iffrnm tl|F Sltbrartf nf tl|F ICtbrar^ of Prinrrtnn SUfwlngtral ^^mtttary BV 4821 .Al 1872 Imitatio Christ! . Of the imitation of Christ / V / 1- o "^ ■ t^'^' ' ' 5 K SJ lt<^' [^"^^ ""Z^OL^ /^La^^-f^^ -c Jt^-tcccca-A^ (^^ Of the Imitation of Clwist RIVINGTONS London Waterloo Place Oxford High Street Cambridge Trinity Street OF THE imitation of Cfjrist FOUR BOOKS BY THOMAS A KEMPIS NEW EDITION / t.?.N OF P.?AV )tU 2S i.v ^ RIVINGTONS 3Lont«0n, ©xforti, antr Cambritige 1872 ®0ntent0 THE FIRST BOOK admonitions, useful for a spiritual lifr Chap. I. Of the Imitation of Christ, and contempt of all the vanities of the world .... II. Of thinking humbly of ourselves III. Of the doctrine of Truth IV. Of wisdom and forethought in our actions V. Of reading the Holy Scriptures VI. Of inordinate affections VII. Of avoiding vain hope and pride VIII. That too much familiarity is to be shunned . IX. Of obedience and subjection . X. Of avoiding many words XL Of the obtaining of peace, and of zealous desire for growth in grace .... XII. Of the profit of adversity XIII. Of resisting temptation XIV. Of avoiding rash judgment XV. Of works done out of charity , XVI. Of bearing with the faults of others XVII. Of life in a religious community XVIII. Of the examples of the Holy Fathers . Page (JTontrnts Chap. XIX. Of the exercises of a good religious person XX. Of the love of solitude and silence XXI. Of compunction of heart XXII. Of the consideration of human misery XXIII. Of meditation on death . XXIV, Of judgment, and the punishment of sinners XXV. Of the zealous amendment of our whole life Page 24 27 30 32 35 38 41 THE SECOND BOOK ADMONITIONS CONCERNING INWARD THINGS I. Of the inward life II. Of humble submission . III. Of a good and peaceable man . IV. Of a pure mind, and a simple intentio; V. Of the consideration of one's self VI. Of the joy of a good conscience VII. Of the love of Jesus above all things VIII, Of familiar friendship with Jesus IX. Of the want of all comfort X. Of gratitude for the grace of God XI. That the lovers of the Cross of Jesus are fcv.' XII. Of the royal way of the holy Cross THE THIRD BOOK OF INTERNAL CONSOLATION I. Of Christ's speaking inwardly to the faithful soul . 70 II, 'ihat the truth speaketh inwardly without noise of words . . .71 CTontmts Chap. III. That the words of God are to be heard with humility, and that many weigh them not IV. That we ought to live in truth and humility before God V. Of the wonderful effect of divine love . VI. Of the proving of a true lover . VII. That grace is to be guarded by humility VIII. Of a mean conceit of ourselves in the sight of God IX. That all things are to be referred unto God, as their last end ..... X. That to despise the world and serve God, is sweet XI. That the longings and desires of our hearts are to be examined and moderated XII. Of the growth of patience in the soul, and of striving against concupiscence XIII. Of humble obedience after the example of Jesus Christ ..... XIV. Of considering the secret judgments of God, that : we be not lifted up for any thing good in us XV. In every thing which we desire, how we ought to feel, and what we ought to say . XVI. That true comfort is to be sought in God alone XVII. That all our anxieties are to be rested on God XVIII. That temporal sufferings must be borne patiently, after the example of Christ . XIX. Of the endurance of injuries, and of the proof of true patience ..... XX. Of the acknowledging of our own infirmities ; and of the sufferings of this life XXI. That we are to rest in God above all his gifts and benefits ..... XXII. Of the remembrance of God's manifold benefits XXIII, Of four things that bring great inward peace . Page (tonttnts Chap. XXIV. XXV. XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII. XXIX. XXX. XXXI. XXXII. XXXIII. XXXIV. XXXV. XXXVI. XXXVII. XXXVIII. XXXIX. XL. XLI. XLII. XLIII. Page Of avoiding curious enquiry into the lives of others 109 Wherein firm peace of heart and true spiritual progress consisteth . . . .110 Of the excellency of a free mind, which is sooner gained by humble prayer than by study . 112 That it is love of self which most hindereth from the chiefest good . . . .113 Against the tongues of slanderers . . 115 How that we ought to call upon God, and to bless him, when tribulation is upon us Of craving the divine aid, and of confidence of recovering grace .... Of the contempt of all creatures, in order to find out the Creator ..... Of self-denial, and renouncing every evil appetite Of inconstancy of heart, and of having our final intent directed unto God That God is precious above all things, and in all things, to him that loveth him . That there is no security from temptation in this life Against the vain judgments of men Of pure and entire resignation for the obtaining freedom of heart , . . Of good government of ourselves in things out ward, and of recourse to God in dangers That a man should not be over-careful in matters of business .... That man hath of himself no good thing, nor any thing whereof he can glory . . . 131 Of the contempt of all temporal honour . . 133 That our peace is not to be set on men . . 133 Against vain and secular knowledge . . 135 116 117 123 125 126 28 129 130 (JDontents Chap. Page XLIV. Of not attracting to ourselves outward things . 136 XLV. That credit is not to be given to all ; and that man is prone to offend in words . . .137 XLVI. Of putting our trust in God when evil words arise . 139 XLVII. That all grievous things are to be endured for the sake of eternal life .... 141 XLVIII. Of the day of eternity, and this life's straitnesses . 143 XLIX. Of the desire of everlasting life, and how great re- wards are promised to those that strive resolutely 145 L. How the desolate ought to give up himself into the hands of God . . . . .148 LI. That a man ought to employ himself in works of humility, when strength is wanting for higher employment ..... 151 LI I. That a man ought not to account himself as worthy of comfort, but rather as deserving of chastise- ment ...... 152 LIII. That the grace of God is not given to those who relish earthly things .... 154 LIV. Of the different stirrings of nature and grace . 155 LV, Of the corruption of nature, and the efficacy of divine grace . . . . .159 LVI. That we ought to deny ourselves and imitate Christ by the Cross ..... 161 LVII. That a man should not be too much dejected, even when he falleth into some defects . . . 163 LVIII. That high matters and God's secret judgments are not to be narrowly inquired into . . . 165 .^JX. That all our hope and trust are to be fi.xed in God alone ...... 168 Contents THE FOURTH BOOK CONCERNING THE COMMLNION Page A devout exhortation to the holy communion . . .171 Chap. I. With how great reverence Christ ought to be received 171 II. That the great goodness and love of God is exhibited to man in this sacrament .... 176 III. That it is profitable to communicate often . . 178 IV. That many benefits are bestowed upon those that com- municate devoutly . . . . . iSi V. Of the dignity of this sacrament, and of the ministerial fufTttion ...... 183 VI. An inquiry concerning spiritual exercise before com- munion ...... 185 VII. Of thoroughly searching our own conscience, and of holy purposes of amendment . . . 185 VIII. Of the oblation of Christ on the cross, and of resig- nation of ourselves ..... 187 IX. That we ought to offer up ourselves and all that is ours unto God, and to pray for all . . . 188 X. That the holy communion is not lightly to be forborne 190 XI. That the body and blood of Christ and the holy scrip- tures are most necessary unto a faithful soul . 193 XII. That he who is about to communicate with Christ ought to prepare himself with great diligence . 196 XIII. That the devout soul ought with the whole heart to seek union with Christ in this sacrament . . 198 XIV. Of the fervent desire of some devout persons to re- ceive the body and blood of Christ . . . 200 XV. That the grace of devotion is obtained by humility and denial of ourselves . . . 201 Contents Chap. Page XVI. That we ought to lay open our necessities to Christ, and to crave his grace .... 203 XVII. Of fervent love, and vehement desire to receive Clirist 204 XVIII, That a man should not be a curious searcher into the holy sacrament, but an humble follower of Christ, submitting his sense to divine faith . . . 206 Of the Imitation of Christ Of the Imitation of Christ %\it JirBt «300k ADMONITIONS, USEFUL FOR A SPIRITUAL LIFE Chapter I Of the Imitation of Christy and Contempt of all the Vanities of the World " TJ E that followeth Me, XJ. walketh not in dark- ness," ^ saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ, by which we are taught to imi- tate His life and manners, if we would be truly enlight- ened, and be delivered from all blindness of heart. Let therefore our chief endeavour be to meditate upon the life of Jesus Christ. 2. The doctrine of Christ exceedeth all the doctrines of holy men ; and he that hath 1 John viii. [12.] the Spirit, will find therein the hidden manna. But it falleth out, that many, albeit they often hear the Gospel of Christ, are yet but little affected, because they have not the Spirit of Christ. Whosoever then would fully and feelingly understand the words of Christ, must en- deavour to conform his life wholly to the life of Christ. 3. What will it avail thee to be engaged in profound reasonings concerning the ©f Contempt of bjorltilg Uanitics Trinity, if thou be void of humility, and art thereby dis- pleasing to the Trinity ? Surely great words do not make a man holy and just ; but a virtuous life maketh him dear to God. I had rather FEEL com- punction, than know the de- finition thereof. If thou knewest the whole Bible by heart, and the say- ings of all the philosophers, what would it profit thee without the love of God^ and without grace? Vanity of vanities, all is vanity,^ except to love God, and Him only to serve. This is the highest wisdom, by contempt of the world to tend towards the kingdom of Heaven. 4. It is therefore vanity to seek after perishing riches, and to trust in them. It is also vanity to strive after honours, and to climb to high degree. 1 I Cor. .\iii. [2.] 2 Eccles. i. [2.] It is vanity to follow the desires of the flesh, and to labour for that for which thou must afterwards suffer griev- ous punishment. It is vanity to desire to live long, and not to care to live well. It is vanity to mind only this present life, and not to make provision for those things which are to come. It is vanity to love that which speedily passeth away, and not to hasten thither where everlasting joy await- eth thee. 5. Call often to mind that proverb, *' The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing."^ Endeavour therefore to withdraw thy heart from the love of visible things, and to turn thyself to the invisible. For they that follow their lusts stain their own con- sciences, and lose the grace of God. 1 Eccles. i. [8.] (Bi tfjinking i^umblg of ©ursclfacs Chapter II Of thinking humbly of Ourselves ALL men naturally desire knowledge;^ but what availeth knowledge without the fear of God ? Surely, an humble hus- bandman that serveth God, is better than a proud philoso- pher who, neglecting him- self, is occupied in studying the course of the heavens. Whoso knoweth himself, is lowly in his own eyes, and delighteth not in the praises of men. If I understood all things in the world, and had not charity, what would it avail me in the sight of God, who will judge me according, to my deeds ? 2. Cease from an inordi- nate desire of knowledge, for therein is much distraction and deceit. Learned men are anxious to seern learned to others, and to be called wise.'^ There be many things to know which doth little or 1 Eccles. i. [i^.] ; Arist. Met. I. i. 2 I Cor. iii. [i.] nothing profit the soul : And he is very unwise who minds other things more than those that tend to his salvation. Many words do not satisfy the soul ; but a good life comforteth the mind, and a pure conscience giveth great confidence toward God. 3. The more thou knowest, and the better thou under- standest, the more strictly shalt thou be judged, unless thy life be also the more holy. Be not therefore elated in thine own rnind because of any art or science, but rather let the knowledge given thee make thee afraid. If thou thinkest that thou understandest and knowest much ; yet know that there be many more things which thou knowest not. Affect not to be overwise, but rather acknowledge thine own ignorance.^ Why wilt thou prefer thy- 1 Rom. xii. [16.] ©f tf)e ©octrtne of Exnt}) self before others, seeing there be many more learned, and more skilful in the Scripture than thou ? If thou wilt know or learn anything profitably, desire to be unknown, and to be little esteemed. 4. The highest and most profitable lesson is the tme knowledge and lowly esteem of ourselves. It is great wisdom and perfection to think nothing of ourselves, and to think always well and highly of others. If thou shouldest see another openly sin, or commit some heinous offence, yet oughtest thou not to think the better of thyself ; for thou knowest not how long thou shalt be able to stand. We are all frail, ^ but do thou esteem none more frail than thyself. 1 Gen. viii. [21.] Chapter III 0/f/ie Doctrifie of Truth HAPPY is he whom truth by itself doth teach,^ not by figures and words that pass away, but as it is in itself. Our own opinion and our own sense do often deceive us, and they discern but little. What availeth it to cavil and dispute much about dark and hidden things, ^ for ig- norance of which we shall not be reproved at the day of judgment ? It is a great folly to neglect 1 Psalm xciv. [12.] 2 Eccles. ill. [9-1 1.] the things that are profitable and necessary, and to choose to dwell upon that which is curious and hurtful. We have eyes and see not.^ 2. And what have we to do with genera and species ? He to whom the Eternal Word speaketh, is delivered from many an opinion. From one Word are all things, and all things utter one Word ; and this is the Begi)ining, which also speak- eth unto us. No man without that Word 1 Psalm cxv. [5.] (§f t]^c BDctrinc of Erutfj understandeth or judgeth rightly. He to whom all things are one, he who reduceth all things to one, and seeth all things in one ; may enjoy a quiet mind, and remain at peace in God. O God, who art the truth, make me one with Thee in everlasting love. It wearieth me often to read and hear many things : In Thee is all that I would have and can desire. Let all doctors hold their peace ; let all creatures be silent in Thy sight ; speak Thou alone unto me. 3. The more a man is at one within himself, and be- cometh of single heart, so much the more and higher things doth he understand without labour; for that he receiveth the light of wisdom from above. ^ A pure, single, and stable spirit is not distracted, though it be employed in many works ; for that it doeth all to the honour of God, and being at rest within, seeketh not itself in anything it doth. Who hinder and trouble thee more than the unmorti- fied affections of thine own heart ? 1 Matt. xi. [25.] ; Luke x. [21.] A good and devout man arrangeth within himself be- forehand those things which he ought to do. Neither do they draw him to the desires of an inordinate inclination, but he ordereth them according to the direc- tion of right reason. Who hath a greater com- bat than he that laboureth to overcome himself? This ought to be our en- deavour, to conquer ourselves, and daily to wax stronger, and to grow in holiness. 4. All perfection in this life hath some imperfection mixed with it ; and no know- ledge of ours is without some darkness. A humble knowledge of thyself is a surer way to God than a deep search after learning. Yet learning is not to be blamed, nor the mere know- ledge of any thing Avhatso- ever, for that is good in itself, and ordained by God ; but a good conscience and a virtuous life are always to be preferred before it. But because many endea- vour rather to get knowledge than to live well ; therefore they are often deceived, and reap either none or but little fruit. ©f tl[je Boctrmc of Cnitfj 5. O, if men bestowed as much labour in the rooting out of vices, and the planting of virtues, as they do in the moving of questions, neither would so many evils be done, nor so great scandal be given in the world. Truly, at the day of judg- ment we shall not be ex- amined as to what we have read, but as to what we have done ;^ not as to how well we have spoken, but as to how religiously we have lived. Tell me, where are all those Doctors and Masters, with whom thou wast well ac- quainted, whilst they lived and flourished in learning ? Others occupy their places and perhaps do scarce ever think of those who went be- fore them. In their lifetime they seemed something, but now they are not spoken of. 6, O, how quickly doth the glory of the world pass away 1=^ 1 Matt. XXV. 2 Eccles. ii. [II.] Would that their life had been answerable to their learning ! then had their study and reading been to good purpose. How many perish by rea- son of vain learning^ of this world, who take little care of the serving of God. And because they rather choose to be great than hum- ble, therefore they become vain in their imaginations. ^ He is truly gieat who hath great love. He is truly great that is little in himself, and that maketh no account of any height of honour.^ He is truly wise, that ac- counteth all earthly thingr as dung, that he may wit Christ. 4 And he is truly learned, that doeth the will of God, and forsaketh his own will. 1 Tit. i. [10.] 2 Rom. i. [21.] 3 Matt, xviii. [4.]; xxiii. [11.] 4 Phil. iii. [8.] ^ ©f SJlistiom antJ JForctljtJugljt 'm our Actions Chapter IV Of Wisdom and Forethought in our Actions WE must not trust every saying or sugges- tion,i but warily and pati- ently ponder things accord- ing to the will of God. Yet alas ; such is our weakness, that we often rather believe and speak evil of others than good. But perfect men do not easily credit every one who speaks to them ; for they know that human frailty is prone to evil,^ and very sub- ject to error in words. ^ 2. It is great wisdom not to be rash in thy doings,^ nor to stand stiffly in thine own conceits ; As also not to believe 1 I John iv. [i.] 2 Gen. viii. [21.] 3 James iii. [2.] 4 Prov. xix. [a.] every thing which thou hear- est, nor immediately to re- late again to others^ what thou hast heard or dost be- lieve. Consult with him that is wise and of sound judgment, and seek to be instructed by one better than thy self, rather than to follow thine own inventions.^ A good life maketh a man wise according to God,^ and giveth him experience in many things.'* The more humble a man is in himself, and the more subject unto God, the more wise and peaceful shall he be in all things. 1 Prov. xvii. [9.] 2 Prov. xii. [15.] 3 Prov. XV. [3?.] 4 Eccles. i. [16.] 0i ^tdLtiinQ tf)c ?t?ol2 .Scriptures Chapter V Of Reading the Holy Scriptures TRUTH, not eloquence, is to be sought for in Holy Scripture. Each part of the Scripture is to be read with the same Spirit wherewith it was writ- ten. ^ We should rather search after profit in the Scriptures, than after subtle arguments. We ought to read plain and devout books as will- ingly as those high and pro- found. Let not the authority of the writer be a stumbling- block, whether he be of great or small learning ; but let the love of pure truth draw thee to read.^ Enquire not who spoke this or that, but mark what is spoken. 2. Men pass away, but the 1 Rom. XV. [4.] - I Cor. ii. [4.] truth of the Lord remaineth for ever.^ God speaks unto us in sundry ways without respect of persons.'^ Our own curiosity often 'indereth us in reading of me Scriptures, when we will examine and discuss that which we should rather pass over without more ado. If thou desire to profit, read with humility, simplicity, and faithfulness ; nor ever de- sire the repute of learning. j Enquire willingly, and hear | with silence the words of holy i men. Let not the parables of the Elders displease thee, for they are not given with- out cause. ^ 1 [Psalm cxvii. 2.] Luke x::i. [33-1 2 Rom. ii. [11.]; x. [12.]; Col. iii. [11.] 3 Prov. i. [6.] ; Eccles. xii. [9.] 