FOLLOWING OF CHRIST, IN FOUR BOOKS, Translated from the Original Latin of BY THE RT. REV. AND VENr RICHARD CHALLONER, D.D. V.A, FIFTEENTH EDITION, -^ 1 ^- LONDON : PRINTED BY KEATING, BROWN AND CO. 38, Duke-Street, Grosvenor-square. 1819. ^"^^^Wyy^ y^ \ -'x ^^efCAist^ FOLLOWING of CHRIST. BOOK I. Chap. I. — Of following Christ, and it- spising all the vanities of the zoorld. 1. TJE that folloueth me, zoalket'k n^ I-^ in darkness, saith our Lord, John vii'i. 12. These are the words of Christ, by which we are admonished that we must imitate his life and manr- ners, if we would be truly enlightened, and delivered from all blindness of heart. Let it then be our chief study to me- ditate on the life of Jesus Christ. 2. The doctrine of Christ surpass- eth all the doctrines of the saints: and whosoever hath the Spirit, will find therein a hidden manna. But it happeneth that many, by fre- AS quent hearing the gospel, are very little affected: because they have not the Spirit of Christ. But he who would fully and feel- ingly understand the words of Christ: must study to make his whole life con- formable to that of Christ. 3. What doth it avail thee, to dis- course profoundly of the Trinity : if thou be void of humility, and conse- quently displeasing to the Trinity ? In truth, sublime words make not a man holy and just : but a virtuous life maketh him dear to God. I had rather feel compunction, than know its defiuition. If thou didst know the whole bible by heart, and the sayings of all the philosophers : what would it all profit thee, without the love of God and his grace ? Vanitij of vanities, (md all is vanitii, besides loving God, and serving him alone. This is the highest wisdom : by de- spising the world, to tend to heavenly kingdoms. 4. It is vanity therefore to seek after CHAP. 1. 5 riches which must perish, and to trust in them. It is vanity also to be ambitious of honours, and to raise one's self to a high station It is vanity to follow tlie lusts of the flesh : and to desire that tor which thou must afterwards be grievously punished. It is vanity to wish for a long life : and to take little tare of leading a good life. It is vanity to mind only this pre- sent life, aiid not to look forward into those things which are to come. It is vanity to love that which pass- eth with all speed : and not to hasten thither where everlastingjoy remains. 5. Often rememher tnat proverb: 2'he eye in not satisfied with seeing^ nor is the ear fitted icith htaring. £cci. i. 8. Study theretore to withdraw thy heart Irom the love of visible things, and to turn thy sell to things invisible; For they that follow their sensnahty, defile their conscience, and l- out whom he finds he can do no good. Then also he latnents ; he sighs, an4 prays by reason of the miseries which he suffers. Then he is weary of living longer: and wishes death to come that he may ■be dissolved and be with Christ, 28 BOOK I. Then also he well perceives that per- fect security and full peace cannot be found in this world. Chap. XIII. — Of resisting temptation, 1. AS long as we live in this v^'orld, jnL we cannot be without tribula- tion and temptation. Hence it is written in Job : Man''s life upon earth is a temptation. Therefore otight every one to be soli* citous about his temptations, and to watch in prayer; lest the devil, (who never sleeps, but goes about seeking whom he may devour,) find room to de- ceive him. No man is so perfect and holy as not to have sometimes temptations : and we cannot be wholly without them. 2. Temptations are often very pro- fitable to a man, although they be troublesome and grievous : for in them a man is humbled, purified, and in- structed. AH the saints have passed through many tribulations and temptations, and CHAP. xiir. 29 have profited by them : and they who could not support temptations^ have become reproljates, and tell off. There is not any order so holy, nor place so retired, where there are not temptations and adversities. 3, A man is never entirely secure from temptations as long as he lives : because we have within us the source of temptations, having been born in concu])iscence. When one temptation or tril>ulation is over, another comes on : and we shall iiave always something to suffer, because we have lost the good of our original happiness. Many seek to fly temptations, and fall mure grievously into them. By flight alone we cannot over- come : but by patience and true hu-* mility we are made stronger than all our enemies. 4. He that only declines them out- v»'ardly, and does not pluck out the root, will profit little; nay, tempta* tions will sooner return to lum, an«-l he will find himself in a worse coii- dition. 30 BOOK I, By degrees, and by patience, with longanimity, thou slialt, by Goil's grace, better overcome ihem, than by harsli- Xiess and thine own importunity. In temptation, otten take counsel, and deal not rougiily with one that is tempted: but comtort him, as thou would5>t wisii to be done lo iliyselt". 5. Inconstancy ot" mind, and small confidence in God, is tlie beginning of all temptations. For as a sliip without a rudder is tos- sed to and tro by the waves : so the man who is r-'iniss, and who quits his resolution, is many ways tempted. fire tries iron, and temptation tries a just man. We often know not what -tve can do: but temptation discovers what we are. 6. However, we must be watchful, especially in liie beginning of tempta- tion : because ihcu the enemy is easier overcome, when he is not suliercd to come in at the door of the soul, but is kept out and resisted at ins lirst knocic. Whence a certain man said: With' CHAP. XIII. 31 Stand the beginningy (ifter-remedies come too late. For first a bare thought comes to the mind, then a strong imagination ; afterwards delight, and evil motion and consent. And thus, by little and little, the wicked enemy gets full entrance, when he is not resisted in the beginning. And how much the longer a man is neghgent in resisting: so much the weaker does he daily become in him- self, and the enemy becomes stronger igainst him. 7. Some suffer great temptations in the beginning of their conversion, and some in the end. And some there are who are much troubled in a manner all their life time. Some are but lightly tempted, accord- ing to the Wisdom and equity of the or- dinance of God, who weighs the state and merits of men, and pre-ordains all for the salvation ot his elect. 8. We must not therefore despair when we are tempted, but pray to God with so nnicli the more fervour, that he may vouchsafe to help us in ail tribu' 3^ BOOK I. laiions: who, no doubt, according to the - saying of St. Paul, will make such esswc ■with the temptation, that we may be able to sustain it. 1 Cor. x. Let us therefore humble our souls, under the hand of God in all temptati- ons and tribulations : for the humble in spirit he will save and exalt. 9. In temptations and tribulations, a man is proved what progress he has made: and in them there is greater me- rit, and his virtue appears more conspi- cuous. Nor is it much if a man be devout and fervent when he feels no trouble: but if in the time of adversity he bears up with patience, there will be hope of a great advancement. Some lire preserved from great temp- tations, and are often overcome in dai- ly little ones: thatbein^ humbled, they may never presume ot themselves in great things, who are weak in such small occurrences. 38 Chap, XIV. — Of avoiding rash judg" ment. 1. nnURN thy eyes back upon thy- X self, and see thou judge not the doings of others. In judging others a man labours in vain, often errs, and easily sins; but in judging and looking into himself, he al- ways labours with fruit. We frequently judge of a thing ac- cording as we have it at heart: for we easily love true judgment through pri- vate affection. If God were always the only object of our desire, we should not so easily be disturbed at the resistance of our opinions. 2. But there is often something lies hid within, or occurs from vvithout, which draws us along with it. Many secretly seek themselves in what they do, and are not sensible of it. They seem also to continue in good peace, when things are done accordmg to their will and^judgment : but if it C 24 BOOK I. fall out contrary to their desires, tiie;;? are soon moved and become sad. Difference of thoughts and opinions is too frequently the source of dissen- sions amongst friends and neighbours, amongst religious and devout persons. 