than having much to wax proud k Prou. 11, 2 Prou. 15, 25 . He dealeth not circumspectly enough, that gives himself wholly unto pleasure, forgetting his old adversity, and the chaste fear of the Lord, the property whereof is to be always wary that it lose not benefits received l Rom. 11, verse. 20. 21. . And he is not virtuouslie wise, that in the time of misery despaireth over much, and reposeth less confidence, and trust in me, than he should. He which in the time of peace is too secure, in the time of war is out of heart commonly, and of no courage. Hadst thou the way to behave thyself modestly, and lowly m Matt. 11, verse. 29. , and to govern thy spirits aright, thou couldst not so easily fall into peril, and blame. It is a point of wisdom while thou art hot in the spirit, to consider what would fall out, if the light should go away n job. 17, 11. 12. : & again, when that comes to pass, to think that it may return again, being therefore withdrawn by me that both you thereby may be the wiser o Ps. 119, 71. , and I the more glorious. For commonly thou shalt find such trial more profitable p jam. 1, 2. 1. Pet. 1, 6. 7. , than if continually thou enjoyedst prosperity at thine heart's desire. For thou art not virtuous though thou have heavenly visions, & consolations q 1. Cor. 13 verse. 1, etc. , learning, and high degree, unless withal thou have true modesty r Matth. 5, verse. 5 , christian charity s 1. Cor. 13, verse. 2, etc. , and zeal of religion t 1. Cor. 10, verse. 31. Coloss. 3, 17 , unless thou unfeignedly despise thyself, and rejoice that others do despise, & contemn, rather than honour and commend thee u Mat. 5, 11. 1. Pet. 4, 14. . Chap. 10. That man must debase himself in the sight of God. SERVANT. I Dare speak unto my Lord, though I am but dust and ashes a Gen. 18, 27. : and if I should make any better of myself, thou standest against me, and my sins bear witness against me b job. 9, 20. 30. 31. , which I cannot gainsay. But if I make none account of myself, but, laying aside proud imaginations c Luke. 1: 8, verse. 13. james 4, 6. 1. Pet. 5, 5. Prou. 3, 34. , esteem myself for dust, as I am in deed, then wilt thou be favourable, and thy light shall shine upon mine heart: then will it fall out, that if I esteem never so little of myself, even that little, I being pressed down to nothing, will vanish utterly. And here thou wilt show me to myself even what I am, what I have been, and whence I came, to wit, nothing from nothing. And being left to myself I am nothing but mere infirmity d Psal. 8, 4. Psalm. 39, 9 Gen. 2, 7. . But if thou shine upon me with thy favour, I am strait way made strong e Ps. 104, 30. , and filled with new comfort. And this is a wonderful strange thing, that so suddenly I should be lifted up, when thou dost so graciously embrace me, which of myself always am carried downward f Wisd. 9, 15 Rom. 7, 23. 24. unto earthly things. This is a fruit of thy love, which freely preventeth me g Ps 59, 10. , and saveth from so many troubles h Psalm. 89, verse. 1, etc. Psal. 59, 16. , and preserveth from grievous dangers, and delivereth me, to say the truth, from so infinite evils. For loving myself inordinately I cast away myself i Luk. 15, 13 : but after once I sought and loved thee sincerely, I both found thee, and myself k Luk. 15, 21 , and by that love also I brought myself the more to nothing. For thou, O my sweet Saviour, thou bestowest more things upon me l Psalm. 89, verse. 1, etc. , than I can deserve, and a great deal more than I dare hope for, much less desire. Wherefore I thank thee, my God, which, albe I am unworthy the least of all thy blessings, yet of thine honour, & infinite goodness, ceasest not continually to load even the ungrateful m Mat. 5, 45 Luk. 18, 13. 14. , and thine enemies with benefits. O Lord, thou which art our salvation n Exod. 15, verse. 2. 2. Sam. 22, 2 Psal. 18, 2. Esaie. 12, 2. , our strength, and our shield, convert us, we beseech thee, that we may prove grateful, humble, and godly in thy sight, Amen. Chap. 11. That all things are to be directed unto God, as to the principal end. LORD. Son, if thou desire to be happy, thou must make me thy chiefest and principal end a Rom. 11, verse. 36. . Herebie shall thy nature be purified b Gen. 6, 5. Gen. 8, 21. , which most commonly bendeth unto itself, and to things created. For as soon as thou seekest thyself in any thing c Mat 15, 3. 1. Cor. 3, 18. 19 by and by thou faintest, and witherest in thyself. And therefore thou must refer all things to me alone, which gave all d jam. 1, 17. , and send all, and therefore unto me, as to the chief spring, all things must return e Ro. 11, 36. . Out of me the small as well as the great, the poor as well as the rich do draw the water of life f Psal. 36, 9 Esaie. 12, 3. john. 4, 10. as from a lively fountain: and they which frankly and willingly serve me, they shall receive one benefit upon another g joh. 1, 12. . But if any will glory, or delight in any private thing besides me h jere. 9, 23. 24. 1. Cor. 1, 31. 2. Co. 10, 17 18. , he at no time shall feel true joy, and comfort in his mind, but fall into sundry discommodities, and troubles. Therefore thou must ascribe no goodness, nor godliness neither to thyself, nor to any mortal man, but all to God i 1. Cor. 3, 6. 1. Cor. 1, 30. without whose blessing man hath nothing k jam. 1, 17. 1. Cor. 4, 7. . I gave all, I challenge all of right, and I look to be glorified for all l Rom. 11, 36 . This is the truth, whereby the vain glory of man is put to flight. And who so hath the favour of God, and true charity m Rom. 5, 5. Rom. 8, 35. , he is neither envious, nor faint hearted, nor proud n 1. Cor. 13, verse. 4, etc. . For heavenly love subdueth all things, and stretcheth forth all the powers of the mind o Rom. 8, 37 1. Cor. 13, 7 . Wherefore if thou be'st wise, thou wilt rejoice and trust in me alone, even as God alone is good p Matth. 19, verse. 17. , who above all and in all is to be praised for evermore q 1. Tim. 1, verse. 17. 1. Tim. 6, 16 , Amen. Chap. 12. That it is a sweet thing to serve God, and to despise the world. SERVANT. O Lord, I will speak again, I cannot hold my peace, and in the ears of my God, my Lord, and my King dwelling in the high heavens, this I say. O Lord, how great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up even for them which fear thee a Psal. 31, 19 ? Much more than for them which love thee, yea much more for them which honour thee with all their hearts. Truly unspeakable is the sweetness of thy contemplation, which thou impartest on such as love thee b isaiah. 64, 4. 1. Cor. 2, 9 . And herein chiefly thou declaredst the force of thy love, in that, when I was not, thou madest me c Gen. 2, 7. job. 10, 8. 9, etc. , and after, when I went astray▪ thou brought'st me home again; and commandedst that I should serve d Ps. 119, 4. , and love thee. O fountain of everlasting love, what shall I say of thee? or how can I forget thee: that hast vouchsafed to remember me? Who beyond all hope hast been merciful to me thine own, even when I was dead e Ephes. 2, 5. , and cast away: and at such time as I deserved nought, didst bind me unto thee through thy favour and friendship. Now what shall I render for this thy bounteousness f Ps. 116, 12. ? Surely I will serve thee. But that is no great thing to serve him, whom all creatures of duty must obey g Matth. 28, verse. 18. 1. Cor. 15, verse. 27. Hebr. 2, 8. . This rather is wonderful, and strange, that thou vouchsafest to take and admit so vile a wretch, as I am, into thy service among the number of thy beloved h Rom. 11, verse. 17. . Lo, whatsoever I have to do thee service withal, it is thine i Matth. 25, verse. 14. 15 1 Cor. 4, 7. . But what? me thinks you serve me, more than I you? For behold, heaven and earth, which thou hast made for the use of man k Psal. 8, 3. 4, etc. , are present, and continually discharge the duty which thou hast enjoined them l Psalm. 18, verse. 7, etc. . Yea the Angels also thou hast created, and ordained for the use of man m Psal. 34, 7. Matt. 18, 10. Hebr. 1, 14. . But of all other things this is most wonderful, that thou wouldst debase thyself so much as to serve man n Matth. 20, verse. 28. Mark. 10, 45 , and hast promised to give thyself for him o john. 6, 5 . For these thy benefits what shall I render unto thee p Ps. 116, 12 ? Oh that I could serve thee all my life long! Yea, would to God I could serve thee even one day sincerely! Truly thou art worthy all service, all honour, everlasting praise q 1. Tim. 1, verse. 17. . Doubtless thou art my Lord, and I am thy poor servant r Luk. 17, 10 , bound to serve thee with all my strength s Luk. 10, 27 Deut 6, 5. , and to sing out thy praises without ceasing t Deu. 11, 18 19 20. . And surely so I will, or would at leastwise, but what I cannot, supply thou, O Lord, of thy goodness. A great honour, a great preferment is it to be thy servant, & to contemn worldly things for thy sake u Matth. 10, vers. 37, etc. john. 12, 25 . For great shallbe their reward which voluntarily submit themselves to this holy service x Mat. 5, 11. 12. Roman. 8, vers. 35, etc. ; and they shall feel the sweet comfort of the holy Spirit, who through the love of thee have despised the pleasures of this present world y 2. Cor. 1, 3. 4. . Great freedom of mind shall they come unto, which entering into the narrow way z Mat. 7, 13. 14. Luk. 13, 24. , have cast aside worldly cares, and cogitations a Matth. 6, vers. 25, etc. . O how sweet, and comfortable is the service of God, whereby a man is made free, and holy b Roman. 8, verse. 15. ! O the holy state of God's servants, which maketh men equal to Angels c Heb. 1, 14. , acceptable to God d Matth. 5, verse. 3, etc. , to the devils terrible e Mat. 10, 8. Acts. 19, 15. , and honourable among the faithful f Eccles. 10, verse. 20. 21. 25. ! O noble service, and always to be wished for, whereby both the chiefest felicity is gotten, and joy without end obtained g joh. 12, 25 john. 17, 2. ! Chap. 13. That the desires of the mind must be examined, and bridled. LORD. MY son, thou hast yet many things to learn. SERVANT. What are those, Lord? LORD. That thou make thy desire obedient to my commandment, and be no more a friend to thyself, but desirous to observe my will a Luke. 22, verse. 42. john. 4, 34. john. 5, 30. . Many times thou art inflamed, and vehemently driven on through desires: and when thou art so, consider with thyself; whether thou seek more my praise, than thy profit b Luke. 22, verse. 24. john. 5, 44. john. 12, 4. 5. 6. . For if thou covet a thing for my sake, thou wilt take in good part that which I shall send: but if covetousness cause the same, than art thou kept back, and pressed down c Luke. 9, vers. 23, etc. 59 61. Luk. 18, 22. 23. . Wherefore take heed that thou lean not too much to thy conceived desire, I not being of counsel d Prou. 3, 5. 7. , lest afterward thou buy it full dearly; and that at another time displease thee, which at the first thou didst like, and long for e Luk. 9, 59 61. Luk. 18, 18. . For every affection that seemeth good, must not be followed, nor the contrary suddenly avoided. Sometime it is good to bridle even good motions, and desires, lest either thou pass thy bounds through importunity of mind; or offend others through thine intemperancy; or thou suddenly fall through the resistance of them. Otherwhiles it is expedient to use violence f Matth. 11, verse. 12. , and to resist the appetite, and not to way what the flesh either likes or mislikes g Gal. 5, 16. 17, etc. Rom. 6, 12. Roman. 8, vers. 12, etc. , but rather to use diligence that it be constrained to obey the spirit, and so long be kept under in bondage, till it be pliant unto all things; and have learned to be content with a little, and simple estate, and never to murmur for any affliction. Chap. 14. The way to patience, and to fight against fleshly desires. SERVANT. THen, my Lord and God, as far as I perceive, I have much need of patience a Luk. 21, 19 . For many contrary things happen in this life: in so much that albe I desire quietness by all means, yet is it impossible for me to live without war, and trouble b job. 7, 1. john. 16, 20. 22. . LORD. Thou sayest true, my son. Yet I will not have thee to seek after that peace which is without temptations, and troubles: but then to think thou hast found peace, when thou shalt be tried with manifold miseries and vexations c jam 1, 2. 3. 1. Pet. 1, 6. 7. . Now if thou say, thou canst not suffer much, tell me, my son, how then wilt thou suffer the everlasting torments of hell fire d Matth. 7, verse. 23. Matt. 25, 41. ? Of two evils always the lesser must be chosen. Wherefore to avoid those everlasting pains, study to endure the miseries of this present world patiently for the lords sake e Matt. 5, 10 11. ●. Pet. 4, 14. . Thinkest thou that the men of this world feel either none adversity, or but little? If thou dost, thou art in a wrong opinion, for they which live most delicately, live in misery f Gen. 3, 10. 11. 17. job. 14, verse. 1, etc. . But thou wilt say: They have their delights, and they follow their fancies, & therefore be they little touched with their miseries. Well, suppose every thing falls out according to their wish; how long will that last g Luke. 12, verse. 20. 45. 46. 1. Thess. 5, 3 ? verily even as smoke shall they consume away h Psa. 37, 20. 2. 9 13, etc. , which are wealthy in this world i Luk. 6, 24. 25. 26. , so that of joys passed there shallbe no remembrance k Psal. 37, 9 10. 20, etc. . Yea, while they live too they enjoy them not without sorrow, trouble, and fear. For of what things they take pleasure, of the same they receive sorrow many-times. And deservedly. For they which beyond reason follow vain delights, even reason would that they should not have them without pain, & grief l Prou. 14▪ verse. 13. . And their pleasures too are but very short, and deceitful, and dishonest, and filthy. But this they perceive not, they are so drunken and blind▪ but like brute beasts, for a little pleasure in this world, they cast their souls into everlasting pains m Ps 49, 12▪ 13, etc. . Wherefore, my son, follow not thou thy lusts n Eccles. 18, verse. 30. 31. Galath. 5, vers. 16, etc. , but renounce thine own will o Luke. 9, vers. 23, etc. . Delight thyself in the Lord p Psa. 37, 4. , and he will give thee thine hearts desire. For, know this for a truth, if thou wouldst truly rejoice, and receive much comfort at mine hands, thou must utterly despise all worldly things, and contemn those vain delights q jere. 9, 23. 24. . For therein true felicity, and ample reward of comfort doth consist. And the more thou withdrawest thyself from worldly pleasure, the sweeter consolations shalt thou find in me r Ps. 94, 19 2. Cor. 1, 3. 4. james. 1, 2. . But, as I said before, thou shalt not attain thereunto without sorrow, and labour s Acts. 14, 22 . For there is against thee old custom, but that willbe foiled by a better custom: the flesh, but that willbe bridled t Roman. 8, verse. ●, etc. Galat. 5, 16. 17. by the heat of the spirit: the old serpent u 2. Cor. 11, verse. 3. Reu. 12, 9 12. 17. Satan, but he both at thy prayer will fly, and by godly exercise run away x 1. Pet. 5, 8. 9 Mat. 26, 41. . Chap. 15. Of obedience to our betters, after the example of Christ. LORD. Son, he that withdraweth himself from obedience, driveth himself out of God's favour a Deut. 11, 1. Deut. 21, 18 19, etc. : and he that seeketh private, foregoeth public things. He which gladly, and voluntarily b Ephes. 6, 6 Coloss. 3, 22 obeyeth not his better, showeth plainly thereby, that he hath not yet brought his flesh in subjection, but that it wincheth backward, and murmureth many-times c Tit. 3, 1. 3. . Wherefore learn with all speed to submit thyself to thy superior d 1. Pet. 2, 13 14. , if thou desire to tame thy flesh e 1. Pet 2, 11. . For the outward enemy is the more easily overcome, if the inner man be sure, and strong f Matth. 26, verse. 41. Luk. 22, 40. 46. . Thou hast none so ill, and troublesome an enemy to thy soul, as thyself, if thou be out with the spirit g Gal. 5, 16. . For thou must unfeignedly contemn thyself, if thou wilt be master over blood, and flesh. But forasmuch as thou lovest thyself as yet immoderately, thou abhorrest to commit thyself who lie to the will of another h Luke. 9, vers. 23, etc. . But, O earth & ashes i Eccl. 10, 12 , what great thing dost thou, if for the lords sake thou obey man k 1. Pet. 2, verse. 13. ; when I the Almighty and most High, who of nothing created all things l Col. 1, 16. john. 1, 1. 2. 3. , submitted myself humbly to man for thy sake, and was most vile & contemptible m Matt. 20, verse. 28. Philip. 2, 6. 7. 8. , that thou by mine humility mightest overcome that pride of thine n Matth. 11, 29. ? Learn to obey, O dust o Eccles. 10, verse. 12. Gen. 3, 19 ; learn to bring down thyself, O earth, & slime p Gen. 2, 7. , and to throw down thyself under all men's feet. Learn, I say, to break thy will, and humbly to submit thyself to all q Eph 5, 21. 1. Pet. 2, 13, . Wax hot against thyself, and suffer not pride to have place within thee: but show thyself so lowly, and simple, that all may tread thee under feet like mire in the streets r isaiah. 10, 6. . What hast thou, O vain man, to complain? How canst thou, O wicked wretch, speak again to them which dispraise thee, seeing so oftentimes by offending GOD thou hast deserved the pains of hell s Matth. 18, verse. 21. 22, etc. ? But I graciously have spared thee t Rom. 2, 4. 1. Pet. 1, 3. 2. Pet. 3, 9 making no small account of thy soul, that thou perceiving this my love to thee wards, mightest always show thyself thankful for my benefits u Ps. 116, 12 13. 17. , and evermore, being given to true obedience, and modesty x 1. Pet. 1, 17 , take it patiently when thou art contemned y 1. Pet. 2, vers. 20, etc. . Chap. 16. That we are to consider the secret judgements of God, lest we wax proud in his gifts. SERVANT. O Lord, when thou thunder est forth thy judgements against me, thou makest all my members to shake, & quake for fear, & terrifiest my mind above measure a job. 4, 17. 18. 19 Psalm. 6, 1. Psal. 38, 1. 2, etc. . Astonished I consider that the very heavens are not clean in thy sight b job. 15, 15. . And if thou foundedst folly in thine Angels, and therefore didst not spare them, what shall become of me c job. 4, 18. 19 ? If the very stars did fall from heaven d Esa. 14, 12. , what shall I that am but ashes and dust e Eccle. 10, verse. 12. hope for? They whose works seemed commendable, have utterly been confounded f Matth. 11, vers. 20, etc. Matth. 23, verse. 3, etc. ; and such as were fed with the bread of Angels, I have seen to be delighted with the husks that swine eat g Luk. 15, 16 . So that there is none holiness, if thou, Lord, draw back thine hand, no wisdom helpeth, if thou govern not h 1. Cor. 1, vers. 17, etc. ; no strength doth good, if thou assist not; no chastity is sure, if thou defend not; & no custody can keep safe, if thou watch not i Psal. 127, 1. . For being forsaken, alas, we drown, and perish k Matth. 8, verse. 25 Luke 8, 24. ; but if thou care for us we live, and prosper. We are of ourselves frail, but strong through thee; and of ourselves neither hot nor cold, but zealous through thee l Luk. 17, 5. . Doubtless it is my part to conceive most humbly, & basely of myself: and though I seem to have some goodness, yet must I not way the same m Luke. 18, vers. 11, etc. 1. Cor. 4, 7. . I say, it is my part to submit myself to those bottomless judgements of thine n Psal. 19, 9 Psal. 119, 7. 30. 52. , seeing I find myself to be no better than nothing of nothing. O weight without measure! O sea unpassable o Psal. 36, 6. , where I find myself to be nothing but altogether nothing! Where is then the covert of glory? Where is the vain concept of glory? All vain glory is swallowed up in the gulf of p Psal. 9, 16. Ps. 119, 120. thy judgements over me. What are all men in thy sight? Even as clay in respect of the potter q Esa. 29, 16 . Can he wax proud with vain praises, whose mind is truly obedient to the Lord? No, though all the world should extol him, seeing he is in service to the truth; he will not be moved r jere. 9, 23. 24. with their commendations, whose trust is fixed upon the Lord. For even they all, who utter his praises, are nothing, and together with the sound of their words, shall vanish away s Ps. 89, 48. Psal. 49, 10. . But the truth of the Lord endureth for ever t isaiah. 40, 8. Psal. 117, 2. . Chap. 17. What words, and manner we should use in desiring any thing at the hands of God. LORD. Son, in thy prayers thou must use these words: Lord, be it even so, if it please thee a I am. 4, 15. Acts. 18, 21. 1. Cor. 4, 19, Matth. 6, 10. Matt. 26, 39 42. ; Lord, if it be for the advancement of thy glory, let it be done in thy Name; Lord, if thou seest it good, and profitable for me, grant that I may use it to thine honour, and praise: but if thou knowest it willbe hurtful, O Lord, remove away this desire fro me b jam. 4, 3. . For every desire, which seemeth right and good in the judgement of man, is not of the holy spirit: and it is an hard matter to discern rightly whether a good or an evil spirit doth provoke thee to covet this or that; or whether thine own spirit move thee thereunto c 1. Cor. 2, verse. 11. . Many in the end have been deceived, who seemed to be stirred up by a good spirit. And therefore always thou must wish for that which thou wouldst have in the fear of God, and with humbleness of mind d Psal. 19, 7. Psal. 111, 5. Prou. 1, 28. 29. : and commit the whole matter to the Lord, with a mere check to thyself, saying on this wise: Lord, what is better for me thou knowest; do thou whether of both thou wilt thyself e Matt. 8, 2. Mark. 14, 36 . Give me what thou wilt, as much as thou wilt, and when thou wilt thyself. Deal with me as thou thinkest good, and as it shall please thee, and be most for thy glory. Place me there, where thou wilt thyself, and in all things use me at thy pleasure. I am in thine hand f Psal. 31, 5. , turn me, lose me every way. Behold, I thy servant g Ps. 116, 16. Luke. 1, 38. am prepared to all things: because my desire is to (and would to God I could rightly, and perfectly) serve thee, not myself h Rom. 14 8 Phil. 1, 20. . Chap. 18. A prayer for grace to do the will of God. SERVANT. O Most bountiful Saviour, extend thy favour towards me a Psa. 80, 3. , let it be with me, & labour with me, and continue with me until the end b Phil. 2, 12. . Give me grace to wish, and covet those things c Phil. 2, 13. , as may be grateful to thee, and acceptable in thy sight. Let thy will be my will, and let mine always follow thine, and agree therewith d Mat. 6, 10 Mat. 26, 39 42. Mat. 14, 36 . Grant that I may like and mislike that which thou dost e joh. 4, 34. john. 5, 30. john. 6, 38. , and never like or mislike any thing, but that which thou dost either like or mislike. Assist me to crucify myself to all worldly things f Gal. 6, 14. Roman. 