0i EnortJtnatc Affections Chapter VI 0/ Inordmate Affedmis WHENSOEVER a man desireth any thing inordinately, he be- cometh presently disquieted in himself. The proud and covetous can never rest. The poor and humble in spirit dwell in the multitude of peace. The man that is not yet perfectly dead to himself, is quickly tempted and over- come in small and trifling things. The weak in spirit, and he that is yet in a manner carnal and prone to the things of sense, can hardly withdraw himself altogether from earth- ly desires. And therefore he is often afflicted when he goeth about to withdraw himself from them ; and is easily angered when any opposeth him. 2. And if he hath followed his appetite, he is presently disquieted with remorse of conscience ; for that he hath yielded to his passion, which profiteth him nothing to the obtaining of the peace which he sought. True quietness of heart therefore is gotten by resist- ing our passions, not by obey- ing them. There is then no peace in the heart of a carnal man, nor in him that is given to outward things, but in the spiritual and devout man. (Df afaoilitiTg bain l^opc anU iPriUe Chapter VII Of avoiding vain Hope and iriae HE is vain that putteth his trust in man,^ or in creatures. Be not ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ ; nor to be esteemed poor in this world. Presume not upon thyself, but place thy hope in God.^ Do what lieth in thy power and God will assist thy good will. Trust not in thine own knowledge,^ nor in the skill of any living creature ; but rather in the grace of God, who helpeth the humble, and humbleth those that are proud. 2. Glory not in wealth if thou have it, nor in friends be- cause they are powerful ; but in God who giveth all things, and who desireth to give thee Himself above all things. Esteem not thyself for the height of thy stature nor for the beauty of thy person, which may be disfigured and destroyed by a little sickness. 1 Jer. xvii. [5.] 2 Psalm xxxi. [i.] 3 Jer. ix. [23.] Please not thyself in thy natural gifts or wit, lest thereby thou displease God, to whom appertaineth all the good whatsoever thou hast by nature. 3. Esteem not thyself bet- ter than others,^ lest perhaps in the sight of God, who knoweth what is in man, thou be accounted worse than they. Be not proud of well-do- ing ;'^ for the judgment of God is far different from the judgment of men, and that often offendeth Him which pleaseth them. If there be any good in thee, believe that there is much more in others, that so thou mayest preserve humi- lity. It hurteth thee not to sub- mit to all men : but it hurt- eth thee most of all to prefer thyself even to one. The humble enjoy con- tinual peace, but in the heart of the proud is envy, and frequent indignation. 1 Exod. iii. [11.] 2 Job. ix. [20.] ©f d^beliicnce anlr ^Subjection Chapter VIII That too much Familiarity is to he shunned LAY not thy heart open to every one ; but treat of thy affairs with the wise, and such as fear God.^ Converse not much with the young, nor with strangers. ^ Flatter not the rich : neitlier do thou appear wilUngly be- fore the great. Keep company with the humble and single-hearted, with the devout and virtuous ; and confer with them of those things that may edify. Be not familiar with any woman ; but commend all good women in general to God. 1 Eccles. viii. [12.] 2 Prov. V. [10.] Desire to be familiar with God alone and His Angels, and avoid the acquaintance of men. 2. We must have love to- wards all, but familiarity with all is not expedient. Sometimes it falleth out, that a person unknown to us is much esteemed of, from the good report given him by others ; whose presence not- withstanding is not grateful to the eyes of those who see him. We think sometimes to please others by our society, and we rather displease them with those bad qualities which they discover in us. Chapter IX Of Obedience and Subjection IT is a great matter to live in obedience, to be under a superior and not to be at our own disposing. It is much safer to obey than to govern. Many live under obedience, rather for necessity than for 12 ©f aboitiing tnang ferortis love ; such are discontented, and do easily repine. Neither can they attain to freedom of mind, unless they willingly and heartily put themselves under obedience for the love of God. Go whither thou wilt, thou shalt find no rest, but in humble subjection under the government of a superior. 1^1 any have deceived them- selves, imagining to find happiness in change. 2. True it is, that every one willingly doeth that which agreeth with his own liking, and inclineth most to those that are of his own mind. But if God be amongst us, we must sometimes cease for the sake of peace to adhere to our own opinion. Who is so wise that he can fully know all things ? Be not therefore too confi- dent in thine own opinion ; but be willing to hear the judgment of others. If thy thought be good, and yet thou partest with it for God, and followest the opinion of another, this shall turn to thy good. 3. I have often heard, that it is safer to hear and to take counsel, than to give it. It may also fall out, that a man's opinion may be good ; but to refuse to yield to others when reason or a special cause requireth it, is a mark of pride and stiffness. Chapter X Of avoiding many luords FLY the tumult of the world as much as thou canst ;^ for the treating of worldly affairs is a great hindrance, although it be done with sincere inten- tion ; For we are quickly de- 1 Matt. iv. [i.]; xiv. [23.]; John vi. [15-] filed) and enthralled by va- nity. Oftentimes I could wish that I had held my peace when I have spoken ; and that I had not been in com- pany. \Vhy do we so willingly speak and talk one with another, when notwilhstand- ®f tfjc obtaining of ^eace 13 ing we seldom cease our con- verse before we have hurt our conscience?^ The cause why we so willingly talk, is for that by discoursing one with another, we seek to receive comfort one of another, and desire to ease our mind wearied with many thoughts : And we very willingly talk and think of those things which we most love or desire ; or of those things which we feel to be against us. 2. But alas, oftentimes in vain, and to no end ; for this outward comfort is the cause 1 Matt. vii. [i.] ; Rom. ii. [i.] of no small loss of inward and divine consolation. Therefore we must watch and pray, lest our time pass away idly. If it be lawful and expe- dient for thee to speak, speak those things that may edify. Evil habit and neglect of our own growth in grace do give too much liberty to in- considerate speech. Yet discourse of spiritual things doth greatly further our spiritual growth, espe- cially when persons of one mind and spirit associate to- gether in God.^ 1 Acts i. [14.] ; Rom. xv. [5, 6.] Chapter XI Of the obtaining of Peace, and of zealous desire for growth in Grace W E might enjoy much peace, if we would not busy ourselves with the words and deeds of other men, and things which ap- pertain nothing with to our charge. How can he abide long in peace, who thrusteth himself into the cares of others, who seeketh occasions abroad. who little or seldom cometh to himself? Blessed are the single- hearted ; for they shall enjoy much peace. 2. Why were some of the Saints so perfect and con- templative ? Because they laboured to mortify them- selves wholly to all earthly desires ; and therefore they could with their whole heart fi\ themselves upon God, and be free for holy retirement. We are too much led by our passions, and too solici- tous for transitory things. We also seldom overcome any one vice perfectly, and are not inflamed with a fer- vent desire to grow bette^- every day ; and therefore we remain cold and lukewarm. 3. If we were perfectly intent upon our own hearts, and not entangled with out- ward things, then should we be able to relish divine things, and to have some experience of heavenly contemplation. The greatest, and indeed the whole impediment is that we are not free from passions and lusts, neither do we en- deavour to walk in the perfect way of the Saints ; and when but a small adversity befalleth us, we are too quickly de- jected, and turn ourselves to human consolations. 4. If we would endeavour like brave men to stand in the battle, surely we should feel the assistance of God from Heaven. For He who giveth us oc- casion to fight, to the end we may get the victory, is ready to succour those that fight, and that trust in His grace. If we esteem our progress in religious life to consist only in some outward observances, our devotion will quickly be at an end. But let us lay the axe to the root, that being freed from passions, we may find rest to our souls. 5. If every year we would root out one vice, we should sooner become perfect men. But now oftentimes we perceive, on the contrary, that we were better and purer at the beginning of our conversion, than after many years of our profession. Our fervour and profiting should increase daily : but now it is accounted a great matter, if a man can retain but some part of his first zeal. If we would do but a little violence to ourselves at the beginning, then should we be able to perform all things afterwards with ease and delight. 6. It is a hard matter to forego that to which we are accustomed, but it is harder to go against our own will. But if thou dost not over- come small and easy things, when wilt thou overcome harder things ? Resist thy inclination in m tf)c profit of ^tJbrrsitg 15 the very beginning, and un- learn evil habits, lest perhaps by little and little they draw thee to greater difficulty. O if thou didst but consider how much inward peace unto thyself, and joy unto others, thou wouldest procure by demeaning thyself well, I think that thou wouldest be more careful of thy spiritual progress. Chapter XII 0/f/ie Profit of Adversity IT is good that we have sometimes some troubles and crosses ; for they often make a man enter into him- self, and consider that he is here in banishment, and ought not to place his trust in any worldly thing. It is good that we be some- times contradicted, and that men think ill or inadequately ; and this, although we do and intend well. These things help often to the attaining of humility, and defend us from vain glory : for then we are more inclined to seek God for our inward Avitness, when outwardly we be contemned by men, and when there is no credit given unto us. 2, And therefore a man should settle himself so fully in God, that he need not to seek many comforts of men. When a good man is af- flicted, tempted, or troubled with evil thoughts ; then he understandeth better the great need he hath of God, without whom he perceiveth he can do nothing that is good. Then also he sorroweth, lamenteth, and prayeth, by reason of the miseries he suf- fereth. Then he is weary of living longer, and wisheth that death would corrie, that he might depart and be with Christ. Then also he well per- ceiveth, that perfect security and full peace cannot be had in this world. i6 ©f resisting temptation Chapter XIII Of resisting Temptation SO long as we live in this world we cannot be without tribulation and temp- tation. Hence it is written in Job, ** The life of man upon earth is a life of temptation." Every one therefore ought to be careful about his temp- tations, and to watch in prayer, lest the devil find an advantage to deceive him ; for he never sleepeth, but goeth about, seeking whom he may devour. No man is so perfect and holy, but he hath sometimes temptations, and we cannot be altogether without them. 2. Nevertheless tempta- tions are often very profitable to us, though they be trouble- some and grievous ; for in them a man is humbled, purified, and instructed. All the Saints passed through man's tribulations and temptations, and profited thereby. And they that could not bear temptations, became reprobate, and fell away. There is no order so holy, nor place so secret, as that there be not temptations, or adversities in it. 3. There is no man that is altogether free from tempta- tions whilst he liveth on earth : for the root thereof is in our- selves, who are born with inclination to evil. When one temptation 01 tribulation goeth away, an- other Cometh ; and we shall ever have something to suffer, because we are fallen from the state of our felicity. Many seek to fly tempta- tions, and fall more griev- ously into them. By flight alone we cannot overcome, but by patience and true humility we become stronger than all our ene- mies. 4. He that only avoideth them outwardly, and doth not pluck them up by the roots, shall profit little ; yea temptations will the sooner return unto him, and will be more violent than before. By little and little, and by 0t resisting temptation patience with long-suffering through God's help, thou shalt more easily overcome, than by violence and thine own disquietude. Often take counsel in temp- tations, and deal not roughly with him that is tempted ; Lut give him comfort, as thou vv'ouldest wish to be done to thyself 5. The beginning of all evil temptations is incon- stancy of mind, and small confidence in God. For as a ship without a helm is tossed to and fro by the waves ; so the man who is careless and forsaketh his purpose, is many ways tempted. Fire trieth iron, and temp- tation a just man. We know not oftentimes what we are able to do, but temptation shews us what v/e are. Yet we must be watchful, especially in the beginning of the temptation ; for the enemy is then more easily overcome, if he be not suf- fered to enter the door of our hearts, but be resisted at the very gate, on his first knocking. Wherefore one said, "Withstand tlie beginnings: the remedy is applied too late, when the evil has gi'own strong through long delay. " ^ For first there cometh to the mind a bare thought of evil, then a strong imagina- tion thereof, afterwards de- light, and evil motion, and then consent. And so by little and little our wicked enemy getteth com- plete entrance, for that he is not resisted in the beginning. And the longer a man is negligent in resisting, the weaker does he become daily in himself, and the stronger the enemy against him. 6. Som.esuffer great temp- tations in the beginning of tiieir conversion ; others in the latter end. Others again are much troubled almost through the whole of their life. Some are but slightly tempted, according to the wisdom and equity of the Divine appointment, which weigheth the states and de- serts of men, and ordaineth all things for the welfare of His own chosen ones. 7. We ought not therefore to despair when we are tempted, but so much the more fervently to pray unto God, that He will vouchsafe to help us ill all tribulations; 1 Ovid, Lib. .xni. de Remcd. Am. i8 ©f aboi^jing rasf} Sutismcnt for He will surely, according to the words of St. Paul, make with the temptation a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it.^ Let us therefore humble our souls under the hand of God in all temptations and tribulations, for He will save and exalt the humble in spirit. 8. In temptations and af- flictions a man is proved, how much he hath profited ; and his reward is thereby the greater, and his graces do more eminently shine forth. 1 [i Cor. X. 13.] Neither is it any such great thing if a man be de- vout and fervent, when he feeleth no affliction ; but if in time of adversity he bear himself patiently, there is hope then of great growth in grace. Some are kept from great temptations, and in small ones which do daily occur are often overcome ; to the end that, being humbled, they may never presume on themselves in great matters, while they are worsted in so small things. Chapter XIV Of avoiding rash Judg?nent TURN thine eyes unto thyself, and beware thou judge not the deeds of other men.^ In judging of others a man laboureth in vain, often erreth, and easily sinneth ;^ but in judging and examining himself, he always laboureth fruitfully. We often judge of things according as we fancy them ; for private affection bereaves 1 Matt. vii. [i.] ; Rom. xv. [i.] 2 Eccles. iii. [(6. J US easily of a right judg- ment. If God were always the pure object of our desire, we should not be so easily troubled, through the repug- nance of our carnal mind. 2. But oftentimes some- thing lurketh within, or else occurreth from without, which draweth us after it. Many secretly seek them- selves in what they do, and know it not. ®f fcorfis iJone out of Cfjaritg 19 They seem also to live in good peace of mind, when things are done according to their will and opinion ; but if things happen otherwise than they desire, they are straightway moved and much vexed. The diversities of judg- ments and opinions cause oftentimes dissensions be- tween friends and country- men, between religious and devout persons.^ 3. An old custom is hardly 1 Matt. xii. [25]; Luke xii. [51.] broken,^ and no man is will- ing to be led farther than himself can see. If thou dost more rely upon thine own reason or industry, than upon that power which brings thee under the obedi- ence of Jesus Christ, it will be long before thou become illuminated ; for God will have us perfectly subject unto Him, that, being inflamed with His love, we may trans- cend the narrow limits of human reason. J^ [23.] Chapter XV Ofiiwrks done out of Charity FOR no worldly thing, nor for the love of any man, is any evil to be done ; ^ but, yet, for the welfare of one that standeth in need, a good work is sometimes to be inter- mitted without any scruple, or even to be changed for a better. For by doing this, a good work is not lost, but changed into a better. Without charity the out- ward work profiteth no- thing ;^ but whatsoever is 1 Matt, xviii. [8.] * X Cor. x-iii. [3]; Luke vii. [47.] done of charity, be it never so little and contemptible in the sight of the world, it becomes wholly fruitful. For God weigheth more with how much love a man worketh, than how much he doeth. He doeth much that loveth much. 2. He doeth much that doeth a thing well. He doeth well that rather serveth the common weal, than his own will.i Oftentimes a work seemeth 1 Phil. ii. [17. J ©£ bearing ioitfj tfje JFauIts of otfjcrs to be of charity, and it is rather a work of the flesh ; because natural incHnation, self-will, hope of reward, and desire of our own interest are motives seldom absent. 3. He that hath true and per- fect charity, seeketh himself in nothing:^ but only desireth in all things that the glory of God should be exalted. He also envieth none, be- cause he seeketh no private good ; neither doth he will to rejoice in himself, but 1 Phil. ii. [21J ; 1 Cor. xiii. [5.] wisheth above all things to be made happy in the enjoy- ment of God.^ He attributcth nothing that is good to any man, but wholly referreth it unto God, from whom as from their fountain all things proceed ; in whom finally all the Saints do rest as in their highest fruition. If a man had but one spark of true charity, he would cer- tainly discern that all earthly things are full of vanity. 1 Psalm xvii. [15]; xxiv. [6.] Chapter XVI Of hearing with the Faults of others THOSE things that a man cannot amend in himself or in others, he ought to suffer patiently, until God order them other- wise. Think that perhaps it is better so for thy trial and patience, without which all our good deeds are not much to be esteemed. Thou oughtest to pray not- withstanding when thou hast such impediments, that God would vouchsafe to help thee, and that thou mayest bear them rightly.^ 2. If one that is once or twice warned will not give over, contend not with him : but commit all to God, that His will may be done," and His name honoured in all His servants, who well knoweth how to turn evil into good. Endeavour to be patient in bearing with the defects and infirmities of others, of what 1 Matt. vi. [13.] : Luke xi. [4.] 2 Matt. vi. [10.J sort soever they be : for that thyself also hast many failings which must be borne with by others. ^ If thou canst not make thyself such an one as thou wouldest, how canst thou expect to have another in all things to thy liking ? We would willingly have others perfect, and yet we amend not our own faults. 3. We will have others severely corrected, and \vill not be corrected ourselves. The large liberty of others displeaseth us ; and yet we will not have our own desires denied us. We will have others kept under by strict laws ; but in no sort will ourselves be re- strained. And thus it appeareth, how seldom we weigh our neigh - 1 I Thess. V. [14.]; Gal. vi. [i.] hour in the same balance with ourselves. If all men were perfect, what should we have to suffer of our neighbour for the sake of God? 4. But now God hath thus ordered it, that we may learn to bear one another's bur- dens ;^ for no man is without fault ; no man but hath his burden ; no man is sufficient of himself ; no man is wise enough of himself; but we ought to bear with one an- other, comfort one another, help, instruct, and admonish one another. - Occasions of adversity best discover how great virtue or strength each one hath. For occasions do not make a man frail, but they shew what he is. 1 Gal. vi. [2.] 