3. An old custom is with difficulty relinquished: and no man is led wil- lingly farther than himself sees or- likes. If thou reliest more upon thine own reason or industry than upon the virtue that subjects to Jesus Christ, thou wilt seldom and hardly be an enlightened man : for God will have us perfectly subject to himself, and to transcend all reason by inflamed love. Chap. XV, — Ofuorks done out of charity. 1. TPVIL ought not to he done, l^j either for any thmg in the world, or for the love of any man : but for the profit of one that slauds in need, a good work is sometimes freely to be omitted, or rather to be changed iox a better. CHAP. XV. 35 For, by doing thus, a good work is not lost, but is changed into a bet- ter. Without charity, the outward work profiteth nothing: but whatever is done out of charity, be it ever so ht- tie and contemptible, all beeoraes fruit- Jful. For Go. He that has true and perfect cha- rity, seeks himself in no one thing: but desires only the glory of God in all things. He envies no man, because he loves C3 3G BOOK r. no private joy; nor does he desire to rejoice in himself: but above all good things, he wishes to be made happy in God. He attributes nothing of good in any man, but refers it totally to God, from whom all things proceed as from their fountain, in the enjoyment of whom all the saints repose as in their last end. Ah I if a man had but one spark of perfect charity, he would doubtless per- ceive that all earthly things are full of vanity. Chap. XVI. — 0/' beuying the defects of others. I. 'ITT'HAT a man cannot amend W in himself or others, he must bear with patience, till God ordains otherwise. Think, that it perhaps is better so for thy trial and patience : without which, our merits are little worth. . Thou must, nevertheless, under ^ncll impressions, earnestly pray that Gf)d may vouchsafe to help thee, CHAP. XV r. 37 and that thou ma^est bear theiu well. 2. If any one being once or twice admonisheil, does not comply, con- tend not with him : but commit all to God, that his will may be done, and he may be honoured in all his servants, who knows how to convert evil into good. Endeavour to be patient in support- ing others defects and infirmities of what kind so ever: because thou also hast many things which others must bear withal. If thou canst not make thyself such a one as thou wouldst : how canst thou expect to have another according to thy liking? We would willingly have others per- fect : and yet. we mend not, our own defects. 3. We would have others strictly corrected : but are not willing to be cor- rected ourselves. The large liberty of others displeases us: and yet we would not be denied any thing we ask for. C3 33 BOOK I. We are willing that otheis should be bound up by laws : and we suffer not ourselves by any means to be re- strained. Tims it is evident liow seldom we weigh our neighbour in the same ba- lance with ourselves. If all were perfect: what then should we have to suffer from others for God's sake? 4. But now God has so disposed things, that we may learn to bear one anotlier's burdens : for there is no man without defect; no man without his burden: no man sufficient for himself; no man wise enough for hhnself : but we must support one another, comfort one another, assist, instruct, and admo- nish one another. But how great each one's virtue is, best appears by occasion of adversity: for occasions do not make a man frail, but shew what he is. Chap. XVII. — Of a monastic Uft, 'T HOU must learn to renounce thy own will in many things, ckap. XVII. 39 if thou wilt keep peace and concord with others. It is no small matter to live in a mo- nastery, or in a congregation, and to converse therein without reproof, and to persevere faithful till death. Blessed is he who has there lived well, and made a happy end. If ihou wilt stand as thou oughtest, and make a due progress, look upon ■thyself as a banished man, and a stran- ger upon earth. Thou m*st be content to be made a ifool for Christ, if thou wilt lead a reli- gious life. 2. The habit and the tonsure con- tribute little; but a change of man- ners, and an entire mortification of the passions, make a true religious man. He that seeks here any other thing than purely God and the salvation of his soul, will find nothing but trouble and sorrow. Neither can he long remain in peace, who does not strive to be the least, and subject to all. 3. Thou earnest hither to serve, not C4 40 HOOK J. to govern : know that thou art called to suffer and to labour, not to be idle and talkative. Here then men are tried as gold in the furnace. Here no man can stand, unless he be ivillin^ with all his heart to humble himself for the love of God. Chap. XVlU.-^O/the example of the holy fathers. 1. "T OOK upon the lively examples jLJ of the holy fathers, in whom true perfection and religion was most shining, and thou wilt see how little, and almost nothing, that is which we do. Alas ! what is our life if compared to theirs? The saints and friends of Christ serv- ed the Lord in hunger and thirst; in cold and nakedness; in labour and wea- riness; in watchings and fastings; in prayers and holy meditations ; in per- secutions and many reproaches. 2. Ah ! how many and how grievous tribulations have the apostles, martyrs, confessors, virgins, and all the rest. CHAP. XVITI. 41 gone through, who have been willing to follow Christ's footsteps : for they hated their lives in this world, that they might possess them for eternity. <) ! how strict and mortified a life did the holy fathers lead in the desart ! How long and grievous temptations did they endure ! how often were they molested by the enemy! What fre- quent and tervent prayers did they of- fer to God ! What rigorous abstinence did they go through ! What great zeal and fervour had they for their spi- ritual progress ! How strong a war did they wage for overcoming vice ! How- pure and upright was their intention lo God! They laboured all the day, and in the nights, they gave themselves to long prayers : though even whilst they were at work, they ceased not from mental prayer. 3. They spent all their time profit- ably: every hour seemed short which they spent with God : and through the great sweetness of divine contempla- tion, they forgot even the necessity of their bodily refreshment. 42 - BOOK r. They renounced all riches, dignities, honours, friends, and kindred; they desired to have nothing of this wotld; they scarce allowed "themselves the necessaries of life: the serving the body even in necessity, was irksome to them. They were poor, therefore, as to earthly things : but very rich in grace and virtues. Outwardly they wanted, but inward- ly they were refreshed with divine graces and consolations. 4. They were strangers to the world : but neaj and familiar friends to God. They seemed to themselves as no- thing, and were despised by this world : but in the eyes of God they were very valuable and beloved. They stood in true humility, they lived in simple obedience, they walked in charity and patience: and therefore they daily advanced in spirit, and ob- tained great favour with God. They were given as an example for all religious: and ought more to ex- cite us to make good progress, than ciur. xvni. 45 the number of the lukewarm to grow slack. 5. O ! how great was the fervour of all religious in the beginning of their holy institution ! 6 ! how great was their devotion in prayer! how great their zeal for virtue ! How great discipline was in force amongst them ! How great reverence and obedience in all, flourished under the rule of a buperior! The footsteps remaining still bear witness that they were truly perfect and holy men : who waging war so Etoutly, trod the world un€tter for many not to be altogether free from temptations, but to be often assaulted ; that they may not be too secure : lest, perhaps, they be lifted up with pride, or take more liberty to go aside after exterior comforts. () ! how good a conscience woidd that man preserve, who would never seek after transitory joy, nor ever busy himself with the world. O ! how great peace and tranquillity would he possess, who would cut oif all vain solicitude, and only think of the things of God and his salvation, and place his whole hupe m God. 5. No man is worthy of Jieavenlv comfort who has not diligently exer- cised himself in holy compunction. If thou wouldst find compunction D2 52 eooK 1. in thy heart, retire into thy chamber, and shut out the tumults of the world, as it is written : Have compunction in your chambers. Ps. iv. Thou Shalt find in thy cell what thou shalt often lose abroad. Thy cell, if thou continue in it, grows sweet : but if thou keep not to it, it be- comes tedious and distasteful. If in the beginning of thy conver- sion thou accustom thyself to remain in thy ceil, and keep it well ; it will be to thee afterwards a dear friend, and a most agreeable delight. 