6, verse. 3, etc. Philip. 3, 8. ; and for thy sake to covet in this world to be contemned and unknown. And above all things grant that I may rest, and have peace in thee: thou art the true peace, thou alone art the quietness of mind g Phil. 4, 7. . Without thee all things are hard, and troublesome h john. 14, verse. 27. john. 16, 33. . In this peace, that is, in thee alone which art the chiefest, & everlasting felicity, I will sleep, and take my rest i Psalm. 3, 5. Psalm. 4, 8. , Amen. Chap. 19 That the true comfort is to be sought for, in God alone. SERVANT. Whatsoever pleasure I can wish, or imagine, I look not for it in this life, but in the world to come a Rom. 8, 18 32. 1. Cor. 2, 9 Heb. 13, 14. . If I alone had all the pleasures that mought be, and enjoyed all the delights in the world, certain it is they would not long endure b joh. 16, 20 22. 1. Cor. 7, 31. 1. joh. 2, 17. . And therefore thou canst not fully be delighted, and refreshed thoroughly (O my soul) but in the Lord c 1. Cor, 1, 31 2. Cor. 1, 3. 4. , who comforteth the abject d 2. Cor 7. 6 , and assisteth the meek e james. 4, 6 . Hope a little while f Psal. 27, 14. , O my soul, hope for the promise of GOD, and thou shalt attain to plenty of all good things in heaven. But if thou unmeasurably desire temporal things, make an account of it, thou shalt forego eternal g Luke. 16, verse. 25. 1. joh. 2, 15. 16. 17. . Use this world h 1. Cor. 7, verse. 31. , but desire heaven i Colos. 3, 1. 2. . No temporal thing can satisfy thee k Eccle. 1, 8. Eccles. 4, 8. ; for thou art not created to enjoy the same. Hadst thou all creatures in thine own possession: yet wert thou not blessed. But thy felicity consisteth in God the creator of all l Psal. 36, 7. 8. 9 Psalm. 42, verse. 1, etc. . Which is such, not as is seen and commended of the foolish favourers of this present world, but as the good, and faithful disciples of Christ hope for, and they sometime foretaste who are spiritual & pure in heart m Matt. 5, 8. Psalm. 24, 4. , whose conversation is in heaven n Phil. 3, 20. . Vain, and short is all worldly consolation: but true and blessed is the spiritual o Psa. 31, 19 which the truth doth minister. The godly man carrieth always about his comforter, even jesus p 2. Cor. 1, 2. 5. Coloss. 1, 2. , whom on this wise he speaketh unto: O Lord jesus, be with me in all places, and at all times. Let this be my comfort, to lack all worldly comfort willingly q job. 6, 7. : Or if at any time I lack thy consolation, let thy will, and due trial of me r 1. Pet. 1, 7. be in steed of chiefest comfort s Psal. 23, 4. . For thou wilt not always chide, neither keep thine anger for ever t Psa. 103, 9 . Chap. 20. That all our cares must be cast upon God. LORD. MY son, let me deal as I will with thee a jam. 4, 7. . I do know what is for thy profit. Thou conceauest as a man b Ps. 94, 11. Matt. 16, 23. 1. Cor. 3, 1. , and in many things dost so think, as thy fleshly mind doth counsel thee. SERVANT. Truth Lord: Thou hast more care of me, than I can have of myself c Psa. 55, 22. isaiah. 49, 14. 15. . For he standeth totteringly, who trusteth not wholly in thee d 1. Pet. 5, 7. . O Lord, so that my will may be right and grounded on thee, deal with me even as thou wilt e Luk. 1, 38. . For it cannot be but good whatsoever thou shalt determine of me. Wherefore whether thou wilt that I be in darkness, I praise it f Rom. 12, 12 2. Corint. 6, verse. 4, etc. ; or in the light, I praise it; whether in prosperity, I praise it; or in adversity, I praise that also g Psal. 34, 1. . LORD. Son thou must be so minded if thou wilt deal with me: and be as willing to suffer h james. 1, 2. john. 15, 19 john. 16, 2. , as to rejoice; and to be poor, and needy i Matth. 19, verse. 27. Luke. 9, 23. , as rich and wealthy. SERVANT. Lord, I will gladly suffer for thy sake whatsoever thou shalt send: yea I will take in good part at thine hands evil as well as good, sour as sweet, sorrow as joy k Phil. 4, 4. 5. Coloss. 1, 11. 12. , and for all things yield thanks l 1. Thess. 5, verse. 18. . Defend me, O Lord, from sin, & I will fear neither death, nor the Devil: & so thou forsake me not utterly, neither blot me out of the book of life, no misery shall dismay me m Psalm. 91, verse. 5, etc. . Chap. 21. That the troubles of this life are patiently to be suffered after the example of our Saviour Christ. LORD. MY son, for thy saltion I came down from heaven a john. 3, 13: john. 6, 33. 38, etc. Philip. 2, 7. 8. , and took thy miseries upon me not of necessity b isaiah. 53, 5. , but voluntarily; to teach thee to be patiented, & to bear the miseries of this world gladly, not grudginglie c 1. Pet. 2. vers. 21, etc. . For from the hour of my birth even till my death on the cross, there never wanted sorrows which I was to suffer d Esaie. 53, verse. 2, etc. Luke. 9, 22 . I bore the want of necessary things e Luke. 2, 7. Matth 4, 2. Luke. 9, 58. ; I hard much muttering against me f joh. 7, 12. ; I put up many taunts and reproaches g Matth. 12, verse. 24. john. 8, 48. ; for my benefits, I received unkindness h Esaie. 5, verse. 1, etc. Matth. 21, vers. 33, etc. ; for my miracles, ill words i Luk. 11, 14. 15. ; for my ghostly counsel, reprehension k john. 7, 28. 30. . SERVANT. O my Lord, seeing thou in this life hast showed thyself patiented (wherein especially thou fulfilledst the commandment of thine heavenly father l joh. 17, 4. Philip. 2, 8. :) good reason is it, that I a miserable, and sinful wretch do show myself patiented according to thy will, and, while thou thinkest meet, bear the burden of mortal life after thine ensample m 1. Pet. 2, vers. 21, etc. . For although this present life seem burdensome: yet through thy favour it is made the lighter, and may the more easily be borne of weaklings both by thine example n Matth. 11, verse. 29. 30. , and of thy saints o Phil. 4, 13. Hebr. 6, 11. verse. 12. Hebr. 11, 32. 33, etc. . Yea much more comfortable is it now, than it was in the old law, when both the way was harder to find p 2 Cor. 3, vers. 13, etc. , and few had a desire to seek the celestial kingdom q Ro. 9, 29. 1. Cor. 10, 6, . Then how much am I bound to thee, which hast vouchsafed to show both to me, & to all believers a right and ready way unto thine everlasting kingdom r joh. 14, 6. ! For thy way, is our way: and by holy patience we strive to come unto thee, our crown: whom, unless thou hadst gone afore s john. 14, 2. 19 john. 15, 18. , and schooled us t joh. 16, 32 33. , who would care to follow? How many would abide not only behind, but a great way of also, if they had not these thy noble examples before their eyes? And, hearing such commandments and signs, and yet are lukewarm, what would we do, if we had not such a light given us to follow thee? Chap. 22. Of long-suffering; and who is patiented in deed. LORD. WHat is that thou sayest, my son? cease to complain. Behold how both I a Heb. 12, 2. , and other saints b Hebr. 11, vers. 32, etc. Hebr. 6, 11. 12. have suffered; thou hast not as yet resisted unto blood c Heb. 12, 4. . Little is it which thou sufferest being compared with them, who have suffered so much, so mightily been tempted, so grievously afflicted, so many ways tried, and exercised d Heb. 11, 34 35. 36. 37. . And therefore call such into mind as have endured more troubles: so shalt thou more easily bear thine own. And if thine seem not light, look whether impatiency do not cause thee to think so. But, be they small, be they great, endeavour thou to bear them patiently e 2. Cor. 6, 4 james. 1, 2. 3. . For the more patience thou showest; the more wisely thou dost; the more favour thou shalt get; the more easily thou shalt bear adversity, being both in mind, and custom not slothfullie prepared hereunto f Rom. 5, 3. 4. . And say not, I neither can, nor may suffer this at his hands; for he hath injuried me greatly, and accused me of those things, which I never thought of; if another had dealt so with me, I could yet have put up such things, as I see might reasonably be put up. I say, use not these speeches, for they are foolish cogitations, such as neither weigh the worthiness of patience, nor the reward due for the same g jam. 1, 12. , but respect persons rather, and injuries received h Mat. 5, 43. 44, etc. . He is not truly patiented that will bear but with whom he list, and what he list. But he is patiented in deed, that weigheth not who molesteth him, whether his better, or his equal, or his inferior; whether he be good and godly, or wicked and ungracious: and howsoever he be injuried, and when so ever, he taketh it in good part, as sent from God, and puts it in his winnings. For the smallest thing that is, being suffered for God's sake, shall have a great reward i Matt. 5, 11. 12. Rom. 8, 18. Phil. 1, 12. 13, etc. . Wherefore be thou girded k Eph. 6, 14 unto the battle, if thou wilt have the victory. Unless thou strive thou shalt never obtain the crown of patience l 2. Tim. 2, 5. . So that, if thou wilt not suffer, thou refusest to be crowned: but if thou desire to be crowned, strive manfully, and suffer patiently the brunt of the battle m Ps. 27, 14. Psal. 31, 24. . For neither quietness without labour, nor victory without fight is obtained n 2. Tim. 2, 5 . SERVANT. O my Lord, grant that through thine assistance I may do that, which of myself me thinks I cannot do o 2. Cor. 3, 5 . Thou knowest that otherwise I can but suffer little, & even by a small puff of adversity, am easily overthrown. Grant that all troubles for thy name sake may be welcome to me, and wished for: for to suffer, and to be afflicted for thee, is very good for my soul's health p Psal. 119, verse. 67▪ 71. Roman. 5, verse. 3, etc. james. 1, 2. 3. , Amen. Chap. 23. A confession of man's weakness, and misery. SERVANT. I Will confess my sins, and wickedness unto thee, O Lord, a Psal 32, 5. . Oftentimes a small thing brings me down, and troubles me. Sometime I determine to play the stout champion; and by and by with a light tentation I am overthrown. Now and then of a small thing ariseth a grievous tentation; and when I think I am safe, unawares many-times I receive the foil. Wherefore, Lord, behold mine humility, and frailty which is well known to thee. Have mercy on me, and deliver me out of this mire b Psal 69, 1. 2 . This doth vex me at the very heart, and confounds me in thy presence, when I see how frail I am, and weak to resist affections: which albe they draw me not altogether to assent c Rom. 7, 15 16. 17. 24. , yet they disquiet me greatly by their sore assaults, and make me weary of my life, they fight so within me. And hereby more evidently I perceive mine own infirmity, in that I see wicked cogitations do more easily invade, than forsake me. Oh that thou most mighty God of Israel, & lover of godly souls d Heb. 4, 15 , oh that thou wouldst behold my pain and grief e Psal. 25, 16 , and prosper mine endeavours! Strengthen me with courage from thine holy heavens, that the old man, even the miserable flesh, not plainly as yet made subject to the spirit f Rom. 8, 5. , get not the upper hand g Rom. 6, 12 , whom, as long as we live in this wretched world, we must resist h Gal. 5, 16. 17. . I call it wretched, because therein all things are full of snares, and enemies i job. 14, 1. 22. 1. Pet. 5, 8. . For temptations come upon temptations: yea, while one conflict is a making, others come on the neck of them unlooked for k job. 7, 13. 14. . So then can this life be loved, which hath so much gall therein, and is open to so many troubles, and miseries l job. 5, 7. ? Or can it be called a life, which causeth so many deaths, and plagues m job. 10, 17 ? And yet, notwithstanding all this, it is loved, and many seek for pleasure in the same n Mat. 7, 13. Luke. 13, 23 24. . The world is many-times dispraised, because it is deceitful, & vain o 1. john. 2, verse. 17. : and yet it is hardly forsaken, the desires of the flesh bear such a sway p 1. john. 5, verse. 19 . For in very deed some things provoke to love, other to abhor the same. To love it, the lust of the flesh, & of the eyes, with the pride of life q 1. john. 2, verse. 16. will allure to abhor it, the pains, and everlasting miseries to come r joh. 16, 20 Luke 16, 25. , may cause. But, alas, vile pleasure subdueth the mind addicted to the world: so that to feed the senses it thinketh it a pastime, having neither seen, nor tasted the sweetness of the Lord s Psal. 34, 8. , nor the inner comfort of virtue t 1. Cor. 2, 9 10. 14. . But they, which utterly contemn the world, and study under holy discipline to live unto GOD, they both know the heavenly comfort, promised to such as forsake themselves u Luk. 9, 23. john. 16, 33. , and also perceive how lamentably the world doth oer, and lies in wickedness x 1. john 5, verse. 19 . Chap. 24. That we must repose no confidence in any creature, but in God alone. SERVANT. O My soul a Psa. 116, 7. , trust in the Lord in all things, and above all things: for he is the everlasting rest of the godly b Ps. 132, 14 . Give me grace, O sweet jesus, O my GOD, to rest in thee above all things in the world; above all health, and beauty; above all honour, and glory; above all power and dignity; above all knowledge and dexterity of wit; above all cunning and riches; above all mirth and ioiefulnes; above all praise, all fame, all sweetness, all pleasure; above all hope, all promise, and all merit; above all desire, all gifts, all rewards which thou canst give, & power out; above all joy, & jollity which the mind can feel, and conceive; finally, above all Angels, and Archangels, above all the host of heaven, above all things visible and invisible, above all things, which thou art not c Matth. 10, verse. 37. 38. 39 Mat. 19, 27. 28. 29. Rom. 8, 35. 38. 39 1. joh. 2, 15. , O my God. For thou, my God, thou art best of all; thou alone art almighty; thou alone art plentiful; thou art most sweet, and thou art most comfortable; thou art most fair, most lovely, most noble, and most glorious d Psalm. 36, verse. 5, etc. Psalm. 42, ●. . In thee are, have been, and will be evermore all good, and perfect things: and therefore both little is it, and less than thyself whatsoever thou givest me besides thyself, or openest and promisest of thyself not seen, neither perfectly attained. For my mind will never be at quiet, nor content with that is present, until, having passed over all gifts and worldly things, it rest in thee e Psa. 116, 7. . O Christ, my sweet spouse and saviour, O most faithful lover, Lord of the whole world f 1. Tim. 6, verse. 15. Revel. 1, 5. , O that I had the wings of true liberty: that I might fly unto thee, and rest in thee g Psal. 55, 6 ! O when shall I be mine own man, and behold how sweet thou art, my Lord, my God h Psal. 34, 8. ! When shall I wind myself wholly into thee in such sort, that for the entire good will I bear thee, I may not know myself, but thee alone after an incredible manner, known but unto few i Psa. 17, 15. ! Now oftentimes I sigh k Ro. 7, 24. , and bear my wretchedness with grief, because much evils rush upon me in this vail of miseries, the which many-times trouble me, & grieve me, and overshadow me, and hinder me, yea they distract, and withdraw, and so entangle me, that I can have no free access unto thee, nor enjoy thy loving embracements in the presence of thy blessed Saints l 1. Cor 13, verse. 12. . O my God, let my so manifold sighs, and sorrows of mind, which I feel in this world, move thee. O jesus the brightness of eternal glory, and comfort of the wandering soul, my mouth is with thee that cannot speak, and in silence m Esa. 30, 15 do I speak to thee. How long will my Lord defer his coming? Oh that he would come to me poor wretch, make me glad, and with stretched out arm deliver me from all trouble n Psal. 40, 7. ! Come, Lord jesus, come o Revel. 22, verse. 20. 17. Psal. 130, 5. 6. 7. . For lacking thee I am no day, no hour in quiet: because thou art my joy, without whom my table is empty. I am a caitiff, and I know not how, kept in prison, and kept down with fetters p Ro. 7, 23. 24. , and so shall be till thou comfort me with the light of thy presence, set me at liberty, & show me a friendly countenance q Rom. 8, 2. . Let others seek in steed of thee what they will: nothing neither doth, nor shall please me, but thou, my God, my hope, and eternal salvation r Psal. 3, 3. Psal. 16, 2. 2. Sam. 22, 2 . I will never be silent, I will never cease to pray s Luk. 11, 9 10. Luke 18, 1. 7. , until y● put away all displeasure, & speak to me again. LORD. Lo, because thou callest for me, I am come: thy tears, thy groaning, thine humility, and hearty sorrow have moved me so to do. SERVANT. O my Lord, through the desire I have to enjoy thee, I, who am ready to renounce all things for thy sake t Phil. 3, 7. 8. , have called thee. But thou first diddest stir me up to seek thee u Luke. 10, verse. 22. . For which thing, O Lord, I yield thee humble thanks, who of thy great goodness hast bestowed so singular a benefit upon me. Now what remaineth, but that I humbly submit myself to thee x Psal. 78, 8. Psal 119, 5. , being always mindful of my sins, and vileness y Ps. 119, 19 ? For among all things either in heaven or earth none is like to thee z Ps. 35, 10. Psal. 71, 19 Psal. 89, 18. Psal. 86, 8. . Thy works are exceedingly good a Gen. 1, 31. , O Lord, thy iugdements are true, and all things are guided by thy providence b Psal. 19, 1. 2. Matth. 6, vers. 26, etc. . Wherefore praised, and magnified be thou, O wisdom of the Father c 1. Cor. 1, verse. 24. Coloss. 2, 3. ; and thou my soul d Ps. 146, 1. 2. , and mouth, with all creatures of the world e Ps. 150, 6. Psalm. 148, verse. 1, etc. , extol and glorify him for ever. Chap. 25. Of the continual calling into mind the infinite blessings, and benefits of God. SERVANT. O Lord, open thou the eyes of my understanding a Ps. 119, 18. 17. , and teach me to live according to the rules of thy Law. Grant that I may know thy will, and with great reverence, and painfulness, call thy manifold benefits conferred both upon me, and all men into mind, that so I may render due praise unto thee for the same b Psal. 26, 7. . Albeit, to say the truth, I cannot sufficiently commend thee for the least of all thy benefits c Eccl. 18, 4. ; yea so unable am I to extol thee duly for them d Psal. 40, 5. , that when I consider thy liberality, I am utterly dismayed at the greatness thereof. For whatsoever we have, belonging either to the body, or to the soul, outwardly or inwardly, naturally or otherwise, they are thy benefits, and commend thy bounteousness, and liberality e Psalm. 33, verse. 6, etc. 1. Corin. 12, verse. 8, etc. , of whom we have received all good things f jam. 1, 17. . And although some have more than others, yet all is thine g Matth. 25, vers. 14, etc. , and without thee even the least thing cannot be attained h joh. 3, 27. . Now if any have received greater gifts, he cannot brag of his own merit, nor extol himself above others, nor despise his inferior i 1. Cor. 4, 6. 7. . For by so much is a man greater, and better, by how much he ascribeth less to himself k Mat. 11, 29 , and is the modester in yielding thanks. And the more vile and unworthy a man judgeth himself, the more capable is he of greater things l Mat. 23, 11 12. Luk. 18, 13. 14. . Again he that hath fewer gifts, ought not to take it heavily, nor to envy his better m jam. 4, 2. ; but rather to cast his eyes upon heaven, and highly to commend thy goodness, who givest thy gifts so abundantly, & so frankly without respect of persons n Matt. 5, 45 Luke. 6, 35. . From thee we have all o 1. Cor. 4, 6, etc. james. 1, 17. , and therefore in all things thou art to be glorified. What is meet for every man thou knowest; & why this man hath little, and he much, it is not for us, but for thee to judge, who knowest what is necessary for every man. Therefore, my Lord and God, I count it for a great benefit, to have but few things which seem glorious, and praiseworthy in the opinion of man. And thus I think, that baseness, & poverty should be so far from disquieting the mind, & bringing down a man, that they ought to be occasions of great comfort, and rejoicing, inasmuch as thou, God, dost choose the poor, humble, and despised in this world into the number of thy saints, and servants p Psa. 113, 7. 8. Matth. 5, 3. 1. Cor. 1, 26. 27. 28. . As witness thine Apostles, whom thou madest princes through all the earth q Ps. 45, 16. : who behaved themselves so modestly, and showed forth so little malice, and deceit, that not only they abstained from complaining, but also rejoiced to suffer rebuke for thy Name r Acts. 5, 41. : yea those things which we naturally abhor, they did greedily embrace s 1. Thess. 2, verse. 15. 2. Co. 11, 23 24, etc. . So that nothing should so comfort, & rejoice the heart of him which loveth thee, and confesseth thy goodness, as the knowledge of thine heavenly will t jere. 9, 23, 24. 1. Cor. 1, 31. , wherewith he ought so to content himself, that he desire as greatly to be of small, as another doth to be of great account; and take as well in worth the lowest place, as the highest room, and to be despised and contemned; as to be honoured, and extolled above all u Matth. 20, verse. 25. 26. 27. Luk. 22, 25. 26. 27. . For more should he desire to have thy will done x Mat. 6, 10. Mat. 26, 39 42. 44. , and thine honour advanced, than any thing beside y 1. john. 2, verse. 15. 16. 