2 I Thess. V. [14.] ; i Cor. xii. [25.] Chapter XVII Of Life in a Religious Connminity THOU must learn to break thine own will in many things if thou wilt have peace and concord with others. •'^ 1 Gal. vi. [t.] It is no small matter to dwell in a religious com- munity, or monasteiy, to hold thy place there without giving offence, and to con- 22 ©f t})t CHiampIts of tfjc fljolg JTatljfrs tinue faithful even unto death. 1 Blessed is he that hath there lived well, and ended happily. If thou wilt stand firm and grow as thou oughtest, esteem thyself as a pilgrim and stran- ger upon earth. ^ Thou must be contented for Christ's sake to be esteemed as a fool in this world, if thou desire to lead the life of a monk. 2. Dress and tonsure profit little ; but change of heart and perfect mortification of the passions, make a true monk. He that seeketh any thing 1 Luke xvi. [to.] 2 1 Pet. ii. [ii.J else but merely God, and the salvation of his soul, shall find nothing but tribulation and sorrows.^ Neither can he remain long in peace, that laboureth not to be the least, and subject unto all. 3. Thou camest to serve, not to rule. 2 Know that thou wast called to suffer and to labour, and not to be idle, nor to spend thy time in talk. Here therefore men are proved as gold in the furnace. Here no man can stand, unless he humble himself with his whole heart for the love of God. 1 Eccles. i. [17, 18.] : Ecclus. i. [18.] 2 Matt. .XX. [26. J Chapter XVIII 0/f/ie Examples of the Holy Fathers CONSIDER the lively examples of the holy Fathers, in whom true per- fection and religion shone ;^ and thou shalt see how little it is, and almost nothing, which we do now in these days. Alas ! what is our life, if we be compared to them ! 1 Heb. xi. The Saints and friends of Christ served the Lord in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness, in labour and weariness, in watchings and fastings, in prayer and holy meditations, in many perse- cutions and reproaches. 2. O how many and griev- ous tribulations suffered the ©f tijt CHiampIcs of tfjc f^olg iTatfjers 23 Apostles, Martyrs, Confes- sors, Virgins, and all the rest that endeavoured to follow the steps of Christ ! For they hated their lives in this world, that they might keep them unto life eternal.^ O how strict and self- renouncing a life led those holy Fathers in the wilder- ness I^ How long and griev- ous temptations suffered they ! How often were they assaulted by the enemy ! What fre- quent and fervent prayers offered they to God ! What rigorous abstinences did they use ! How great zeal and care had they of their spiritual advancement ! How strong a combat had they for the overcoming of their lusts ! What pure and upright in- tentions kept they towards God! In the day they laboured, and in the night they attended to continual prayer : although even while they laboured, they never ceased from mental prayer. 3. They spent all their time with profit ; every hour seemed but short for the service of God, And by reason of the great sweetness they felt in contemplation, 1 John xii. [25.] 2 Matt. vii. [14.] they forgot the necessity of refreshment for the body. They renounced all riches, dignities, honours, friends, and kinsfolk ;^ they desired to have nothing which apper- tained to the world ; they scarce took the necessaries of life ; they grudged even the necessary care of the body. Therefore they were poor in earthly things, but very rich in grace and virtues. Outwardly they were desti- tute, but inwardly they were refreshed with grace and di- vine consolation. 4. They were strangers to the world, but near and fami- liar friends to God.^ They seemed to themselves as nothing, and to this pre- sent world despicable ; but were precious and beloved in the eyes of God. They were grounded in true humility, they lived in simple obedience, they walked in love and patience : and there- fore they grew daily in the Spirit,^ and obtained great grace in God's sight. They were given for an example to all Religious per- sons ;3 and they should more 1 Matt. xix. [29.] 2 James iv. [4.] 3 Used here to signify persons living under a monastic rule. 24 (Df .Spiritual ^xfrciscs provoke us to endeavour after spiritual advancement, than the number of the kikewarm livers should prevail to make us remiss. 5. O how great was the fervour of all Religious per- sons in the beginning of their holy institution ! How great was their de- votion to prayer ! What am- bition to excel others in virtue ! What exact discipline then flourished ! How great re- verence and obedience, under the rule of their superiors, observed they in all things ! Their footsteps yet remain- ing testify that they were in- deed holy and perfect men ; who fighting so valiantly trod the world under their feet. Among us he is greatly accounted of, who is not a transgressor, and who can with patience endure that which he hath received. 6. O the lukewarmness and negligence of our times ! that we so quickly decline from the ancient fervour, and are come to that pass, that very sloth and lukewarmness of spirit make our life tedious unto us. Would to God the desire to grow in virtues did not wholly sleep in thee, who hast often seen the many ex- amples of Religious persons ! Chapter XIX Of the Exercises of a good Religions Person THE life of a good Re- ligious person ought to excel in all virtues;^ that he may inwardly be such as outwardly he seemeth to men. And rightly there ought to be much more within, than is perceived without. For 1 Matt. V. [48.] God beholdeth us ;^ whom we are bound most highly to reverence wheresoever we are, and to walk in purity^ like angels in His sight. Daily ought we to renew our purposes, and to stir up 1 Psalm xx.\iii. [13.] ; Heb. iv. [12, 13-] 2 Psalm XV. [2.] ©f spiritual (&xmists 25 ourselves to greater fervour, as though this were the first day of our conversion ; and to say, " Help me, my God ! in this my good purpose, and in Thy holy service ; and grant that I may now this day begin perfectly ; for that which I have done hitherto is as nothing." 2. According to our pur- pose shall be the success of our spiritual profiting ; and much diligence is necessary to him that will profit much. And if he that firmly pur- poseth often faileth, what shall he do that seldom or but weakly purposeth any thing ? Yet in various ways it hap- pens that we forsake our pur- pose, and a slight omission of our spiritual exercises is not without loss to our souls. The purpose of just men depends not upon their own wisdom, but upon God's grace ; on whom they al- ways rely for whatsoever they take in hand. For. man proposes, but God disposes ; ^ neither is the way of man in himself 3. If an accustomed exer- cise be sometimes omitted, either for some act of piety, 1 Prov. xvi. [9.] or profit to our brother ; it may easily afterwards be re- covered again. But if, out of weariness or carelessness, we lightly omit it, it is very blameworthy, and will be felt to be hurtful. Do the best we can, we shall still too easily fail in many things.^ Yet must we always have some fixed purpose, and es- pecially against those sins which do most of all hinder us. We must diligently search into, and set in order both our outward and inward things, because both of them are of importance to our progress in godliness. 4. If thou canst not con- tinually collect thyself, yet do it sometimes, at the least twice a day, namely, in the morning and at night. In the morning fix thy good purpose ; and at night examine thyself what thou hast done, how thou hast behaved thyself in word, deed, and thought ;" for in these perhaps thou hast often- times offended both God and thy neighbour. Gird up thy loins like a man against the vile assaults 1 Eccles. vii. [20.] 2 Deut. iv. 26 Of Spiritual Exercises of the devil ; bridle thy riot- ous appetite, and thou shalt be the better able to keep under all the unruly motions of the flesh. Never be entirely idle ; but either be reading, or writing, or praying, or meditating, or endeavouring something for the public good. As for bodily exercises they must be used with discretion, neither are they to be prac- tised of all men alike. 5. Those devotions which belong not to the community ought not to be exposed to public view ; for private de- votions are practised most safely in secret. Nevertheless thou must be- ware thou neglect not those which are public, being more ready for what is private. But having fully and faith- fully accomplished all which thou art bound and enjoined to do, if thou hast any spare time, betake thee to thyself, as thy devotion calleth thee. All cannot use one kind of spiritual exercise, but one is more useful for this person, another for that. According to the season- ableness of times also, divers exercises are fitting ; some suit better with us on work- ing days, others on holy days. In the time of temptation, we have need of some, and of others in time of peace and quietness. Some suit us when we are pensive, and others when we rejoice in the Lord. 6. About the time of the chief festivals, good exercises are to be renewed, and the prayers of godly saints more fervently to be implored. From festival to festival we should purpose, as though we were then to depart out of this world, and to come to the everlasting fes- tival. Therefore ought we care- fully to prepare ourselves at holy times, and to live more devoutly, and to keep more exactly all things that we are to observe, as though we were shortly at God's hands to receive the reward of our labours. 7. But if that reward be deferred, let us think with ourselves that we are not ! sufficiently prepared, and un- worthy yet of so great glory which shall be revealed in us^ in due time ; and let us endeavour to prepare our- selves better for our depar- ture. " Blessed is that servant i Rom. viii. [18.] ^f tfje ILobe of .Solitude antJ Bilmtt 27 (saith the Evangelist St. Luke) whom his Lord when He Cometh shall find watch- ing : Verily, I say unto you, He shall make him ruler over all His goods, " ^ 1 Luke xii. [43, 44.] ; Matt. xxiv. [46, 47-] Chapter XX Of the Love of Solitude and Silence SEEK a convenient time^ of leisure for thyself, and meditate often upon God's loving-kindness. Meddle not with things too high for thee ; but read such things as may rather yield compunction to thy heart, than occupation to thy head. If thou wilt withdraw thy- self from speaking vainly, and from gadding idly, as also from hearkening after novelties and rumours, thou shalt find leisure enough and suitable for meditation on good things. The greatest Saints avoided the society of men,^ when they could conveniently ; and did rather choose to live to God in secret. 2. One said, " As oft as I have been among men, I re- 1 Eccles. iii. [i.] 2 Heb. xi. [38.] turned home less a man than I was before."^ And this we find true, when we talk long together. It is easier not to speak at all, than not to exceed in speech. It is easier for a man to lie hid at home, than to be able sufficiently to watch over himself abroad. He therefore that intends to attain to the more inward and spiritual things of re- ligion, must with Jesus de- part from the multitude and press of people !^ No man doth safely appear abroad, but he who can abide at home. No man doth safely speak but he that is glad to hold his peace. ^ No man doth safely rule, 1 Seneca, Ep. \\\. 2 Matt. V. [I.] 3 Eccles. ii. [7.] 28 (Bf t\)c Hobe of SoIitutJe anti 5ilmce but he that is glad to l)e ruled. No man doth safely rule, but he that hath learned gladly to obey. 3. No man rejoiceth safely, unless he hath within him the testimony of a good con- science. And yet always the security of the Saints was full of the j fear of God. Neither were they the less anxious and humble in them- selves, for that they shone outwardly with grace and great virtues. But the security of bad men ariseth from pride and presumption, and in the end it deceiveth them. Although thou seem to be a good Religious person, or a devout solitary, yet never promise thyself security in this life. 4. Oftentimes those who have been in the greatest esteem and account amongst men, have fallen into the greatest danger, by over- much self-coniidence. Wherefore to many it is more profitable not to be altogether free from tempta- tions, but to be often as- saulted, lest they should feel too safe, and so perhaps be puffed up with pride ; or else should too freely give themselves to worldly com- forts. O how good a conscience would he keep, that would never seek after transitory joy, nor ever entangle him- self with the world ! O what great peace and quietness would he possess, that would cut off all vain anxiety, and think only upon divine things, and such as are profitable for his soul, and would place all his confidence in God. 5. No man is worthy of heavenly comfort, unless he have diligently exercised him- self in holy compunction. If thou desirest true contri- tion of heart, enter into thy secret chamber, and shut out the tumults of the world, as it is written, " Commune with your own heart, and in your chamber, and be still. "^ In thy chamber thou shalt find what abroad thou shalt too often lose. The more thou visitest thy chamber, the more thou wilt enjoy it ; the less thou comest thereunto, the more thou wilt loathe it. If in the beginning of thy conversion thou art content to remain in it, and keep to it well, it will after- 1 Psalm iv. [4.] ©f t^t %a'oc of Solitutic anti Mmtt 29 wards be to thee a dear friend, and a most pleasant comfort. 6. In silence and in still- ness a religious soul advan- tageth itself, and learneth the mysteries of Holy Scrip- ture. There it findeth rivers of tears, wherein it may every night ^ wash and cleanse it- self; that it may be so much the more familiar with its Creator, by how much the farther off it liveth from all worldly disquiet. Whoso dierefore withdraw- edi himself from his acquaint- ance and friends, God will draw near unto him with His holy angels. It is better for a man to live privately, and to have regard to himself, than to neglect his soul, though he could -work wonders in the world. It is commendable in a Religious person, seldom to go abroad, to be unwilling to see or to be seen. 7. Why art thou desirous to see that which it is unlaw- ful for thee to have? The world passeth away and the lust thereof. The lusts of the flesh draw us to rove abroad ; but when the time is past, what carriest thou home with thee but a 1 Psalm vi. [6.] burdened conscience and a distracted heart ? A merry going forth bring- eth often a mournful return ; and a joyful night maketli often a sad morning. ^ So all carnal joy enters gently, but in the end it bites and stings to death. What canst thou see else- where, which thou canst not see here?' Behold the Heaven and the earth and all the elements ; for of these are all things created. 8. What canst thou see anywhere that can long con- tinue under the sun ? Thou thinkest perchance to satisfy thyself, but thou canst never attain it. Couldst thou see all things present before thine eyes, what were it but a vain sight ?"^ Lift up thine eyes'* to God in the highest, and pray Him to pardon thy sins and negli- gences. Leave vain things to the vain ; but be thou intent upon those things which God hath commanded thee. Shut thy door upon thee,'' and call unto thee Jesus, thy Beloved. 1 Prov. xiv. [13.] 2 Eccles. i. [10.] 3 Eccles. iii. [ii.l "4 Psalm cxxi. fi.] 5 Matt. vi. [6.] 30 ©f (STompunctton of l^cart Stay with Him in thy clo- set ; for thou shalt not find so great peace anywhere else. If thou hadst not gone abroad and hearkened to idle rumours, thou wouldst the better have preserved a happy peace of mind. But since thou delightest sometimes to hear new things, it is but fit thou suffer for it some dis- quietude of heart. Chapter XXI Of Compunctio7i of Heart IF thou wilt make any pro- gress in godliness, keep thyself in the fear of God,^ and affect not too much lib- erty. Restrain all thy senses under discipline, and give not thyself over to foolish mirth. Give thyself to compunc- tion of heart, and thou shalt gain much devotion thereby. Compunction layeth open much good, which dissolute- ness is wont quickly to de- stroy. It is a wonder that any man can ever perfectly rejoice in this life if he duly consider, and thoroughly weigh his state of banishment, and the many perils wherewith his soul is environed. 2. Through levity of heart, and small care for our failings, 1 Tiuv xix. [23.] we feel not the real sorrows of our souls ; and so often- times we vainly laugh, when we have just cause to weep. There is no true liberty nor right joy but in the fear of God accompanied with a good conscience. Happy is he who can cast off all distracting impedi- ments, and bring himself to the one single purpose of holy compunction. Happy is he, who can aban- don all that may defile his conscience or burden it. Contend manfully ; one habit overcometh another. If thou canst let others alone in their matters, they likewise will not hinder thee in thine. 3. Busy not thyself in mat ters which appertain to others, neither do thou entangle thy- self with the affairs of thy betters. Still have an eye to thyself first, and be sure more espe- cially to admonish thyself be- fore all thy friends. If thou hast not the favour of men, be not grieved at it ;^ but take this to heart, that thou dost not behave thyself so warily and circumspectly as it becometh the servant of j God, and a devout religious man. I It is better oftentimes and '■ safer that a man should not I have many consolations in I this life,'^ especially such as are according to the flesh. But that we have not divine I consolations at all, or do very j seldom taste them, the fault | is ours, because we seek not I after compunction of heart, I nor do altogether forsake the vain and outward comforts of this world. 4. Know that thou art un- worthy of divine consolation, and that thou hast rather de- served much tribulation. When a man hath perfect compunction, then is the whole world grievous and bitter unto him.^ 1 Gal. i. [10.] 2 Psalm Ixxvi. [5.] 3 Judges ii. [4.] ; xx. [26.] ; 2 Kings xiii. A good man findeth always sufficient cause for mourning and weeping. For whether he consider his own or his neighbour's estate, he knoweth that none liveth here without tribula- tion. And the more narrowly a man looketh into himself, so much the more he sorroweth. Our sins and wickednesses wherein we lie so enwrapt, that we can seldom apply our- selves to heavenly contempla- tions, do minister unto us matter of just sorrow and in- ward compunction. 5. Didst thou oftener think of thy death ^ than of length of life, there is no question but thou wouldst be more zealous to amend. If also thou didst but con- sider within thyself the infer- nal pains in the other world, ^ I believe thou wouldst wil- lingly undergo any labour or sorrow in this world, and not be afraid of the greatest aus- terity. But because these things enter not the heart, and we still love those things only that delight us, therefore it is Ave remain cold and very dull in religion. 1 Eccles. vii. [i, 2.] 2 Matt, XXV. [41.] 32 Qi tfjc ConsitJftation of p^uman fEiscrg 6. It is often our want of spirituality which niaketh our miserable body so easily to complain. Pray therefore unto the Lord with all humility, that He will vouchsafe to give thee the spirit of compunc- tion. And say with the Pro- phet, "Feed me, O Lord, with the bread of tears, and give me plenteousness of tears to drink. "^ 1 Psalm Ixxx. [5.] Chapter XXII Of the Consideration of Human Misery MISERABLE thou art, wheresoever thou be, or whithersoever thou turn- est, unless tlicu turn thyself unto God. Why art tliou troubled when things succeed not as thou wouldst or desirest ? For who is he that hath all things according to his mind ?