6. In silence and quiet the devout soul goes forward, and learns the se- crets of the scriptures. There she finds floods of tears, with which she may wash and cleanse her- self every night : that she may become 80 much the more familiar with her Maker, by how much the farther she lives from all worldly tumult. For God with his holy angels will draw nir'-*^ tt him, who withdraws himself l"rom iiis acquaintance and friends. It is better to lie hid, and take care CHAP. XX. 53 of one's self, than neglecting one's self to work even miracles. It is commendable for a religious man, to go seldom abroad, to fiy being seen, and not to desire to see men. 7. Why v/ilt thou see what thou must not have ? The world passeth and its concuphcences. 1 John ii. The desires of sensuahty draw thee abroad : but when the hour is past, what dost thou bring home, but a weight upon thy conscience, and a dissipation of heart. A joyful going abroad often brings forth a sorrowful coming home-, and a merry evenini; makes a sad morning. So all carnal joy enters pleasantly ; but in the end brings remorse and death. What canst thou see elsewhere which thou seest not here ? Behold the heuven and the earth, and all the elements ; for of these are all things made. 8. What canst thou see any where which can continue long under th« sun.^ D3 54 BOOK r. Thou thinkest perhaps to be satis- fied, but thou canst not attaiu to it. If thou couldst see any thing at once before thee, what would it be but a vain sight ? Lift up ihine eyes to God on higli, and pray for thy sins and neghgences. Leave vain things to vain people : but muid thou the things which God has commanded thee. Simt thy doors upon thee, and call to thee Jesus thy beloved. Stay with him in thy cell, for thou shalt not find so great peace any where else. If thou hadst not gone abroad, and hearkened to rumours, thou hadst kept thyself l)etter in good peace: but since thou art delighted sometimes to hear news, thou must from thence suft'er a disturbance of heart. Chap. XXI. — Of compunction of heart, 1. I F thou wilt make any progress J. keep thyself in the fear of God, and be not too free, but restrain all CHAP. xxr. 55 thy senses under discipline, and give not thyself up to foolish mirth. Give thyself to compunction of heart, and thou shaltfind devotion. Compunction opens the way to much good, which dissolution is wont quick- ly to lose. It is wonderful that any man can heartily rejoice in this life, who weighs and considers his hanishment, and the many dangers of his soul. 2. Through levity of heart, and the little thought we have of our defects, we feel not the sorrows of our soul: but often vainly laughj when in all reason we ought to weep. There is no true liberty, nor good joy, but in the fear of God with a good conscience. Happy is he who can cast away all impediments of distractions, and recol- lect himself to the union of holy com- munion. Happy is he who separates himself from all that may burthen or defile his conscience. Strive manfully : custom is overcome by custom. D4 56 BOOK r. If thou canst let men alone, they will let thee do what thou hast to do. 3, Busy not thyself wiih other men's affairs, nor entangle thyself with the causes of great ones. Have always an eye upon thyself in the first place : and take special care to admonish thyself preferably to all thy dearest friends. If thou hast not the favour of men, be not grieved thereat: but lei thy concern be, that thou dost not carry thyself so well and so circumspectly as it becomes a servant of God, and a devout religious man to demean him- self. It is oftentimes more profitable and more secure for a man not to have ma- ny comforts in this life ; especially ac- cording to the flesh. Yet, that we have not divine com- forts, or seldom experience them, is our own faults : because we do. not seek compunction of heart, nor cast off altogether vain and outward satis- factions. 4. Acknowledge thyself unworthy CHAP. xxr. 6T ©f divine coBsolation, and rather wor- thy of much tribulation. When a man has perfect compunc- tion, then the whole world is to hina burdensome and distasteful. A gpod man always finds subject enough for mourning and weeping. For whether he considers himself, or thinks of his neighbour, he knows that no man lives here without tribulations; and the more thoroughly he consideys himself, the more he grieves. The subjects for just grief and inte- rior compunction are our vices and sins, in which -we Vie entangled in such manner, as seldom to be able to con- template heavenly things. 5. If thou wouldst oftener think of thy death, than of a long life, no doub£ but thou wouldst more fervently amend thyself. And if thou didst seriously consider in thy heart the future punishments of hell and purgatory, 1 beheve thou wouldst willingly endure labour and pain, and fear no kind of austerity. But because these things reach not the heart, and we still love the things 58 BQOK r. which flatter us, therefore we remaiil cold and very slugghsh. 6. It is oftentimes a want of spirit, which makes the wretched body so ea- sily complain. Pray therefore humbly to our Lord, that he may give thee the spirit of compunction: and say with the pro- phet : Fred me, Lord, with the food of' tears, and give me drink of' tears in measure. Chap. XXII. — Of the consideration of the misery of man. 1. 'TPHOU art miserable wherever X thou art, and which way so* ever thou turnest thyself^ unless thou turn tiiyself to Gud. Why art thou troubled because things do not succeed with thee ac- cording to thy will and desire ? Who is there that has all things ac- cording to his will.? Neither I, nor thou, nor any man upon earth. There is no man in the world with- CHAP. XXI r. 59 out some trouble or affliction, though he be a king or a pope Who is there that is most at ease ? doubtless he who is willing to suffer something for God's sake. 2. Many unstable and weak men are apt to say: behold how well such a one lives, iiow rich, how great, how mighty and powerful ! But attend to heavenly goods, and thou wilt see that all these temporal things are nothing, but very uncer- tain, and rather burdensome : because they are never possessed without care and fear. The happiness of a man consisteth not in having temporal Things in abun- dance, but a moderate competency sufficeth. It is truly a misery to live upon earth. The more a man desireth to be spi- ritual, the more this present life be- comes distasJ;eful to him : because he the better understands, and more clearly sees the defects of human cor- ruption. For/to eat, drink, watch, sleep, rest, labour, and to be subject to other ne- 60 ROOK r. eessities of nature, is truly a great mi- sery and affliction to a devout man, who desires to be released, and free from all sin. 3. For the inv:urd man is very much burdened with the necessities of the body in this world. And theref(jre the prophet devoutly prays to be freed from them, saying : From -Ml If necessities deliver me y O Lord, Ps. xxiv. But wo to them that know not their own misery, and more wo to them that love this miserable and cormpti- bte life. For some there are who love it to that degree, althougji they can scarce get necessaries by labouring or beg- ging, that if they could live ahvays- here, they would not care at alHor the kingdom of God. 4. O senseless people, and infidels in heart, who lie buried so deep in earthly things, as to relish nothing but the things of the flesh ! Miserable wretches I they will ia the end firul to their cost> how vile a nothing that was which they so rauch loved. CHAP. xxn. €1 But the saints of God, and all tlie devout friends of Christ, made no ac- count of what pleased the flesh, or flourished in this life ; but their whole hope and intentions aspired to eternai goods. Their whole desire tended upwards to things everlasting and invisible; for fear lest the love of visible things should draw