17. ; yea more pleasure should he take therein than in any thing else, which either he hath already, or may have z Rom. 8, 35 36, etc. . Chap. 26. Of the things, in number four, which procure quietness. LORD. I Will now teach thee my son, the ready way unto peace, and freedom. SERVANT. Do, Lord, as thou sayest: for that is it which I desire. LORD. My son, do the will of another, rather than thine own will a joh. 4, 34. john. 5, 30. john. 6, 38. : always desire little before a great deal b Acts. 20, verse. 33. 34. 35. : always covet the lowest place c Luk. 14, 8. 9 10. Prou. 25, 7. , and submit thyself to all d Eph. 5, 21. : always pray & wish that thou mayst thoroughly do the will of God e Mat. 6, 10. ; and doubtless thou shalt enter into the bounds of peace, and quietness. SERVANT. This thy short speech, Lord, containeth much perfection: and though it be brief for words, yet is it pithy for sense, and most effectual. And, did I faithfulie obey the same, sure I am, affections would not bear such a sway within me, as they do f Roman 7, vers. 15, etc. Galat. 5, 17. : and, I never am grieved, and out of quiet, but when I serve from this thy doctrine. But thou, Lord, which art almighty, and always dost desire the welfare, of man g Ezech. 18, verse. 32. , extend thy favour towards me, that both I may do thy will, and attain salvation, Amen. Chap. 27. A prayer against evil thoughts, or cogitations. SERVANT. O Lord, my God forsake me not a Psal. 22, 1. ; O my God, assist me. For evil cogitations, and fears be in my mind, which disquiet me; insomuch that I see not how to avoid, and break them off without great hurt to myself. LORD. I will go before thee, and suppress the power of man: and, having opened the prison door b Acts. 5, 19 Acts. 12, 10. , reveal my secrets, and mysteries to thee. SERVANT. Do so, Lord, and with thy countenance c Psal. 67, 1. banish all wicked cogitations fro my mind. For this is my only hope, and comfort in trouble, even to fly unto thee d Psal. 18, 3. 6. , to depend upon thee, to call upon thee zealously, and patiently to expect thine heavenly comfort e Psa. 27, 14. . Chap. 28. A prayer unto almighty God to have the eyes of our understanding opened. SERVANT. O Sweet jesus, lighten me with the brightness of thine eternal light, & drive all darkness, as it were, from the mansion house of my soul a john. 1, 9 john. 12, 8. . Suppress those wandering thoughts; and break in pieces those violent temptations. Fight thou courageously for my defence, and vanquish evil beasts, to wit, the enticing desires of the flesh, that by thy power I may get peace, and sing out thy praises in the holy court of my soul. Rebuke the winds b Matt. 8, 26 Luke. 8, 24. , and tempests, command the sea to be quiet, bid the North wind not to rage's, and there willbe a great calmness. Send thy light, & truth c Psal. 43, 3. , which may lighten the earth: for I am rude earth, good for nought, until thou enlighten me. power out thy favour from above, replenish my soul with thine heavenly grace; & minister the water of godliness, which the uppermost part of the earth being watered, may bring forth good, or the best fruit rather. O Lord, lift up my mind which is pressed down through the weight of sins, and stir up the same who lie to the desire of celestial things, that having tasted the sweetness of supernal happiness, it may greatly grieve me even to think of this world d Philip. 3, 8 Coloss. 3, 1. 2. . Take me, or pluck me rather from all momentany pleasure of earthly things: for no creature can either quiet, or comfort my mind e joh. 16, 33 2. Thes. 2, 16 17. . join me to thee by an undissoluble band of goodwill. For thou alone dost suffice thy friend, & without thee all other things are vain f Coloss. 3, 2 , Amen. Chap. 29. That we ought not curiously to inquire how other men do live. LORD. MY son, be not curious, neither have thou vain cogitations in thy mind. What is this or that unto thee? Follow thou me a joh. 21, 22 . For thou needest not care what manner of folks others are, either what they do, or speak b Matt. 7, 1. 2, etc. . Thou art not appointed to plead for other men: but thou must answer for thyself c Matth. 25, verse. 20. 21, etc. 1. Pet. 4, 4. 5. Galat 6, 5. Reu. 22, 12. . Why then meddlest thou with that which nothing toucheth thee? It is I which know all, and see all whatsoever is done under the cope of heaven d Mach. 15, verse. 2. : yea I know how it goeth with every man, what he thinketh, what he would, & whether his counsel tends e Psal. 7, 9 Hebr. 4, 13. reve. 2, 23. . And therefore commit all things to me: be thou quiet, and let troublesome people alone in their doings. For they shall one day yield an account of all their deeds, & saying f Rom. 14, verse. 12. , neither can they mock me g Gala. 6, 7. . Way thou neither the shadow of a great name, nor the familiarity of many, nor the private goodwill of men. For these things do but distract the mind sundrie-ways, and replenish it with black clouds of darkness. wouldst thou diligently attend my coming, and open the door h Sal. song. 5, verse. 2. reve. 3, 20. of thy mind to let me in, then would I gladly speak, and reveal my secrets unto thee. Chap. 30. Wherein the true peace, and profiting of the mind doth consist. LORD. MY son, thus have I said a joh. 14, 27 , Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. All men desire peace: but all men care not for those things which belong unto the right peace b Luke. 19, verse. 42. . My peace dealeth with such as are modest, and meek in heart c Psal. 119, verse. 130. Mat. 11, 29. . Thy peace doth consist in long suffering d Luke. 21, verse. 19 Rom. 2, 7. 10. ; which thou mayest enjoy plentifully, if thou wilt hearken to me, and follow my saying e Psa. 119, 1. 2 . Wherefore in all things consider what thou dost, and what thou speakest; and let this be thy chiefest care, how thou mayst please me f Colos. 1. 10 Ephes. 5, 10 , and besides me take pleasure in nothing g jer. 9, 23. 24. . Of other men's saying and doings judge not thou rashly h Matth. 7, verse. 1, etc. ; neither intrude thyself into another man's charge i 2. Thess, 3, verse. 11. : so shalt thou either little, or very seldom be troubled. For thou canst not be void of all trouble living in this world k joh. 16, 33 ; to feel no vexation either in mind or body is peculiar to the saints in heaven which enjoy everlasting rest l joh. 16, 22 reve. 12, 4. . So then think not that thou hast found true peace, if thou feel no adversity m 1. Cor. 4, verse. 8, etc. ; or that all is well, if thou have none enemy; or that thou art in good state, if thou enjoy prosperity n 1. Thess. 5, verse. 2. 3. : neither deem that thou art somewhat, or highly in my favour, though thou remainest where great exercise of religion is, yea or tastest the sweetness of the same o Mar. 14, 17 18. 19 20. . For by these things a true lover of godliness is not known, neither doth the profiting, and perfection of a man consist in these things. Wherein then? Namely in submitting thyself wholly to the will of God; and in seeking thyself in nothing p Rom. 12, verse. 16. , be it little or much, neither now, nor hereafter, but always both in wealth & woe keeping one manner countenance with thanksgiving q Phil. 4, 11. 12. weighing every thing in equal balance. Finally, if thou show thyself so valiant, and constant in faith, that when inward consolation is withdrawn, thou canst address thyself to suffer greater things r Rom. 5, 3. 4. 5 james. 1, 3. , and yet for all that refrain from praising thyself vainly for thine holiness, & zeal s Luk. 18, 11 12 Rom. 11, 18 20. , doubtless thou shalt find the right, and ready way unto peace, yea and one day behold my countenance again t Psal. 42, 2. with mirth, and joy u Psa. 91, 14. 15. 16. . And if thou once come unto such a pass, that thou canst fully, & perfectly contemn thyself x Phil. 4, 11. 12. 13. Coloss. 3, 5. , know of a truth, that thou shalt enjoy as much peace, and quietness, as possibly may come unto a mortal man. Chap. 31. In praise of a quiet, and free mind; with an humble petition for the attaining of the same. SERVANT. Doubtless it is the part of a perfect man, Lord, never to lose the mind from the study of heavenly things, but to pass over the manifold cares of this world even without care, not like a sluggard, but through the excellency of a free mind, cleaving to no worldly thing with an immoderate desire a Philip. 3, 8 Coloss. 3, 1. 2. 1. joh. 2, 15. . O most gracious, & merciful God, keep me, I beseech thee, from the cares of this world b Mat. 6, 25. 26, etc. 1. Cor. 7: 31. , that I be never too much entangled by reason of the manifold things which this body needeth; nor taken with the vain delight of that which hurts the soul; nor finally broken, and overthrown with sorrows. I say not from those things, which the vain world doth greedily hunt after c 1. john. 2, verse. 16. : but from those miseries, which suppress the mind of thy servant by a common, and penal curse of mortality, and so withdraw me, that I cannot enter, when I would, into the freedom of the spirit d Rom. 7, 16 17. . O my God, which art sweetness unspeakable, make all fleshly joy, which withdraweth me from the love of eternal things, and enticeth with the beholding of, I cannot tell what present, and pleasant goodness, make this joy to be grievous, and odious unto me e Gal. 6, 14. Philip. 3, 7. . Let not flesh & blood, O my God, let not flesh and blood overcome me f 1. Ioh 2, 15 16. ; let not the world, and the vain glory thereof deceive me g joh. 12, 43 ; let not Satan by his subtlety supplant me h 1. Pet. 5, 8 . Give me strength to resist i 1. Pet. 5, 9 , patience to endure k Eph 3, 16. 17. Rom. 12, 12 , constancy to persevere unto the end l Matth. 24, verse. 13. Revel. 2, 7, . Grant me for the comforts of this world the most comfortable ointment m 2. Cor. 1, verse. 21. of thine holy spirit; and for the lust of the flesh, pour on me the love of thy name n jam. 4, 4. . The very meat, and drink, and apparel with other things necessary for the nourishment of the body are even burdensome to a fervent spirit o 1. Co. 7, 32 33. 34. . Give grace that I may use these things moderately, and never be snarled with an over great desire of them p Matt. 6, 25 . All things are not to be rejected, for then nature would decay: again to covet superfluous, and every pleasant thing, thy sacred commandments do forbid, for so the flesh would insult over the spirit q Rom. 8, 8. Galat. 5, 16. 17. . Wherefore between these things let thine hand direct me, and teach me to do nothing out of measure, Amen. Chap. 32. That self love is the cause of perdition. LORD. MY son, thou must buy the whole with the whole, and keep back nothing of thyself a Mat. 19, 21 27. 29. Luke. 9, 23. 24. . For know this, self-love doth more hurt thee b Matt. 7, 3. 4. 5. Math. 19, 22 , than any thing beside: and according to thy love every thing doth more or less cleave unto thee. So that, if thy love be pure c Matth. 5, 8 1. john. 2, 17 , simple, and godly, thou shalt be quite from the bondage of things. Covet not that, which thou mayst not have d Exod. 20, verse. 17. Rom. 7, 7. : and have not that which may hinder thee, and deprive thee of the liberty of mind e Gal. 5, 16. 17. . It is marvelous, that thou dost, not wholly commit thyself to me with all that thou hast, or canst desire. Why dost thou vainly consume thyself with sorrow? Why dost thou weary thyself with superfluous cares f Psal. 42, 5. 11. Psal. 43, 5. ? Show thyself obedient to my will, and I will see that none hurt come to thee g Matth. 6, verse. 33. . But if, to attain profit, and to enjoy thy desire, thou apply thyself to seek things, and mind to change thy soil, look never to be at quiet, or free from care. For in every thing thou shalt wish some thing, and in no place look for perfect peace. Therefore every thing doth good, but not every thing which we have gotten, and mightily heaped together, but contemned, and cut fro the mind by the roots h Phil. 3, 7. 8. : which I would not should be understood of money, and riches only, but also of the desire of honour, and vainglory, all which do perish with the world i 1. john. 2, verse. 17. 1. Cor. 7, 31. . The place also doth smalie defend, if zeal of the spirit be lacking k Gal. 5, 22. : neither can that outward peace long continue l john. 14, verse. 27. , if it be not grounded upon a stayed mind, that is, unless thou depend upon me, though thou change thy soil thou shalt not better thyself. For when occasion doth arise, and is received, thou shalt find not only those things which thou didst shun, but a great deal more. Chap. 33. A prayer to obtain the purity of mind, of heavenly wisdom. SERVANT. STrengthen me, O God, by the grace of thy holy spirit a Eph. 3, 16. : confirm the inner man, that my mind may utterly be void of all vain cares b 1. Cor. 7, verse. 32. and grief, and I never drawn away with the desire of any thing, be it vile, or precious, but may count both myself c Luk. 9, 23. , and all other things even corruptible d Phil. 3, 8. . Forasmuch as nothing under the Sun continueth ever e Eccl. 1, 3. 4. 1. joh. 2, 17. , but they are all vain, and vexations of the spirit f Eccles. 2, vers. 11, etc. . He who thus thinketh, is most singularly wise. O Lord, give me heavenly wisdom g Eccl. 2, 26 Wisd. 9, 4. james. 1, 5. , which may teach me to seek h Mat. 6, 33. , and find thee above all, to savour of thee i Psal. 34, 8. , and to love thee k Mat. 22, 37 Mark. 12, 29 30. Luk. 10, 27. above all: and to take other things as they are in themselves, according to the order of wisdom l 1. Co. 7, 29 30. 31. . Give me grace both wisely to avoid flatterers m Prou. 2, 16 Prou. 5, 3. 4. Prou. 29, 5. ; and patiently to bear my foes n 1. Pe. 2, 21 23. 1. Pet. 3, 8. 9 Prou. 16, 32. . For, neither to be moved with every blast of words o Prou. 14, verse. 29. , nor to listen to the flattering Mermaid p Eccl. 7, 28 Proverb. 6, vers. 20, etc. 24. , is doubtless a great part of wisdom, and the ready way to go forward salfelie in our journey begun. Chap. 34. Against ill tongues. LORD. MY son, take it not grievously, though some conceive, and speak amiss of thee a Mat. 5, 11. ; but think worse of thyself than they do, and believe that none is more weak than thyself b Luke. 18, verse. 13. . If thou tread the secret path of virtue, thou wilt not greatly way flying words c Psa. 56, 11 . It is no small wisdom in adversity to be silent d Ps. 112, 7. isaiah. 30, 15. Luk. 21, 19 , to turn unto me, and not to be disturbed whatsoever men do think. Thy peace must not depend upon the speech of men: for thou art one manner of man still, speak they ill, or speak they well of thee: but in me, in me, I say, true glory, and true peace doth consist e joh. 16, 33 , the which he shall mightily enjoy, who neither desireth to please men, nor feareth their displeasure f Matth. 10, verse. 28. . Of untemperate love, and vain fear, all unquietness of mind, and distracting of the senses do arise g Matth. 9, verse. 21. 22. . Chap. 35. How we ought to call upon God, and to praise him in adversity. SERVANT. PRaised be thy Name, O Lord, for evermore, whose will it is, that I should be tried with this affliction a jam. 1, 2. : which of myself I cannot escape, but am to fly unto thee, requiring thine assistance b Psal. 71, 2. 3. , and to turn it to the best. O Lord, now am I in trouble, and my mind is grievously vexed through my present misery. And therefore, O most dear father, what shall I say? I am entrapped on every side: deliver me from this hour, wherinto I doubtless came, that thou thereby mightest purchase great praise both for bringing me so down, and delivering me again c Ps. 22, 23. 24. . O Lord, I beseech thee deliver me from this evil, me poor and needy soul d Ps. 40 17. , knowing not whether to turn myself without thee. In like sort, O Lord, give me patience now e Heb. 12, 1. Heb. 10, 36. , help me, O my God, so will I not fear, be I never so grievously afflicted f Psa. 56, 11. Acts. 5, 41. . And now in these my troubles, what shall I say? Even thy will be done, Lord g Matt. 6, 10 : I have deserved this affliction, and punishment h Psal. 69, 5. , and therefore must of necessity bear it (God grant that patiently I may do so) till after these storms fair weather comes again. I know right well, thou canst by thine almightiness either altogether remove away this tentation, or mitigate the rage thereof, that I faint not utterly, as often heretofore thou hast done i Psal. 77, 1. 2. 5. 6, etc. of thy great mercy towards me, O my God. And the more troubles suppress me, the more sweetly shall I be refreshed with the help of thine almighty right hand. Chap. 36. Of calling for God's assistance, and hope to recover his favour again. LORD. MY son, I am that Lord even the strengthener of men in the day of trouble a Nahum 1, verse. 7. , unto whom thou must make recourse as often as it goes not well with thee. But thou feelest not my heavenly comfort, because thou turnest not thyself with speed unto prayer b Ps. 50, 15. Psalm. 86, 1. 2, etc. . For, before thou makest any earnest prayer unto me, thou seekest much comfort else where, and takest pleasure in outward things; which do thee small good, until thou persuade thyself in deed, that I it is who deliver such out of trouble as put their confidence in me c Psa. 33, 18. Psal. 27, 14. Psal. 31, 24. , and that without me no help is available d Psal. 33, 16 17. 18. , no counsel profitable e job. 5, 13. Psal. 2, 2, 4. , no physic durable f Luk. 8, 43. . But now having taken courage unto thee after storms, wax thou strong again in the light of my mercy. For I am ready saith the Lord g Reu. 22, 7. , not only to restore all things to their integrity, but also mightily to renew them h Reu. 21, 1. 2 Pet. 3, 13. . Is there any thing too hard for me i job. 9, 4. 5. 6, etc. ? Or am I like to them which keep not promise k 1. Kings. 8, verse. 23. Titus. 1, 1. 2. ? Where is thy faith? Stand constantly, and persevere l Mat. 24, 13 : show thyself a patiented and valiant man, & doubt thou not but in due time thou shalt find comfort m Ps. 27, 14. 1. Cor. 16, verse. 13. . Wait n Psa. 37, 3. 7. 34. , wait I say for me, and I will come and heal thee. It is tentation that troubles thee; & vain fear which terrifies. What good doth care of future chances, but even bring sorrow upon sorrow o Mat. 6, 25 26, etc. prover. 10, verse. 22. ? The day hath enough with his own grief p Matt. 6, 34 . A vain thing it is, and to no purpose, either to be sad, or to rejoice for things to come, which perhaps will never come to pass. But man with such imaginations may be deceived; albeit so easily to be carried away with the tentation of the enemy, is an argument of a faint heart, and little faith q Matth. 14, verse. 31. Matth. 16, 8. . He weigheth not whether he illude, and deceive a man with true things, or with false, whether with the love of present r Matth. 4, 8. 9 Luke 4, 5. 6. 7. , or fear of things to come. Wherefore neither be thou troubled in mind, nor fear; trust only in me, and repose confidence in my mercy s Psal. 27, 1. Psal. 28, 7. Psal. 34, 22. Psa. 115, 11. . many-times thou thinkest I am far off, when in deed I am at hand t Ps. 119, 151 155. 1. Co. 10, 13 : and when thou supposest that all is gone, many-times thy gain comes rolling in u jam. 1, 12 . So that all is not lost, though thou sustain adversity. According to the sense of present miseries thou must not judge; neither when any mischance happeneth, be so moved and dismayed as though no hope of escape were left at all x 1. Cor, 10, verse. 13. . Think not thou art utterly cast off, though for a time either I send affliction, or deny thy desired comfort; for thereby thou must enter into the kingdom of heaven y Acts. 14, verse. 22. . And assuredly it is better both for thee, and all the rest of my servants, to be stirred up with adversity z Psal. 119, verse. 67. 71. Luke. 9, 23. 1. Pet. 1, 6. 7. , than to enjoy all things at your heart's desire. For I am so privy to the secret cogitations of the heart, that I know it is greatly for thine everlasting welfare, to be sometime left to thyself in troubles, lest perchance being puffed up with prosperity, thou think thyself to be that which thou art not a Deu. 32, 15. . I can take away that I gave b Mat 25, 14 15, etc. 28. , and give it again, when I think it good. If I gain, it is mine c 1. Cor. 4, 7 : If I took away, I took not thine, forasmuch as every good giving, and every perfect gift is fro me d jam. 1, 17. . Wherefore, when I send thee misery, and adversity, neither do thou fret e 1. Pet. 4, 12. , nor faint f Heb. 12, 3. Heb. 10, 35. 36. : for I, even I the same can speedily succour thee, and turn thy sorrow into joy again g Deut. 32, verse. 39 1. Sam. 2, 6. . But, in that I deal so with thee I am righteous h Psal. 119, verse. 75. Dan. 9, 14. , and much to be commended. And if thou be'st wise, and waiest this my doing uprightly, thou wilt never so heavily mourn for thine adversity, but rather be glad i 1. Thess. 1▪ 6 james. 1, 2. , and thank me therefore k Eph. 5, 20. ? yea, thou wilt confess thyself, that herein especially thou shouldest rejoice, in that in punishing I do not spare thee l job. 6, 7. 10. . As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you, said I to my disciples m Ioh 15, 9 , whom I sent not unto transitory pleasures n joh. 16, 20 , but unto great combats o Mat. 10, 16▪ 17. 18. ; not unto honour p Luke. 22, verse. 25. , but unto infamy q Mat. 5, 11. 1. Pet. 3, 13. 14. ; not unto idleness r Matt. 10, 7. 8, etc. , but unto painfulness s Matt. 9, 37. 38. ; not unto rest t Luk. 10, 2. ; but to bring forth much fruit with patience. My son, forget not these my words. Chap. 37. That to find God, our creator, we should forsake all things. SERVANT. O My Lord, as yet I stand greatly in need of thy favour, that I may come to that pass, that neither man, nor any other creature a Rom. 8, 35▪ 36, etc. may let me. For as long as any thing detains me back, I cannot freely take my flight to thee b Luk. 9, 23. 24. 25. . He that said c Psal. 55, 6. , Oh that I had wings like a dove, that I might fly away and rest, would freely have flied. What is more quiet than the simple eye d Matt. 6, 22 ? or what more at liberty, than he who desireth nothing in the world e Luk. 9, 23. ? So that man must overpass all creatures, and bring himself unto that forwardness, that ravished beside himself, he confess that thou the Creator of all things art nothing like unto thy creatures f isaiah. 