^ neither I nor thou, nor any man upon earth. There is none in this world, even though he be king or bishop, without some tribula- tion or perplexity. Who is then in the best case ? even he who is able to suffer something for God. 2. Many weak and infirm persons sav. Behold ! what a happy life such an one leads 1 Eccles. vi. [2.1 2 Luke xii. [19.] how wealthy, how great he is, in what power and dignity ! But lift up thine eyes to the riches of Heaven, and thou shalt see that all the goods of this life are nothing to be accounted of. They are very uncertain, and rather burdensome than otherwise, because they are never pos- sessed without anxiety and fear. Man's happiness consisteth not in having abundance of temporal goods, ^ but a mo- derate portion is sufficient for him. Truly it is misery even to live upon the earth.''' The more spiiitual a man desires to be, the more bitter does this present life become 1 Prov. xix. fi-l 2 Job xiv. [i.J ; Eccles. ii. [17.] ©f tijc Consiticratiait of ?l?uinan fHiscr^ to him ; because lie sees more clearly and perceives more sensibly the defects of human corruption. For to eat and to drink, to sleep and to watch, to labour and to rest, and to be subject to other necessities of nature, is doubtless a great misery and affliction to a religious man, who would gladly be set loose, and freed from all sin. 3. For the inward man is much weighed down in this world by the needs of the body. Therefore the Prophet prayeth with great devotion to be enabled to be free from them, saying, "Bring thou me out of my distresses."^ But V. oe be to them that know not their own misery ; and a greater woe to them that love this miserable and corruptible life I- For some there be who so much doat upon it, that al- though by labour or by beg- ging they can scarce get mere necessaries, yet if they might be. able to live here always, they would care nothing at all for the kingdom of God, 4. O how senseless are these men and unbelieving 1 Psalm XXV. [17. 1 2 Rom. viii. [22.] in heart, who lie so deeply sunk in the earth, that they can relish nothing but carnal things !i But miserable as they are, they shall in the end feel to their cost how vile and how nothing that was which they loved. Whereas the saints of God and all the devout friends of Christ regarded not those things which pleased the flesh, nor those which were in re- pute in this life, but longed after the everlasting riches '^ with their whole hope and earnest efibrt. Their whole desire was carried upward to tilings dur- able and invisible, that the de- sire of things visible might not draw them to things below, 5. O my brother, cast not away thy confidence of mak- ing progress in godliness ; there is yet time, the hour is not yet past.-^ Why wilt thou defer thy i good purpose from day to day? Arise and begin in this very instant, and say, Now is the time to be doing, now is the time to be striving, now is the fit time to amend myself. 1 Rora. vlil. [5.] 2 I Pet. i. [4.]; Heb. xi. [26.] 3 Rom. xiii. [11.]; Heb. x. [35.] 34 0i t\)t Consitifration of ft?uman fHisffg When thou art ill at ease and much troubled, then is the time of earning thy re- ward. Thou must pass through fire and water ^ before thou come to a wealthy place. Unless thou doest violence to thyself, thou shalt never get the victory over sin. So long as we carry about us this frail body of ours, we can never be without sin, nor live without weariness and pain. We would gladly have rest from all misery, but seeing :hat by sin we have lost our innocency, we have together with that lost also the true felicity.'^ Therefore it becomes us to have patience, and to wait for the mercy of God, till this tyranny be overpast, and mortality be swallowed up of life. 3 6. O how great is human frailty, which is always prone to evil !^ To-day thou confessest thy sins, and to-morrow thou 1 Psalm xlvi. [i2.] 2 Rom. vii. [24.]; Gen. iii. [17.] 3 2 Cor. V. [4.1 4 Gen. vi. [5. J ; viii. [21.] committest the very same which thou hast confessed. Now, thou art purposed to look well unto thy ways, and within a while thou so be- havest thyself, as though thou hadst never any such purpose at all. Good cause have we there- fore to humble ourselves,^ and never to have any great conceit of ourselves : since we are so frail and so incon- stant. That also niay quickly be lost by our own negligence, which, by the grace of God, with much labour we have scarce at length obtained. 7. Wliat will become of us in the end, who begin so early to wax lukewarm ? Woe be unto us, if we will so give ourselves unto ease as if all were now peace and safety, when as yet there ap- peareth no sign of true holi- ness in our conversation ! We have much need like young novices to be newly instructed again to good life, if haply there be sonie hope of future amendment, and greater proficiency in things spiritual. 1 2 M.ic. i.\. [11] ©f fHciittation on Bcatlj Chapter XXIII Of Meditation on Death VERY quickly there will be an end of thee here ;^ see therefore to thy state : to-day man is ; to- morrow he is gone. And when he is out of sight, quickly also is he out of mind. O the stupidity and hard- ness of man's heart, which thinketh only upon the pre- sent, and doth not rather care for what is to come ! Thou oughtest so to order thyself in all thy thoughts and actions, as if to-day thou wert to die.^ If thou hadst a good con- science, thou wouldst not greatly fear death. ^ It were better to avoid sin, than to escape death.'* If to-day thou art not pre- pared, how wilt thou be so "lo-morrow !^ To-morrow is uncertain, and how knowest thou that 1 Job ix. [25, 26.]; xiv. [i, 2.]; Luke xii. [20]; Heb. ix. [27.] 2 Matt. XXV. [13.] 3 Luke xii. [37.] 4 Wisd. iv. [16.] 5 RL^tt. xxiv. [44.] ; xxv. [lo.] thou shalt live till to-mor- row ! 2. What availeth it to live long, when there is so small amendment in us? Alas ! length of days doth not always better us, but often rather increaseth our sin. O that we had spent but one day in this world tho- roughly well ! Many there are who reckon years of conversion ; and yet full slender oftentimes is the fruit of amendment. If to die be accounted dreadful, to live long may per- haps prove more dangerous. Happy is he that always hath the hour of his death before his eyes,^ and daily prepareth himself to die. If at any time thou hast seen another man die, make account that thou must also pass the same way.^ 3. When it is morning, think that thou mayest die before night ; 1 Fccles. vii. [i.] 2 Heb. ix. [27.] ©£ fHetJitatian on TBtat^ And when evening comes, dare not to promise thyself the next morning. Be thou therefore always in readiness, and so lead thy life that death may never take thee unprepared. 1 Many die suddenly and when they look not for it ; for the Son of Man will come in an hour when we think not. 2 When that last hour shall come, thou wilt begin to have a far different opinion of thy whole life that is past, and be exceeding sorry that thou hast been so careless and remiss. 4. O how wise and happy is he that now laboureth to be such an one in his life, as he will desire to be found at the hour of death ! A perfect contempt of the world, ^ a fervent desire to go forward in all virtue, a love of discipline, a laborious re- pentance, a ready obedience, a denying of ourselves, and an endurance of any affliction whatsoever for the love of Christ, will give us great confidence that we shall die happily. Whilst thou art in health 1 Luke xxi. [36.1 '■i Matt, xx'iv. [44.1 ; Luke xii. [40.] 3 Ecclus. xli. [r.] thou mayest do much good : but when thou art sick, I see not what thou wilt be able to do. Few by sickness grow better and more reformed ; so also they who wander much abroad, seldom there- by become holy. 5. Trust not to friends and kindred, neither do thou put off the care of thy soul's welfare till hereafter ; for men will forget thee, sooner than thou art aware of. It is better to look to it betime, and to send some good before thee, than to trust to other men's help.^ If thou be not careful for thyself now, who will be careful for thee hereafter ? Time now is very precious : now is the day of salvation ; now is the accepted time. But alas ! that thoushouldst spend time so idly here, in which thou mightest purchase life eternal. The time will come, when thou shalt desire one day or hour to amend in, and I know not that it will be granted thee. 6. O beloved, from how great danger mightest thou 1 Isaiah xxx. [5.] ; xxxi. [i.] ; Jer. xvii. [5.]; xlviii. [7.]; Mau. vi. [20.1 ©f fHctiitation on Sratfj 37 deliver thyself, from how great fear free thyself, if thou wouldst be ever fearful and mindful of death ! Labour now so to live, that at the hour of death thou may est rather rejoice than fear. Learn now to die to the world, that thou mayest then begin to live with Christ.^ Learn now to contemn all things,^ that thou mayest then freely go to Christ. Chastise thy body now by repentance,^ that thou mayest then have assured confidence. 7. Ah ! fool, why dost thou think to live long, when thou canst not promise to thyself one day.^ How many have been de- ceived and suddenly snatched away ! How often dost thou hear these reports. Such a man is slain, another man is drowned, a third has broken his neck with a fall from some high place, this man died eating, and that man playing ! One perished by fire, another by the sword, another of the plague, another was slain by thieves. Thus death is the 1 Rom. vi. [i.J 2 Lukexiv. [33.! 3 I Cor. i.x. [27.] 4 Luke xii. [20.] end of all, and man's life suddenly passeth away like a shadow. -"^ 8. Who shall remember thee when thou art dead ? and who shall pray for thee ? Do now, even now, my beloved, whatsoever thou art able to do ; for thou knowcst not when thou shalt die, nor yet what shall befall thee after thy death. Now, whilst thouhasttime, heap unto thyself everlasting riches.^ Think on nothing but the salvation of thy soul, care fc r nothing but the things cf God. Make now friends to thy- self by honouring the saints of God, and imitating their actions, that when thou fail- est, they may receive thee into everlasting habitations.'^ 9. Keep thyselfas a stranger and pilgrim upon the earth,* who hath nothing to do with the affairs of this world. Keep thy heart free, and lifted up to God, because thou hast here no abiding city.^ 1 Job. xiv. [2.] 2 Matt. vi. [20.] ; Luke xii. [3^]; Gal. vi. [8.] 3 Lukexvi. [q.]; Heb. xi. 4 I Pet. ii. [11.] 5 Heb. .xiii. [14. 1 38 ©f 3utigmcnt, nnti tfje ^unisljmmt of Sinners Send thither thy daily prayers and sighs together with thy tears, that after death thy spirit may be found worthy to pass in fehcity to the Lord. Amen. Chapter XXIV OfJiidgjJicfif, and the Punishment of Sinners IN all things look to the end, and see how thou wilt be able to stand before that severe Judge ^ from whom nothing is hid, who is not pacified with gifts, nor admitteth any excuses, but will judge according to right. O wretched and foolish sinner, who sometimes fearest the countenance of an angry man, what answer wilt thou make to God who kno\\^eth all thy wickedness !^ Why dost thou not provide for thyself^ against that great day of judgment, when no man can excuse or answer for another, but every one shall have enough to answer for himself ! Now may thy pains profit, thy tears be accepted,'* thy groans be heard, thy grief 1 Hcb. X. [31.] 2 Job. ix. [2.] 3 Luke xvi. [9.] 4 2 Cor. vi. [4.] may bring thee peace, and purge thy soul. 2. The patient man hath a great and wholesome pur- gatory,^ who though he re- ceive injuries, yet gi-ieveth more for the malice of an- other, than for his own suf- fering ; who prayeth willingly for his adversaries,'^ and from his heart forgiveth their of- fences. He delayeth not to ask forgiveness of whomso- ever he hath offended ; he is sooner moved to compas- sion than to anger ; he often offereth violence to himself, and laboureth to bring his body wholly into subjection to the spirit. It is better to purge out our sins, and cut off our vices here, than to keep them to be punished hereafter. Verily we do but deceive 1 James i. [4] 2 Luke xxiii. [34.] ; [60.J Acts vii. ©f Sutismcnt, antJ t\}t ^unisfjmtnt of Sinners 39 ourselves through an inordi- nate love of the flesh. 3. What is there that the fire of hell shall feed upon, but thy sins ? The more thou sparest thyself now and followest the flesh, the more severe here- after shall be thy punishment, and thou storest up greater fuel for that flame. In what things a man hath sinned, in the same shall he be the more grievously punished. There shall the slothful be pricked forward with burn- ing goads, and the gluttons be tormented with extreme hunger and thirst. There shall the luxuiuous and lovers of pleasure be bathed in burning pitch and stinking brimstone, and the envious, like mad dogs, shall howl for very grief. 4. There is no sin but shall have its own proper torment. There the proud shall be filled with all confusion ; the covetous shall be pinched with miserable penury. One hour of pain there shall be more bitter than a thousand years of the sharpest penance here ! There is no quiet, no com- fort for the damned there ;^ yet here we have some inter- 1 Job xl. [12.] : xli. mission of our labours, and en- joy the comfort of our friends. Be now solicitous and sor- rowful because of thy sins, that at the day of judgment thou mayest be secure with the blessed. For then shall the righteous with great boldness stand against such as have vexed and oppressed them.^ Then shall he stand to judge them, who doth now humbly submit himself to the censures of men. Then shall the poor a^d^ humble have great conh- dence, but the proud man shall be compassed with fear on every side. 5. Tlaen will it appear that he was wise in this world, who had learned to be a fool and despised for Christ's sake. Then shall every affliction patiently luidergone delight us, when the mouth of all iniquity shall be stopped.'^ Then shall all the devout rejoice, and all the profane mourn. Then shall the mortified flesh more rejoice than that which hath been pampered with all pleasures.^ Then shall the poor attire 1 Wisd. V. [i.] 2 Psalm cvii. [42.] 3 2 Cor. iv. [17.] 40 ©f 3utjgtncnt, nnti tf)C ^unisfjmcnt of dinners shine gloriously, and the precious robes seem vile and contemptible. Then the poor cottage shall be more commended than the gilded palace. Then shall constant pa- tience more avail us tb.an all earthly power. Then simple obedience shall be exalted above all worldly wisdom.^ 6. Then shall a good and clear conscience more rejoice a man than all the learning of philosophy. Then shall the contempt of riches weigh more than all the worldling's treasure. Then shalt thou be more comforted that thou hast prayed devoutly than that thou hast fared daintily. Then shalt thou be more glad that thou hast kept silence than that thou hast spoken much. Then shall good works avail more than many goodly words. Then a strict life and se- vere repentance shall be more ])leasing than all earthly de- lights. Accustom thyself now to suffer a little, that thou mayest then be delivered from more grievous pains. 1 Isaiah .\xix. [19.] Prove first here what thou canst endure hereafter. If now thou canst endure so little, how wilt thou then be able to support eternal torments ? If now a little suffering make thee so impatient, what will hell fire do hereafter ? Assure thyself thou canst not have two joys ; it is im- possible to take thy pleasure here in this world, and after that to reign with Christ. 7. Suppose that thou hadst up to this day lived always in honours and delights, what would it all avail thee if thou wert doomed to die at this instant ?^ All therefore is vanity,^ except to love God and serve Ilim only. For he that loveth God with all his heart is neither afraid of death, nor of pun- j ishment, nor of judgment, nor of hell ; for perfect love gives secure access to God.a But he that takes delight in sin, what marvel is it if he be afraid both of death and judgment ? Yet it is good, although love be not yet of force to 1 I.uke xii. [20 1 2 Eccles. i. (2.] 3 Koin. viii. [39.] ©f tfje jealous llmmtimmt of our iuljole 5Life 4^ withhold thee from sin, that at least the fear of hell should restrain thee. But he that layeth aside the fear of God, can never continue long in good estate, but falleth quickly into the snares of the devil. Chapter XXV Of the zealous ametidment of our whole Life BE watchful and diligent in the service of God •} and often bethink thyself wherefore thou earnest hither, and why thou hast left the world. Was it not that thou niightest live to God, and become a spiritual man ? Be fervent then in going forward,'^ for sliortly thou shalt receive the reward of thy labours ; there shall not be then any more fear or sorrow in thy coasts.^ Labour but a little now, and thou shalt find great rest, yea, perpetual joy.^ If thou continuest faith- ful and fervent in thy work, no doubt, but that God will be faithful and liberal in re- warding thee.'^ 1 2 Tim. iv. [5.] 2 Matt. V. [48.] 3 Rev. xxi. [4.] ; x.xii. [3.] 4 Ecclus. li. [27.] ; Rev. xxi. [4.]: xxii. [3.] 5 Matt. XXV. [23.] Thou oughtest to have a good hope-^ of getting the victory ; but thou must not be secure, lest thou wax either negligent or proud. 2. When one that was in anxiety of mind, often waver- ing between fear and hope, did once, being oppressed with grief, humbly prostrate himself in a church before the altar, in prayer, and said within himself, O if I knew that I should yet persevere ! he presently heard within him an answer from God, which said, If thou didst know it, what wouldst thou do? Do now what thou wouldst do then, and thou shalt be secure. And being herewith com- forted and strengthened, he committed himself wholly to the will of God, and his anxious wavering ceased. 1 Rom. v. [5.1 42 i tf)C Eobc of 3fsiis nbobc all CTjincjs 3. He will easily be con- tent and at peace, whose conscience is pure. Thou art not the more holy for being jM-aised ; nor the more worthless for being dis- praised. What thou art, that thou art ; neither by words canst thou be made greater than what thou art in the sight of God. If thou consider what thou art in thyself, thou wilt not care what men say of thee. Man looketh on the coun- tenance, but God on the heart. ^ Man considereth the deeds, but God weigheth the intentions. To be always doing good, 1 I Sam. .\vi. [7.] and to esteem little of one'> self, is the sign of an humble soul. To be unwilling to have any created being for our comforter, is a sign of great purity and inward confidence. 4. He that seeketh no tes- timony on his behalf from A\ithout, doth shew that he hath wholly committed him- self unto God. "For not he that com- mendeth himself is approved (saith Saint Paul), but whom God commendeth. " ^ To walk in the heart with God, and not to be held in bondage by any outward af- fection, is the state of a spiritual man. 1 2 Cor. X. [iS.] Chapter VII 0/ the Love of Jesus above all T/iings BLESSED is he that un- derstandeth ^ what it is to love Jesus, and to despise hiniself for Jksus' sake. Thou oughtest to leave thy beloved for the Beloved ;- 1 Psalm cxix. fi, 2.] 2 Deut. vi. f^]: Songof Sul. ii. [16.]; Malt. .wii. [37. J for Jesus will be loved alone above all things. The love of things created is deceitful and inconstant ; the love of Jesus is faithful and constant. He that cleaveth unto creatures, shall fall with that which is subject to fall ; lit that embraceth Jesus shall stand firmly for ever, I^ove Him, and keep Him for thy friend, who, when all go away, will not forsake thee, nor suffer thee to perish in the end. Sometime or other thou must be separated from all, whether thou wilt or no. 2. Keep close to Jesus both in life and in death, and commit thyself unto His faith- fulness, who, when all fail, can alone help thee. Thy Beloved is of such a nature, that He will admit of no rival ; but will have thy heart alone, and sit on His own Throne as King. If thou couldst empty thy- self perfectly of all created things, Je^us would will- ingly dwell with thee. Whatsoever trust thou re- posest in men, out of Jesus, is all little better than lost. Trust not nor lean upon a reed shaken by the wind ; for that all flesh is grass, and all the glory thereof shall wither away as the flower of the field. ' 3. Thou wilt soon be de- ceived, if thou only look to the outward appearance of men. For, if thou seekest thy comfort and thy profit in others, thou shalt often feel loss. If thou seekest Jesus in all things, thou shalt surely find Jesus. But if thou seekest thyself, thou shalt also find thyself, but to thine own destruction. For if a man do not seek Jesus, he is more hurtful to himself, than the whole world and all his enemies could be, 1 Isaiah xl. [6.] Chapter VIII Of faviiliar FriendsJiip with Jesus WHEN Jesus is pre- sent, all is well, and nothing seems difficult ; but when Jesus is not present, every thing is hard. When Jesus speaks not inwardly to us, all othc. comfort is nothing worth ; but if Jesus speak but one word, we feel great conso- lation. Did not J^Iary Magdalene 56 ©f familiar JFrimtisIjip ioitfj 3lcsus rise immecliateiy from the place where she wept, when Martha said to her, "The Master is come, and calleth for thee?"