them down to things be- low. Lose not, brother, thy confidence of going forward to spiritual things; there is yet time, the hour is not yet past. 6. Wliy v.'ilt thou put off thy resolu- tion from day to day ? Arise, and begin this very moment, and say : Now is the time for doing, and now is the time t<3 fight ; now is the proper time to amend my life. When thou art troubled and afflict- ed, then is the time to merit. Thou must pass through fire and water, before thou comest to refresh- ment. Unless thou do violence to thyself, thou wilt not oyercome vice. 62 BOOK r. As long as we carry about us this frail body, we cannot be without sin, lior live without uneasiness ancl sorrow. We would tain be at rest from all misery : but because we have lost inno- cence by sin, we have also lost true happiness. We must therefore have patience, and wait for the mercy of God, till ini- quity pass away, and this mortality be swallowed up by mimortal life. 6. O ! how great is human frailty, which is always prone to vice ! To-day thou confessest thy sins, and to-morrow thou again committest what thou liast contested ! Now thou resolvest to take care, and an hour after thou dost as itthouhadst never resolved. We have reason therefore to humble^ ourselves, and never to think much of ourselves, since we are so trail and in- constant. That may also quickly be lost through negligence, which with much labour and time was hardly gotten by grace. 7. What will become of us yet in CHAP. XXIII. 63 the end : who grow lukewarm so very soon ? Wo be to us if we are for giving our- selves to rest, as if we had already met with peace and security, when there does not appear any mark of true sanctity in our conversation. It would be very needful that we should yet again, like good novices, be instructed in all good behaviour : if so, perhaps there would be hopes of some future amendment, and greater spirit- ual progress. Chap. X^lU.-^Of ike thoughts of death. 1. X TERY quickly must thou be gone V ^r^ni hence : see then how matters stand with thee : a man is here to-day, and to-morrow he is va- nished. And when he is taken away from the- sight, he is quickly also out of mind. O ! the dulness and hardness of roan's heart, which only thinks on 64 BOOK I. wiiat is present, and looks not forwarct to things to come! Thou oughtest in every action and thought so to order thyself, as if thou wertimmediately to die. If thou hast a good conscience, thou wouldst not much fear death. It were better for thee to fly sin, than to be afraid of death. If thoii art not prepared to-day, how wilt thou be to-morrow f To-morrow is an uncertain day ; and how dost thou know that thou slialt be ahve to-morrow ? 2. What benefit is it to live long, when we advance so little? Ah! long lite does not always make '.IS better, but often adds to our guilt ! N^'ould to God we had behaved our- selves well in this world, even for one day ! Many count the years of their con- version ; but oftentimes the fruit of iimendmeut is but small. ff it be frightful to die, perhaps it will be more dangerous to live longer. Blessed is he that has always the CHAP. XXI ir. CS hour of his death before his eyes, and every day disposes himself to die. If Ihou hast at any time seen a man die, think that thou must also pass the same way. 3. In the morning, imagine thou sha4t not hve till night : and when evening comes, }>resume not to pro- mise thyself the next morning. Be therefore always prej^ared, and live in such a manner, that death may never find thee unprovided. Many die suddenly, and when they little think of it: For the Son of Man will come at the hour token he is not looked for. Matt. xxiv. When that last hour shall come, thou wilt begin to have quite other thoughts of thy whole past life : and thou wilt be exceedingly grieved that thou hast been so negli- gent and remiss. 4. How happy and prudent is he who strives to be such now in this life, as he desires to befound at his death. For it will give a man a great confi- dence of dying happily, if he has a per-, feet contempt of the world, a fervent desire of advancing in virtue, a love for E €6 BOOK I. discipline, the spirit of penance, a rea- dy obedience, self-denial, and patience in bearing all adversities for the love -of Christ. Thou mayest do many good things whilst thou art well : but when thou art sick, I know not what thou wilt be able to do. Few are improved by sickness ; they also that travel much abroad seldom become holy. 5. Trust not in thy friends and kins- folks, nor put off the welfare of thy sou' to hereafter: for men will sooner forget thee than thou imaginest. It is better now to provide in time and send some good before thee, than to trust to others helping thee after thy death. If thou art not nov/ careful for thy- self, who will be careful for thee here- after? The present time is very precious : JS^oiv are the days of salvation : now is an acceptable time. But it is greatly to be lamented, that thou dost not spend this time more profitably •• wherein thou mayest ac- CHAP, xxiir. 67 quire a stock on which thou mayest hve for ever ! The time will come, when thou wilt wish for one day or hour to amend : and I know not whe- ihcrthou wilt obtain it. 6. O my dearly beloved, from how great a danger mayest thou deliver thy- self: from how great a fear mayest thou be freed, if thou wilt but now be always fearful, and looking fur death ! Strive now so to live, that in the hour of thy death thou mayest rather rejoice than fear. Learn now to die to the world, that then thou mayest begin to live with Christ. Learn now to despise all things, that then thou mayest freely go to Christ. Chastise thy body now by penance, that thou mayest then have an assured confidence. 7. Ah! fool! v;hy dost thou think to live long, when thou art not sure of one day } How many thinking to live long, have been deceived, and unexpectedly have been snatched away. How often hast thou heard related, E2 eS . BOOK I. that such a one was slain by the sword ; another drowned ; another falling from on high, broke his neck : this man died at the table ; that other came to his end when he was at play. Some have perished by fire ; some by the sword; some by pestilence ; and some by robbers. Thus death is the end of all, and man's life passeth suddenly like a sha- dow. 8. Who will remember thee when thou art dead ; and who will pray for thee > Do now, beloved, do now all thou canst, because thou knowest not wheij thou shalt die : nor dust thou know what shall befal thee after death. Whilst thou hast time, heap up to thyself riches that will never die; think of nothing but thy salvation; care for nothing but the things of God. Make now to thyself friends, by ho- nouring the saints of God, and imitat- ing their actions ; that when thou shalt fail in this life, they may leceive thee, into everlasting dvellings. 9. Keep thyself a3 a'pilgrim, and a ciiAi^. xxrv. 69 stranger upon earth, to whom the af- fairs of this world do not in the least belong. Keep thy heart free, and raised up- wards to God ; because thou hast not here a lasting city. _ ^ Send thith'er tliy daily prayer, with sighs and tears ; that after death thy spirit may be worthy to pass happily to our Lord. Amen. Chap. XXIV. —Of judgment and the punishment iif'sins. I N all things look to thy end, and how thou shait be able to stand before a severe Judge, to whom no- thing is hiddnn: who takes no bribes, nor receives excuses, but will judge that which is just. O most wretched and foolish sinner, what answer wilt thou make to God, who knows all thy evils .? thou who sometimes art afraid of the looks of aa angry man. Why dost thou not provide for thy self against the day of judgment, when no man can be excused or defended by E3 ?0 BOOK I. another; but every one shall have enough to do to answer for himselt ? At present thy labour is profitable ; thy tears are acceptable; tliy sighs will be heard, and tiiy soiTow is satisfacto- ry, and may purge away thy sins. 2. A patient man hath a great and wholesome purgatory, who receiving injuries is more concerned at another person's sin than his own v.-rong ; who ■willingly prays for his adversaries, and from his heart forgives offences ; who delays not to ask forgiveness of others; ■who is easier moved to compassion than to anger; who frequently useth violence to himselt, and labours to bring the flesh wholly under subjection to the spirit. It is better now to purge away our sins, and cut up our vices, than to re- serve them to be purged hereafter. Truly, we deceive ourselves through the inordinate love v^'e bear to our flesh. 