44, 6. 7. 8. Esaie. 55, 8. 9 Revel. 5, 2. 3. 5. . Unless man be free from the love of every creature g Luk. 5, 11. Luk. 14, 26. 27. , he cannot quietly apply himself to heavenly things. For therefore few there be which addict themselves to the study of celestial things, because few can withdraw themselves, wholly from the love of this world h Matth. 22, verse. 5. Luk. 14, 18. . But to do so we have need of the special favour of God i joh. 6, 44. 65. , which may lift up the mind, and ravish it above itself. And unless man be so lifted up in spirit, and, being delivered from all worldly things, conjoined to God, whatsoever he either knoweth, o● possesseth is to very small purpose k 1. Cor. 13, 1▪ 2. 3. ▪ A long while shall he be a novice, and grovel on the ground, which maketh account of any thing, besides that one eternal, and infinite good thing l Matth. 13, verse. 44. 45. . Whatsoever is not God is nothing, and to be esteemed for nothing m Ro. 8, 33▪ 34, etc. Philip. 3, 8. . Doubtless great difference is there between the wisdom of a man inspired from above n Gal. 1, 11. 12. , and the knowledge of worldly wise men o 1 Cor. 1, verse. 18. 19, etc. : and much more excellent is that doctrine which floweth from heaven p 2. Tim. 3, verse. 16. 17. , & the celestial fountain, than that is painfully fetched from the brains of man q Matt. 15, 9 1. Cor. 1, 20 . Many there be which study heavenly things; but which do those things that belong thereunto r Matt. 7, 22▪ Rom. 2, 21. 22, etc. james. 1, 22▪ 23, etc. , not many. Another great let is, for that men stand upon signs, & sensible things s Galat. 4, 9 10. Galat. 5, 1. Coloss. 2, 20 , and bestow small diligence in the mortifying of themselves t Coloss. 3, 5 Galat. 6, 14. . I marvel what the matter is, or with what spirit we are led, or what cometh into our minds, which are called spiritual, that with such care and study we seek after vile and vanishing things u Matt. 6, 19 Ezech. 34, 2. 1. Pet. 5, 2. , and so seldom call our wits together to think upon the matters of salvation x Coloss. 3, 2 ! Yea after a little consideration we by & by burst out again, and way not our deeds any more in the balance y Reu. 3, 17. 18. . Where our affections be z Matt. 6, 21 , we mark not: & that all which we have is unpure a isaiah. 64, 6. , we lament not. For every man hath corrupted his ways b Rom. 3, 10▪ 11. 12. Psalm. 14, 1. 3. , which was the cause of so great a flood in the old world c Matth. 24, verse. 37. 38. 39 Luk. 17, 26. 27. . So that the affection within being unpure, needs must the actions proceeding from the affections, which show the want of strength, be unpure d Matt. 6, 22▪ 23. Matt. 12, 33▪ 35. . For of a pure mind the fruit of a good life doth proceed e Luk. 6, 45. . inquiry is made, how much a man doth▪ but how zealously it was done, no consideration is had. Whether he be rich, or strong, or fair, or stout; whether he can write well, or sing well, or plough well, we inquire: but how poor in spirit he is f Matt. 5, 3. , how patiented and meek g Matth. 11, verse. 29. , how religious and spiritual, many will not tell. Nature beholdeth the outward parts of man h Ioh 7, 24. john. 8, 15. ; Grace respecteth the inward i james. 2, 5. john 8, 16. : that commonly is deceived k jam. 2, 6. , this hath her trust in God l Psa. 116, 7. 8. 9 , that she may not oer. Chap. 38. That we must deny ourselves, and renounce utterly all carnal desires. LORD. MY son, thou canst not come unto perfect freedom, unless thou utterly deny thyself a Luk. 9, 23. . As many as are covetous b 1. Cor. 6, 9 10. 1. Tim. 6, 8. 9 10. ; as many as love themselves c isaiah. 5, 21. ; as many as lust d jam. 1, 13. 14. 15. 1. Pet▪ 2, 11. ; as are curious e 1. Tim. 1, 4. ; busy-bodies f 1. Pet. 4, 15. ; desirous always of pleasure g Luke. 16, verse. 25 not of jesus Christ; attempting that which shall not abide h Ps. 2, 1. etc. 4 , (for whatsoever is not of God will come to nought i Acts. 5, 38. 39 ), are captives and in bondage unto Satan k Rom. 6, 1● 13. 14. . Take this for al. Forsake all l Luke▪ 9, 23. , and find all m Mat. 19, 27 28. 29 . Forsake thy desire n Mat. 8, 34. , and find rest o Mat. 10, 39 . Meditate hereof continually, and when thou hast fulfilled all, thou shalt understand. SERVANT. O my Lord, this cannot be done in a day, neither is it a play for children: but therein briefly the whole perfection of a godly man, is comprehended. LORD. Son, change not thy mind for all that, neither be thou dismayed at the naming of perfection: but so much the more stir up thyself unto higher things p Phil. 3, 13. 14. 15. , and at the least in desire sigh after them. Oh that thou wert come unto that pass that thou couldst not love thyself, nor disobey me q Rom. 12, 1 2. ; then would I like thee well, then shouldest thou lead thy life in joy, and quietness r Leu. 26, 3▪ 4, etc. Deut. 28, 1. 2, etc. ! Thou hast as yet many things to be forsaken, the which unless thou altogether yield up to me, look not to attain the end of thy desire. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried by the fire s Reu. 3, 18. , that thou mayst be made rich, I mean celestial wisdom which treadeth all abject, and vile things under feet. Cast away the wisdom of this world t 1. Cor. 1, 26 , that is, cease to please, and flatter thyself after the fashion of the world u 1. Ioh 2, 15 16. . I tell you, the most vile things, must be bought with precious things x Matth. 13, verse. 44. 45. 4●. , and such as are of greatest account among men. For the true wisdom of GOD, which doth not arrogate much to itself y 1. Cor. 13, verse. 14. , nor desireth to be greatly accounted of in this world z Mat. 11, 29 , which many commend in words a Mat. 7, 22. 23. , but descent there from in deeds b Mat. 23, 3. , seemeth but a vile c 1. Co. 1, 20 21. , and base thing, and therefore is not thought upon well nigh: and yet for all that it is the precious treasure d Matth. 13, verse. 44. 45. 46. , and the pearl hidden fro many. Chap. 39 The mutability of man's heart; and of thinking upon God in, and afore all things. LORD. MY son, believe not the affection which moves thee at this time, for speedily it will change. For so long as thou livest, thou shalt be subject to mutability even perforce a Ps. 144, 4. ; and be now merry, now sad; now quiet, now troubled; now zealous, now cold; now earnest, now reckless; now grave, and by and by light of behaviour. Notwithstanding the wise man rightly instructed in the spirit, standeth fast upon these mutable things, not regarding what he feeleth in himself, or on what side the wind of instability doth blow, but how he may bring his purpose to a right, and blessed end b Psal. 16, 8. . For so it falleth out, that one, and the same man, may abide unmoved c Ps, 112, 6. 7. 8. among so manifold events, if the single eye of his mind be directed continually upon me. And the more pure the eye of his mind is d Mat. 6, 22. 23. , the more constantly doth he abide in the mids of storms e Acts. 5, 41. . But many have this sight of theirs troubled, so that easily they look upon every pleasure objected; and hardly can one be found without all blemish of self-love f 1. Co. 13, 4. 2. Cor. 12, 14 15. . So came the jews unto Martha, and Marie being at Bethania, not for jesus sake only, but that they might see Lazarus g john. 12, 9 . Therefore the eye of the mind must be purged h Matt 6, 22 23. , that it may be simple, and right, and cast upon me altogether, notwithstanding the manifold diversity of things which come between. Chap. 40. That it is a pleasure above all pleasures, to love God above all, and in all things. SERVANT. BEhold, my God, & all things a 1. Cor. 15, verse. 28. . What will more? what more happy thing can I wish for? O savoury, and sweet word; but to him which loveth the word, not the world, nor the things in the world b 1. joh. 2, 15 16. 17. ! My God, and all things. To him that understandeth I have said sufficient; and to repeat the same oftentimes is a delight to him that loveth c Rom. 8, 31. 32, etc. . For, if thou be present d Ps. 104, 29 30. , all things bring joy; if thou be absent, what can make merry? Thou makest the mind quiet; and thou bringest much peace, and the joy of heart e Psal. 4, 7. Psalm. 16, 8. 9 . Through thee we think well of all things f Rom. 8, 35 36, etc. Philip. 1, 21. Phi. 4, 11. etc. ; and through thee g Phil. 2, 13 in all things h Eph. 5, 20 we praise thee. With out thee nothing can like us long; and that every thing may be grateful & good, thou must bless it with thy favour, and season it with the sauce of thy wisdom. What is not savoury to him, to whom thou art savoury i Psal. 34, 8. ? Again what can please him, to whom thou art not pleasant? But the wise of this world k Rom. 1, 22 1. Cor. 1, 19 20, etc. , and such as savour of the flesh l Rom. 8, 5. lack thine heavenly wisdom: for in the flesh ●s death m Rom. 8, 6. , and much vanity in the world n 1. Cor. 1, verse. 20. . But they are wise in deed, who follow thee in contemning the world, and in mortifying the flesh: because they are translated from vanity unto verity, and from the flesh to the spirit o Rom 8, 5. . These relish God: and these refer all things created unto the laud and praise of the Creator p Psa. 69, 34 Psal. 149, 1. 2, etc. . But odds there is, and great odds too between the savour of the Creator q Rom. 8, 5. 6. , and of the creature r 1. joh. 2, 15 16. 17. ; of eternity, and of time; of light uncreate, and of ●ight enlightened. O light everlasting s john. 1, 4. 9 , which passest all lights that are made, shine ●hou upon me; and pierce, purge, comfort, & lighten with thy brightness even all the inward parts of my soul: revive my spirit with all the powers thereof, that I may cleave unto thee with a song of exceeding joy. Oh, when will that blessed hour come, always to be wished, wherein thou wilt so fill me with thy presence, that thou wilt be all in all to me t 1. Cor. 15, verse. 28. ! until when, my joy doubtless will not be perfect u joh. 16, 22 . As yet the old man x Rom. 6, 6. to my great grief y Phil. 1, 23. , not yet wholly crucified z Gal 6, 14. , nor yet dead a Coloss. 3, 5 , is within me. As yet the flesh lusteth against the spirit b Gal. 5, 17. , it fighteth within me c james. 4, 1. , and disquiets the kingdom of the soul. But thou, who rulest the raging of the sea d Psal. 89, 9 Matth. 8, 26 Luke. 8, 24. , and stillest the waves thereof when they do arise, scatter the people that delight in war e Psa. 68, 30 , bring them down by thy mighty power. Extend thy mightiness, and make thy right hand to be known. For in thee, O Lord, is mine whole trust f Psal. 31, 1. , mine only refuge is in thee g Ps 56, 11. . Chap. 41. That this life is never free from temptations. LORD. Look not in this world to be without troubles my son a job. 7, 1. , but while thou livest, thou shalt stand in need of spiritual armour b 2. Cor. 10, verse. 4. 5. Ephes. 6, 10. 11, etc. . Thou livest among enemies, on the right hard, and on the left thou art assaulted c 2. Cor. 6, 7. Matt. 10, 16 . And therefore unless thou take the shield of faith d Eph 6, 16. , and the sword of the spirit e Eph. 6, 17. , which is the word of God, thou canst not long be without some grievous wound. Furthermore, unless thou fasten thy mind upon me with a pure affection to suffer all things for my sake f 2. Cor. 6, 4. 5, etc. Ephes 6, 10. james. 1, 2. 3. , thou canst neither sustain the heat of persecution, nor obtain the crown of eternal life g 2. Tim. 4, 7 8. Revel. 2, 7. Revel. 7, 13. 14. 15, etc. . Wherefore thou must overpass all things like a man h Psa. 31, 24. 1. Cor. 16, 13 , and show a courage howsoever things fall out. For to him which over cometh is Manna given i Reu. 2, 17. : but for him who sleepeth, is misery prepared k Matth. 25, verse. 10. 11. 12. 30. . Now if thou seek rest in this life l joh. 16, 33. , how wilt thou enter into eternal rest m Heb. 4, 11 ? Then prepare thyself, not to peace, but unto patience n Heb. 10, 36 ; and seek for quietness not on earth, but in heaven o joh. 14, 27 joh. 16, 33. , not among men, or in the world, but in God alone p 1. Thess. 5, verse. 23. 2. Thes. 3, 16 Philip 4, 7. . Thou oughtest to endure all things for God's sake q Rom. 8, 35 36, etc. 1. Cor. 13, 7. , even labours, grief, temptations, afflictions, troubles, need, sickness, injuries, evil reports, reprehensions, oppression, infamy, correction, contempt r 2. Cor. 6, 4 5, etc. Phil. 4, 11. 12, etc. . For these things invite, as it were, unto virtue; these try the young soldier of jesus Christ s 2. Tim. 2, 3. 5. ; these bring to the crown of bliss t 2. Tim. 4, 7 8. 1. Pet. 5, 4. . To such a man I will give for his small pains an eternal reward; and for temporal shame, glory without end u Matt. 5, 10 11. . Thinkest thou always to have prosperity at thine own desire? Look not for it. Mine old saints & servants could never have it: but they were feign to suffer much trouble x Acts. 5, 41 Heb. 11, 8. 17. , manifold temptations y 2. Cor. 6, 4 5. Heb. 11, 32. 33, etc. , miserable ends z Matth. 14, verse. 10. Acts. 7, 59 60. Heb. 11, 37. , which they endured patiently a Reu. 7, 13. 14. , trusting rather upon God, than upon man b Ps. 56, 11. , and counting the afflictions of this present time, not worthy the glory which was to come c Rom. 8, 18 . Now wouldst thou have that out of hand, which so many with tears, and long troubles could hardly attain? Hope therefore in the Lord d Psa. 27, 14 Psal. 31, 24. 1. Cor. 16, 13 , be strong, & give not over disloialie, but valiantly employ both thy body and life for the glory of God e Rom. 8, 35 36, etc. . I will in the end most bountifully reward thee f Revel. 2. 7 Matth. 5, 12. , and in thy troubles assist thee g Ps. 50, 15. Psalm. 91, 1. 2, etc. . Chap. 42. Against the vain judgement of men. LORD. CAst thy burden constantly upon the Lord a Psa. 55, 22. , my son, and fear not the judgement of man b 1. Cor. 4, 3 4. 5. , so long as thy conscience doth not condemn thee c 2. Co. 1, 12 . It is expedient, and a blessed thing to suffer on such wise d Matt. 5, 10 ; neither is it hard for an humble mind e Mat. 11, 29 30. , & man that trusteth in the Lord, so to do f 2. Cor. 6, 4 5, etc. Philip. 2, 13. . Many men say many things, and therefore little regard should be given to them: and to please all, it is impossible g Matth. 6, verse. 24. . And although Paul endeavoured to please all men h 1. Cor. 4, verse 12. 13, etc. , and made himself all things to all men i 1. Cor. 9, verse. 22. : yet passed he little to be judged of man k 1. Cor. 4, 3 . He did as much as lay in him to profit, and salve others l 1. Cor. 9, verse. 22. : but for all that, he could not stay the slanderous tongues of the wicked m 1. Co. 4, 12 verse. 13. & therefore committed he his whole cause unto the Lord n 1. Cor. 4, 5. , who knew all, and against the slanderous and backbiting speeches of the ungodly he defended himself with patience, & long-suffering o Coloss. 1, verse. 24. 1. Cor. 4, 12. 1. Pet. 2, 20. 21, etc. . Notwithstanding sometime he answered again p Acts. 25, verse. 10. 11. Acts. 26, 2. 3. 4, etc. 1. Cor. 9, 1. 2, etc. Philip. 1, 12. 13. 14. , lest the weaklings through his silence should be offended. Why then fearest thou the sentence of a mortal man, who being alive to day, may be dead to morrow q Sirach. 10, verse. 11. ? Fear God, and thou wilt not fear man r Psal. 27, 1. Psal. 56, 4. . What hurt do any man's words, and injuries to thee? Nay, himself he hurteth rather; and shall not escape the judgement of God, whosoever he be s Rom 14, verse. 10. 2. Cor. 5, 10. . Have thou GOD alway before thine eyes, & contend not with quarreling words. And though now thou be without cause defamed t 1. Pet. 2, 19 20. , take it not grievously, neither by impatiency diminish thy reward u Matt. 5, 12 , but rather cast the eyes of thy mind upon me in heaven, who both can deliver thee from all infamy, and injury of men x Psal. 50, 15 , and will reward every one according to his works y Rom. 2, 6. Reu. 22, 12. . Chap. 43. That we must wholly resign over our selves unto God, if we mind to attain unto the freedom of mind. LORD. MY son, if thou forsake thyself a Luk. 9, 23 , thou shalt find me. See thou challenge nothing to thyself, nor have nothing proper, and always thou wilt gain b Matth. 19, verse. 29. . For as soon as thou yieldest up thyself wholly without revocation, thou shalt be endued with most excellent rewards c Luke. 18, verse. 29. 30. Mar. 10, 28. 29. 30. . SERVANT. Lord, how oft shall I yield up, and wherein shall I forsake myself? LORD. Always, & every hour; both in small, and great matters. I except nothing: my desire is to have thee renounce all things d Matth. 13, verse. 4●. 45. 46. . For how canst thou be mine, and I thine, unless both inwardly, and outwardly thou have left, and lost thine own will e Matth. 26, verse. 39 42 Luk. 22, 42 john. 4, 34. Matth. 6, 10 ? And this the sooner thou dost, the better thou shalt speed: and the more throughlie and sincerely, the more thou shalt please me, and profit thyself f Matth. 24, verse. 45. 46. 47. Mat. 25 21. 22, etc. . Some there be which give over themselves, but it is with some exception g Luk. 9, ●9 60. 61. . They do not fully depend on God, and therefore they study how to provide for themselves. Others at the first renounce themselves wholly: but afterward when tribulation or persecution cometh h Matth. 13, verse. 20. 21. they fall away, & so do no good at al. These men shall never aspire either unto the true liberty of the mind, or to the most comfortable benefit of my familiarity i 2. Cor. 13, verse. 13. , unless they wholly renounce k Luk. 9, 23 , and daily sacrifice themselves l Rom. 12, 1 , without which none either can, or shall enjoy the favour of God. I have said oftentimes, and now I say again, Forsake, yield up thyself m Matth. 16, verse. 24. Mark. 8, 34. Luke. 9, 23. , and thou shalt enjoy the sound quietness of mind n Matth. 11, verse. 29. Matth. 16, vers. 24, etc. . Give the whole for the whole, call back nothing, keep back nothing o Luke 18, verse. 22. 23, etc. . Abide unfeignedly, and faithfully in me, & thou shalt have me, the freedom of mind, & deliverance from darkness p Matth. 25, vers. 35, etc. . Wherefore let this be thy study, let this be thy prayer, wish continually, that thou mayst even nakedly follow naked jesus q Luk. 9, 23. , and die to thyself r Rom. 6, 6. , to live eternalie with me s 2. Tim. 2, verse. 11. 12. . Then shall both vain imaginations t Psalm. 1, 1. , and vile affections u Mat. 6, 22. 23. , and superfluous cogitations x 1. Co. 7, 31 32. depart away: then both immoderate fear shall vade y 1. joh. 4, 18 , and intemperate love consume away z 1. joh. 2, 17 . Chap. 44. Of the right use of outward things; and that we should fly unto God when we are afflicted. LORD. MY son, thou must have a special care, that thy mind be single and pure a Mat. 6, 22. 23. in every place, in every action, in all thy business: also, that all things serve thee, and not thou them b Matt. 6, 24 ; also that thou be not a slave, and bondman to thine own actions c Galat. 5, 1. ; but a master, a ruler, a freeman, an Hebrew translated into the lot, and liberty of the sons of God d Gal. 4, 3. 7. 9 , whose eyes are turned from worldly e Gal. 5, 13. , and cast upon heavenly things f Colos. 3, 1. 2. ; who look upon temporal things with the left, but with the right eye upon eternal; who will not be brought under the power of any thing g 1. Cor. 6, verse. 12. 1. joh. 2, 15. 1. Co. 10, 23 ; but make all things to serve to good purpose, according to the order of almighty God the Creator h Psal. 8, 6 7. 8. , who hath done nothing of all that he did in vain i Gen. 1, 31. . Furthermore if in thy trouble thou wilt not stick unto outward things, nor with a carnal eye behold the things that are seen and heard: but with Moses in all thine affairs enter by and by into the tabernacle of the Lord k Exo. 33, 9 Nomb. 7, 89 , doubtless thou shalt receive answer sometime, and return instructed in things both present, and to come. For it was Moses wont in matters of controversy, and difficult things to go into the Tabernacle, and to be rid from the wickedness of men he used prayer l Exod. 33, verse. 13. , and the calling for God's assistance. So oughtest thou to enter into the privy closet of thine heart m Matt 6, 6. , and there most earnestly to call upon God. For we read n josh. 9, 14 that joshua, and the rest of the Israëlites were therefore deceived of the Gibeonites, because they counseled not with the mouth of the Lord, but gave light credit to their fair tale. Chap. 45. That man should not be too importunate in his matters. LORD. Son, cast thy burden upon me a Ps. 55, 22. , and in due time I will grant thy request. Look upon my commandments, and thou shalt find great profit thereby b Deut. 6, 3. 4, etc. Deut. 12, 28 Psal. 85, 8. . SERVANT. O my Lord, I willingly refer mine whole cause to thee c Matt. 6, 25 26, etc. 1. Pet. 5, 7. : for I find that all my cares do nought prevail. Oh that I were not so careful of worldly things, but could even out of hand unfeignedly obey thee d Luk. 5, 11. 28. ! LORD. My son, many-times a man desires a thing, which afterwards he mislikes when he hath it once. Because the desires of one thing do not long endure but force you to covet after sundry & divers. Wherefore it is no small thing for a man even in smallest things to forsake himself: and, he that will go forward in deed must utterly deny himself e Luk. 9, 23 Luk. 14, 26. 33. , for he who so doth is most at liberty, and safe. But the old serpent f Reu. 12, 9 10, etc. , an utter enemy to good men g Matth. 13, verse. 24. 25, etc. , cesseth at no time from tempting h Luke. 4, 3. 4, etc. 1. Tim. 6, 9 10. 1. Pet 5, 8. 9 ; but night and day layeth snares to entrap, and overthrow the simple. Wherefore watch and pray i Matth. 26, verse. 41. , that ye enter not into tentation. Chap. 46. That man hath nothing which good is of himself; neither that he should glory of any thing. SERVANT. LOrd, what is man that thou art mindful of him a Psal. 8, 4. ? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? What hath he deserved b Rom. 11, 6 Ephes. 