^ Happy hour ! when Jesus calleth from tears to spiritual joy. How dry and hard art thou without Jesus ! How foolish and vain, if thou de- sire anything out of Jesus ! Is not this a greater loss, than if thou shouldst lose the whole world ?"^ 2. What can the world profit thee without Jesus ? To be without Jesus is a grievous hell ; and to be with Jesus, a sweet paradise. If Jesus be with thee no enemy shall be able to hurt thee.» He that findeth Jesus find- eth a good treasure,^ yea, a good above all good. And he that loseth Jesus loseth overmuch, yea more than the whole world ! Most poor is he who liveth without J ES us ; 5 and he most rich who is dear to Jesus. 3. It asketh great skill to know how to hold converse with Jesus ; and to know 1 John xi. [28.1 2 M.-itt. xvi. [26.] 3 Rom. viii. [35.] "* M.itt. xiii. [44.] 5 Luke xii. [21. J how to retain Jesus, is great wisdom. Re thou humble and peace- able, and Jesus will be with thee.i Be devout and quiet, and Jesus will stay with thee. Thou may est soon drive away Jesus, and lose His favour, if thou wilt turn aside to outward things. And if thou sliouldst drive Him from thee and lose Him, unto whom wilt thou flee, and whom wilt thou then seek for thy friend ? Without a friend thou canst not well live ; and if Jesus be not above all friends to thee, thou shalt be indeed sad and desolate. Therefore thou doest not wisely, if thou trust or rejoice in any other. ^ It is preferable to have all the world against us, rather than to have Jesus offended with us. Amongst all therefore that be dear unto us, let Jesus alone be specially beloved. 4. Love all for Jesus, but Jesus for Himself. Jesus Christ alone is sin- gularly to be loved ; and He alone is found Good and Faithful above all friends. 1 Prov. iii. [17] '2 Gal. vi. [14.1 ©f tfje mi^nt of all Comfort 57 For Him, and in Him, let friends as well as foes be dear unto thee ; and all these are to be prayed for, that he would make them all to know and to love Him.^ Never desire to be singu- larly commended or beloved, for that appertaineth only unto God, who hath none like unto Himself. Neither do thou desire that the heart of any should be set on thee, nor do thou set thy heart on the love of any ; but let Jesus be in thee, and in every good man. 5. Be pure and free with- in, and entangle not thy heart with any creature. Thou oughtest to be naked and open before God, ever carrying thy heart pure to- wards Him, if thou wouldst 1 Matt. V. [44.1 ; Luke vi. [27, be free to consider and see how sweet the Lord is. And truly, unless thou be prevented and drawn by His grace, thou shalt never attain to that happiness of forsaking and taking leave of all, in order that thou alone mayest be united to Him alone. For when the grace of God Cometh unto a man, then he is made able for all things. And when it goeth away, then is he poor and weak, and as it were left only for affliction. In this case thou oughtest not to be cast down, nor to despair; but to resign thyself calmly to the will of God, and whatever comes upon thee, to endure it for the glory of Jesus Christ ; for after winter followeth sum- mer, after night the day re- turneth, and after a tempest a great calm. Chapter IX 0/f/ie Want of all Comfort I T is no hard matter to de- spise human comfort,^ when we have that which is divine. 1 Phil. ii. [12.] It is much and very much, to be able to lack both human and divine comfort ; and, for God's honour, to be willing cheerfully to endure desola- tion of heart ; and to seek 1 oneself in nothing, nor to regard one's own merit. What great matter is it, if at the coming of grace thou be cheerful and devout ? this hour is wished for of all men. He rideth easily enough whom the grace of God carrieth. And what marvel if he feel not his burden, who is borne up by the Almighty, and led by the Sovereign Guide ? 2. We are always willing to have something for our comfort ; and a man doth not without difficulty strip him- self of self. The holy martyr Laurence and his priest overcame the world, because whatsoever seemed delightsome in the world he despised ; and for the love of Christ he patiently suffered God's chief priest Sixtus, whom he most dearly loved, to be even taken away from him. lie therefore overcame the love of man by the love of the Creator ; and he rather chose what pleased God, than human comfort. So also do thou learn to part even with a near and dear friend for the love of God. Nor do thou think it hard, when thou art deserted by a friend, as knowing that we all at last must be separated one from another. 3. A man must strive long and mightily within himself, before he can learn fully to master himself, and to draw his whole heart unto God. When a man trusteth in himself, he easily slideth unto human comforts. But a true lover of Christ, and a diligent follower of all virtue, does not fall back on comforts, nor seek such sen- sible sweetnesses ; but rather prefers hard exercises, and to sustain severe labours for Christ. 4. When therefore spiri- tual comfort is given thee from God, receive it with thankfulness ; but understand that it is the gift of God, not thy desert. Be not puffed up, be not too joyful, nor vainly pre- sumptuous ; but rather be the more humble for that gift, more wary too and fear- ful in all thine actions ; for that hour will pass away, and temptation will follow. When consolation is taken from thee, do not immediately despair ; but with humility and patience wait for the heavenly visitation ; for God m tfje Simant of all Comfort 59 is able to give thee back again more ample consolation. This is nothing new nor strange unto them that have experience in the way of God ; for the great saints and ancient prophets had oftentimes experience of such kind of vicissitudes. 5. For which cause, one, while he was basking in di- vine grace, said, "I said in my prosperity, I shall never be moved. " ^ But in the absence of it, he adds this experience of what he was in himself, "Thou didst turn Thy face from me, and I was troubled." Yet in the midst of all this he doth not by any means despair, but more earnestly beseecheth the Lord, and saith, "Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry, and I will pray unto my God. " At length, he receiveth the fruit of his prayer, and testi- fieth that he was heard, say- ing, " The Lord hath heard me, and taken pity on me ; the Lord is become my helper." But wherein ? ' ' Thou hast turned," saith he, " my sor- row into joy, and thou hast compassed me about with gladness." 1 Psalm XXX. [6 — 11.] If great saints Avere so dealt with, we that are weak and poor ought not to despair, if we be sometimes hot and sometimes cold ; for the Spirit cometh and goeth according to the good pleasure of his own will.^ P'or which cause holy Job saith, " Thou visit- est him early in the morning, and suddenly Thou provest him." 2 6. Whereupon then can I hope, or wherein ought I to trust, save in the great mercy of God alone, and in the only hope of heavenly grace ? For whether I have with me good men, either religious brethren, or faithful friends ; whether holy books, or beauti- ful treatises, or sweet psalms and hymns ; all these help but little, and have but little savour, when grace forsaketh me, and I am left in mine own poverty. At such time there is no better remedy than patience, and the denying of myself according to the will of God. 3 7. I never found any so religious and devout, that he had not sometimes a with- drawing of grace, or felt not some decrease of zeal. 1 Johniii. [8.] 2Jobvii. [18.] 3 Luke ix. [23.] «50 Of Cratttiitic for t})t Gnrc of SoU There was never saint so highly rapt and ilhiminated, who first or last was not tempted. P'or he is not worthy of the high contemplation of Clod, who hath not been exercised with some tribula- tion for God's sake. For temptation going be- fore is wont to be a sign of comfort to follow. For unto those that are proved by temptations hea- venly comfort is promised. " To him that overcometh," saith He, " I will give to eat of the tree of life."^ 8. But divine consolation is given, that a man may be stronger to bear adversities. There followeth also temp- tation, lest he should wax proud of any good. The devil sleepeth not,^ neither is the flesh as yet dead ; therefore cease not to prepare thyself to the battle ; for on thy right hand and on thy left are enemies who never. rest. 1 Rev. ii. [7.] 2 i Pet. v. [8.] Chapter X 0/ Gratitude for the Grace of God WHY seekest thou rest, since thou art born to labour.^ Dispose thyself to patience rather than to comfort, and to the bearing of the cross rather than to gladness.'^ What worldly man is there that would not willingly re- ceive spiritual joy and com- fort if he could always have it? For spiritual comforts ex- 1 Job V. [7.1 2 Lu c .\iv. [27] ceed all the delights of the Avorld, and the pleasures of the flesh. For all worldly delights are either vain or unclean ; but spiritual delights alone are pleasant and honest, being sprung from virtue, and in- fused by God into pure minds. But no man can always enjoy these divine comforts according to his desire ; for the time of temptation is never far away. (Bi (Sratitutic for tfjc (Grace of ^otJ 6i . 2. But false freedom of mind and great confidence in ourselves are veiy contrary to heavenly visitations. God doeth well for us in giving the grace of comfort ; but man doeth evil in not returning all again unto God with thanksgiving. And therefore the gifts of grace cannot flow in us, because we are unthankful to the giver, and return them not wholly to the source and fountain. ^ For grace ever attendeth him that is duly thankful ; and from the proud shall be taken that which is wont to be given to the humble. 3. I desire not that con- solation that taketh from me compunction ; nor do I affect that contemplation which leadeth to a high mind. For all that is high is not holy ; nor all that is sweet, good ; nor every desire, pure ; nor is every thing that is dear unto us pleasing to God. Willingly do I accept of that grace, whereby I may ever be found more humble, and more affected M'ith fear, and may become more ready to renounce myself He that is taught by the gift of grace, and schooled by 1 Ecclus. i. [5.] the withdrawing thereof, will not dare to attribute any good to himself, but will rather acknowledge himself to be poor and naked. Give unto God that which is God's, ^ and ascribe luito thyself that which is thine own ; that is, give thanks to God for His grace; and acknowledge that to thyself alone is to be attributed sin, and the punishment due to sin. 4. Set thyself always in the lowest place^ and the highest shall be given thee ; for the highest is not without the lowest. The chiefest Saints before God are the least in theii- own judgments ; and the more glorious they are, so much the humbler within themselves. Those that are full of trutli and heavenly glory, are not desirous of empty gloiy. Those that are firmly settled and grounded in God, can in no way be proud. And they that ascribe all good unto God, whatsoever they have received, seek not glory one of another, but desire that glory which is from God alone ; and above 1 Matt. xxii. [21.] 2 Luke xiv. fioj 62 Zijat tfjc lobcrs of tfjc Cross arc itia all things that God may be praised in Himself, and in all His saints ; and are always pressing on for this very thing. 5. Be therefore thankful for the least gift, so shalt thou be meet to receive greater*. Let the least be unto thee even as the greatest, yea the most contemptible gift as of especial value. If thou consider the worth of the giver, no gift w^U seem little, or of too mean esteem. For that cannot be little which is given by the most High God. Yea, if He should give punishment and stripes, it ought to be matter of thank- fulness ; because He doeth always for our welfare, what- soever He permitted to hap- pen unto us. He that desireth to keep the grace of God, let him be thankful for grace given, and patient for the taking away thereof : let him pray that it may return ; let him be cautious and humble, lest he lose it. Chapter XI T/iaf the lovers of the Cross ^ Jesus arefeiu JESUS hath now many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few bearers of His cross. He hath many desirous of consolation, but few of tribu- lation. He findeth many com- panions of His table, but few of His abstinence. All desire to rejoice with Him, few are willing to en- dure any thing for Him. Many follow Ji'.sus unto the breaking of bread ; but few to the drinking of the cup of His passion.^ Many reverence His mir- acles, few follow the igno- miny of His cross. Many love Jesus so long as no adversities befall them. Many praise and bless Him so long as they receive any consolation from Him. I5ut if jKsrs hide Himself, and leave them but a little 1 Luke i.x. [14.]; xxii. [41, 42.] €f)at tf)c lobcrs of tf)c ^ross arc fciu 63 while, they fall either into complaining, oi" into too much dejection of mind. 2. But they who love Jesus for His own sake, and not for some special comfort which they receive, bless Him in all tribulation and anguish of heart, as well as in the state of highest comfort. Yea although He should never be willing to give them comfort, they notwithstand- ing would ever praise Him, and wish to be always giving thanks. 3. O how powerful is the pure love of Jesus, which is mixed with no self-interest, nor self-love ! Are not all those to be called mercenary, who are ever seeking consolations ? Do they not show them- selves to be rather lovers of themselves than of Christ, who are always thinking of their own profit and advan- tage ?i Where shall one be found who is willing to serve God for nought ? 4. Rarely is any one found so spiritual as to have suffered the loss of all things. For where is any man to be found that is indeed poor in spirit, and thoroughly void of 1 P.ill. ii. [21.] all leaning on created things ? " From afar, yea from the ends of the earth, is his value."! If a man should give all his substance, it is as yet nothing. And if he should practise great repentance, still it is little. And if he should attain to all knowledge, he is still afar off. And if he should be of great virtue, and of very fer- vent devotion, yet there is much wanting : especially one thing, which is most necessary for him. What is that? That leaving all, he forsake himself, and go wholly from himself,- and retain nothing of self-love. And when he hath done all that is to be done, so far as he knoweth, let him think that he hath done nothing. 5. Let him not think that of great weight, which might be esteemed great ; but let him in truth pronounce him- self to be an unprofitable servant, as the/ Truth Him- self saith, " When you shall have done all things that are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants. "^ 1 Prov. xxxi. [10. Latin version.] 2 Matt. xvi. [24.] 3 Luke xvii. [10.] 64 m tfjc Hogal mas of tfjc f^olg Cross Then may he be truly poor and naked in spirit, and say with the Prophet, *' I am desolate and afflicted."^ Yet none is richer than 1 Psalm XXV. [i6.] that man, none more power- ful, none more free ; for he knoweth how to leave himself and all things, and to set himself in the lowest place. Chapter XII 0/f/ie Royal Way of the Holy Cross UNTO many this seem- eth an hard speech, "Deny thyself, take up thy cross, and follow Jesus. "^ But much harder will it be to hear that last word, " De- part from me, }'e cursed, into everlasting fire."- For they who now willingly hear and follow the word of the cross, shall not then fear-^ to hear the sentence of ever- lasting damnation. This sign of the cross shall be in the heaven, when the Lord shall come to judgment. Then all the servants of the cross, who in their life-time conformed themselves unto C'hrist crucified, shall draw near unto Christ the judge with great confidence. 1 Matt. xvi. [24.] 2 Matt. XXV. I41.] 3 Psalm cxii. [7.] 2. Why therefore fearest thou to take up the cross which leadeth thee to a kingdom ? In the cross is salvation, in the cross is life, in the cross is protection against our enemies, in the cross is in- fusion of heavenly sweetness, in the cross is strength of mind, in the cross joy of spirit, in the cross the height of virtue, in the cross the perfection of sanctity. There is no salvation of the soul, nor hope of everlasting life, but in the cross. Take up therefore thy cross and follow Jesus,^ and thou shalt go into life everlasting. He went l^efore, bearing His cross,- and died for thee on the cross ; that thou mightest 1 Luke xiv. 127.] 2 John xix. [17.] <^t tfje laosal lUau of tfjc ??ol2 Cross 6:; also bear thy cross and desire to die on the cross with Him. For if thou be dead with Him, thou shalt also live with Him. And if thou be His companion in punishment, thou shalt be partaker with Him also in glory. ^ 3. Behold ! in the cross all doth consist, and all lieth in our dying thereon ; for there is no other way unto life, and unto true inward peace, but the way of the holy cross, and of daily mor- tification. Go where thou wilt, seek whatsoever thou wilt, thou shalt not find a higlier way above, nor a safer way below, than the way of the holy cross. Dispose and order all things according to thy will and judgment ; yet thou shalt ever find, that of ne- cessity thou must suffer some- what, either willingly or against thy will, and so thou shalt ever find the cross. For either thou shalt feel pain in thy body, or in thy soul thou shalt suffer tribulation. 4. Sometimes thou shalt be forsaken of God, some- times thou shalt be troubled by thy neighbours ; and, what is more, oftentimes thou 1 2 Cor. i. [5.] shalt be vrearisome to thy- self Neither canst thou be de- livered or eased by any remedy or comfort ; but so long as it pleaseth God, thou must bear it. For God will have thee learn to suffer tribulation without comfort ; and that thou subject thyself wholly to Him, and by tribulation become more humble. No man hath so in his heart a sympathy with the passion of Christ, as he who hath suffered the like himself. The cross therefore is al- ways ready, and eveiy where waits for thee. Thou canst not escape it whithersoever thou runnest ; for wheresoever thou goest, thou carriest thyself with thee, and shalt ever find thyself Both above and below, without and within, which way soever thou dost turn thee, every where thou shalt find the cross ; and eveiy where of necessity thou must hold fast patience, if thou wilt have inward peace, and enjoy an everlasting crown. 5. If thou bear the cross cheerfully, it will bear thee, and lead thee to the desired end, namely, where there 65 (Bt tf)e aaogal WLa^ of tfjc l^olg Cross shall be an end of suffering, though here there shall not be. If thou bear it unwillingly, thou makest for thyself a burden, and increasest thy load, which yet notwithstand- ing thou must bear. If thou cast away one cross, without doubt thou shalt find another, and that perhaps more heavy. 6. Thinkest thou to escape that which no mortal man could ever avoid? Which of the saints in the world was without crosses, and tribulation. For not even our Lord Jesus Christ was ever one hour without the anguish of His Passion, so long as He lived. "Christ" (saith He) "must needs suffer, and rise again from the dead, and so enter into His glory. "^ And how dost thou seek any other way than this royal way, which is the way of the holy cross. 7. Christ's whole life was a cross and martyrdom : and dost thou seek rest and joy for thyself? Thou art deceived, thou art deceived if thou seek any other thing than to suffer tribulations ; for this whole 1 Luke xxiv. [26.] mortal life is full of miseries, ^ and marked on every side with crosses. And the higher a person hath advanced in the Spirit, so much the heavier crosses he oftentimes findeth ; be- cause the grief of his banish- ment increaseth with his love to God, 8. Nevertheless this man, though so many ways afflicted, is not without refreshing com- fort, for that he perceiveth very much benefit to accrue unto him by the bearing of his own cross. For whilst he willingly putteth himself under it, all the burden of tribulation is turned into the confidence of divine comfort. And the more the flesh is wasted by affliction, so much the more is the spirit streng- thened by inward grace. And sometimes he is so comforted with the desire of tribulation and adversity, for the love of conformity to the cross of Christ, that he would not wish to be without grief and tribulation ;^ because he believes that he shall be unto God so much the more acceptable, the more and the more grievous things he 1 Jobvii. [i.] 2 2 Cor. iv. [16.] ; xi. [23-30.] ©f tijc Eogal 5imas of tfjf |l?oIs Cross 67 is permitted to suffer for Him. This is not the power of man, but it is the grace of Christ, which can and doth so much in frail flesh ; so that what naturally it always abhors and flees from, that through fervour of spirit it encounters and loves. 