3. What other things shall that fire feed on but thy sins ? The more thou sparest thyself now, LESSED is he who knows what JlJ it is to love Jesus, and to despise himself for the sake of Jesus. We must quit wliat we love for thin Beloved, because Jesus will be loved alone above all thirjgs. The love of things created is deceit- ful and inconstant : the love of Jesus is faithful and perseveranl. He that cleaveth lo creatures shall fall with them. He that embraceth Jesus sliall stand firn\ for ever. CHAP. VII. 101 Love him, and keep him for thy friend ; who, when all go away, will not leave thee, nor suffer thee to perish in the end. Thou must at last be separated from alUthings else, whether thou wilt or not. 2. Keep thyself with Jesus both in life and death, and commit thyself to his trust who alone can help thee, when all others fail. Thy beloved is of such a nature, that he will admit of no other : but will have thy heart to himself, and sit there hke a kuij^ on his own throne. It' thou couldst but purge thyself well from affection to creatures, Jesus would willingly dwell with thee. Thou wilt find all that in a manner loss, which thou hast placed in men out of Jesus. Do not trust nor rely upon a windy reed : For all Jles/i is grass, and all the glory thereof shall fade like the Jlower of the grass. Isai. x'l, 3. Thou wilt soon be deceived, if thou only regard the outward shew of men. for if thou seek thy comtbrt and thy G3 102 BOOK II. gain in others, thou wift often meet with loss. Ifin all thou seek Jesus, doubtless thou wilt tind Jesus. But if thou seek thyself, thou wilt indeed find thyself, but to thy own ruin. For a man does himself more harm if he seek not Jesus, than the wliole world and all his enemies could do him. Chap. VIII. — Of familiar friendship . zoit/i Jesus. 1. VfTHEN Jesus is present, all ▼ V goes well, and nothing seems difficult : but when Jesus is absent every thing is hard. When Jesus speaks not v/ithin, our comfort is worth, nothing: but if Jesus speak but one word, we feel a great €onsolation. Dirt not Mary Magdalen arise pre- sently from the* place where she wept> when Martha said to her : The Maater is here and calls for thee. John xiii. Happy hour, when Jesuh» calls from tears, to joy of spirit ! CHAP. viir. 103 IIow dry and hard art thou without Jesus! IIow ibohsh and vahi if thou desire any thing out of Jesus ! Is not this a greater damage than if thou wert to lose the whole world ? '2. What can the world profit thee i\'ithout Jesus? To be without Jesus is a grievous hell, and to be with Jesus a sweet pa- radise. If Jesus be with thee, no enemy can hurt thee. Whoever finds JesUs, finds a good treasure, yea good above all goodsi. And he that loseth Jesus, loseth ex- ceeding much, and more thaji if he lost the whole world. He is wretchedly poor, who lives without Jesus : and he is exceedingly rich, who is well with Jesus. 3. It is a great art to know how to converse with Jesus : and to know how to keep Jesus is great wisdom. Be humble and peaceable, and Jesus will be with thee. Be devout and quiet, and Jesus will stay with thee. Thou mayest quickly drive away JC" G 4 104 BOOL. II. sus and lose his grace, if thou dechne after outward things. And if thou drive him from thee, and lose him, to whom wilt thou fly, and whom then wilt thou seek for thy friend } Without a friend thou canst not well live ; and if Jesus be not thy friend a- bove all, thou wilt be exceeding sad and desolate. Thou actcst then foolishly, if thou puttest thy trust or rejoiceth in any other. We ought rather to chuse to have the whole world against us, than to of- fend Jesus. Of all therefore that are dear to thee, let Jesus always be thy special beloved. *4. Let all be loved for Jesus's sake, but Jesus for himself. Jesus Christ alone is singularly to be loved, who alone is found good and faithful above all friends. For him, and in him, let both friends and enemies be dear to thee: and for all these must thou pray to him, tiiat all may know and love him. CHAP. VIII. 105 Neither desire to be singularly prais- ed or beloved: tor this belongs to God alone, who hath none like to himself. Neither desire that any one's heart should be set on thee: nor do thou let thyself be taken up with the love of any one : but let Jesus be in thee, and in every good man. 5. Be pure and free interiorly, with- out being entangled by any creature. Thou must be naked and carry a pure heart to God, if thou wilt attend at leisure, and see how sweet is the Lord. And indeed thou wilt never attain to this, unless thou be prevented and drawn in by his grace : that so thou mayest all alone be united to him alonCt having cast out and dismissed all others. For when the grace of God comes to a man, then he is strong and powerful for all things: and when it departs, then he is poor and weak, left as it were only to stripes. In these he must not be dejected nor despair; but stand with an even mind, resigned to the will of God, and bear, 106 BOOK if for the glory of Jesus Christ, whatever shall befal him: because after winter" Comes summer; after night the day re- turns ; after a storm there ibllows a great calm. f CiiAP. IX.— Of the want of all comfort* 1. T T is not hard to dcs^Vise all human JL comfort, when we have divine. But it is much, and very much, to be able to want all comfort, both human and divine: and to be willing to bear this interior banishment for God's ho- nour, and to seek one's self in nothing, nor to think of one's own merit. What great thing is it, if thou be cheerful and devout when grace comes.? This hour is desirable to alh He rides at ease, that is carried by the grace of God. And what wonder, if he feels no weight, who is carried by the Almighty, and lerl on by the sovereign guide .'* 2. We willinglv would have some- thing to comfort us: and it is with difTiculty that a man can put off him- self. CHAP, IX. 107 The holy martyr, Lawrence, over- came the world, with liis prelate; be- cause lie despised whatever seemed de- li^jhthd in this world ; and for the love of Christ he also suffered the High Priest ot God, Sixtus, whom he exceed- ingly loved, to be taken away from him. He overcame therefore the love of man by the love of the Creator: and in- stead of the comtbrt he had in man, he made choice rather of God's pleasure. So do thou also learn to part with a necessary and beloved friend for the love of God. A nd take it not to heart when thou art Ibrsakcn by a friend : knowing that one time or other we must all part. 3. A man must go through a long and great conflict in himself, before he can learn fully to overcome himself, and to draw his Avhole affection to- wards God. When a man stands upon himself, he easily declines after human com- forts. But a true lover of Christ, and a di- ligent pursuer of virtues, does not hunt 108 BOOK II. after comforts, nor seek such sensible sweetnesses : but is rather wiUing to bear strong trials and hard labours for Christ. 4. Therefore when God gives spirit- ual comfort, receive it with thanksgiv- ing; but know that it is the bounty of God, not thy merit. Be not putied up, be not overjoyed, nor vainly presume: but rather be the more humble for this gift, and the more cautious and fearful in ail thy actions: for this hour will pass away, and temptation will follow. When comtort shall be taken away from thee, do not presently despair; but wait with humility and patience tor the heavenly visit : for God is able to restore thee a greater consolation. This is no new thing, nor strange to those who have experienced the ways of God: for in the great saints ahd ancient prophets there has often been this kind of variety. 5. Hence one said : at the time when grace was with him : I said in my ubun- dance, I shall not be moved for ever. P^ xxix. CHAP. IX. 100 But when grace was retired, he im- medialely tells us what he experienced in himself: Thou Itast turned away thy fact from /;?