2, 8. , that thou shouldest regard him c Psa. 144, 3. ? O Lord, I may not complain, if thou do reject me d Rom 9, 20 : neither reason with thee, if thou deny my requests. But thus may I truly both think with myself, and say, Lord, I am nothing, I have no goodness of myself e 2. Cor. 3, ● 1. Cor, 4, 7. : but naked came I out of my mother's womb f job. 1, 21. Eccl. 5, 14. 1. Tim. 6, 7. , and naked shall I return thither. If thou assist me not, and inwardly instruct me, I faint utterly, and become dissolute g Ps. 51, 10. 11, etc. . But thou, Lord, always art one, and abidest the same for evermore h Ps. 102, 12. Esaie. 44, 6. ; thou art always good i Psalm. 5, 4. , righteous k Deu. 32, 4. , and holy l 1. Pet. 1, 15. ; for thou dost all things well, righteously, purely, and with wisdom m Ps. 104, 1. 2, etc. . But I, alas, am more prone to come rather backward than forward; I continue not evermore at one stay n job. 14, 1. 2. , because I am subject to alteration, like the time. Notwithstanding, if thou reach forth thine helping hand, I shall speedily be comforted o Psa. 16, 8. , for thou without man's aid canst assist, and so strengthen me, that my countenance no more shall alter and change diversly, and my mind shall be fixed, and wait upon thee alone p Ps. 104, 27 . Therefore, did I know, while either I covet the zeal of the spirit, or am driven by some occasion to seek thee (for there is none that can comfort me), how to contemn the comfort of this world q 1. joh. 2, 15 16. , doubtless I should both hope well of thy favour, & look with ioiefulnes sometime for the gift of thy consolation r joh. 16, 22. . Finally, if it fall out well with me at any time, it is of thy goodness s jam. 1, 17. : I am but vanity in thy sight t Psa 39, 11. , of none account u Ps. 144, 3. 4. , mortal x Ps. 89, 48. Psal 49, 10. 11. 12. , and frail y job. 14, 22 . Whereof then do I boast? Or why covet I to be had in admiration? Even of nothing z jer. 9, 23. : but that is vanity. Doubtless a most pestilent, and vain thing ambition is; it both draweth man away from the true glory, and spoils him utterly of God's eternal favour a james. 3, 1. james 4, 6. Eccl. 10, 7. . For while man pleaseth himself, he displeaseth thee b Luk. 18, 9 14. ; while he seeketh the praise of men c joh. 5, 44. joh. 12, 43. , he loseth the true virtues of the mind. But the true glory and true rejoicing is for a man to glory not of himself, but of thee d jere. 9, 23. 24 2. Co. 10, 17. 18. : and to rejoice of thy name, not of his virtue, or any thing beside, but only for thy sake. Wherefore praised be thy Name, not mine; extolled be thy works, not mine; let thy holy name be magnified e Psal. 96, 1. 2. 3, etc. Psal. 145, 3 , let me have no praise at al. I will evermore glory in thy praise f Ps. 106, 47. ; of myself I will not, except it be of mine infirmities g 2. Cor. 11, verse. 30. 2. Cor. 12, 5. . Let the jews receive honour one of another h Ioh 5, 44. john. 12, 43 , I will seek that which cometh of God alone. All the glory, the credit, the estimation of this world, if it be compared with that everlasting glory of thine i Reu. 21, 23 24. 25. 26. , what it is but mere vanity, & foolishness k Eccl. 10, 7. 9 12, etc. ? Wherefore, O my truth, my mercy, my God l Psal. 25, 2. , O blessed Trinity, to thee be praise m Reu. 5, 13. Revel 7, 12. 1. Tim. 1, 17. 2. Tim. 4,▪ 8. , and honour, and glory, and power for evermore, Amen. Chap. 47. That the praise of this world is to be contemned. LORD. BE not thou troubled, my son, though thou see others extolled, and esteemed, and thyself despised, and contemned a jam. 2, 3. . Cast the eyes of thy mind upon me, and, I warrant thee, thou wilt brook thy contempt well enough b Matt. 9, ●9. . SERVANT. O Lord, we are blind, and, alas, easily seduced with vanity c Gen. 6, 5. . If I look well into myself, I am not hurt of any thing; so that I have no cause to complain of thee at all d Dan. 9, 14 . But for that I have both manietimes and grievously offended thee, all thy creatures do rightly arm themselves against me e Gen. 3, 17. 18. . Therefore praise, and honour, and glory belongeth to thee, but to me shame, and contempt f Dan. 9, 7. 8. . And except I frame myself patiently to bear the contempt and despite of all men g Ps. 123, 2. 1. Pet. 2, 21. , I shall never attain either a quiet mind h Mat. 11, 29 , the light of thy spirit, thine everlasting society i 2. Tim. 2, 11 12. . Chap. 48. That we must not rest, or depend upon man. LORD. MY son if thou for amity and friendship sake, repose any confidence on man, never look to be quiet, and at rest a joh. 14, 27 john 16, 33. Psal. 118, 8. 9 Psal 146, 3. 4 . But if thou betake thyself unto the immortal, and everlasting truth b Psa. 117, 2. , at the departure of thy friend, thine heart will not be troubled. On me should thy love be grounded, and for my sake ought every good man to be loved c 1. Pet. 3, 8. 9 1. Pet. 4, 8. 1. Thess. 3, 12 1. joh. 3, 17. 18, etc. , and the more dearly. Without me friendship cannot last: neither is it true, and pure love, which I couple not together. So mortified shouldest thou be from these affections, that, as touching thyself, thou shouldest seem to be without all comfort d Matth. 10, verse. 37. 1. Cor. 7, 31. . So much the nigher is man to God, as he is farther from the comfort of this world: and so much the more highly doth he ascend up to God, as the more deeply he descendeth into, and despiseth himself e Phili. 2, 5. 6. 7, etc. james. 4, 6. 7, etc. 1. Pet. 5, 6. . But he, who arrogates any good thing to himself, letteth the favour of God from dwelling within him. For the holy spirit doth always seek a meek, and humble mind f Psa. 5●, 17. isaiah. 66, 2. . Couldst thou once bring thyself unto nothing, & renounce the love of this world g 1. joh. 2, ●5 joh. 12, 25. , surely I would come, and power upon thee most singular benefits. But while thou lookest upon creatures, thou loasest the sight of the Creator h jam. 4, 4. . Learn in all things to master thyself for thy Maker's sake: so shalt thou attain unto the knowledge ● God. Even the vilest thing loved, an● looked upon undiscreetly i Matth. 10, verse. 37. Matth. 22, 1. 2, etc. , doth defile a man, and hinder him from happiness. Chap. 49. Against vain, and worldly knowledge. LORD. MY son, be not tho● carried away with the fair● and subtle speech of ma● For the kingdom of God is not i● word, but in power a 1. Cor. 4, 20 . Listen to my words, for they in flame the mind b Ps. 119, 97. , lighten the understanding c Psal. 119, verse. 130. 105. Psalm. 19, 7. 8. ; set men on fire d jer. 23, 29. ; an● bring the true comfort e Psal. 19, 8. Psa. 119, 50. 111. . Read nothing with a mind t● seem the more learned only, o● wise: but to mortify thy sins. Fo● this will more profit thee, than th● knowledge of many obscure an● hard questions f 1. Cor. 13. 3 8. . Though thou have read much; ye● at the last thou must be feign t● come unto one principle g Luke. 10, verse. 42. . I only teach men wisdom, an● I (not men) give understanding to the simple h Prou. 1, 4. Prou. 2, 6. Matt. 11, 25 : so that they, whom I speak unto, do easily prove wise, & profit much in the spirit. Woe to them who seek many things of man, and neglect the way to serve me i Mat. 23, 23 24, etc. . The time will come, when the master of masters, the Lord of angels, even I shall appear, to take an account of all men, and to examine the conscience of every one k Mat. 25. 19 20, etc. 31. 32, etc. : then will I search jerusalem with lights l Zeph. 1, 12 , and discover those things which lay hid ●n darkness m 1. Cor. 4, 5 , at what time tongues Thal cease, and knowledge do no good n 1. Cor. 13, verse. 8. . I, even I do so lift up the humbled mind, that in a moment it shall conceive more knowledge of the eternal truth o Mat. 10, 19 20. Mark. 13, 11 Luke. 21, 14. 15. , than any man by ten years study can attain unto. I teach neither ianglinglie to disquiet; nor diversity of opinions to distract; nor ambitiously to get fame; ●or contentiouslie to obtain victory by force of argument. I teach, how to despise the world p Matth. 5, 3 4, etc. ; ●o loath things present q Luk. 9, 23. ; to seek & ●auor eternal r Matt. 6, 33. ; to fly vain glory s joh. 8, 50. 54. ; ●o suffer injuries t Mat. 5, 44. 45. ; to trust in me u joh. 14, 12. ; without me to covet nothing x joh. 14, 14 ; and to love me highly and zealously above all y Mat. 10, 37 . For by loving me some have so profited in heavenly things, that to the admiration of men they have spoken z Mark. 13, verse. 11. ; and have gotten more by forsaking all a Matth. 19, verse. 27. , than by any study. But to some I speak common, to other special things; to some I comfortably appear in outward signs and figures, to others my secrets appear as clearly as the light b Mat. 13, 10 11. Mark 4, 11. . The Scriptures in deed speak one, and the same thing c john. 5, 39 , yet teach they not all men alike d 2. Co. 3, 14 15. : but I teach truth in the inward parts e joh. 6, 68 john 14, 6. ; I search the heart f john. 8, 6. 7. 8. Revel. 2, 23. , and I know the thoughts g Matth. 26, verse. 34. 35. , I prick forward to well doing h Phil. 2, 13 , and give to every man that which is needful i 1. Cor. 12, verse. 4. 5, etc. . Chap. 50. That we should not covet after earthly, and outward things. LORD. MY son, remember that thou be ignorant of many things a 1. Cor. 2, 1. 2 ; & that thou esteem thyself but for a dead man in this world; even for him to whom the whole world is crucified b Gal. 6, 14. . Thou must overpass much as though thou heardest not: and think always on that which belongs to thy peace c Luke. 19, verse. 42. . Better is it, to turn from those things which mislike thee, and to let every man have his own saying, than to contend with brawling words d Ro. 13, 13. . If thou be at a good point with God, and have his judgement always in thy mind e Eccl. 18, 23 , thou shalt the more easily bear it is thou be overcome. SERVANT. O Lord, to what pass are we come! Behold if we lose a temporal thing we lament; for a little profit we run, and labour, yea though it be all the night long; but the loss of our soul we utterly forget f Matth. 16, verse. 26. Luke. 9, 25. . That which little, if any thing at all, profits, we seek after; but that which is most necessary g Luke. 10, verse. 41. 42. , we utterly neglect, so gladly doth man addict him wholly unto outward things, & without speedy repentance welter in the same h 1. joh. 2, 15 . Chap. 51. That every man is not to be credited; and that by words we easily offend. SERVANT. O Lord, help me now in this trouble: for vain is the help of man a Ps. 60, 11. . How often have I been deceived where I looked for faith? Again there have I found it, where I looked for none. So vain is the trust in men b Ps. 108, 12. : but in thee, O God alone the salvation of the righteous doth consist c Ps. 37, 39 . We thank thee d 1. Thess. 1, verse. 2. 1. Thes. 5, 18 O Lord our God, for all whatsoever betideth us miserable and weak ones, which are easily deceived, and changed with a little. What man is he that so wisely, and circumspectly behaves himself in all things, that he is never deceived, nor cometh into danger e jam. 3, 2. ? Yea, he who trusteth in the Lord f Psa. 125, 1. , and serveth him with a simple mind, doth not so easily and soon offend: and though he fall sometime into troubles, and perils, yet either speedily he escapeth, or is strengthened so that he can endure them. For thou, Lord, continuest with them unto the end, who put their trust in thee g Psal. 31, 1. 24. Psal. 94, 14. Psal. 71, 1. . Hard is it, yea doubtless it is very hard to find such faithful friends as will stick by us in all extremities: but thou, Lord, thou only art faithful h Deu. 32, 4 in all things, neither is any like unto thee i Deu. 32, 39 . Oh how wise was that good soul, that said: My mind is rooted, and built in Christ k Coloss. 2, 6 7. ! were I at that stay, my mind so easily would not be troubled with worldly fear l Psal. 56, 4. 11. , neither should the darts of bitter words m Psa. 64, 3. disquiet me. But who can foresee all things? Who can avoid miseries to come? Now, if things though foreseen, hurt many-times; how much more grievously will things nothing foreseen, annoy? But, alas, wretch that I am, why have I not better looked to myself? Either, why so lightly have I put confidence in others? Hereby we declare ourselves to be men, and that frail men too n jam. 3, 2. , albeit many unfightly account, and flatteringlie do call us Angels. Whom shall I credit, Lord, whom? but only thee, who art the very truth o joh. 14, 6. Rom. 3, 4. , and canst neither deceive, nor be deceived. For all men doubtless be liars p Ps. 116, 11. Rom. 3, 4. , and weak, and unconstant, and frail especialie in words q jam. 3, 2. Eccl. 14, 1. Eccl. 19, 16. Eccl. 25, 8. , that rashly hand over head every thing may not be credited, whatsoever colour of truth it bear. Therefore not without great cause, & wisdom thou diddest forewarn to beware of men r Mat. 10, 17 ; and foretell, that a man's enemies should be those of his household s Micah. 7, 6. Mat. 10, 36. ; and say that such are not to be believed, who say t Matth. 24, verse. 23. Mark. 13, 21 , Lo here he is, or there he is. This have I learned to my loss, God grant I may prove the more wise, not foolish thereby. Play the wise man, said one, play the wise man, & that I tell you, keep to yourself. Which thing I did, thinking none should have understood the same: but afterward he that willed me to be silent, could not keep it secret himself, but forthwith bewrayed himself, and betrayed me. From such tattler, and undiscreet men, O Lord, deliver me u Ps. 120, 2. 3. , that I may neither fall into their hands, nor follow their kind of dealing. Let my mouth utter continually the truth x Prou. 8, 7. ; and remove away far fro me a dissembling tongue y Ps. 34, 13. . For my part is not to do that to another, which I would not have done to myself z Mat. 7, 12. Luke. 6, 31. Tob. 4, 15. . Oh how good is it, and what quietness doth it bring to say nothing of others; not to believe every thing; to speak little; to open ourselves but to few; to seek after thee, which knowest our minds a Rom. 8, 27 john. 2, 25. ; not to be carried about with every blast of words: but to covet that all both inward, and outward things may be finished, and brought about according to thy will and commandment b jam. 1, 18. 19, etc. ! Oh, how necessary to the keeping still of God's favour is it to shun the pomp of this world; not to covet those things which are wonderful in sight c Luke. 16, 25. ; but to follow, and with all diligence to pursue that which may bring us both unto amendment of life, and to zeal of godliness d 1. Tim. 6, verse. 11. 2. Tim. 2, 22 Tit. 2, 12. ! How many hath virtue known, and over-hastelie commended, endamaged! Again, to how many hath the same done good, being used in silence e Esa. 30, 15 in this miserable life, which is altogether counted a tentation and misery f job. 7, verse. 1, etc. . Chap. 52. That we ought to repose our confidence in the Lord, when we are pierced with the darts of slandering tongues. LORD. MY son, show thyself constant, and trust in me. For what be words a Ps. 112, 7. 8. , but words? which fly about the air, yet hurt not so much as a stone. If thou art faulty, amend thyself: if not guilty of any crime, study to suffer the slander patiently for God's sake b Mat. 5, 11. . At the least bear with i● words sometime, though as yet thou canst bear no great blows. Why do such trifling things disquiet thee, but only because thou art carnal as yet, and hast more regard of men c Matth. 10, verse. 26. Luke. 12, 4. , than is meet? For, because thou fearest to be contemned, thou wilt not be reprehended for thy faults, but seekest the shadows of excuses. But look thou more earnestly into thyself, and thou shalt see that both the world, and a vain care to please men d Gal. 1, 10. doth live within thee. For by shunning to be corrected, and blamed for thine offences, thou givest most evident arguments, that thou art not truly modest, and that neither thou art rightly dead to the world, nor the world to thee e Gal 6, 14. Rom. 6, 2. 3. . But listen thou unto my words, and thou wilt not pass upon the words yea of ten thousand men f Psalm. 3, 6. . What if all the worst words that may be invented were spoken against thee; they could not hurt thee one jot, if thou wouldst bear g Mat. 5, 11. , and esteem them but as motes? For they cannot pluck so much as an hair from thine head h 2. Sam. 14, verse. 11. Mat. 10, 30. Acts. 27, 34. . But he who is either weak of courage, or wicked of conversation, is easily moved with evil words. But he that trusteth in me, & dependeth not upon his own judgement, is void of this worldly and fleshly fear i Psal. 56, 3. 4. 11. . For I both judge and know all secrets k 1. Cor. 4, 5 reve. 2, 23. ; I know what and how every thing is done l Heb. 4, 12. 13. ; I know both who offereth, and who suffereth injury. This proceedeth from, & through my permission m Amos. 3, 6 Mat. 10, 16. 18, etc. , that the thoughts of many hearts may be opened n Luk. 2, 35 . I will judge both the guilty, and the guiltless o 2. Cor. 5, verse. 10. john. 5, 29, ; but first it is my mind to try them both by a secret judgement. The witness of men deceiveth p Ps. 116, 11 many-times; but my judgement is true q Rom. 2, 2. Rom. 3, 4. ; & shall never be overthrown. But that commonly is hidden, and known but of a few r Psal. 36, 6. : yet for all that it never doth, or can err s Psal. 19, 9 Psal. 67, 4. , albeit in the judgement of fools it seem scarce indifferent. Therefore it is good to appeal unto me in every judgement, and not to follow private affection t Matt. 7, 1. 2. Rom. 2, 1. 2. 3. 1. Cor. 4, 3. 4. . The righteous man is never moved u Psal. 91, 4. 5, etc. by any cross that God doth send; neither doth he either greatly way slanderous reports, or vainly rejoice when he is excused by other men. For he considereth that I am he who search the hearts, and the reins x Psal. 7, 9 Reu. 2, 23. , and judge not according to the outward person, or appearance y Rom. 2, 11. 1. Pet. 1, 17. . For that commonly I condemn z Luk. 16, 15 , which in the judgement of man is commended. SERVANT. O Lord God, who art a righteous judge, strong, and patiented, knowing the frailty and wickedness of men, be thou my strength, and confidence a Psal. 7, 1. Psalm. 86, 2. . For mine own conscience will not serve me b 1. Cor. 4, 3 4. : thou knowest that which I know not. Therefore my part was to humble myself when I was reproved, & to take it patiently c Prou. 13, verse. 18. Prou. 15, 5. : which, if I have not shown, forgive me d Mat. 6, 12. , O Lord, of thy mercy; and so bless me, that hereafter I may show myself more patiented. For thy singular mercy e Rom. 3, 24 doth more serve to the attainment of pardon, than the opinion of mine own righteousness to the defence of my secret conscience. And albeit I think myself clear from sin, yet am I not thereby justified f 1. Cor. 4, verse. 4. . For without thy mercy no man can be saved g Ps. 143, 2. . Chap. 53. That for the attainment of everlasting life, all manner troubles must be endured. LORD. MY son, let neither troubles break thee, nor adversity, sustained for my sake, throw thee down: but comfort and confirm thyself in all extremities with my promise a 1. Cor. 10, verse. 13. , who am able enough to give thee most ample, and infinite rewards b jam. 1, 17. Revel. 2, 10. 23. 26. Revel. 3, 5. . Long thou shalt not labour here in this world c Hebr. 10, verse. 37. , neither be afflicted always. Hope a while longer d Reu. 3, 11. , and thou shall see a speedy dispatch of all evils, and the time will shortly come, when there shall be neither troubles, nor tumults any more e Reu. 7, 16 17. Revel. 21, 4. . Little is it, & short, whatsoever by time cometh to an end. Wherefore go to, as thou dost, labour faithfully in my vineyard, I will be thy reward f Matth. 20, verse. 8 Reu. 22, 12. . Writ thou, meditate, sing, sigh, keep silence, pray, suffer adversity with a courageous heart. For doubtless everlasting felicity deserveth all these, yea and greater conflicts g Rom. 8, 18 . One day, God knows how soon, quietness will come, & then shall there be neither day, neither night, as now there is, but light perpetual without end, brightness infinite without comprehension, peace which never shall decay, & quietness which evermore shall last h isaiah. 60, 19 20. Reu. 21, 23 Revel. 22, 5. . Then thou wilt not say, O that I were delivered from the body of this death i Rom. 7, 24 ! neither cry out on this wise k Ps. 120, 5. 6. , Woe is me that I dwell so long in this world! For then both death shallbe destroyed l Hos. 13, 14 1. Cor. 15, 55 , and salvation shall appear which never shall have end m Reu. 20, 6. 14. ; there no anguish n Reu. 21, 4. , but blessed joy, and sweet and virtuous company shallbe. Oh, diddest thou behold the everlasting crowns o jam. 1, 12. reve. 2, 10. , or the glory, wherewith they, who in this world were contemned p 1. Cor 4, verse. 10. Heb. 11, 33. 34. 35. , and thought not worthy to live, do triumph withal: doubtless thou wouldst forthwith debase thyself even to the ground, and desire rather to be in subjection to all men, than to rule but one: thou wouldst not covet many merry days in this world q Phil. 1, 23. , but rejoice in suffering troubles for the Name of God r Acts. 5, 41. ; and think it great gain to be contemned among men! Now if thou couldst brook these things, and let them sink into thy mind, thou wouldst not once complain s Rom. 12, 12 2. Cor. 6, 4. 5. james. 1, 2. 3. . For be not all troubles to be sustained for eternal life sake t Rom. 8, 18 35. 36. ? or is it so small a thing either to get, or to forego the kingdom of heaven u Mat. 6, 26, ? Lift up thine eyes, man, upon heaven: behold with me how all my saints, who have past the sharp conflicts of this world, rejoice now x Mat. 25, 21 23. 24. Luk. 16, 25. Luk. 23, 43 , how they now feel comfort, how they be where they would be, how they rest, and shall ever rest with me in the kingdom of my Father y Reu. 7, 14. 15. 16. 17. Reu. 21, 4. 23. 24. 25. ! Chap. 54. Of the happiness of the life to come; and of the miseries of this present world. SERVANT. O Most blessed mansion of the eternal city a Reu. 21, 10 11. 