9. It is not according to man's inclination to bear the cross, to love the cross, to chastise the body and bring it into subjection, to flee honours, willingly to suffer contumelies, to despise one- self and to wish to be despised, to endure all ad- versities and losses, and to desire no prosperity in this world. If thou look to thyself, thou shalt be able of thyself to accomplish nothing of this kind.i But if thou trust in the Lord, strength shall be given thee from heaven, and the world and the flesh shall be made subject to thy com- mand. . Neither shalt thou fear thine enemy the devil, if thou be armed with faith, aiid signed with the cross of Christ. 10. Set thyself therefore, 1 2 Cor. iii. [5.] like a good and faithful ser- vant of Christ, to bear man- fully the cross of thy Lord, who out of love was crucified for thee. Prepare thyself to bear many adversities and divers kinds of troubles in this miserable life ; for so it will be with thee, wheresoever thou art, and so surely thou shalt find it, wheresoever thou hide thyself. So it must be ; nor is there any remedy nor means to escape from tribulation and sorrow, but only to endure them. Drink of the Lord's cup^ with hearty affection, if thou desire to be His friend, and to have part with Him. As for comforts, leave them to God ; let Him do therein as shall best please Him. But do thou set thyself to suffer tribulations, and ac- count them the greatest com- forts ; for the sufferings of this present time, although thou alone couldst suffer them all, cannot worthily deserve the glory which is to come. 1 1. When thou shalt come to this estate, that tribulation^ 1 Matt. XX. [23.]; John .wiii. [ii.l 2 Rom. V. [3.]; Gal. vi. [14.] 68 m t\)t Mo^al mas of tlje fio\^ Cross shall seem sweet, and thou shalt relish it for Christ's sake ; then think it to be well with thee, for thou hast found a paradise upon earth. As long as it is grievous to thee to suffer, and thou de- sirest to escape, so long shalt thou be ill at ease, and the desire of escaping tribulation shall follow thee every where. 12. If thou dost set thyself to that thououghtest, namely, to suffering and to death, it will quickly be better with thee, and thou shalt find peace. Although thou shouldst have been rapt even unto the third heaven with Paul,^ thou art not by this secured that thou shalt suffer no ad- versity. *' I will shew him" (saith Jesus) "how great things he must suffer for my name."^ It remaineth therefore, that thou suffer, if it please thee to love Jesus, and to serve Him constantly. 13. O that thou wert worthy to suffer something for the Name of Jesus !^ How great glory would re- main unto thyself; what joy would arise to all God's 1 2 Cor. xii. [4.] 2 Acts ix. fi6.] 3 Acts V. [41.] saints ; how great edification also to thy neighbour ! For all men recommend patience ; few, however, they are who are willing to suffer. With great reason oughtest thou cheerfully to suffer some little for Christ's sake ; since many suffer more grievous things for the world. 14. Know for certain that thou oughtest to lead a dying life. 1 And the more any man dieth to himself, so much the more doth he begin to live unto God, No man is fit to compre- hend things heavenly, unless he submit himself to the bearing of adversities for Christ's sake. Nothing is more accept- able to God, nothing more wholesome to thee in this world, than that thou suffer cheerfully for Christ. And if thou couldst choose, thou oughtest rather to wish to suffer adversities for Christ, than to be refreshed with many consolations ; because thou wouldst thus be more like unto Christ, and more comformable to all the saints. For our worthiness and the growth of our spiritual estate consisteth not in many sweet- nesses and comforts ; but 1 Psalm xliv. [22.] 0t t})z i^ogal SSEag of tfje pjolg Cross 69 rather in the patient enduring of great afflictions and tribu- lations. 15. Indeed if there had been any better thing, and more profitable to man's sal- vation, than suffering, surely Christ would have shewed it by word and example. For both the disciples that followed Him, and also all who desire to follow Him, He plainly exhor^^^^h to the bearing of the cross, and saith, "If any man will come after me, let him deny him- self, and take up his cross, and follow me."^ So that when we have thoroughly read and searched all, let this be the final con- clusion, "That through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God."^ 1 I. like ix. [23.] 2 Acts xiv. [22.] (J^ltc ^hirb 5J3ook OF INTERNAL CONSOLATION Chapter I Of C/irisfs speaking viwardly to the Faithful Soul I WILL hearken what the Lord God will speak in Blessed is the soul which heareth the Lord speaking within her, 2 and receiveth from His mouth the word of consolation. Blessed are the ears that gladly i-eceive the pulses of the Divine whisper,^ and give no heed to the many whisperings of this world. Blessed indeed are those ears which listen not after the voice which is sounding without, but for the Truth teaching within. Blessed are the eyes which 1 Psalm Ixxxv. [8.] 2 I Sam. iii. fg.] 3 Matt. xiii. [16, 17.] but intent on things within Blessed are they that enter far into inward things, and endeavour to prepare them- selves, more and more, by daily exercises, for the re- ceiving of heavenly secrets. Blessed are they who are glad to have time to spare for God, and who shake off all worldly hindrances. 2. Consider these things, my soul, and shut up the door of thy sensual desires, that thou mayest hear what the Lord thy God shall speak in thee.^ Thus saith thy Beloved, 1 am thy Salvation,^ thy 1 Psalm l.vxxv. [8.] 2 Psalm XXXV. [3. J (Bi tfje Erutfj spcaiking tnioattilg 71. Peace, and thy Life : keep thyself with me, and thou shalt find peace. Let go all transitory things, and seek those that be ever- lasting. What are all temporal things, but snares? and what can all creatures avail thee. if thou be forsaken by the Creator. Bid farewell therefore to all things else, and labour to please thy Creator, and to be faithful unto Him, that so thou mayest be able to attain unto true blessed- ness. Chapter II T/ia^ the Ti'iith speaketh inwardly without noise of Words SPEAK, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.^ I am Thy servant, grant me understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies. ^ Licline my heart to the words of Thy mouth : let Thy speech distil as the dew. The children of Israel in times past said unto Moses, *' Speak thou unto us, and we will hear : let not the Lord speak unto us lest we die. "3 Not so, Lord, not so, I beseech Thee : but rather with the prophet Samuel, 1 I Sam. iii. [9.] 2 Psalm cxix. [125.] • 3 Exod. XX. [19. J I humbly and earnestly en- treat, " Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth." Let not Moses speak unto me, nor any of the prophets, but rather do thou speak, O Lord God, the inspirer and enlightener of all the pro- phets ; for thou alone with- out them canst perfectly instruct me, but they with- out thee can profit nothing. 2. They indeed may utter words, but they cannot give the Spirit. Most beautifully do they speak, but if thou be silent, they inflame not the heart. They teach the letter, but thou openest the sense : they bring forth mysteries, but ©f tearing (Boll's WH^axh bitfj It^umilitg thou unlockest the meaning of sealed things. They declare thy com- mandments, but thou helpest us to fulfil them. They point out the way, but thou givest strength to walk in it. They work only outwardly, but thou instructest and en- lightenest the heart. They water, but thou giv- est the increase. They cry aloud in words, but thou impartest under- standing to the hearing. 3. Let not Moses there- fore speak unto me, but thou, O Lord my God, the everlasting Truth ; lest I die, and prove unfruitful, if I be only warned outwardly, and not inflamed within : Lest it turn to my con- demnation, — the word heard and not fulfilled, known and not loved, believed and not observed. Speak therefore. Lord, for thy servant heareth ; for thou hast the words of eternal life. ^ Speak thou unto me, to the comfort, however imper- fect, of my soul, and to the amendment of my whole life, and to thy praise and glory and honour everlasting. 1 John vi. [68.] Chapter III T/iaf the Words of God are to be heard with Humility, and that many weigh them not MY son, hear my words, words of greatest sweetness, surpassing all the knowledge of the philoso- phers and wise men of this world. " My words are Spirit and Life," ^ and not to be weighed by the understanding of man. 1 John vi. [63. J They are not to be drawn forth for vain approbation, but to be heard in silence, and to be received with all humility and great affection. And I said, Blessed is the man whom thou shalt in- struct, O Lord, and shalt teach out of thy law, that thou mayest give him rest (Bt i^tarins (Soli's 512Eorti iuit!) I^umilitg 73 from the evil days,^ and that he be not desolate upon earth. 2. I TAUGHT the prophets from the beginning'^ (saith the I.ord), and cease not, even to this day, to speak to all ; but many are hardened, and deaf to my voice. Most men do more Avill- ingly listen to the world than to God ; they sooner follow the desires of their own flesh, than God's good pleasure. The world promiseth things temporal and mean, and is sei-ved with great eagerness : I promise things most high and eternal ; and yet the hearts of men remain torpid and insensible. Who is there that in all things serveth and obeyeth me with so great care as the world and its lords are served withal ? Be ashamed, O Si- don, saith the sea.^ And if thou ask the cause, hear wherefore. For a small income a long journey is undertaken ; for everlasting life many will scarce once lift a foot from the ground. The most pitiful reward is 1 Psalm xciv. [12, 13.] 2 Heb. i. [i.] 3 Compare Isaiah xxiii. [4.] sought after ; for a single bit of money sometimes there is shameful contention ; for a vain matter and slight pro- mise men fear not to toil day and night. 3. But, alas ! for an un- changeable good, for an in- estimable reward, for the highest honour, and glory without end, they grudge even the least fatigue. Be ashamed, therefore, thou slothful and complain- ing servant, that they are found to be more ready to destruction than thou to life. They rejoice more in vanity than thou dost in the truth. Sometimes, indeed, they are frustrated of their hope ; but my promise deceiveth none,^ nor sendeth him away empty that trusteth in me. What I have promised, 1 will give ; what I have said I will fulfil ; if only any man remain faithful in my love even to the end. I am the rewarder of all good men, 2 and the strong approver of all who are de- voted to me. 4. Write thou my words in thy heart, and meditate diligently on them ; for in 1 Rom. i. [16.] ; Matt. xxiv. [35.] 2 Rev. ii. [23.]; Matt. v. [6.]; XXX. [21.] 74 ®f fjcaring (Gotj's SHortJ ijjttfj f^umilitj time of temptation they will be very needful for thee. What thou understandest not when thou readest, thou shalt know in the day of visitation. In two ways I am wont to visit mine elect, namely, with temptation and with consola- tion. And I daily read two les- sons to them, one in reprov- ing their vices, another in exhorting them to the in- crease of all virtues. He that hath my words and despiseth them, hath one that shall judge him in the last day. 5. A Prayer to implore the grace of Devotion. Lord my God ! Thou art to me whatsoever is good. And who am I, that I should dare to speak to thee?^ I am thy poorest, meanest ser- vant, and a most vile worm, much more poor and con- temptible than I can or dare express. Yet do thou remember, O 1 Gen. xviii. [27.]; 1 Sam. xviii. [18, 23.] Lord, that I am nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing. Thou alone art good, just, and holy ; thou canst do all things, thou accomplishest all things, thou fillest all things, only the sinner thou leavest empty. Remember thy mercies, and fill my heart with thy grace, thou who wilt not that thy works should be void and in vain. 6. How can I bear up myself in this miserable life, unless thou strengthen me with thy mercy and grace ? Turn not thy face away from me ;^ delay not thy visitation ; withdraw not thy consolation, lest my soul be- come as a thirsty land. Teach me, O Lord, to do thy will ;^ teach me to live worthily and humbly in thy sight ; for thou art my wis- dom, thou dost truly know me, and didst know me be- fore the world was made, and before I was born into the world. 1 Psalm Ixix. [ty.] 2 Psalm cxliii. [10.] ©f balking in ^rutfj antf l^umilitg 75 Chapter IV T/ia^ we ought to live in Truth and Humility before God MY son, walk thou be- fore me in truth, and ever seek me in simplicity of thy heart. ^ He that walketh before me in truth, shall be defended from the assaults of evil, and the truth shall set him^ free from seducers, and from the slanders of unjust men. If the truth shall have made thee free, thou shalt be free indeed, and shalt not- care for the vain words of men. Lord, it is true. Ac- cording as thou sayest : so, I beseech thee, let it be with me ; let thy truth teach me, guard me, and presei^ve me safe to the end. Let it set me free from all evil ■ affection and inordi- nate love ; and I shall walk with thee in great liberty of heart. 2. I WILL teach thee (saith the Truth) those things which 1 Gen. xvii. [i.] : Wis. i. [i.] 2 John viii. [32.] are right and pleasing in my sight. Reflect on thy sins with great displeasure and grief ; and never esteem thyself to be anything, because of any good works. In truth thou art a sinner ; thou art subject to and encum- bered with many passions. 01 thyself thou always tendest to nothing ; speedily art thou cast down, speedily over- come, speedily disordered, speedily dissolved. Thou hast nothing whereof thou canst glory,^ but many things for which thou ought- est to account thyself vile ; for thou art much weaker than thou art able to com- prehend. 3. And therefore let nothing seem much unto thee what- soever thou doest. Let nothing seem great, nothing precious and wonder- ful, nothing worthy of esti- mation, nothing high, nothing 1 I Cor. iv. [7.] 76 ©f talking in ^rutfj anti It^utnilitg truly commendable, and to be desired, but that alone which is eternal. Let the eternal truth be above all things pleasing to thee : Let thine own extreme unworthiness be always dis- pleasing to thee. Fear nothing, blame no- thing, flee nothing, so much as thy vices and sins ; which ought to be more unpleasing to thee than any losses what- soever of things earthly. Some walk not sincerely in my sight, ^ but out of curi- osity and pride desire to know my secrets, and to understand the high things of God, ne- glecting themselves and their own salvation. These oftentimes, when I oppose myself to them, for their pride and curiosity do fall into great temptations and sins. 4. Fear thou the judgments of God, and dread the wrath of the Almighty. Discuss not thou the works of the [17-3 Ecclus. iii. [21-23.] ; ~ Cor. ii. Most High, but search dili- gently thine own iniquities, in how great things thou hast offended, and how many good things thou hast neglected. Some place their devotion only in books, some in pic- tures, some in outward signs and figures. Some have me in their mouths, but little in their hearts. ^ Others there are who, being illuminated in their under- standings, and purged in their affection, do always pant after things eternal, are unwilling to hear of the things of this A\'orld, and serve the necessities of nature with grief; and these perceive what the Spirit of truth speaketh in them.^ For He teacheth them to despise earthly, and to love heavenly things ; to neglect the world, and to desire heaven all the day and night. ^ 1 Isaiah xxix. [13.] 2 Psalm XXV. [5.] 3 Psalm i. [2.3 ©f t\)t effect or Bibinc llobe 77 Chapter V Of the Wonderful effect of Divine Love I BLESS thee, O Heaven- ly Father, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, for that thou hast vouchsafed to re- member me a poor crea- ture. Father of mercies, and God of all comfort,^ thanks be unto thee, who sometimes with thy comfort refreshest me, unworthy as I am of all comfort. 1 will alway bless and glo- rify thee, with thine only- begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, for ever and ever. Ah, Lord God, thou holy lover of my soul, when thou comest into my heart, all that is within me shall rejoice. Thou art my glory and the exultation of my heart : Thou art my hope and refuge in the day of my tribulation.^ 2. But because I am as yet weak in love, and imperfect in virtue, I have need to be strengthened and comforted by thee; visit me therefore 1 2 Cor. i. [3.1 2 Psalm xxxii. [7.] ; lix. [16.] often, and instruct me wilh all holy discipline. Set me free from evil pas- sions, and heal my heart of all inordinate affections : thr.t being inwardly cured and thoroughly cleansed, I maybe made ht to love, courageous to suffer, steady to persevere. 3. Love is a great thing, yea, a great and thorough good ; by itself it makes every thing that is heavy, light : and it bears evenly all that is uneven. For it carries a burden which is no burden,^ and makes every thing that is bitter, sweet and savoury. The noble love of Jesus impels a man to do great things, and stirs him up to be always longing for what is more perfect. Love desires to be on high, and will not be kept back by anything low and mean. Love desires to be free, and estranged from all worldly affections, that so its inward sight may not be hindered ; 1 Matt. xi. [30.] 78 0i t})t effect of Dibinc Eofae that it may not be entangled by any temporal prosperity, or subdued by any adversity. Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing more coura- geous, nothing higher, no- thing wider, nothing moi-e pleasant, nothing fuller nor better in heaven and earth ; because love is born of God, and cannot rest but in God, above all created things. 4. He that loveth, flieth, runneth and rejoiceth ; he is free and is not bound. He giveth all for all, and hath all in all ; because he risteth in One Highest above all things, from whom all that is good flows and proceeds. He respecteth not the gifts, but turneth himself above all goods unto the giver. Love oftentimes knoweth no bounds, but is fervent beyond all measure. Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse of impossibility ; for it thinks all things lawful for itself and all things possible. It is therefore able to undertake all things, and it completes many things, and l)rings them to a conclusion, where he who does not love, faints and lies down. 5. Love watcheth, and, sleeping, slumbereth not.^ Though weary, love is not tired ; though pressed, it is not straitened ; though alarmed, it is not confounded : but as a lively flame and burning torch, it forces its way up- wards, and securely passes through all. If any man love, he know- eth what is the cry of this voice. Fo.. '* is a loud cry in the ears of God, this ardent affection of the soul which saith, "My God, my Love, Thou art all mine, and I am all thine." 6. Enlarge thou me in love, that, with the inward palate of my heart, I may taste how sweet it is to love, and to be dissolved, and as it were to bathe myself in thy love. Let me be possessed by love, mounting above myself, through excessive fervour and admiration. Let me sing the song of love, let me follow thee, my Beloved, on high ; let my soul spend itself in thy praise, rejoicing through love. Let me love thee more than myself, and love myself only for thee ; and in thee all that tnily love thee, as the I Rom. viil. [19.] ©f tf)e probincf of a true Eofacr 79 law of love commandeth, shining out from thyself. 7. Love is active, sincere, affectionate, pleasant, and amiable ; courageous, pa- tient, faithful, prudent, long- suffering, manly, and never seeking itself.^ For in whatever instance a person seeketh himself, there he falleth from love.^ Love is circumspect, hum- ble, and upright ; not yield- ing to softness, or to levity, nor attending to vain things ; it is sober, chaste, steady, quiet, and guarded in all the senses. 1 I Cor. xiii. [5.] 