€, and I becuyne troubled. Yet, in the mean time he despairs not, but more earnestly prays to our Lord, and says : To thee, O Lord, will I cry, and 1 will pray to my God. i Lastly, he receives the fruit of his prayer : and witnesses that lie was heard, saying: The Lord hath heard inc, and hath had mercy on ?ne : The Lord is become my helper. But in what manner? Thou hast turned, says he, my mourning into joy to me, and thou hast encompassed 7ne with gladness. If it has been thus with great saints, we that are weak and poor must not be discouraged, if we are sometimes in ferv€)ur, sometimes cold : because the Spirit comes and goes according to his own good pleasure. Wherefore holy Job says : Thou dost visit him early in the rnorning, and on a sudden tkou triest him. Job vii. 6. Wiierein then can I hope, or in what must I put my trust, but in God's liO BOOK II. great mercy alone, and in the hope of heavenly grace ! For whether I have with me good men, or devout brethren, or faitiiful friends, or h(ily books, or fine trea- tises, or sweet singing and hymns : all these help little, and give nie but little relish, when I am forsaken by grace, and left in my own poverty. At such a time there is no better remedy than patience, and leaving myself to God's will. 7. I never found any one so religiouj? and devout, as not to have sometimes a subtraction of grace, or feel a dimi- nution of fervour. No saint was ever so highly wrapt and illuminated, as not to be tempted at tirst or at last. For he is not worthy of the higli contemplation of God, who has not, tor Gocl's sake, been exercised with some tribulation. For temptation going before, is usually a sign of ensuing consolaiion. For heavenly comfort is promised to such has have been proved by tempta- tions. CHAP. X. 11|. To him that shall overcome, sakh our Lord, I tc'dl give to eat of the tree of' life. Apoc. ii. " 8. Now divine consolation is given that a man may be better able to sup- port adversities. And temptation follows, that he may not be .proud of good. The devil never sleeps, neither is the flesh yet dead : therefore tiiou must not cease to prepare thyself for battle, for on the right hand, and on the left, are enemies that never rest. Chap. X. — Of gratitude for the grace of' God, 1. T7C7HY seekest thou rest, since V V thou art born to labour ? Dispose thyself to patience, rather than consolation : and to bear the cross, rather than to rejoice. For who is there amongst worldly people, that would not wiUingly receive comfort and spiritual joy, if he could always have it ? For spiritual consolations exceed ail 112 BOOK II. the delij^ht of the world, and pleasures of the tiesh. For all worldly delights are either vain or filthy: but spiritual delights alone are pleasant and honest, spring- ing from virtue, and infused by God into pure minds. But these divine consolations no man can always enjoy when he will : because the time of temptation is not long away. 2. But what very much opposes these heavenly visits, is a false liberty of mind, and a «;reat confidence in one's self. ... God does well in giving the grace of consolation : but man does ill in not returning ic all to God with thanks- giving. And this is the reason why the gifts of grace cannot flow in us : because we are ungrateful to the Giver: nor do we return all to the fountain's head For grace is ever due to him that duly returns thanks : and what is wont to be given to the hum- CHAP' X. flS ble, will be taken away from the proud. 3. I would not have any such con- solation as should rob me of compunc- tion : nor do I wish to have such con- templation as leads to pride. For all that is high, is not holy; nor all that is pleasant, good : nor every desire, pure ; nor is every thing that is dear to us, pleasing to God. 1 willingly accept af that grace^ which makes me always more humble and fearful, and more ready to forsake myself. He that has been taught by the gift of grace, and instructed by the scourge of the withdrawing of it, will not dare to attribute any thmg of good to him- self; but will rather confess himself ta be poor and nalved. Give to God what is his, and take to thyself what is thine : that is, give thanks to God for hi-S grace ; but as to thyself be sensible that nothing is to be attributed to thee, bat sin, and the punishment due to sin. 4. Put thyself always in the lowest place, and the highest shall be given H 114 UOOK If. thee : for the highest stands not with- out the lowest. The saints that are highest in the sight of God, are the least in their own eyes : and tlie more glorious they are, the more humble they are in them- selves. Being full of the truth and heavenly glory, they are not desirous of vain glory. They that are grounded and estab- lished in God, can by no means be provid. And they that attribute to God all whatsoever good they have received, seek not glory from one another, but that glory which is from God alone : and desire above all things that God may be praised in themselves, and in all the saints, and to this same they always tend. 5/Be grateful then for the least, and thou shalt be worthy to receive greater things. Let the least be to thee as something very great, and the most contemptibls as a special favour. If thou considerest the dignity of the CHAP. XI. 115 Giver, no gift will seem to thee little which is given by so great a God. Yea, though he gives punishment and stripes, it ought to be acceptable : for whatever he sull'ers to befal us, he always does it tor our salvation. He that desires to retain tlie grace of God, let him be thanki'ul for grace when it is given, and patient when it is withdrawn. Let him pray, that it may return: let him be cautious and hun^ble, lest he lose it. Ch^l>. Xl.— Of the small number of the. lovers of the Cross of Jesus. 1. TESUS has now many lovers of «.^ bis heavenly kingdom : but few that are willing to bear the cross. He has many that are desirous of comfort, but lew of tribulation. He fmds many companions of his table, but few of his abstinence. All desire to rejoice with him : few are willing to suffer for him. Many follow Jesus to the breakin? H a 116 ?00K II. of bread; but tew to the drinking the chalice of his passion. Many reverence his miracles; but few follow the ii^nominy of his cross. Many love Jesus as long as they meet with no ad\ ersity ; many praise him and bless him as long as they re- ceive consolations from him. But if Jesus liide himself and leave- them for a little while ; they either fall into complaints, or excessive de- jection. 2. Cut they that love Jesus for Je- siis's sake, and not for any comfort of their own, bless him no less in tribula- tion and anguish of heart, than in the greatest consolation. And if he shoukl never give them his comfort, yet would they ahvay-s praise him, and always give him thanks. ' a. O ! how much is the pure love of Jesus able to do, when it is not mixed v.'ith any selt^interest or sell- love ! Are not all those to be called hire- lings, who arc always seeking consola- tion;. ! CHAP. XI. 117 Are they not convinced to be rather lovers of themselves than of Christ, wiu) are always thinking of their own profit and gain ? Where shall we find a man that is willing to serve God gratis ? 4. Seldom do we find any one so spi- ritual, as to be stripped of all things. For who shall be able to find the man that i? truly poor in spirit, and naked of all things created ? His value is (as of things that is brought) JroJ7i afavy and from tlie remotest coasts, Prov. xxxi. If a man gives his whole substance, it is yet nothing. And if he do great penance, it is yet little. And if he attain to all knowledge, he is far off still. And if he have great virtue, and exceeding fervent devotion, there is still mucli wanting to him ; to wit, one thing, which is chielly necessary for him. And what is that.? That having left all things else, he leave also himself H3 H8 BOOK II. and wliolly get out of himself, and re- tain nothing of self-love. And when he shall have done all things which he knows should be done, let him think that he has done nothing. 5. Let him not make great account of that which may appear much to be esteemed : but let him in truth ac- knowledge himself to be an unprofit- able servant : as truth itself has said, When ye shall have done all that is com* munded you, say, We are unprofitable servants, Luke xvii, Then may he be truly poor and naked in spirit, and may say with the prophet, 1 am all alone, and poor. Ps, xxiv. Yet no one is indeed richer than such a man, none more powerful, none more free; who knows how to leave himself and all things, and place him- self in the very lowest place. 119 Cliap. XII.