12, etc. ! O most bright day of everlastingness, the which is never obscured by any night b Esa. 49, 10. isaiah. 60, 19 20. Reu 7, 15. Reu. 21, 25. , but always enlightened with the most glorious truth! A day of continual joy, of continual quietness, and happy state of perpetuity. Oh that that day had once appeared c Psal. 42, 2. Phil. 3, 7. 8. ; and that this world had once an end! That day, doubtless, shineth to the saints in perpetual clearness, but yet a far of d Hebr. 11, verse. 13. , & as it were darkly e 1. Cor. 13, verse. 12. , because they be pilgrims in this world e 1. Pet. 2, 11. Heb. 11, 13. as yet. The citizens of heaven they see the ioiefulnes of this day: but the banished children of Eve do sigh, because the day of this life both short, and evil f Gen. 47, 9 Psal. 39, 5. is full of troubles and disquietness g Gen. 3, 16. 17. Ephes. 6, 11. 12. 2. Tim. 3, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. , full of grief & anguish where man defileth himself with so many sins, entangleth himself with so many evils, is troubled with so many fears, busied with so many cares, with much curiosity distracted, enwrapped with much vanity, enclosed about with such errors, consumed with such labours, oppressed with temptations, weakened with pleasures, and vexed with poverty h 2. Cor. 11, verse. 23. 24. 25, etc. . Oh when shall these manifold troubles have an end! When shall I be delivered from this miserable servitude of sin! Oh Lord, when shall I think, but only upon thee! when shall I rejoice my fill in thee i Psa. 16, 11. ! when shall I without all manner let, without all grief either of mind, or body k Rom. 7, 23 24. Philip. 1, 23. enjoy true liberty! When shall there be sound peace, peace I mean continual, and trusty, peace within, and peace without, and peace on all sides without perturbance l Reu. 21. 4. 23. 24. 25. Revel. 22, 3. 4. 5. ! O good jesus, when shall I behold thee face to face! when shall I contemplate the glory of thy kingdom! when wilt thou be all in all m 1. Cor. 15, verse. 28. to me! or when shall I be with thee in thy kingdom, which thou hast prepared for thy beloved from the foundations of the world n Matt. 25, verse. 34. 1. Cor. 2, 9 ! I am left here even succurles as a banished man in the land of mine enemies, where continual war is o Eph. 6, 10. 11. 12. 1. Pet. 5, 8. 9 , and much misery p Gen. 47, 9 : O give me comfort in my banishment, and joy in my troubles, inasmuch as with all the desire of mind I sigh, & long for thee q Ps. 27, 13. Psal. 42, 1. 2. . For all the comfort which this world doth minister, is even burdensome to me r Gal. 6, 14. . To enjoy thee is all my desire s Phil. 1, 23. , yet can I not apprehend thee. I wish to abide in heavenly things, yet earthly, and unmortified affections t Wisd. 9, 14 15. keep me down. In mind I would subdue all things, yet against my will I am compelled to serve the flesh u Rom. 7, 19 23. . Thus, unhappy man that I am, I fight with myself, and am grievous to myself, whilst my spirit soareth upward, and my flesh bendeth downward x Rom. 8, 5. Rom. 7, 23. . Oh what a combat feel I inwardly y Gal. 5, 17. , when meditating of heavenly things, I am assaulted suddenly even with a swarm of carnal cogitations! Wherefore, O my God, forsake me not, neither cast me away in thy displeasure z Psal. 27, 9 . Oh scatter with the brightness of thy lightning all the imaginations which the enemy doth cast in, shoot forth thine arrows and disperse them a Ps. 144, 6. . Call home my senses unto thee; make me to forget all worldly things, and to throw away and contemn the cogitations of wickedness. O succour me, eternal verity b Psa. 43, 3. john. 14, 6. , that no worldly vanity may carry me away! O come celestial sweetness, that all uncleanness may avoid at thy coming c Psal. 68, 1. 2. ! This also I am to crave at thy hands, that it would please thee mercifully to pardon, and forgive me, though I have other things in my mind when I pray besides thee. For, to say the truth, I am wont greatly to be distracted; and many-times there am I not, where bodily I sit, or stand, but whether my cogitations carry me. verily there I am, where my cogitation is. Where my thoughts are commonly, there is that I love. And that which either I love naturally, or customably do like, comes easily into mind. This made thee, O truth d joh. 14, 6. , to say, Where your treasure is, there will your hearts be e Mat. 6, 21. . If I love heaven, I will gladly think on heavenly things; if the world, in prosperity I am jocund, and pensive in adversity; if the flesh, mine imaginations are fleshly f Rom. 8, 5. ; if the spirit, to think on spiritual things will be my delight. For what soever I love, I gladly both speak of & hear of, and think thereof earnestly when I am at home. Wherefore undoubtedly he is an happy man, who for thy sake, O Lord, doth forsake all things g Matth. 19, verse. 27. 28. 29 Luke. 5, 11. Luke. 9, 23. ; offer violence to nature h Matth. 11, verse. 12. ; & crucify his carnal affections i Coloss. ●, 5 Galat. 6, 14. through the zeal of the spirit, that his conscience being at quiet k Heb. 9, 14. , he may offer unto thee the sacrifice of devout prayer, and be meet to be admitted into the company of Angels l Heb. 10, 34 , all earthly things being excluded m Rom. 8, verse. 35. 36. 1. Cor. 9, 24. 25. both inwardly and without. Chap. 55. Of the desire of eternal life; and of the good things promised to such as fight. LORD. MY son, seeing thou perceivest thyself to be endued from above with a desire of eternal happiness, and covetest to go from the tabernacle of thy body a 2. Cor. 5, 1 2. 2. Pet. 1, 13. 14. , thereby to behold the brightness of my glory without shadow of turning b jam. 1, 17. , open thy mind, and receive with greediness this holy inspiration. Give high thanks c Eph. 5, 20. 1. Thess. 1, 2. 1. Thess. 5, verse. 18. unto almighty GOD, for dealing so graciously with thee; for visiting thee so mercifully; for stirring thee up so zealously; for helping thee so mightily, that of thine own weight thou fall not down unto earthly things d Wisd. 9, 14 15. . Neither shalt thou attain thereunto by thine own endeavours, & cogitations, but by the mere grace and favour of God e Rom. 5, 20 21. Phil. 4, 13. , that as in all other virtues thou shouldest go forward, so especially increase in modesty, prepare thyself unto battles to come f Luk. 9, 23. 1. Tim. 6, 11. 12. 2. Tim. 2, 2. , and endeavour to cleave to me with all thy strength g Deut. 6, 5. Mat. 22, 37. Mat. 12, 29. 30. Luk. 10, 27. , and to serve me always with a burning affection. My son, the fire burneth many-times, yet never doth the flame ascend without smoke h Eccles. 22, verse. 24. : so divers burn with desire of heavenly things, and yet are they not free from the tentation of carnal affections i Mat. 13, 20 21. , and therefore for the only glory of God they crave not those things k joh. 6, 26. 27. john. 12, 5. 6. the patiented bearing whereof they desire so earnestly at his hands. Such also many-times is your desire, which for all that you pretend to be most sincere. But that is not pure and perfect, which any way seeketh after private commodity l Matt. 6, 24. 25. 1. Cor. 13, 5 . Crave not that which may bring either profit or pleasure to thyself, but what is acceptable in my sight m Matt. 6, 9 10 Mat. 26, 39 42. Luk. 22, 42. , and for the advancement of my glory. For, if thou have a right judgement, thou wilt prefer and follow my decree before thy desire, yea or what soever may be desired. I know thy desire, and I have heard thy often groanings. Thou wouldst presently enjoy the glorious freedom of the sons of God n Phil. 1, 23. . Presently thou art delighted with the everlasting house, and celestial country replenished with all joy o Reu. 21, 4. . But that hour is not yet come, and the time is yet otherwise, even a time of war p Eph. 6, 10. 11. 1. Pet. 5, 8. 9 , of labour q Gen 3, 17. 18. 19 job. 7, 1. 2. , and of trial r Acts. 14, 22 . Thou wishest that once thou hadst attained the chief felicity s Phil. 1, 23. : but yet thou canst not have the same. I am he, saith the Lord, whom thou must look for, until the kingdom of God do come. Yet longer thou must be tried in the world, and exercised in many things t Eccles. 2, 1. 2. 5. . Sometime I know thou shalt be comforted, but not fully, and continually. Wherefore show thyself constant, and valiant both in doing, and also in suffering things contrary unto nature u Dan. 10, 2. 3. Ephes. 3, 13. . Thou must put on the new man x Eph. 4, 24. Rom. 6, 4. Coloss. 3, 9 10. , and change thy condiitons. And many-times thou must both do those things, which thou wouldst not y Matth. 11, verse. 12. ; and omit that which thou wouldst do z Rom. 7, 15 19 . Others in their dealings shall prosper, but thou shalt not a Psa. 73, 1. 2, etc. ; the saying of other men shallbe heard, thine shall be contemned b Matth. 10, verse. 16. 17, etc. . Other men shall obtain their suits quietly, but thou shalt suffer the repulse c Psal 22, 2. ; others with mighty commendations shallbe extolled, but no word shallbe made of thee d joh. 15, 18. 19 ; other men shallbe preferred unto high offices, but they shall judge thee to be good for nothing e 1. Cor. 1, verse. 28. . For these causes thy nature will be troubled sometime, and suffer great conflicts: but much good shalt thou get thereby, bearing it in silence f Esa. 30, 15. Luk. 21, 19 . By these, and such like, the faithful servant of the Lord is tried oftentimes, whether he can deny, and break himself of his own will in all things g Luk. 9, 23 24. . And surely thou hast most need to be mortified therein, namely to see and to suffer those things which naturalie thou canst not brook, especially when things, in thy judgement, absurd, and hurtful are enjoined thee h Matth. 26, verse. 39 42. Luk. 22, 42. john. 4, 34. john. 5, 30. john. 6, 38. Ephes. 6, 6 . Wherein, forasmuch as thou darest not resist the higher power, whereunto thou art subject i Rom. 14, 11 Phil. 2, 10. Rom. 13, 1. 1. Pet. 2, 13. 14. , it seemeth hard in thine opinion to obey the commandment of another and not to follow thine own mind. But consider thou, my son, what commodity, and what an ample reward will shortly follow these labours of thine, and doubtless thou wilt be so far from sustaining them grievously, that most sweet, and great comfort thou wilt take of thy patience k 1. Co. 13, 7 Acts. 5, 40. 41. . For in steed of thy momentany will, which gladly thou hast renounced, thou shalt have an everlasting will in the heavens l joh. 17, 24. 1. joh. 2, 17. . There whatsoever thou wouldst have, or canst wish for, thou shalt find m 1. Co. 2, 9 . There abundance of all good things thou shalt have, without fear of losing them n Matt. 6, 19 20. . There thy will together with me o joh. 17, 24 shall never covet after any outward or private thing. No man there shall resist thee, no man complain of thee, no man trouble thee any manner way, but what thou canst desire shallbe present, and satisfy the desire of thy mind abundantly p Reu. 7, 14. 15. 16. 17. Revel. 21, 4. 23. 24. 25. 26. Revel. 22, 5. . There I will render glory for reproach sustained q Wisd. 5, 1. 2, etc. ; the garment of gladness r isaiah. 61, 3. for heaviness; for the lowest room a kingly throne for evermore s Matth. 25, verse. 34. . There the fruit of obedience shall appear t Revel. 22, verse. 14. ; the labour of repentance shall rejoice u john. 3, 5. Ezec. 18, 21, 22. ; & humble obedience shall gloriously be crowned x 2. Tim. 2, verse. 11. 12. Coloss. 3, 4. . Wherefore do thou modestly obey all men y 1. Pet. 2, 13. ; and never care who speaks or commandeth, but give thine earnest endeavour to take it in good worth, whatsoever is spoke, and faithfully to fulfil that whatsoever is required at thine hands, howsoever it be either by word or sign, yea whosoever, be he thy better, or thine equal, or thine inferior that would have it done. Let other men seek other things; let others glory in what they will, & be commended of the world even to the skies, but do thou rejoice when thou art reproached z Mat. 5, 11. 12. Acts. 5, 41. Galat. 6, 14. ; when thou dost execute my will a 1. Cor. 1, 31 , and promote my glory: and let this be thine only desire that GOD may be magnified always in thee, whether it be by life, or by death b Phil. 1, 20. . Chap. 56. How a man oppressed with troubles, aught to yield himself to the Lords wil SERVANT. O Eternal God, and heavenly Father, I yield thee immortal thanks, for that thou dost what thou wilt a Psa. 115, 4. Matt 19, 26. , and wilt nothing but that is good b Deut. 32, 4 Matt. 19, 17. . Let me thy servant rejoice in thee c 1. Cor. 1, verse. 31. ▪ not either in myself, or in any other thing d jere. 9, 23 . For thou alone art the true comfort; thou art my hope and my crown; thou Lord art my joy and mine honour e 2. Sam. 22, verse. 2. 3. Psalm. 18, 2. Psal. 142, 5. . Of thee I have whatsoever I have, and that not of any merits at all of mine. Thine are all things f Psa. 50, 10. 11. 12. which thou hast either given g jam. 1, 17. , or made h Psa. 136, 5. 6, etc. . I poor soul, worn out with labours even from my youth, and grieved in mind i Psal. 88, 3. , and that in such wise, that sometime I burst forth into tears k Esa. 38, 14 15. , and am greatly out of quiet for the evils which hang over mine head. O Lord, I long after the comfort of peace, it is the peace of thy children, who are fed with the light of thy consolation l Psal. 119, verse. 130. that I require. If thou give peace, if thou fill me with joy m Luke. 15, verse. 22. 23. , my heart shall rejoice exceedingly, and devoutly sound out thy praises n Ps. 149, 1. 2, etc. : But if (as many-times thou dost) thou hide thy face o Ps. 104, 29 , I shall not be able to run the way of thy commandments p Psal. 119, verse. 32. , but rather falling on my knees I shall smite my breast q Luke. 18, verse. 13. , because it goeth not with me as erst it did, when, thy lantern lightening me from above I was, under the shadow of thy wings r Psal. 17, 8. , protected against evils that rushed upon me s Psal. 18, 3. 4, etc. Psalm. 57, 2. 3. . O righteous Father always to be praised, the hour is now come t joh. 12, 23. john. 17, 1. wherein I thy servant must be tried. O most loving Father, meet is it that I suffer somewhat for thy sake u Mat. 5, 10. , at this time. O Father evermore to be worshipped, the hour is now come, which from everlasting thou diddest know would come, wherein I for a little time must outwardly so die, that inwardly I may live with thee for evermore; for a little while be contemned, perish as it were in man's opinion, and be afflicted with grief and adversity, that hereafter in the morning of the new light x Esa 65, 17 reve. 22, 1. I may rise again with thee, & be glorified in the heavens y Ioh 17, 24 . O most holy Father, such was thy decree, such is thy pleasure, and that which thou commandedst z joh. 16, 2. 20. , is come to pass. For this benefit thou bestowest upon thy friend, that albeit for thy sake he must suffer affliction a 1. Pet. 4, 14 1. Pet. 2, 21. in this world, yet is it but when, & of whom, and as thou wilt give leave. For in the world nothing cometh to pass either without thy counsel b Mat. 6, 26. 27. Matt 10, 28 29. 30. 1. Cor. 12, 6. , without thy providence, or without cause why. And assuredly it is good for me, O Lord, that I have been afflicted, that I may learn thy statutes c Ps 119, 71. 67. , and cast off all pride, and arrogancy of mind. It is good for me that I am put to shame, that I may seek comfort from thee rather than of men d Ps. 44, 23. 24 Psal. 69, 29 . Thereby also do I learn to stand in fear of thine unsearchable judgements e Ro. 11, 33. , who punishest the righteous as well as the wicked f Psal 73, 2. 3, etc. 1. Pet. 4, 17. and yet none of them without equity, and justice g Psal 99, 4. Ps. 119, 75. . I thank thee, O Lord, for not sparing to afflict me with evils, with bitter pains, grief, and anguish both within and without. None is there of all under heaven that can comfort me in this misery, none I say is there, but thou alone, my God, and my Lord who art the celestial curer of souls h Ps. 147, 3. Matth. 9, 2. 22. 25. 29. 33. 35. which both woundest and makest whole again i Deu. 32, 39 , bringest down to the grave, and raisest up k 1. Sam. 2, 6 Tob 13, 2. . Thy correction is upon me, thy rod teacheth me wisdom l Prou. 29, verse. 15. . Lo, most loving father, I submit myself to the rod of thy discipline m Matth. 26, verse. 39 42. . Strike both my back, and my neck too, that I may turn mine untowardlines after thy wil Make me, O Lord, thine humble and godly disciple, as thou hast right well accustomed to do, that I may even wholly obey every commandment of thine n Ps. 119, 71. . To thee, and to thy correction I commend both myself, and all mine: for better is it to be punished here than hereafter o Esa 55, 6. Galat. 6, 9 10. . Thou knowest all, & every thing; yea the most secret cogitation in the heart of man, thou knowest p Heb. 4, 13. . Thou knowest what shallbe afore it come to pass q Rom. 11, 2 : neither haste thou need to be informed, or admonished of those things which are done in the world. Thou knowest whereby I may profit best, and what good adversity will do to the scouring off, as it were the rust of wickedness r Wisd 3, 6▪ 1. Pet. 1, 7. . And therefore use me even as thou wilt s Luke. 22, verse. 42. ; and reject me not for my wicked life t Luk. 18, ●3 , which none knoweth so well as thou, yea, to say the truth, none knoweth it but thou alone u Ioh 2, 24. 25. . O Lord, grant me to know those things that I should know x joh. 17, 3. ; to love that are to be loved y Deut. 6, 5. Matt. 22, 37 ; to praise that which pleaseth thee; to make account of such as thou hast in price; and finally to mislike that which thou dost loath. Suffer me not either to judge after the sight of the outward eyes z Deut. 1, 17 1. Sam. 16, 7. Sirach 42, 1 job. 10, 4. , or to give sentence according to the hearing of mine unskilful ears: but with right judgement to discern between things both visible, and spiritual a 1. Co. 2, 10 11, etc. , & afore all things evermore to seek after the pleasure of thine heavenly wil For commonly the senses of men in judging b 1. Cor. 2, 7 8 james. 2, 2. 3, etc. are deceived; and the friends of this world by loving only visible things c 1. joh. 2, 15 16. 17. are deceived also. Is a man so much the better, as he is greater in the opinion of man d Luke. 16; verse. 19 20. ? The deceitful in praising the deceitful; the vain man in extolling the vain; the blind in commending the blind; the weak in magnifying the weak, deceiveth him; and by praising vainly, he doth verily shame him e joh. 5, 44. john. 12. 43. . For in truth such is a man, and no more, as thou esteemest him to be, as one f Francis the Minorite. said right well. Chap. 57 That we are to exercise ourselves with base works, when we cannot do the best. LORD. MY son, thou canst not always abide in the most earnest, and ardent study of virtue, nor continue in the highest degree of heavenly contemplation, but offorce through original corruption a Gen. 3, 16. 17, etc. Rom. ●, 14. 15. etc. thou art made sometime to come down unto inserior things, & to bear the burden of this mortal life b Wisd 9, 5. 13. though unwillingly and with grief. For as long as thou carriest about a mortal body, thou shalt feel the weight and heaviness of the same c Wisd. 9, 15 . Therefore in the flesh thou must often groan under the burden of flesh d Rom. 7, 24 25. ; because thou canst not always without intermission continue in the study of spiritual things, and heavenly contemplations. Here than it is behooveful to make recourse unto base and outward works; to refresh thyself in good deeds; and with a strong faith to wait e Matth. 24, verse. 46. 47. till I come from on high to visit thee; and to suffer with patience thine exile f Heb. 11, 13 14. 15. Gen 47, 9 Psa. 119, 54. and hunger of mind until I see thee again g 1. Cor. 15, verse. 51. 52. , and deliver thee from all troubles h Revel 21, . For I will make thee to forget thy pains, and to enjoy fully the inner quietness i joh. 16, 22. . Yea, I will open unto thee the field of the holy Scriptures, that with a ioieful mind thou mayst begin to travers the way of my commandments k Ps. 119, 32. , and break into these words l Rom. 8, 18. : The afflictions of this present time are not worthy the glory which shallbe showed unto us. Chap. 58. That man should think himself to deserve not comfort at God's hand, but condemnation. SERVANT. O Lord, I am not worthy thy comfort, or any spiritual consolation a 1. Cor. 15, verse. 9 10. . And therefore thou dost right well b Ps. 115. 75 when thou forsakest me poor wretch, and leavest me without comfort. For though I should power out even a sea of tears, yet could I not deserve any comfort at thine hand. That which I deserve be stripes, and punishment, because I have so often so grievously offended thee, and in so many things so greatly sinned c Luk. 15, 18 21. . So that, were the matter duly considered d Psal. 69. 5. 13. 16. I am not worthy the least of all thy comforts. And yet, O gracious and merciful God, who wilt not that thy works should perish e Ezech. 33, verse. 11. , to declare the riches of thy goodness upon the vessels of thy mercy f Ephes ●, 7. 8. Ephes. 2, 4. 5. , thou dost vouchsafe to comfort me having no merit, far beyond the manner of men g Psal. 71, 15 Luk. 15, 22. 23. 24. . Neither be thine heavenly comforts, like worldly communications h 2. Co. 1, 12 2. Cor. 7, 4. 5. 6. . But what have I done, Lord, that thou shouldest impart upon me any spiritual comfort at all i Rom. 11, 5. 6, etc. ?. Truly that I remember, I have done no good at all, but always have been both prone unto sin k Gen. 6, 5. Gen. 8, 21. Matt. 15, 19 Rom. 3, 9 10. , and slow to repent. And this is so true, as if I should deny it, both thou wilt find me a liar, and no man dare stand to excuse me l job. 9, vers. 2, etc. 32. . By my sins what have I merited but hell, and everlasting fire m Matt. 25, verse. 