2 I Cor. X. [33]; Phil. ii. [21.] Love is subject, and obedi- ent to its superiors ; unto itself mean and despised, unto God devout and thank- ful, trusting and hoping al- ways in Him, even then when God imparteth no relish of sweetness unto it : for without sorrow none liveth in love. 8. He that is not prepared to suffer all things, and to stand to the will of his Be- loved, is not worthy to be called a lover. A lover ought to embrace willingly all that is hard and distasteful for the sake of his Beloved ; and not to turn away from Him on account of any contradictions. Chapter VI Of the proving of a true Lover MY son, thou art not yet a courageous and considerate lover. Wherefore savest Thou this, O Lord ? Because for a slight op- position thou givest over thy undertakings, and too eagerly seekest consolation. A courageous lover stand- eth firm in temptations, and giveth no credit to the crafty persuasions of the enemy. As I please him in pros- perity, so in adversity I am not vmpleasing to him.^ 2. A wise lover regardeth not so much the gift of him 1 Phil. iv. [11-13.1 8o ©r tfjc probinri of a true ILobcr who loves him, as the love of the giver. He esteems the good will rather than the value of the gift, and sets all gifts below him whom he loves. A noble-minded lover rest- eth not in the gift, but in me above every gift. All therefore is not lost, if sometimes thou thinkest less of me or my saints than thou wouldest. That good and sweet af- fection which thou sometimes feelest, is the effect of grace present, and a sort of fore- taste of thy heavenly home : but hereon thou must not lean too much, for it cometh and goeth. But to strive against evil thoughts which may befall thee, and to reject^ with scorn "the suggestions of the devil, is a notable sign of virtue, and shall have great reward. 3. Let no strange fancies therefore trouble thee, which on any subject whatever may crowd into thy mind. Keep thy purpose with courage, and preserve an upright in- tention towards God. Neither is it an illusion that sometimes thou art sud- denly rapt on high, and 1 Matt. iv. [10 ] presently returnest again un- to the accustomed vanities of thy heart. For these thou dost rather unwillingly suffer, than com- mit : and so long as they dis- please thee, and thou strivest against them, it is matter of reward, and not of loss. 4. Know that the old enemy doth strive by all means to hinder thy desire to good, and to divert thee from all religious exercises ; par- ticularly, from the reverent estimation of God's saints, from the devout commem.ora- tion of my Passion, from the profitable remembrance of thy sins, from the guard of thine own heart, and from the firm purpose of advancing in virtue. Many evil thoughts does he suggest to thee, that so he may cause a wearisomeness and horror in thee, to call thee back from prayer and holy reading. Humble confession is dis- pleasing unto him ; and if he could, he would cause thee to cease from Holy Com- munion. Trust him not, nor heed him, although he should often set snares of deceit to entrap thee. Charge him with it, when he suggesteth evil and unclean thoughts unto thee ; say unto him, *' Away thou unclean spirit ! ^ blush thou miser- able wretch ! most unclean art thou that bringst such things unto mine ears. "Begone from me, thou wicked seducer ! thou shalt have no part in me : but Jesus shall be with me as a strong warrior, and thou shalt stand confounded. "I had rather die, and undergo any torment, than consent unto thee. "Hold thy peace and be silent ; I wull hear thee no more, though thou shouldst work me many troubles. * The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear ?'^ 1 Matt. iv. [lo.] ; xvi. [23.] 2 Psalm xxvii. [i.] " Though an host of men rose against me, yet should not my heart be afraid. The Lord is my Helper and my Redeemer." 5. Fight like a good soldier:^ and if thou some- times fall through frailty, take again greater strength than before, tnisting in my more abundant grace : and take great heed of vain pleasing of thyself, and of pride. Pride brings many into error, and makes them some- times fall into blindness almost incurable. Let the fall of the proud, thus foolishly presuming on their own strength, serve thee for a warning, and keep thee ever humble. 1 Psalm xxvii. [14.] ; [12.] Tim. vi. Chapter VII That Grace is to be guarded by Huinility M Y son, it is more profitable for thee and more safe, to conceal the grace of devotion ; not to lift thyself on high, nor to speak much thereof, nor to dwell much thereon ; but rather to despise thyself, and to fear lest the grace have been given to one unworthy of it. This affection thou must _. not too earnestly cleave unto, for it may be quickly changed to the contrary. Think when thou art in grace, how miserable and needy thou art wont to be without grace. Nor is it in this only that thy progress in spiritual life consists, that thou hast the grace of comfort ; but rather tliat with humility,self-denial, and patience, thou endurest the withdrawing thereof ; provided thou do not then become listless in the exer- cise of prayer, nor suffer the rest of thy accustomed duties to be at all neglected. Rather do thou cheerfully perform what lieth in thee, according to the best of thy power and understanding ; and do not wholly neglect thyself because of the dryness or anxiety of mind which thou feelest. 2. For there are many who, when things succeed not well with them, presently become impatient or slothful. For the way of man is not always in his power, ^ but it belongeth unto God to give, and to comfort, when he will, and how much he will, and whom he will ; as it shall please him, and no more. 1 Jcr. X. [23.]; Rom. ix. [16.] Some unadvised persons, by reason of their over-earnest desire of the grace of a de- voted life, have overthrown themselves ; because they attempted more than they were able to perform, not weighing the measure of their own weakness, but fol- lowing the desire of their heart rather than the judg- ment of their reason. And because they dwelt on greater matters than was pleasing to God, they there- fore quickly lost his grace. They who had built them- selves nests ^ in heaven were made helpless and vile out- casts ; to the end that being humbled and impoverished, they might learn not to fly with their own wings, but to trust under my feathers. They that are yet but novices and inexperienced in the way of the Lord, unless they govern themselves by the counsel of discreet per- sons, may easily be deceived and broken to pieces. 3. And if they will rather follow their own notions than trust to others who are more experienced, their end will be dangerous, at least if they are unwilling to be drawn away from their own conceit. 1 Isaiah xiv. [13.] ®f (Sracc gitarteli bg p^umilttg S3 It is seldom the case that they who are wise in their own conceit endure humbly to be governed by others. Better is it to have a small portion of good sense, with humility^ and a slender understanding, than great treasures of science with vain self-complacency. Better it is for thee to have little, than much of that which may make thee proud. , He acts not veiy discreet- | ly, who wholly gives himself | over to joy, forgetting his j former helplessness, and that chastened fear of the Lord, which is afraid of losing the grace which hath been offered. ! Nor again is he very valiant- \ ly wise who, in time of adver- j sity or any heaviness, at once ! yields too much to despair- ! ing thoughts, and reflects , and thinks of me less trust- } fully than he ought. | 4. He who in time of I peace is willing to be over ! secure^ shall be often found j in time of war too much de- : jected and full of fears. i If thou couldest always ! continue humble and moder- ate within thyself, and also couldest thoroughly moderate and govern thy spirit, thou 1 Psalm xvi. [2.] ; xvi. [10.] 2 I Thes. V. [6.] wouldst not so quickly fall into danger and offence. It is good counsel, that when fervour of spirit is kindled within thee, thou shouldst consider how it will be, when .that light shall leave thee. And when this happeneth, then remember that the light may return again, which, as a warning to thyself, and for mine own glory, I have with- drawn for a time.^ 5. Such trials are often- times more profitable, than if thou shouldst always have things prosper according to thy will. For a man's worthiness is not to be estimated by the number of visions and com- forts which he may have, or by his skill in the Scriptures, or by his being placed in high station. But if he be grounded in true humility, and full of divine charily ; if he be al- \A-ays purely and sincerely seeking God's honour ; if he think nothing of and un- feignedly despise himself,"^ and even rejoice more to be despised and made low by others, than to be honoured by them, 1 Job vii. 2 Psalm Ixxxiv. [10.] r 84 ©f a mean conceit of oursclbcs Chapter VIII Of a mean conceit of ourselves in tJie sight of God SHALL I speak unto my Lord, who am but dust and ashes ?^ If I esteem my- self to be any thing more, be- hold, Thou standest against me, and my iniquities bear true witness, and I cannot contradict it. But if I abase myself, and reduce myself to nothing, and shrink from all self- esteem, and grind myself to the dust I am, thy grace will be favourable to me, and thy light near unto my heart ; and all self-esteem, how little soever, shall be swallowed up in the valley of my nothingness, and perish for ever. There thou shewest thy- self unto me, what I am, what I have been, and whither I am come ; for I am nothing, and I knew it not. If I be left to myself, be- hold, I become nothing but mere weakness ; but if thou for an instant look upon me, I am fortliwith made strong, and am filled with new joy, 1 Gen. xviii. [27.] And a great marvel it is, that I am so suddenly lifted up, and so graciously em- braced by thee, who of mine own weight am always sink- ing downward. 2. Thy love is the cause hereof, freely preventing me, and relieving me in so many necessities, guarding me also from pressing dangers, and snatching me (as I may tmly say) from evils out of num- ber. For indeed by loving my- self amiss, I lost myself ;i and by seeking thee alone, and purely loving thee, I have found both myself and thee, and by that love have more deeply reduced myself to nothing. Because thou, O dearest Lord, dealest with me above all desert, and above all that I dare hope or ask. 3. Blessed be thou, my God : for although I be unworthy of any benefits, yet thy royal bounty and in- finite goodness never cease 1 John xii. [25.] ©f referring all tl)ings to (KoU 85 to do good even to the un- grateful,^ and to those who are turned away far from thee. 1 Matt. V. [45.1 Turn thou us unto thee, that we may be thankful, humble, and devout ; for thou art our salvation, our courage, and our strength. Chapter IX lliat all things are to he rcfej'red unto God, as their last end MY son, I ought to be thy supreme and ul- timate end, if thou desire to be truly blessed. By this intention thy affec- tions will be purified, which are too often inordinately in- clined to selfishness and unto creatures. For if in any thing thou seekest thyself, immediately thou faintest and driest up. I would therefore thou shouldst refer all things prin- cipally unto me, for I am He who have given all. Consider every thing as flowing from the Highest Good ;^ and therefore unto me as their original all must be brought back. 2. From me, as from a living fountain, the small and the great, the poor and the 1 Ecclus. i. [5.] rich, do draw the water of life ;i and they that willingly and freely serve me shall re- ceive grace for grace. But he who desires to gloiy in things out of me,^ or to take pleasure in some private good, shall not be grounded in trae joy, nor be enlarged in his heart, but shall many ways be encum- bered and straitened. Thou oughtest therefore to ascribe nothing of good to thyself, nor do thou attnbute goodness unto any man ; but give all unto God, without whom man hath nothing. I have given thee all,^ and my will is to have thee all again ; and with great strict- ness do I exact from thee u return of thanks. 1 John iv. [14.] 2 i Cor. i. [29.] 3 I Cor. iv. [6.] 3- This is the truth where- by vain-gloiy i:> put to flight. And if heavenly grace en- ter in and true charity, there will be no envy nor narrow- ness of heart, neither will self-love busy itself. For divine charity over- cometh all things, and en- largeth all the powers of the soul. If thou rightly judge, thou wait rejoice in me alone, in me alone thou wilt hope ; for none is good save God alone, ^ who is to be praised above all things, and in all to be blessed. 1 Matt. xix. [17.] ; Luke xviii. [12.] Chapter X That to despise the Worhi and se?'ve God, is sweet NOW I will speak again, O Lord, and will not be silent ; I will say in the ears of my God, my Lord, and my King, who is on high : '* O how great is the abundance of thy goodness, O Lord, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee."^ But what art thou to those who love thee? what to those who serve thee with their whole heart ? Truly unspeakable is the sweetness of contemplating thee, which thou bestowest on them that love thee. In this especially thou hast shewed me the sweetness of thy love : that when I was 1 Ps.ilin xxxi. [19] not, thou madest me ; when I went far astray from thee, thou broughtest me back again, that I might serve thee ; and that thou hast commanded me to love thee.^ 2. O fountain of love un- ceasing, what shall I say concerning thee ? How can I forget thee, who hast vouchsafed to re- member me, even after I had wasted away and perished ? Thou hast shewed mercy to thy servant beyond all expectation : and hast ex- hibited favour and loving- kindness beyond all desert. What return shall I make 1 Gen. i. [27.] ; Psalm cxix. [73.] ; Matt. XV. ©C tf)e Sbjtctncss of (Goti's 5rrb ice 07 to thee for this grace ?^ For it is not granted to all to for- sake all, to renounce the world, and to undertake a life of religious retirement. Is it any great thing that I should serve thee,^ whom the whole creation is bound to serve ? It ought not to seem much to me, to serve thee : but rather this doth appear much to me, and wonderful ; that i thou vouchsafest to receive into thy service one so poor ' and unworthy, and to make ! him one with thy beloved j servants, 3. Behold, all things are , thine which I have, and 1 whereby I serve thee.-^ | And yet contrariwise, thou rather servest me than I thee. Behold, heaven and earth which Thou hast created for the service of man, are ready at hand, and do daily per- form whatever thou hast commanded. And this is little : Thou hast moreover also appointed angels to minister to man.^ But that which excelleth all is this, that thou thyself hast vouchsafed to serve man, 1 Psalm cxvi. fi.] 2 Judges xvi. [15.] 3 I Cor. iv. [7.] 4 Psalm xcL [11.]; Heb. i. [14.I and hast promised that thou wouldst give thyself unto him. 4. Wliat shall I give thee for all these thousands of benefits ? I would I could serve thee all the days of my life. I would I were able, at least for one day, to do thee some worthy service. Truly thou art worthy of all service, of all honour, antl everlasting praise. Truly thou art my Lord, and I thy poor servant, who am bound to serve thee with all my might, neither ought I ever to be weary of prais- ing thee. And this I wish to do, this I desire : and whatsoever is wanting unto me, do thou, I beseech thee, vouchsafe to supply. 5. It is a great honour, and a great glory, to serve thee, and to despise all things for thee. For great grace shall be given to those who shall have willingly subjected them- selves to thy most holy service. They who for thy love shall have renounced all car- nal delights, shall find the sweetest consolations of the Holy Ghost. 1 They shall attain great 1 Matt. xix. [29.] 88 ©f tnoticrating tl;c Scsircs of our f^rarts freedom of mind, who for thy Name's sake enter into the narrow way/ and have left off all worldly care. 6. O sweet and delightful service of God,^ by which a man is made truly free and holy ! O sacred state of religious 1 Matt. vil. [14.] 2 Malt. xi. [30.] ; i John v. [3.] service, which makes a man equal to the angels, pleasing to God, terrible to devils, and worthy to be commended of all the faithful ! O welcome ser\'ice and ever to be desired, in which we are rewarded with the Greatest Good, and attain to joy which shall endlessly re- main with us ! Chapter XI That the Longings and Desires of our Hearts are to be exa?nined and moderated MY son, thou must still learn many things, which thou hast not yet well learned. What are these, O Lord? That thou frame thy de- sires^ wholly according to my good pleasure ; and that thou be not a lover of thy- self, but an earnest follower of my will. Various longings and de- sires oftentimes inflame thee, and drive thee forwards with vehemence : but do thou con- sider whether thou be not 1 Psalin cviii. [i.] ; Matt. vi. [10.] moved rather for thine own advantage, than for my hon- our. If I be the cause, thou wilt be well content how- soever I shall ordain ; but if there lurk in thee any self- seeking,^ behold, this it is that hindereth thee and weighcth thee down. 2. Beware therefore thou lean not too much upon any desire, conceived without asking my counsel, lest per- haps afterwards it repent thee, or thou be displeased with that which at first pleased thee, and which 1 Phil. ii. [21.] thou desiredst earnestly, as the best. For not every affection which seems good is imme- diately to be followed ; nor on the other hand is every contrary affection at the first to be avoided. It is sometimes expedient to use a restraint even in good desires and endeavours, lest through unseasonable effort thou incur distraction of mind ; lest by thy want of self-government thou beget a scandal unto others ; or again, being by others thwarted and resisted, thou become sud- denly confounded, and so fall. 3. Sometimes however thou must use violence,^ and resist manfully thine appe- tite, not regarding what the flesh would or would not ;- but rather taking pains that even perforce it may be made subject to the Spirit, ^ And so long ought it to be chastened and to be forced to remain under sei-vitude, until it be prepared for every thing, and learn to be con- tent with a little, and to be pleased with plain and simple things, and not to murmur against any inconvenience. 1 Phil. ii. [II.] 2 Rom. viii. [1-13.]; 2 Cor. iv. [10.] : X. [3.] 3 I Cor. i.v. [27.] Chapter XII Of the growth of Patience in the Soul, and of striving against Concupiscence OLORD my God pa- tience is very neces- sary for me,^ for I perceive that many things in this life do fall out as we would not. For whatsoever plans I shall devise for my own peace, my life cannot be without war and affliction.^ 1 Heb. X. [36.] 2 Job vii. [i.] It is so, my son. But my will is, that thou seek not that peace which is void of temp- tations, or which suffereth nothing contrary : but rather think that thou hast found peace, when thou art exercised with sundry tribulations,^ and tried in many adversities. 1 James i. [2.] 2. If thou say, that thou art not able to sufifer much, how then wilt thou endure the fire hereafter? Of two evils the less is alway to be chosen. That thou mayest therefore avoid the everlasting punishment that is to come, endeavour to endure present evils pa- tiently for God's sake. Dost thou think that the men of this world sufifer nothing or but as little ? Ask even of those who live most at ease, and thou shalt find it otherwise. But thou wilt say, they have many delights, and follow their own wills, and therefore they do not much weigh their own afflic- tions. Be it so, that they have whatsoever they will ; but how long dost thou think that it will last ? 3. Behold, the wealthy of this world shall consume away like smoke, ^ and there shall be no memory of their past joys ! Yea, even while they are yet alive, they do not rest in them without bitterness, and weariness, and fear. For from the self- same thing in which they delight 1 Psalm l.xviii, [2,] they oftentimes receive the penalty of sorrow. And it is but just that having inordinately sought and followed after pleasures, they should enjoy them not without shame and bitter- ness. 4. O how brief, how false, how inordinate and base, are all those pleasures. Yet so drunken and blind are men, that they under- stand it not ; but like dumb beasts, for the poor enjoy- ment of a corruptible life, they incur the death of the soul. Thou therefore, my son, **go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine appetites. "1 "Delight thy- self in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. "2 5. For if thou desire true delight, and to be more plentifully comforted by me ; I behold, in the contempt of all worldly things, and in the cutting off all base delights, shall be thy blessing, and abundant comfort shall be given thee. And the more thou with- draw thyself from all solace of creatures, so much the 1 Ecclus. xviii. [30.] 