-— 0/' the king's highicay of the holy cross, 1. TnO many this seems a hard say- X iiig : I)eni/ thyself] fake up thy crossi and follow Jesus. Matt. xvi. But it will be much harder to hear that last word : Depart from mc you cursed into everlasting fire. Malt, xxv\ For they that at present willingly hear and follow the word of the cross, shall not then be afraid of eternal con- demnation. The sign of the cross will be in heaven, when the Lord shall come to judge. Then all the servants of the cross, who in their life time have conformed themselves to him that was crucified, shall come to Christ their judge with great confidence. 2. Why then art thou afraid to take up thy cross, which leads to a king- dom ? In the cross is salvation : in the cross is life: in the cross is protection from thy enemies. H4 i2d BOOK ir. ^In the cross is infusion of heavenly fcweetness : in the cross is strength of mind : in the cross is joy of spirit. In the cross is the height of virtue: in the cross is the perfection of gano- tity. There is no heaUh of th€ soul, nor hope of eternal life, but in the cross. Take up therefore thy cross and fol- low Jesus, and thou shalt go into life everlasting. He is gone before thee, carrying his cross : and he died for thee upon the .cross : that thou mayest also bear thy cross, and love to die on the cross. Because, if thou die with him, thou shalt also live with him ; and if thou art his companion in buffering, thou shalt also partake in his glory. 3. Behold the cross is all, and in dy- ing [to thyself] all consists : and there is no other way to liie, and to true in- ternal peace, but the way of the holy cross, and of daily mortification. Go where thou wilt, seek what thou wilt, and thou shalt not find a higher way above, nor a safer way below, than the way of the holy cross. CHAP. XII. 121 Dispose and order all things accord- ing as thou wilt; and as seems best to thee ; and thou shalt still find some- thing to sufter, either willingly or un- willingly, and so thou shalt still find the cross. For either thou shalt feel pain in the body, or sustain in thy soul tribulation of spirit. 4. Sometimes thou shalt be left by God, other times thou shalt be atBicted by thy neighbour: and what is more, thou shalt often be a trouble to thyself. Neither canst thou be delivered or eased by any remedy or comfort, but as long as it shall please God, thou muse bear it. For God would have thee learn to suffer tribulation without comfort, and wholly to submit thyself to him, and to become more humble by tribulation. No man hath so lively a feeling of the passion of Christ, as he who hath happened to suffer such like things. The cross therelbre is always ready, and every where waits for thee. Thou canst not escape it, whitherso- ever thou runaest : for whithersoever 122 BOOK IT. thou goest, thou earnest thyself with thee, and shall always find thyself. Turn thyself upwards, or turn thyself downwards : turn thyself without, or turn thyself within thee : and every where thou shalt find the cross. And every where thou must of ne- cessity have patience if thou desirest inward peace, and wouldst merit an eternal crown. 5. If thou carry the cross willingly, it will carry thee, and bring thee tolhy desired end ; to wit, to that place where there will be an end of suffering, tho' here there will be none. If thou carry it unwillingly, thou makest it a burden to thee, and loadest thyself the more : and nevertheless thou must hear it. If thou fling away one cross, without doubt thou wilt find another, and per- haps a heavier. 6. Dost thou think to escape that which no mortal could ever avoid ? What saint was there ever in the world without his cross and affliction? Our Lord Jesus Christ himself was not one hour of his life without suffer- CHAP. xri. 123 ing : It behoved, saith he, that Christ should stiffer, and rise from the deady and so enter into his glory. Luke xxiv. And how dost thou pretend to seek another way than the royal v/ay, which is the way of the holy cross. 7. The whole life of Christ was a cross, and a martyrdom : and dost thou seek rest and joy ? Thou errest, thou errest, if thou scekest any other thing than to suffer tribulations: for. this whole mortal life is full of miseries, and beset on all sides with crosses. And the higher a person is advanced in spirit, the heavier crosses shall he^ often meet with : because the pain of his banishment increases in proportion to his love. 8. Yet this man, thus many ways afflicted, is not without some allay of comfort for his ease : because he is sen- sible of the great profit which he reaps by bearing the cross. For whilst he willingly resigns him- self to it, all the burden of tribulation is converted into an assured hope of comfort from God, 124 BOOK IT. And the more ihe flesh is brought down by affliction, the more the spirit is strengthened by inward grace ; Aud sometimes gains such force through affection to tribulation and ad- versity, by reason of loving to be con- formable to the cross of Christ, as not to be willing to be without suifering and affliction: because such a one be- lieves himself by so nuich the more ac- ceptable to God, as he shall be able to bear more and greater things for him. This is not man's power, but the grace of Christ, which can and docs effect such great things in frail flesh, that what it naturally abhors and flies, even this through fervour of spirit it now embraces and loves. 9. It is not according to man's na- tural iuclinatiou to bear the cross, to love the cross, to chastise the body, and bring it under subjection ; to fly ho- nours, to be willing to sufter reproaches, to des])ise one's self, and wish to be despised; to bear all .adversities and losses, and to desire no prosperity ia this world. CHAP, xrr. 1'25 If thou iookest upon thyself", thou canst do nothing of this of thyself. But if thou confidest in the Lord, strength wih be given thee from hea- ven, and the world and tiesh shall be made subject to thee'. Neither shalt thou fear thine enemy the devil, if thou art armed with taith and signed with the cross of Christ. 10-. Set thyself then like a good and faithful servant of Christ to hear man- fully the cross of thy Lord, crucitied for the lov-e of thee. Prepare tliyself to suffer many adver- sities, and divers evils in tliis miserable life; for so it will be with thee, wherever thou art: and so indeed wilt thou hnd it, wheresoever thou hide thyself. ^ It must be so, and there is no reme- dy against tribulation and sorrow, but to bear them patiently. Drink of the Chalice of the Lord lov- ingly, if thou desirest to be his friend, and to have part with liim. Leave consolations to God, to do with them as best pleaseth him. But set thou thyself to bear tribula- tions, and account them the greatest 126 BOOK II. consolations : for the sufferings of this life bear no proportion with the glory to come, although thou alone couldst suffer them all. 11. When thou shalt arrive thus far, that tribulation becomes sweet and sa- vory to thee for the love of Christ : thfrn think that it is well with thee, for thou hast found a paradise upon earth. As long as suffering seems grievous to thee, and thou seekest to fly from if, so long will it be ill with thet;, and the tribulation from which thou fliest will every where follow thee. 12. If thou set thyself to what thou oughtest; that is, to suffer and to die [to thyself], it will quickly be better with thee, and thou shalt hnd peace. Although thou shouldst have been wrapped up to the third heaven with $t. Paul, thou art not thereby secured that thou shalt suffer no adversity. 1 (said Jesus) zeill shew him how great things he must suffer for my name. Acts ix. To suffer, therefore, is what waits for thee, if thou wilt Jove Jesus, and con- stantly serve him. CHAP. XII. i'27 13. Would to God thou wert worthy to suffer something for the name of Je- sus ! how great a glory would be laid up for thee, how great joy would it be toaH the saints of God, and how great edification to thy neighbour ! All recommend patience ; but, alas ! how few are there that desire to suffer ! With good reason oughtest thou wil- lingly to suffer a httie for Christ, since many suffer greater things for the world. 