41. ? And therefore I plainly, and in deed confess, I am worthy all reproach and contempt; and most unworthy to live among thy sons, and servants n Luk. 15, 21 Luke. 18, 13 . And albeit I can hardly be brought to do it; yet because it is true, I will confess against myself my wickedness o Psal. 32, 5. , that so the sooner I may obtain mercy at thine hand. But what shall I, sinner that I am, full of all manner shame and infamy, what shall I say? Surely I have nothing to say, but even this: I have sinned, Lord, I have sinned, take mercy on me p Ps. 25, 11. Psal. 40, 11. 12. Psalm. 51▪ 1. 2. 3. , forgive me; suffer me yet a while to be wail my wretchedness, before I pass over into the land of darkness, covered with the shadow of death q job. 10, 21 22. . For what else dost thou of a guilty and miserable man require, but that he afflict, and humble himself for his sins r Eze. 18, 21. 22. Ezec. 32, 14 15. ? For of true repentance, and humbling of the mind, ariseth hope of pardon s Psal. 32, 5. Psal. 51, 17. ; the troubled conscience is reconciled unto God t Heb. 9, 14. ; the favour of God which was lost is recovered u Zach. 1, 3. ; man is preserved from the vengeance to come x Matt. 3, 7. 8. ; and with an holy kiss both God, and the sorrowful soul do meet together y Luke. 15, verse. 20. . I say, the unfeigned repentance of sins committed is the accepted sacrifice unto thee, O Lord, savouring more sweetly in thine ears than doth the perfume of frankincense z Ps. 51, 16. 17. 19 . This is the sweet ointment which thou, who never despisest the troubled and humbled mind of man a Psa. 147, 3. , wouldst should be powered upon thine holy feet b Luk. 7, 37 38. . This is the place of refuge against the rage of the enemy c Ps. 138, 6. 7. ; here it is amended and washed away whatsoever else where was polluted, and defiled d Psal. 51, 2. 7. 1. Cor. 6, 11. . Chap. 59 Men carnalie minded find no favour before God. LORD. Son, my favour is more precious, than that it will meddle with outward things, and earthly pleasures a joh. 14, 27 john. 16, ●3. Phil. 4, 10. 11. 12. . Wherefore thou must cast off what soever is a let thereunto b Luk. 9, 23 john. 8, 54. , if thou wouldst be replenished with the same. Leave company c Matt. 6, 6. Matt. 14, 23. ; love to dwell by thyself alone; avoid communication; but power out godly prayers before the Lord d Luk. 18, 1. 2, etc. 1. Thes. 5, 17 18. , that thy mind may be stirred up unto godliness, and kept from sin. Despise even the whole world, and prefer the calling of God before all outward things e Luk. 9, 59 1. john. 2, 15. 16. . For doubtless thou canst not both serve me, and delight in transitory things too f Mat. 6, 24. . Thou must leave thine acquaintance, and dear friends g Luk. 9, 23. 24. Luke. 14, 26. 27. joh. 12, 25 26. ; and call away thy mind from all worldly pleasure h 1. joh. 2, 15 16. . So doth Peter admonish the disciples of Christ, that they behave themselves in this world as pilgrims, and strangers i 1. Pet. 2, 11 . O with what a faith & confidence shall he die, who is not kept back with the desire of any earthly thing k Gal. 6. 14. Rom. 8, 35. 36. Phil. 3, 20. ! But no sick man can have such a mind; neither doth the carnal man perceive the liberty of him who is spiritual l Rom. 8, 5. 1. Cor. 2, 14. 15. 16. . But if he will become spiritual, he must renounce both strangers, and nigh friends also m Matth. 10, verse. 37. , and take heed of none more than of himself n Rom. 7, 23 1. Cor. 2, 14. . If thou hast perfectly subdued thyself o Mark. 8, verse. 34. , thou shalt with more ease vanquish other things. For that is true victory, to triumph over a man's self. For he, who hath his mind so in subjection, that both his desire obeyeth reason, and his reason fulfilleth my commandments in all things, is doubtless both a conqueror of himself p Matth▪ 5, verse. 38. 39 , & also a Lord of the world q Rom 8, 37 : to which top of perfection if thou wouldst climb, thou must manfulie begin, and lay the axe to the root r Mat. 3, 10. , so to cut off even by the root all hidden and immoderate love, both of thyself, and also of every private and carnal good thing. For of this immoderate self-love only dependeth almost all that a man must utterly root up s Matth. 7, 3. 4. : which vice being once subdued, great peace, and perpetual quietness will ensue t Mat. 11, 29 . But, for that few do endeavour perfectly to mortify u Rom. 6, 3. Coloss. 3, 5. and altogether to forsake themselves x Eph. 4, 22. 23. 24. , it cometh to pass that many do remain snarled within y james 4, 1. 2▪ 3. , and cannot in spirit rise above themselves. But he that freely would live with me, must mortify and slay all wicked and intemperate affections of his mind z Gal. 5, 19 20. 11. ; and stick to nothing created over greedily a 1. joh. 2, 15 16. Philip. 3, 7. 8. 1. Cor. 7, 29. 30. 31. . Chap. 60. The divers working of Nature, and of Grace. LORD. MY son, consider diligently the divers motions between Nature and Grace. For after so subtle, and contrary a manner their motions be, that hardly they can be discerned but of the spiritual, and illuminated man a 1. Cor. 2, verse. 14. . All men covet in deed that which is good, yea and pretend a colour of goodness in their deeds, and saying: therefore under the show of that which good is many are deceived. Nature is crafty, and carrieth away, intrappeth, and deceiveth many a man; yea and it would always be the end of actions b Rom. 1, 20 21. Rom. 10, 3. 4. : But Grace dealeth simply, and declineth from all kind of evil; useth no deceit; doth all things plainly for God's sake, and resteth in him unto the end c 1. Cor. 13, verse. 1. 2. 1. Cor. 15, 30 31. 32. . Nature refuseth to die d Matth. 26, verse. 69. 70. Luk. 22, 55. 56. 57 john. 21, 18. Rom. 7, 15. 16, etc. , to be kept down, to be overcome, to be in subjection, and to be kept under: Grace studieth to be mortified e Gal. 6, 14. ; striveth against appetite f Rom. 7, 22 23. ; coveteth to be brought in subjection, & to be overcome g Ephes. 5, 9 1. Pet. 2, 11. 12. ; will not use her liberty h 1. Co. 6, 12 13. ; loveth to be kept in awe; will not lord over any; but is ready evermore to live, to abide to be under God, yea and for God's cause humbly to obey every man i 1. Co 13, 3. 4, etc. . Nature seeketh after profit k Matth. 19▪ verse. 21. 22. , and considereth what lucre may be gotten by another: but Grace doth note rather what may benefit others l 1. Cor. 9, 12 15. 1. Cor. 10, 33 Coloss. 3, 1. 2. , than profit herself. Nature is glad when she is had in honour, & commended among men m joh. 5, 44. john 12, 43 Acts. 12, 21. 22. 23. : but Grace ascribeth all glory and praise unto God n 1. Co. 10, 31 Coloss. 3, 17 Acts. 14, 13. 14 15. . Nature feareth reproach and contempt o Luk. 18, 18 : but Grace is glad to be rebuked for the Name of Christ p Acts. 5, 41. Matth 5, 10. . Nature loveth ease and quietness of body q Mat. 25, 8. 18 : Grace cannot be idle, but willingly setteth herself to labour r 1. Cor. 15, verse. 30. 32. 2. Co. 11, 23 24. . Nature seeketh after curious, and goodly, and abhorreth from base & gross things s Luk. 16, 19 : Grace is delighted with simple and base things, despiseth not rough, neither refuseth to put on old rags t Phil. 4, 11. 12. 2. Co. 11, 27 1. Tim. 6, 7. 8. . Nature respecteth transitory things u Luk. 12, 16 17, etc. , rejoiceth at worldly gain, fretteth at loss, and at every despiteful word is out of quiet: but Grace hath respect unto heavenly things, cleaveth not to the world x Lu. 12, 22. 23. , at loss is not troubled y 1. Co. 13, 7 , nor disquieted at sharp words z Mat. 5, 11. . Because her treasure is reposed in heaven, where nothing perisheth a Mat. 6, 20. . Nature is covetous, & more gladly taketh than giveth b 1 Cor. 6, 9 10. , loving private gain: but Grace is bountiful c 1. Cor. 13, 4 , and liberal, shunneth private commodity, is content with little d Act. 20, 33 34. , judging it better to give than to receive. Nature is bend unto the world e Gen. 6, 5. , unto the flesh, unto vanity, and to vagaries: but Grace allureth unto God and unto well doing; biddeth all creatures farewell, flieth the world, abhorreth the desires of the flesh f 1. joh. 2, 15 16. 1. Cor. 7, 31. Galat. 5, 19 20. , abstaineth from idle gaddings, and blusheth to be seen abroad. Nature seeketh outward solace, by whose allurements it may be delighted g Luk. 15, 13 : but Grace seeketh comfort at God alone, and delighteth herself in the chief good h 1. Cor. 1, 31 above all visible things. Nature doth all for gain, nothing frankly; and still looketh either for as good a reward or greater, and hopeth either for praise or for favour in respect of benefits conferred; finally it coveteth to have her deeds, and gifts to be greatly accounted of i Matth. 6, 1. 2. : but Grace hunteth after no worldly thing, neither looketh for any recompense besides God alone; nor yet coveteth more temporal things than are necessary for the attainment of everlasting life k 1. Tim. 6, 7 8. . Nature glorieth in the multitude of friends, and kinsfolk, & boasteth in the nobility of stock, & ancestors; favoureth the mighty, flattereth the wealthy; and loveth her equals: but Grace loveth even her enemies l Mat. 5, 44. 45. , braggeth not of many friends, neither yet respecteth the place, or stock whence she was borne m joh. 8, 33. , unless the greater virtue and godliness flourished there. This Grace favoureth the poor more than the rich; lamenteth the case of the innocent more than of the mighty; delighteth in the true not in the deceitful; and always exhorteth good men to follow chiefly the most excellent gifts n 1. Cor. 12, verse. 31. , and to express the Son of God in their manners o Ephes. 5, 1. . Nature quickly complaineth of want and poverty p Mat. 6, 32. : Grace constantly endureth need q Rom. 8, 35 2. Cor. 11. 27 . Nature referreth all to herself, & striveth and contendeth for herself: but Grace referreth all things unto the glory of GOD r 1. Cor. 10, verse. 31. Colos. 3, 17 , whence she sprang s jam. 1, 18. 1. john 3, 9 john. 1, 12. 13. ; ascribeth no goodness to herself, is not arrogant t 1. Cor. 13, verse. 4. 5. 6. , nor contentious, neither yet preferreth her own opinion before others, but in all study and searching of the truth submitteth herself to the wisdom, and judgement of God. Nature coveteth greedily to know, and to hear news, and secrets, loveth outwardly to appear, and to try much by the senses; and finally desireth to be known, and to do such things, as may bring her fame and glory of the world u joh. 5, 44. john. 12, 43 Matth. 6, 1. 5. 16. . But Grace seeketh not after news, and curious knowledge x Eccl. 3, 22 23. 24. Rom. 12, 3. . Both because it proceedeth altogether from the old corruption of man y Gen. 6, 5. , and also for that in deed there is no new or durable thing upon earth z 1. Cor. 7, 31 1. john. 2, 15 16. 17. . And therefore it teacheth men to abstain from foolish pleasure a jer. 9, 23. ; to shun vain glory b Gal. 5, 26. : modestly to conceal such things as seem praiseworthy, and to be had in admiration for their excellency c 1. Cor. 13, verse. 4. ; and of every thing, and knowledge to get profit, and to seek the glory of God d Coloss. 3, verse. 17. . Finally she desireth to have neither herself, nor hers to be praised e 1. Cor. 4, 6 7. , but God, who of mere goodwill imparteth all things upon us f jam. 1, 17. , to be thanked for his benefits g 1. Thess. 5, verse. 18. . This Grace is a light set above Nature, and a certain singular gift of God, a note proper to the elect, and pledge of everlasting life, which lifteth a man from earthly to the love of heavenly things h Colos 3, 1. 2. , and of a carnal makes a spiritual man i Rom. 8, 1. 2. 1. Cor. 2, 10. 11, etc. Galat. 4, 6. . And therefore the more Nature is pressed down, and tied up, the more Grace is inspired k 2. Co. 4, 16 17. 18. , & the innerman with new gifts after the image of God is renewed every day l Eph. 4, 22. 23. 24. Coloss. 3, 9 10. . Chap. 61. Of the corruption of Nature; and power of God's heavenly Grace. SERVANT. O Lord, my GOD, who hast created me after thy own image a Gen. 1, 26. 27. Gen. 5, 1. Wisd. 2, 23. Eccl. 17, 1. 2. 3. 1. Cor. 11, 7. Coloss. 3, 10 , give me such Grace (which is most excellent, and necessary unto salvation as thou hast shown b Luk. 9, 23 ), that I may subdue my wicked Nature, drawing me always unto sin and destruction c Gen. 6, 5. . For I see in my flesh the law of sin, rebelling against the law of my mind d Rom. 7, 23 , and leading me captive to the satisfying of my desire in many things, so that without the assistance of thy most heavenly Grace, powered zealously into my mind, I am unable to resist the assaults thereof. Yea, Lord, I lack thy Grace, and that much Grace of thine, whereby my Nature prone unto all impiety even from my youth e Gen. 8, 21. Matt. 15, 19 , may be subdued, and overcome. For Nature being fallen through the offence of the first man, and defiled through sin, the punishment thereof hath redounded unto all mankind. So that nature, which at the first thou diddest make good and righteous, is now counted for the sin, and infirmity of the corrupt Nature, inasmuch as the motion left unto it tendeth always unto evil, and inferior things f Wisd. 9, 15 Rom. 7, 14. 15. 18. . For, as touching that little power which abideth in the same g john. 1, 5. 2. Pet. 1▪ 19 , that is like a certain sparkle raked up in the ashes. This is that natural reason, enclosed about with black darkness, yet so that somewhat still it can discern, & judge between good and evil, between truth and falsehood h Rom. 7, ●4 15, etc. , although it have no power to fulfil that which it alloweth i Phil. 2, 13. 2. Cor. 3, 5. , neither enjoyeth a perfect light of the truth k Mat. 6, 22. 23. , with soundness of her affections. Hence, O my God, is it, that, as touching the inward man, I am delighted with thy law l Rom. 7, 22 , knowing that thy statutes are good, righteous, holy m 1. Tim. 1, 8 Rom 7, 12. 13. 18. , and that they reprove evil & wickedness, and teach what is to be avoided. But in my flesh I serve the Rom. 7, 23. law of sin whilst I obey the appetite more than reason. Hence it is, that to will is present 18. with me, but alas I find no means to perform. Hereof it is that oftentimes I purpose to do many things well; but because thine heavenly favour is wanting n Ps. 104, 29 which may help mine infirmity, by a little resistance I slide back, and tire. Yea hereof it is, that I know in deed the way of righteousness, and see as in a glass what my duty is o Rom. 7, 15 , but through the weight of my sin p Wisd. 9, 15 I have no power to arise unto perfection. O Lord, how greatly do I lack thy Grace both to begin what good is, & also to proceed thorouglie in goodness q Phil. 2, 13. . For without it can I do nothing r john. 15, 4. 5. ; through the help thereof I can do all things in thee s Phil. 4, 13. . O heavenly grace in deed t Rom. 5, 20 21. , without which neither the merits of man u Rom. 3, 20 Galat. 2, 16 Rom. 11, 5. 6. , nor the gifts of Nature are of price x Ro. 11, 17. 18. . O Lord, without thy Grace neither learning y 1. Cor. 1, 19 20. , neither riches z Luk. 12, 16 17, etc. Luk. 16, 22. 23. , neither beauty a 2. Sam. 14, verse. 25 2. Sam. 18, 9 10. , nor strength b 1. Sam. 17, verse. 4. 5. 7. 50. , nor wit, neither eloquence c Acts, 12, 21 22. 23. is of any weight before thee. For the gifts of Nature are common to the wicked as well as to the good d jere. 9, 23. Psal. 73, 2. 3. : but Grace is a gift peculiar only to the elect e Rom. 11, 5 6. , which who so hath, are counted meet and worthy eternal life. Finally it is so excellent, that without it neither the gift of prophesy, nor the working of miracles f Mat. 7, 22. , neither the profound knowledge of secret things, is any thing worth: yea neither faith, nor hope, nor any other virtues are accepted in thy sight without love and Grace g 1. Co. 13, 1 2, etc. . O blessed Grace, which makest him rich with virtues, who is poor in spirit h Matt. 5, 3. ; and him humble of mind, who is rich for goods i Ro. 11, 20. : Come, come down to me, fill me early with thy comfort, that my mind for weariness and hunger do not faint. O Lord, I beseech thee, impart thy Grace upon me k Luk. 1, 30. 48. : that is sufficient for me l 2. Cor. 12. verse. 9 , though I have nought else that Nature would require. Yea, I protest, if that be with me, I will dread no tentation, nor trouble whatsoever m Psal. 23, 4. Rom. 8, 35. , that is my strength n Psal. 18, 2. , that bringeth counsel and help o Ps. 19, 14. : yea it is both mightier than all enemies p Rom 8, 31 , and wiser than the prudent q 1. Cor. 1, verse. 19 20. . It is the mistress of truth, the teacher of discipline, the light of the mind r Mat. 11, 25. 26. Luk. 10, 21. , the comfort in affliction, the expeller of sadness, the remoover away of care s Psal. 80, 3. 4. 7 19 , the nourisher of religion; the mother of tears: at a word, without it what am I but withered wood, & a root most unprofitable, and to be cast away t john. 15, 4 5. 6. ? Wherefore, O Lord, let this thy Grace both go afore, and also follow me, whereby I may continually apply myself▪ unto well-doing through jesus Christ thy Son, Amen. Chap. 62. That we ought to deny ourselves, and to imitate Christ by the cross. LORD. THe more thou leavest thyself a Luk. 9, 23 , my son, the nigher thou comest unto me b 2 Co. 4, 16 . As outwardly to coute nothing, causeth inward peace: so inwardly to forsake one's self, joineth man to God c Luke 9, 24. . My mind is that thou learn a perfect denial of thyself in my will, and that without all contradiction or muttering d Matt 9, 9 Matt. 19, 27. . Follow thou me e joh. 21, 19 22. : I am the way, the truth, and the life f joh. 14, 6 . Without a way men walk not; without a truth they know not; without a life they live not. I am the way wherein thou must walk; the truth whereunto thou must stick; the life for which thou must hope. I am the way inviolable; the truth, unfallible; the life everlasting. I am the right way; the chiefest truth; the true life, the blessed life, the life uncreate. If thou go forward in my way, thou shalt know the truth; and the truth shall so make thee free g joh. 8, 32. 36. , that thou shalt attain unto everlasting life. If thou wouldst enter into life, keep the commandments h Mat. 19, 17 ; If thou wouldst know the truth, believe me i john. 8, 31. 32. ; If thou wouldst be perfect, sell all k Mat. 19, 21 ; wouldst thou be my disciple? then deny thyself l Luk. 9, 23. : wouldst thou attain unto a blessed life; then despise the life present m joh. 12, 25 . wouldst thou be extolled in heaven? then debase thyself on earth n Luk. 18, 13. . wouldst thou reign with me? then suffer with me o 2. Tim. 2, verse. 12. Rom 8, 35. . For only the servants of the cross do find the way of happiness, and of true life p Acts 14, verse. 22. . SERVANT. O Lord jesus Christ, forasmuch as thy way is narrow q Mat. 7, 13. 14. & odious to the world r joh. 15, 18. 19 20. , give me grace with thee to despise the world s 1. joh. 2, 15 16. 17. . For neither is the servant greater than the Lord, nor the disciple above the master t Matth. 10, verse. 24. Luke. 6, 40. john. 13, 16. john. 16, 20. . Let thy servant be exercised in thy way, because therein my salvation, & true holiness doth consist u Psa. 119, 9 Psal. 25, 12. 14. . Whatsoever I read, or hear without the same, can never fully recreate or delight me x Ps. 119, 14. 103 111. 127. . LORD. Son, seeing thou haste read, and knowest all these things, blessed shalt thou be, if thou fulfil them y Matt. 7. 24 25. james. 1, 25 . He that understandeth and fulfilleth all my commandments, loveth me, and I will love him again z joh. 14, 21 , and reveal myself unto him, and bring it so to pass that he shall sit with me in the kingdom of my Father a Matth. 25, verse. 34. . SERVANT. Grant therefore, Lord, that what thou hast said and promised, may come to me b Psa. 89, 28. 33. . From thine hands I have received the cross, I will bear the same even to the death, as thou hast enjoined me c Luk. 21, 19 . Doubtless the life of a true Christian, is the cross; but that is the way into heaven d Acts. 14, verse. 22. : neither backward, nor from our course we may not go e Luk. 9, 62. . Eigh brethren let us proceed together: jesus willbe with us f Matth. 28, verse. 20. joh. 16, 22. ; for jesus sake, we have taken this cross upon us, let us persevere in the cross for jesus sake g Mat. 5, 11. john. 15, 19 20. 1. Pet. 2, 21. 22. 23. . He will help us, who is our captain, and goeth afore us h Phil. 2, 5. 6. 7. 8. . Lo, our King goeth in before us fight on our behalf i Heb. 12, 1. 2. 3. 4. Reu. 17, 14. . Let us follow manfulie k Ps. 27, 14. , let no man be dismayed; let us even valiantly appoint to die in battle l 1. Tim. 1, verse. 18. 1 Tim. 6, 12 2. Tim. 2, 3. ; never let us stain our honour by flying from the cross m Luk. 9, 26 . Chap. 63. That we should take heed of despair, though we fall sometime. LORD. Son, patience, and repentance in adversity a isaiah. 30, 15 Luk. 21, 19 , doth more please me than much joy, and devotion in prosperity. Why art thou vexed at so small a thing spoken against thee? the which were it greater should not move thee b Matt. 5, 11. . Care not for this, it is no new thing, nor the first c Heb. 12, 3. 1. Pet. 2, 21. 22. , and shall not be the last, if thou live longer. Thou art man good enough, while prosperity doth last d Matth. 26, verse. 33. 35. Luk. 22, 33. ; yea thou canst give counsel also to others, and encourage them with words: but when sudden adversity is at hand, thou art strait way without both counsel and courage e Matth. 26, verse. 69. 70. Luk. 22, 56. 57 . Weigh what thy frailty is, of which thou hast proof oftentimes in little chances. Notwithstanding these and such like, are good for thee f Pf. 119, 67 71. Prou. 3, 11. 12. Hebr. 12, 7. 8. 9 . Cast these things out of thy mind, as thou knowest thou shouldest do; and if they touch thee, endeavour that they never overthrow thee, nor over trouble thee: at the lest wise bear them patiently g Rom. 12, verse. 12. james. 1, 1. 2. , if thou canst not ioiefulie. Now if thou hear such things against thy will, and conceauest indignation thereat, bridle thyself, and take heed that nothing slip out of thy mouth, whereby the little ones may be offended h Mat. 18, 6. 7. Mark. 9, 42. Luke. 17, 1. 2. . So will both this perturbation of thine quickly be settled, and the grief of mind, through the return of God's grace, be turned into joy. I yet live, saith the Lord, ready to help, and extraordinarily to comfort thee, if thou call upon me i Psa. 50, 15. Psal. 91, 15. Esaie. 