2 Psalm x.xxvii. I4.J sweeter and more powerful consolations shalt thou find in me. But at the first, thou shalt not without some sadness, nor without a laborious con- flict, attain unto them. Old inbred habit will, for a time, resist, but by a better way it shall be entirely over- come. The flesh will murmur against thee ; but with fer- vency of spirit thou shalt bridle it. The old servant will tempt and trouble thee, but by prayer he shall be put to flight. Moreover also, by useful work thou shalt great- ly stop the way against him. Chapter XIII Of humble Obedience after the Example of Jesus Christ MY son, he that endea- voureth to withdraw himself from obedience, with- draweth himself from grace : and he who seeketh for him- self private benefits,^ loseth those which are common. He that doth not cheer- fully and freely svibmit him- self to his superior, showeth that his flesh is not as yet perfectly brought into sub- jection, but oftentimes strug- gleth and murmureth against him. Learn thou therefore quick- ly to submit thyself to thy superior, if thou desire to 1 Matt. xvi. [24.] keep thine own flesh under the yoke. For more speedily is the outward enemy overcome, if the inward man be not in disorder. There is no worse enemy, nor one more troublesome to the soul, than thou art unto thyself, if thou be not in harmony with the Spirit. It is altogether necessary that thou conceive a true contempt for thyself, if thou desire to prevail against flesh and blood. 2. Because thou still lovest thyself inordinately, thou art 92 (Df rntire Sclf^^basftncnt afraid to resign thyself wholly to the will of others. And yet, what great mat- ter is it,^ if thou, who art but dust and nothing, subject thyself to a man for God's sake, when T, the Almighty and the Most Highest, who created all things of nothing, humbly subjected myself to man for thy sake ? I became of all men the most humble and the most abject, that thou mightest overcome thy pride with my humility. O dust, learn to be obe- dient. Learn to humble thyself, thou earth and clay, and to bow thyself down under the feet of all men. Learn to break thine own will, and to yield thyself to all subjection. 1 Luke ii. [7.] ; John xiii. [14.] 3. Be zealous against thy- self, and suffer no pride to dwell in thee : but shew thy- self so humble and so lowly, that all may be able to walk over thee, and to tread thee down as the mire of the streets. Vain man, what hast thou to complain of? What canst thou answer, vile sinner, to them that up- braid thee, thou who hast so often offended God, and hast so many times deserved hell ? But mine eye spared thee, because thy soul was pre- cious in my sight ; that thou mightest know my love, and ever be thankful for my benefits ; Also that thou mightest continually give thyself to tnie subjection and humility, and endure patiently to be despised. Chapter XIV Of C07isidering the Secret Judgments of God, that so 7ve he 7iot lifted up for anything good in us T stand astonished ; and I consider "That the heavens are not pure in thy siglit."^ If in angels tliou didst find wickedness,- and didst not 1 Job .XV. [15.] ajobiv. [18.J THOU, O Lord, thun- derest forth thy judg- ments over me, thou shakest all my bones with fear and trcmbHng, and my soul is vci-v sore afraid. ©f entire =Sclf='Ebascmrttt 93 spare even them, what shall become of me ? Even stars fell from hea- ven, ^ what then can I pre- sume who am but dust ? They whose works seemed commendable, have fallen in- to the lowest misery ; and those who did eat the bread of angels, 2 I have seen de- lighting themselves with the husks of swine. 2. There is therefore no holiness, if thou, O Lord, withdraw thine hand. No wisdom availeth, if thou cease to guide. No courage helpeth, if thou leave off to defend. No chastity is secure, if thou do not protect it. No vigilance of our own availeth, if thy sacred watch- fulness be not present with us. For, if we be left of thee, we sink and perish ; but be- ing visited of thee, we are raised up and live. Truly we are inconstant, but by thee we are estab- lished : we wax lukewarm, but by thee we are inflamed. 3. O how humbly and meanly ought I to think of myself ! how ought I to es- teem it as nothing, if I seem to have any good in me ! 1 Rev. vili. [10.] 2 Psalm Ixxviii. [25.] With what profound humi- lity ought I to submit myself to thine unfathomable judg- ments, O Lord ; where I find myself to be nothing else than nothing, and very nothing ! O weight that cannot be measured ! O sea that cannot be passed over, where I dis- cover nothing of myself save only and wholly nothing ! Where then can gloiying hide itself? where can be trust in mine own virtue ? All vain-glorying is swal- lowed up in the deep of thy judgments over me. 4. What is all flesh in thy sight ? Shall the clay boast against Him that formed it ? How can he be lifted up with vain words, whose heart is truly subject to God ?^ Not all the world will make him proud, whom the Truth hath subjected unto itself: neither shall he, who hath firmly settled his whole hope in God, be moved by the tongues of all his flatterers. For even they themselves who speak, behold, they all are nothing, for they will pass away with the sound of their words ; but the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever. ^ 1 Is.-iiah xxix. [t6.] ; Ecclus. xxiii. [4, 5.] 2 Psalm c.wii. [2.] 94 ©f entire ISlcsiflnation Chapter XV /;/ everything 7vhich we desire ^ how lue ought to feel, and what we ought to say MY son, say thou thus in every thing ; Lord, if this be pleasing unto thee, so let it be.^ *' Lord, if it be to thy honour, in thy Name let this be done. *' Lord, if thou see it to be expedient, and know it to be profitable for me, then grant unto me that I may use this to thine honour. "But if thou know it will be hurtful unto me, and no profit to the health of my soul, take away the desire from me." For not every desire pro- ceedeth from the Holy Spirit, even though it seem unto a man right and good. It is difficult to judge truly ■whether a good spirit or the contrary be urging thee to desire this or that ; or whe- ther by thine own spirit thou be moved thereunto. Many have been deceived in the end, who at the first seemed to be led by a good spirit. J James iii. 2. Therefore whatsoever seemeth to be desirable, must always be desired and prayed for in the fear of God and with humility of heart ; and chiefly thou must commit the whole matter to me with special resignation of thyself, and thou must say, "O Lord, thou knowest what is best for us, let this or that be done, as thou pleasest. " Give what thou wilt, and how much thou wilt, and when thou wilt. " Deal with me as thou thinkest good, and as best pleaseth thee, and is most for thy honour. '* Set me where thou wilt, and deal with me in all things just as thou wilt. " I am in thy hand : turn me round, and turn me back again, as thou shall please. "Behold, I am thy ser- vant, prepared for all things ; for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto thee ; and (Bi true Comfort 95 O that I could do it worthily and perfectly !" A Prayer that the xvill of God may be fttljilled. 3. O MOST merciful Jesus, grant to me thy grace, that it may be with me, and work with me,^ and continue with me even to the end. Grant that I may always desire and will that which is to thee most acceptable, and most dear. Let thy will be mine, and let my will ever follow thine, and agree perfectly with it. Let my will be all one with thine, and let me not be able to will, or anything to forego, 1 Wisd. i.x. [10.] but what thou wiliest or dost not will. 4. Grant that I may die to all things that are in the world, and for thy sake may love to be contemned, and not be known in this genera- tion. Grant to me above all things that I can desire, to desire to rest in thee, and in thee to have my heart at peace. Thou art the true peace of the heart : thou art its only rest ; out of thee all things are full of trouble and unrest. In this peace, that is, in thee, the one chiefest eternal Good, I will lay me down and sleep. ^ A men. 1 Psalm iv. [8.] Chapter XVI That true Comfort is to be sought in God alone WHA rSOEVER I can desire or imagine for my comfort, I look for it not here but hereafter. For if I alone should pos- sess all the comforts of the world, and might enjoy all the delights thereof,^ it is 1 Matt. xvi. [26.] certain that they could not long endure. Wherefore, O my soul, thou canst not be fully com- forted,^ nor have perfect refreshment, except in God, the comforter of the poor, and the helper of the humble. 1 Psalm Ixxvii. [i, r.] 96 ©f true Comfort Wait a little while, O my soul, wait for the divine promise, and tliou shalt have abundance of all good things in heaven. If thou desire beyond measure the things that are present, thou shalt lose those which are heavenly and eter- nal. Use temporal things, and desire eternal. Thou canst not be satisfied by any temporal goods, be- cause thou art not created to enjoy them. 2. Although thou shouldst possess all created good, yet couldst thou not be happy thereby nor blessed ; but in God, who created all things, consisteth thy whole blessed- ness and felicity.^ Not such happiness as is seen and commended by the foolish lovers of the world, but such as the good and faithful servants of Christ 1 Wisd. ii. [23.] wait for, and of which the spiritual and pure in heart, whose conversation is in heaven, 1 sometimes have a foretaste. Vain and brief is all human consolation. Blessed and true is the consolation which is received inwardly from the truth. A devout man beareth every where about with him his own comforter Jesus, and saith unto Him, "Be Thou present with me, O Lord Jesu, in every time and place. " Let this be my comfort, to be willing to lack all human comfort. " And if thy comfort be wanting, let thy will and just proving of me be unto me as the greatest comfort ; for thou wilt not always be angry, neither wilt thou chide for ever."^ 1 Phil. iii. [20.] 2 Psalm ciii. [9.] ©f restmcj all our Care on Go^ 97 Chapter XVII That all our Anxieties are to he rested on God MY son, suffer me to do with thee what I please. I know what is ex- pedient for thee. Thou thinkest as man ; thou judgest in many things as human affection persuad- eth thee. O Lord, what thou sayest is true. Thy care for me is greater^ than all the care that 1 can take for myself. For he standeth but very unsafely, who casteth not all his care upon thee. O Lord, if only my will may remain right and firm towards thee, do with me whatsoever it shall please thee. For it cannot be any thing but good, whatsoever thou shalt do with me. 2. If it be thy will that I should be in darkness, be thou blessed ; and if it be thy will that I should be in light, be thou again blessed. If thou vouchsafe to comfort me, be thou blessed : and if 1 Matt. vi. [30.] ; John vi. thou wilt have me afflicted, be thou blessed also. My son, such as this ought to be thy state, if thou desire to walk with me. Thou oughtest to be as ready to suffer as to rejoice. Thou oughtest as cheer- fully to be destitute and poor, as to be full and rich. 3. O Lord, for thy sake, I will cheerfully suffer^ what- soever shall come on me with thy pemiission. From thy hand I am will- ing to receive indifferently good and evil, sweet and bitter, joy and sorrow ; and for all that befalleth me I will be thankful. Keep me safe from all sin, and I shall fear neither death ^ nor hell. vSo thou do not cast me from thee for ever, nor blot me out of the book of life, what tribulation soever be- falleth me shall not hurt me. 1 Jobii. Fio.] 2 Psalm xxiii. [4.] 98 ©f patience after (C})x\sVs (JHiampIe Chapter XVIII T/mf temporal Sufferings must be borne patiently, after t/ie Example of Christ MY son, I descended from heaven^ for thy salvation ; I took upon me thy sorrows,^ not necessity but love drawing me thereto ; that thou thyself mightest learn patience, and bear tem- poral sufferings without re- pinitig. For from the hour of my birth, 3 even until my death on the cross, I was not without suffering of grief I suffered great want of things temporal ; I often heard many murmurings against me ; I endured pa- tiently disgraces and re- vilings ; in return for benefits I received ingratitude ; for miracles, blasphemies ; for heavenly doctrine, reproofs. 2. O Lord, for that thou wert patient in thy lifetime, herein especially fulfilling the commandment of thy 1 Johniii. [13-1 2 Isaiah Hii. [4.] 3 Luke ii. f7] Father ;^ it is reason that I, a most miserable sinner, should bear myself patiently according to thy will, and for my soul's welfare endure the burden of this cormptible life as long as thou thyself shalt clioose. For although this present life be burdensome, yet not- withstanding it is now by thy grace made ver>' gainful ; and, by thine example and the footsteps of thy saints, more bright and clear, and endurable to the weak. It is also, much more full of consolation than it was formerly under the old law, when the gate of heaven re- mained shut ; and the way also to heaven seemed more dark, when so few cared to seek after the kingdom of heaven. 2 Moreover also, they who then were just and such as should be saved, could not 1 John V. [30] 2 Matt. vii. [14.] (Bt true patience iintifr Mlrongs enter into the heavenly king- dom, before the accomplish- ment of thy Passion, and the payment of the debt of thy holy death. 3. O how great thanks am I bound to render unto thee, that thou hast vouchsafed to shew unto me and to all faith- ful people the good and the right way to thine eternal kingdom. For thy life is our way, and by the path of holy patience we walk toward thee, who art our Crown. If thou hadst not gone before us and taught us, who would have cared to follow ! Alas, how many would re- main behind and afar off, if they considered not thy glo- rious example ! Behold, we are even yet lukewarm, though we have heard of so many of thy mi- racles and doctrines. What would become of us, if we had not so great light^ where- by to follow thee ! 1 John xii. [46.] Chapter XIX Of the endwaiice of Injuries, and of the proof of true Patience WHAT is it thou sayest, my son? Cease to complain, when thou con- siderest my Passion, and the sufferings of my other saints. Thou hast not yet resisted unto blood. ^ It is but little which thou sufferest, in comparison of those who suffered so much, who were so strongly tempted, so grievously afflicted, so 1 Heb. xii. [4.] many ways tried and exer- cised.^ Thou oughtest therefore to call to mind the more heavy sufferings of others, that so thou mayest the more easily bear thine own very small troubles. And if they seem unto thee not very small, then beware lest thine impatience be the cause thereof. However, whether they be 1 Heb. xi. [37.] small or whether they be great, endeavour patiently to undergo them all. 2. The better thou dis- posest thyself to suffering, the more wisely thou doest, and the greater reward shalt thou receive. Thou shalt also more easily endure it, if both in mind and by habit thou art diligently prepared thereunto. Do not say, " I cannot endure to suffer these things at the hands of such an one, nor ought I to endure things of this sort ; for he hath done megreat wrong, and reproach- eth me with things which I never thought of; but of another I will willingly suffer, that is, if they are things which I shall see I ouglit to suffer." Such a thought is foolish ; it considereth not the virtue of patience, nor by whom it will be to be crowned ; but rather, weigheth too exactly the persons, and the injuries offered to itself. 3. He is not truly patient, who is willing to suffer only so much as he thinks good, and from whom he pleases. But the truly patient man minds not by whom he is exercised, whether by his su- periors, by one of his equals, or by an inferior ; whether by a good and holy man, or by one that is perverse and unworthy. But indifferently from every creature, how much soever, or how often soever anything adverse befall him, he takes it all thankfully as from the. hands of God, and esteems it gi'eat gain : For with God it is impos- sible that any thing, how small soever, if only it be suffered for God's sake, should pass without its reward. 4. Be thou therefore pre. pared for the fight, if thou wilt win the victory. Without a combat thou canst not attain unto the crown of patience.^ If thou art unwilling to suffer, thou refusest to be crowned. But if thou desire to be crowned, fight manfully, endure patiently. Without labour there is no rest, nor without fighting can the victory be won. O Lord, let that become possible to me by thy grace, which by nature seems im- possible to me. Thou knowest that I am able to suffer but little, and that I am quickly cast down, 1 2 Tim. ii. I3-5.] ©f fjuman JInfirmitg anti fHfscrg when a slight adversity ariseth. For thy Name's sake, let every exercise of tribulation be made pleasant unto me ; for to suffer and to be troubled for thy sake, is very whole- some for mv soul. Chapter XX Of the Acknowledging of our own Infirmities ; arid of the Sufferings of this Life I WILL acknowledge ray sin unto thee ;^ I will confess mine infirmity unto thee, O Lord. Oftentimes a small matter it is that makes me sad and dejected, I resolve to act with courage, but when even a small temptation comes, I am at once in a great strait. It is sometimes a very trifle, whence a great temp- tation arises. And whilst I think myself safe, and when I least expect it, I sometimes find myself overcome by all but a slight breath. 2. Behold therefore, O Lord, my low estate,^ and my frailty which is in eveiy way known unto thee. Have mercy on me, and 1 Psalm xxxii. [5.] 2 Psalm XXV. [18.] deliver me out of the mire, that I may not stick fast therein,^ and may not remain utterly cast do\\-n for ever. This is that which often- times strikes me down, and confounds me in thy sight, that I am so subject to fall, and so weak in resisting my passions. And although I do not altogether consent, yet their continued assaults are trouble- some and grievous unto me ; and it is veiy exceedingly irksome to live thus daily in conflict. Hereby doth my weakness become known unto me, in that hateful fancies do always much more easily invade than ibrsake me. 3. Most mighty God of Israel, thou zealous lover of faithful souls ! O that thou 1 Psalm l.xix. [14.] I02 (Bi fjuman linfirmitg antJ fHiserg wouldst consider the labour and sorrow of thy servant, and assist him in all things whatsoever he undertaketh. Strengthen me with hea- venly courage, lest the old man, the miserable flesh, not as yet fully subject to the spirit, prevail and get the upper hand. Against this it will be needful for me to fight, as long as I breathe in this miserable life. Alas, what a life is this, where tribulation and miseries are never wanting ; where all is full of snares, and enemies ! For when one tribulation or temptation goeth, another Cometh ; yea and while the first conflict is yet lasting, many others come unexpected one after another. 4. And how can a life be loved that hath so many em- bitterments, and is subject to so many calamities and miseries ? How too can it be called a life, that begetteth so many deaths and plagues? And yet it is the object of men's love, and its delights are sought of many. The world is oftentimes blamed for being deceitful and vain, and yet men do not easily part with it, because the desires of the flesh bear so great a sway. But some things draw us to love the world, others to contemn it. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,^ do draw us to the love of the world ; but the pains and miseries, that justly follow them, cause a hatred of the world and a loathing thereof. 5. But alas, the fondness for vicious pleasures over- cometh the mind of him who is given to the world ; and he esteemeth it a delight to be ever under thorns,^ because he hath neither seen nor tasted the sweetness of God, and the inward pleasantness of virtue. But they who perfectly con- temn the world, and study to live to God under holy disci- pline, these are not ignorant of the divine sweetness pro- mised to those who truly for- sake the world. They also very clearly see how grievous- ly the world erreth, and how it is in many ways deceived. 1 I John ii. [16.] 2 Job XXX. [7.]