49, 8. religiously in faith k Mat. 21, 22 james. 1, 6. . Be thou patiented, and prepare thyself to greater troubles l Ps. 27, 14. Psal. 31, 24. 1. Co. 16, 13 . Thou must not therefore be out of heart, though thou see thyself greatly to be afflicted, & tempted grievously m 1. Cor. 10, verse. 13. james. 1, 1. 2. . Thou art a man, no God; neither Angel, but flesh. Thinkest thou always to abide in one and the same state of godliness? when neither the Angel in heaven n job. 4, 18 2. Pet. 2, 4. jude. 6. , nor Adam the first man in paradise o Gen. 3, 17. could, for both fell quickly? I am he who will both strengthen the mourners with health p Ps. 113, 7. , and exalt unto my dignity such as acknowledge their own weakness q Ps. 145, 19 Luke. 1, 52. . SERVANT. O Lord, for thy words, more sweet to me than honey, & the honiecombe r Psal. 119, verse. 103. , I thank thee. Alas, in such calamity and troubles what should I do, diddest not thou strengthen me with this ghostly speech s Psal. 119, verse. 92. ! So that at length I may come unto the port of salvation, what skilleth it what and how great things I endure t Rom. 8, 18. 35. 36. ? O Lord, grant me a good end; and a blessed departure out of this life: O my God, remember me u Luke. 23, verse. 42. , & guide me the right way into thy kingdom, Amen. Chap. 64. That high matters, and secret judgements of God should not be searched after. OF hard matters, my son, and of the secret judgements of God take heed thou dispute not a Prou. 25, 2 Ecclus. 3, 22 23. 24. . I say reason not either why this man is so rejected, or that man in such favour b Rom. 11, verse. 18. 19 ; why this man is so miserably afflicted, that man so highly advanced. These things are beyond the reach of man; neither is any reason, or disputation meet enough to search out the counsel of the Almighty c Esa. 40, 28 . Therefore, when either the enemy doth bring these things into thy mind, or ●ls some curious fellows inquire of thee, answer with the Prophet d Psal. 119, verse. 137. : Righteous art thou, O Lord, and just are thy judgements. Again, say, e Psal. 19, 9 The judgements of the Lord are truth, they are righteous altogether. For my judgements are to be feared, not to be discussed, in as much as they are above the capacity of man f Ro. 11, 33. . Do thou neither inquire, nor dispute touching the merits of saints, who either was more holy in the world, or is more glorious in heaven. For these things oftentimes breed strife, and vain contentions g 1. Tim. 1, 4 , yea and moreover they nourish pride, & ambition, whereof spring envy, and discords h 1. Tim. 6, 4 5. , whiles one doth proudly contend one to be more holy, and religious than another. The desire to learn, and to find out these things gets no profit at all; but displeasure of the saints. For I am not the God of dissension, but the God of peace i 1. Cor. 14, verse. 33. ; which peace consisteth in true modesty k Mat. 11, 29 , notin arrogancy of mind l isaiah 57, 21 . Some through good will are more inclined toward these than toward those: but that do they rather of human affection, than of heavenly m 1. Cor. 3, 3 4. 5. . I am he who made all the saints n Gen. 2, 9, , who have endowed them with gifts o jam. 1, 17. , and exalted them to glory p joh. 17, 22 ; I know what every one hath deserved, I prevented them with most liberal blessings q Psal. 21, 3. Matth. 5, 45. ; I before the world began foreknew who were to be loved r Rom. 8, 28 29. 30. 2. Tim. 1, 9 ; I choase them out of the world s joh. 15, 16. , not they me; I, of my great favour, called them t Rom. 8, 30 , and drew them u jere. 31, 3. john. 6, 44. 65. mercifulie unto me; I lead them through manifold temptations x Heb. 11, 32 33. 34. , and powered most singular comforts upon them y Ps. 94, 19 2. Cor. 1, 7. 2. Cor. 7, 4. 5. 6. 7. ; I gave them power to persevere z Phil. 1, 12. 13. 14. Phili. 2, 30. , and crowned their patience a 2. Tim. 2, verse. 12. Reu. 2, 26. ; I know both the first and the last b Mat. 19, 30 ; I love all men most wonderfulie c Mat. 5, 45. 1. Tim 2, 4. ; I am to be praised in all my saints d Psa. 148, 1. 2, etc. Psal. 150, 1. 2, etc. and in each of them honoured and glorified, who have so gloriously exalted such as I did predestinate e Rom. 8, 30 Ephes. 1, 4. 5. , and that without any merits at all which they had done f 2. Tim. 1, 9 . Therefore who so despiseth even the least of my servants, doth not honour the great g Mat. 10, 40 Mat. 18, 10. Matt. 25, 45. Luk. 10, 16. . Because I have made the small as well as the great; so that he who derogates from any of the saints, derogates from me, and from all the partakers of the celestial kingdom. For all are one through the band of love, they all think one thing, they mind one thing, and they love all as one h Ro. 12, 4. . Yea, which is far more strange, they love me more than themselves, or any merits of their own i Exo. 32, 32 . For being ravished above themselves, & carried away from all self-love, they proceed wholly into the love of me, so that nothing can either turn them away, or keep them down k Rom. 5, 3. 4. 5. Rom. 8, 35. 36. . For being full of eternal truth, they burn with the fire of love unquenchable. Let therefore carnal, and fleshly men, who know nothing but how to love their private joys l 1. Co. 13, 5. , surcease from prating about the state of the godly m 1. Cor. 2, verse. 14. . For they add unto, and diminish from their praises according as in affection they are inclined, not as pleaseth the eternal truth. Many are ignorant; but they especially, who being smalie enlightened, can seldom love any man with a perfect spiritual affection of love n 1. joh. 2, 9 10, etc. . Some through natural and human affection are inclined toward these men and toward those: and as they think of earthly, so they judge of heavenly things o Wisd. 9, 13 14. 15. john. 8, 15. john. 3, 3. 4. 5. . But unspeakable is the difference between those things which unperfect men do dream of, and between that which men spiritually enlightened from above p 2. Tim. 3, verse. 16. 2. Pet. 1, 21. do behold q Mat. 13, 11. john. 8, 23. 2. Cor. 2, 14. 15. 16. . Therefore my son, wade not curiously in those matters, which pass the reach of thy wit r Eccl. 3, 22. 23. 24. : but bend thy whole study, that thou mayst be found the least in the kingdom of God s Matth. 5, 3. . Now in case a man knew who were either more holy for zeal, or in place more honourable than the rest in the kingdom of heaven, what good would that knowledge bring him, but only to make him the more humble in my sight thereby t Eccles. 1, verse. 13. , and to break the oftener into the praise of my Name! He pleaseth God better that thinketh how great his sins, and how little his virtues are u Mat. 18, 1. 2. , and how far he is from the perfection of godly men, than he doth which disputeth about the highness & baseness of the saints of God. They glory not of their own merits, in as much as they ascribe no goodness to themselves, but confess that whatsoever they have cometh fro me x 1. Cor. 4, 6 7. who have given them all things y jam. 1, 17. of mine infinite mercy and love. And they for their parts are filled with such fullness of the Godhead, and joy z Psa. 16, 11. joh. 16, 22. 33. , that they lack no glory, nor felicity at al. The saints the more brighter in glory, the more humble are they a 2. Cor. 12, verse. 4. 5. 10. , and the nigher and dearer to me. Therefore shall you find it written, that they cast their crowns before the throne of God b Reu. 4, 10. 11. , and, with faces toward the ground before the lamb c Revel. 5, 8. 12. 13. , worshipped him who liveth for ever and ever. Many reason who is greatest in the kingdom of God d Mat. 18, 1. Mark. 9, 34. Luke. 9, 46. , which never reckon whether they be themselves to be counted in the number of the least. In heaven to be even the least is a great thing, where all be great: For all both shallbe called e Matt. 5, 9 Matth 6, 9 and are f Mat. 13, 38 Matt. 25, 34. the children of God. He that is least shall become as a thousand g Esa. 60, 22 ; and he that is an hundred years old being a sinner shall die as a young man h Esa. 65, 20 . For when the disciples demanded who in the kingdom of heaven should be greatest, they had this answer made them i Matt. 18, 3. : Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall 4. humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. woe then to them who disdain to humble themselves with little ones. For the gate of the kingdom of heaven is too low for them to enter in thereat k Mat. 7, 13. . woe also to the rich l Luk. 6, 24. , who have their comforts in this world. For they shall stand howling without m Matt. 25, verse. 41. Luk. 16, 23. 24. , when the poor are entered into the kingdom of God. But ye meek ones n Matth. 11, verse. 29. rejoice; and be glad ye poor. For yours is the kingdom of God o Matth. 5, 3 , obeying or walking in the truth. Chap. 65. That all our trust, and confidence must be fixed on God alone. SERVANT. O My Lord, wherein is mine hope fixed in this life? or what is my greatest comfort of all things which are any where under the cope of heaven? Is it thou, my Lord and God, whose mercy is infinite a Psa. 100, 5. Psa. 103, 11. Lam. 3, 22. 23. Ecclus. 18, 3 4. 5. ? When was it with me either well if thou wert absent; or il, if thou wert present b Ps. 104, 27 28. 29. ? Doubtless I would choose to be rather poor for thee c Matt. 5, 3. , than rich without thee d Luk. 6, 24. Luk. 16, 24. : and rather with thee to be a pilgrim on earth e Luk. 9, 58. , than without thee to possess heaven f isaiah. 14, 12 . Where thou art, there is heaven g Psal. 11, 4. ; where thou art not, there is hell, and destruction h Ps. 104, 29. . Thou alone art the thing which I desire i Ps. 119, 174 Psalm. 42, 1. ; therefore need have I to sigh, to cry, to pray unto thee k Ps. 50, 15. Psal. 120, 1. . Finally I can trust none, that can duly assist me in my troubles, but thee alone my God: thou art mine hope l Psal. 18, 1. 2. , thou art my confidence, thou art my comforter, in all things most faithful. All men seek their own m Phil. 2, 4. : but thou desirest nought but my welfare and profit n Eze. 18, 31 32. ; and turnest all things for me to good. In that thou layest me open to temptations and troubles, it is altogether for my profit o Ps. 119, 67 71. . For thy wont is a thousand ways to try such as thou lovest p Wisd. 3, 5. 6. job. 7, 18. Exo. 20, 18. 19 20. Deut. 13, 1. 2. 3. Heb. 12, 3. 4. 5. Acts, 14, 22 . In which trial thou oughtest no less to be loved, and praised, than if thou did est replenish me with all celestial comforts q Rom. 8, 35 36, etc. . Wherefore in thee, my Lord and GOD, I place all mine hope, and confidence r Psal. 31, 1. Psalm. 71, 1. ; on thee do I lay all my calamities and troubles s Psal. 61, 2. Psal. 62, 7. . For without thee whatsoever I behold is all frail and transitory t Ps. 102, 24. 25. 26. 27. Malach. 3, 6. Heb. 1, 10. 11. 12. . For neither can friends profit u Psa. 118, 8. 9 ; nor strong men, help x 2. Mac. 15, verse. 25. 26. 27. Ps. 33. 16, 17 ; nor wise men, counsel well y Psal. 2, 1. 2. 3. 4. ; nor learned books, comfort z 1. Co. 1, 20 ; nor riches, save a Luk. 16, 24 ; nor secret place, hide b Ps. 127, 1. ; unless thou be present, and help, strengthen, comfort, instruct and keep. For whatsoever seems to belong to the attainment of peace and felicity, without thee is nothing, and brings in deed no felicity at all c Ps. 104, 29. Hos. 13, 10. 11. . So that thou art the chiefest end d 1. Cor. 15, verse. 28. , the perfection of life, and the profoundness of speech; in thee to trust above all things is the chiefest comfort of thy servants. On thee do I look e Psal. 25, 1. ; in thee do I trust f Psal. 31, 1. Psal. 71, 1. , O my God, and Father of mercy g 2. Cor. 1, 3 . Bless, make my soul holy with celestial happiness, that it may be thy sacred habitation, and seat of eternal glory, a temple pure from all filthiness h 1. Co. 3, 16. 17. 1. Cor. 6, 19 20. , which may offend the eyes of thy Majesty. O Lord, according to the greatness of thy mercy, and according to the multitude of thy compassions i Psal. 51, 1. look upon me; and hear the supplication of thy poor servant k Psal. 34, 6. , living far off a banished man in a savage country l Gen. 47, 9 Heb. 11, 13. 14. 15. 16. . Protect, and keep the soul of thy poor servant m Psal. 71, 3. among so many dangers of this mortal life; and bring me by the conduction of thy favour into the country of eternal glory n Reu. 21, 23 through the way of peace o Luk. 1, 79. , Amen. 1. Tim. 1, 17. Now unto the King everlasting, immortal, invisible, unto God only wise, be honour, and glory for ever and ever, Amen. Faults escaped in the Printing. Pag. Line. Fault. Correction. 59 23 lay laid 189 23 gain, it is gave, it was 262 24 coute covet 264 Chap. 92. Chap. 62. Certain special prayers contained in this Book. Use, if thou wilt 1. Praise God for his benefits, in the third book. chap. 6, page. 121. chap. 10, page. 133. chap. 12, page. 137. chap. 40, page. 198. chap. 47, page. 213. 2. Confess thine own wickedness & God's righteousness, in the third book. ch. 16. p. 147. ch. 23, p. 160. 3. Pray unto God, For a quiet conscience, p. 178. grace to call the benefits of God into mind, in the third book, chap. 25, pag. 167. grace to contemn the world, pag. 209. grace to do the will of God, in the 1. book, cha. 19, p. 37. book 3. chap. 18, pag. 151, 154. grace to hope in God, & to love him above all things. book 3, ch. 24, pag. 163. God's heavenly comfort▪ page. 153, 247. deliverance out of trouble, in the third book, cha. 35, pag. 185. ch. 51, pag. 220. happiness everlasting. ch. 54, pag. 230. instruction spiritual, pa. 111. true knowledge, & zeal. pag. 116. the mercy of God, cha. 65. page. 276. patience in troubles, pag. 159, 226, 240, 263. a pure mind, pag. 183. a quiet conscience, p. 178. spiritual instruction, pag. 111. to have thine understanding opened, pa. 173. zeal, pag. 116. to avoid evil thoughts, pag. 172. sin, pag. 155. vain glory, pag. 210. tentation, pag. 258. This discourse is divided into three parts or Books, the first whereof hath 25. Chapters, whose contents be these. Chap. 1 THat all worldly things are vain, and to be contemned. Page. 1. Chap. 2 Against vain glory in spiritual things. Page. 3. Chap. 3 Of true knowledge, or knowledge of the truth. Page. 6. Chap. 4 Wisdom must be used in all our dealings. Page. 10. Chap. 5 How to read and study the holy Scriptures with profit. Page. 11. Chap. 6 That inordinate, and carnal affections must be mortified. Page. 12. Chap. 7 Against vain hope, and vain glory. Page. 13. Chap. 8 What company is to be refrained, or followed. Page. 15. Chap. 9 For obedience & subjection. Page. 16. Chap. 10 Against idle meetings, and vain talk. Page. 18 Chap. 11 How to come unto quietness in mind, and to a godly life. Page. 19 Chap. 12 Of the profit gotten by adversity. Page. 22. Chap. 13 That no man either is, or hath been without tentation; and how to suffer, and resist the same. Page. 23. Chap. 14 Against rash judgement. Page. 27. Chap. 15 Of the works of charity; & how to do good works. Page. 29. Chap. 16 That men which offend must be borne withal sometime. Page. 30. Chap. 17 The way unto quietness both temporal and eternal. Page. 32. Chap. 18 The virtuous life of the holy Fathers. Page. 33. Chap. 19 The exercise of a true Christian. Page. 36 Chap. 20 Of solitariness, and silence. Page. 40. Chap. 21 Preparatives unto godliness. Page. 45. Chap. 22 A view of the misery of mankind. Page. 49. Chap. 23 That man ought to think upon his end. Page. 52. Chap. 24 Of the last judgement; and of the punishment of sin. Page. 58. Chap. 25 That we must earnestly endeavour to amend our lives. Page. 63. The Chapters of the second Book have these contents. Chap. 1 OF the inward life of man. Page. 70. Chap. 2 Of patience and humility, two virtues necessary to be in a Christian. Page. 75. Chap. 3 That we ought to be at peace both with ourselves, and with all men. Page. 76. Chap. 4 Of pureness in mind, and plains in meaning. Page. 79. Chap. 5 Of the consideration of a man's self. Page. 80. Chap. 6 The joy of a good conscience. Page. 82. Chap. 7 That our saviour Christ is to be loved above all things. Page. 85. Chap. 8 Of the familiarity with jesus. Page. 87. Chap. 9 Of the want of comfort. Page. 90. Chap. 10 Of thankfulness unto God for his benefits. Page. 95. Chap. 11 The small number that love Christ unfeignedly. Page. 98. Chap. 12 Of patiented bearing the cross of Christ. Page. 101. The Chapters of the last book, have these contents. Chap. 1 OF the spiritual communication between Christ & the faithful soul. Page. 110. Chap. 2 That the truth speaketh inwardly without noise of words. Page. 111. Chap. 3 That the words of God with all reverence should be heard; and that they are not understood of most men. Page. 113. Chap. 4 A prayer for the attaining of the true knowledge of God's heavenly will; & for zeal in religion. Page. 116. Chap. 5 That we must walk sincerely, and humbly before God. Page. 118. Chap. 6 A prayer and thanksgiving unto God for his benefits. Page. 121. Chap. 7 The praise and force of godly love. Page. 122. Chap. 8 How to try a friend; also how to resist the enemy. Page. 125. Chap. 9 Of modest concealing the benefits of God. Page. 129. Chap. 10 That man must debase himself in the sight of God. Page. 133. Chap. 11 That all things are to be directed unto God, as to the principal end. Page. 135. Chap. 12 That it is a sweet thing to serve God, & to despise the world. Page. 137. Chap. 13 That the desire of the mind must be examined, and bridled. Page. 140. Chap. 14 The way unto patience, and to fight against fleshly desires. Page. 142. Chap. 15 Of obedience to our betters, after the example of Christ. Page. 145. Chap. 16 That we are to consider the secret judgements of God, lest we wax proud in his gifts. Page. 147. Chap. 17 What words and manner we should use in desiring any thing at the hands of God. Page. 149. Chap. 18 A prayer for grace to do the will of God. Page. 151. Chap. 19 That the true comfort is to be sought for in God alone. Page. 152. Chap. 20 That all our cares must be cast upon God. Page. 154. Chap. 21 That the troubles of this life are patiently to be suffered after the example of our saviour Christ. Page. 155. Chap. 22 Of long suffering, and who is patiented in deed. Page. 157. Chap. 23 A confession of man's weakness and misery. Page. 160. Chap. 24 That we must repose no confidence in any creature, but in God alone. Page. 163. Chap. 25 Of the continual calling into mind the infinite blessings, & benefits of God. Page. 167. Chap. 26 Of the things in number four which procure quietness. Page. 171. Chap. 27 A prayer against evil thoughts or cogitations. Page. 172. Chap. 28 A prayer unto almighty God to have the eyes of our understanding opened. Page. 173 Chap. 29 That we ought not curiously to inquire how other men do live. page. Page. 174. Chap. 30 Wherein the true peace, and profiting of the mind doth consist. Page. 176. Chap. 31 In praise of a quiet, & free mind; with an humble petition for the attaining of the same. Page. 178. Chap. 32 That self-love is the cause of perdition. Page. 181. Chap. 33 A prayer to obtain the purity of mind, with heavenly wisdom. page. Page. 183. Chap. 34 Against ill tongues. Page. 184. Chap. 35 How we ought to call upon God, & to praise him in adversity. Page. 185. Chap. 36 Of calling for God's assistance, & of hope to recover his favour again. Page. 186. Chap. 37 That to find God, our Creator, we should forsake all things. Page. 190. Chap. 38 That we must deny ourselves, & renounce utterly all carnal desires. Page. 194. Chap. 39 The mutability of man's heart; & of thinking upon God, afore all things. Page. 196. Chap. 40 That it is a pleasure above all pleasures to love God above all, and in all things. Page. 198. Chap. 41 That this life is never sure from temptations. Page. 201. Chap. 42 Against the vain judgement of men. Page. 203. Chap. 43 That we must wholly resign over ourselves unto GOD, if we mind to attain unto the freedom of mind. Page. 205. Chap. 44 Of the right use of outward things; and that we should fly unto God when we are afflicted. Page. 207. Chap. 45 That man should not be too importunate in his matters. Page. 209. Chap. 46 That man hath nothing which good is of himself; neither that he should glory of any worldly thing. Page. 210. Chap. 47 That the praise of this world is to be contemned. Page. 213. Chap. 48 That we must not rest, or depend upon man. Page. 214. Chap. 49 Against vain, & worldly knowledge. Page. 216. Chap. 50 That we should not covet after earthly, and outward things. Page. 218. Chap. 51 That every man is not to be credited; and that by words we easily offend. Page. 220. Chap. 52 That we ought to repose our confidence in the Lord, when we are pierced with the darts of slandering tongues. Page. 224. Chap. 53 That for the attaining of everlasting life, all manner troubles must be endured. Page. 227. Chap. 54 Of the happiness of the life to come; and of the miseries of this present world. Page. 230. Chap. 55 Of the desire of eternal life; and of the good things promised to such as fight. Page. 234. Chap. 56 How a man oppressed with troubles, should yield himself to the Lords wil Page. 240. Chap. 57 That we are to exercise ourselves with base works, when we cannot do the best. Page. 245. Chap. 58 That man should think himself to deserve not comfort at God's hand, but condemnation. Page. 247. Chap. 59 Men carnalie minded find not favour before God. Page. 250. Chap. 60 The divers working of Nature, and of Grace. Page. 252. Chap. 61 Of the corruption of Nature; and power of God's heavenly Grace. page. Page. 258. Chap. 62 That we ought to deny ourselves, and to imitate Christ by the cross. Page. 262. Chap. 63 That we should take heed of despair, though we fall sometime. Page. 265. Chap. 64 That high matters, and secret judgements of God should not be searched after. Page. 268. Chap. 65 That all our trust, and confidence must be fixed on God alone. Page. 274. FINIS. 1580. Imprinted at London by Henry Denham, dwelling in Pater noster Row, at the sign of the Star, being the assign of William ●eres.