14. Know for certain that thou must lead a dying life ; and the more a man dies to himself, the more he begins to live to God. No man is fit to comprehend hea- venly things, who has not resigned himself to suffer adversities for Christ. Nothing is more acceptable to God, nothing more wholesome for thee in this world, than to suffer wiJhngly for Christ. And if thou wert to chuse, thou oughtest to wish rather to suffer adver- sities for Christ, than to be delighted with many comforts : because thus l28 BOOK II. wouldst thou be more like to Christ, and more conformable to all the saints. For our merit and the advancement of our state, consists not in having ma- ny gusts and consolations : but rather in bearing great afflictions and tribula- tions. 15. If, indeed, there had been any thing better, and more beneficial to man's salvation, than suffering, Christ ceriairdy would have shewed it by word and example. For he manifestly exhorts both his disciples that followed him, and all that dcbire to follow him, to hear the cross, saying: Jf any one u ill come after me, let hmi (Je'm/ him:ielf\ and lake up his cross, and follow me. Luke ix. So that \vhen we have read and searched all, let this be the final conclusion, that through many tribulations tee 7n2ist enter into the kingdom of God. Acts xis. 139 THE FOLLOWING of CHBIST BOOK III. Chap. I. — Of the internal speech of Christ to a faithful soul. 1. T Will hear what the Lord God -* speaketh in me. Ps. Ixxxiv. Happy is that soul, which heareth the Lord speaking witiiin her: and from his mouth receiveth the word of comfort. Happy ears, which receive the veins of the divine whisper, and take no no- tice of the whisperings of the world. Happy ears indeed, which hearken to truth itself teaching within, and not to the voice which soundeth with- out. I ISO BOOK III. Happy eyes, which are shut to out- nvard things, and attentive to the in- terior. Happy they who penetrate into in- ternal things, and endeavour to prepare themselves more and more by daily exercises to the attaining to heavenly secrets. Happy they who seek to be wholly intent on God, and who rid themselves of every worldly impediment. Mind these things, O my soul, and shut the doors of thy sensuality, that thou mayest hear what the Lord thy God speaks within thee. 2. Thus saith thy Beloved : lam thy salvation^ thy peace, and thy life: keep thyself with me, and thou shalt find peace. Let alone all transitory things, and seek things eternal. W'hat are all temporal things, but deceit? and what will all things'created avail thee, if thou be lorsaken by the Creator ? Cast off then all earthly things, and »ake thyself agreeable to thy Creator, ♦ chap. II. \lSj and faithful to him, that so thou m^^^ est attain to true happiness. Chap. ir. — That truth speaks wit kin us without noise of tcords. 1. OPEAK, Lardy for tki/ servant *^ heareth. 1 Sam. iii. — 1 am thy servant, give yne understanding that £ may know thi/ testimonies. Ps. cxviii. Inchne my heart to the woTds of thy mouth: let thy speech distil as the dew. Heretofore the Children of Israel said to MoseSy Speak thou to uSy and nc will hear : let not the Lord speak to us, lest we die. Exod. xx. It is not thus, O Lord, it is not thus I pray; but rather with the prophet Samuel, I humbly and earnestly entreat thee, Speakj Lord, for thy servant hear- eth. Let not Moses, nor any of the pro- phets speak to me ; but speak thou rather, O Lord God, the inspirer and enlightenei of all the prophets ; for thou alone without U^em canst perfectly 'n\- ^^ BOUK III. ,<,t rae; but they without thee will ^ail me nothing. ' 2. "fhey may indeed souml forth words, but they give not the spirit. They speak well ; but if thou be si- lent, they do not set the heart on fire. They deliver the letter, but thou dis- closest ihe vense. They publish mysteries, but thou un- lockest the meaning ot the things sig- nified. They declare the commandments, but thou enablest to keep them. They shew the way, but thou givest stiength to walk in it. They work only outwardly, btit thou instructest and enlightenest the heart. They water exteriorly, but thou giv- est the increase. They cry out with words, but thou givest understanding to the hearing. S. I^et not then Viou% speak to me, but thou O Lord my God, the eternal Truth, lest I die and prove fruitless, if 1 be only outwardly admonished, and not enkindled within. CHAP. ni. 133 Lest the word which I have heard and not fulfilled, which I have known and not loved, which I have believed and not observed, rise up in judgnienC against me. Speak, then, O Lord, for thy servant Jicureth ; for thou hast the words of' etcr" iial life. John vi Speak to me, that it may be for some comfort to my soul, and for the a- mendment of my whole life ; and to thy praise and glory, and everlasting honour. Chap. III. — That the words of God are to be heard nith humility, and that vinny zcclgh them not. '■M Y Son, hear my words, words most sweet, exceeding all the learning of philosophers, and of the wise men of this world. My words are spirit and /e/e, and not to be estimated by the sense of man. They are not to be drawn to a vain complacence, but are to be heard in si- lence, and to be received with all hunii- jity and great affection. iS'4 BOOK III. 2. And I said, Blessed is the man, whom thoUy Lord, shalt instruct, and nhalt teach him thi^ law ; that thou inay- est give him ease from the evil days, (Ps. xciii.) ; and that he may not be deso- late upon earth. I (saith the Lord) have taught the prophets from the beginning, and even till now I cease not to speak to all ; but many are deaf to my voice, and hard. The greater nimiber listen more wil- lingly to the world, than to God ; and follow sooner the desires of the flesh, than the good-will of God. The world promises things temporal and of small value, and is served with great eagerness : I promise things most excellent and everlasting, and men's hearts are not moved ! Who is there that serves and obeys me in all things, with that great care, >\'ith which the world and its lords are served? Be ashamed^ O Sidon, saith the sea. And if thou ask why? hear the reason. For a small living, men rua a CHAP. III. 135 great way ; for eternal life many will scarce once move a foot from the ground. An inconsiderable gain is sought after; for one penny sometimes men shamefully quarrel; they are not afraid to toil day and night for a tritle, or some slight promise, 4. But, alas ! for an unchangeable good, for an inestimable reward, for the highest honour and never-ending glory, they are unwilling to take the least pains. Be ashamed then, thou slothful ser- vant, that art so apt to coin plain, see- ing that they are more ready to labour for death than thou for life. They rejoice more in running after vanityy than thou in the pursuit of truth. And indeed they are sometimes frus- trated of their hopes; but my promise deceives no man, nor sends away emp- ty him that trusts in me. What I have promised, I will give ; what I have said, I will make good ; provided a man continue tO the end faithful in mv love, 14 136 BOOR irr. I am the rewarder of all the good, and the strong trier of all the devout. 5. Write my words in thy heart, and think dihgently on them ; for they will be very necessary in the time of temp- tation. What thou understandest not when thou readest, thou shalt know in the day of visitation. I am accustomed to visit my elect two manner of ways, viz. by trial and by comfort, And I read them daily two lessons; one to rebuke their vices, the other to exhort them to the increase of virtues. He that has my words, and slights them, has that wiiich shall condemn him at the last day. A PRAYER, To implore the Grace of Devotion. 6. O Lord nil) Gody thou art all my good; and who am I that I should dare to speak to thee. I am thy most poor servant, arid a tcretchpd little icOrmj muck more poor and CHAP. HI. 137 contemptible than I conceive or dare ex- press. Yet remember, O Lardy that I am nO' thing, J have nothing and can do nothing: Thou alone art good, just undMioly ; thou canst do all things ; thou givest all things ; thou Jillest all thingSf leaving onlj/ the sinner empty. Remember thy tender mercies, and Jill my heart with thy grace, thou who zvilt not have thy works to be empty. How can I support myself in this tcretched life, unless thy mercy and grace strengthen me ? Turn not away thy face fr&m me ; de- lay not thy visitation; withdraw not thy comfort ; lest my soul become as earth without water to thee. O Lord, teach me to do thy will, teach we to converse worthily and humbly in thy sight ; for thou art my icisdom, zcho knowest me in truth, and didst know 7ne before the world zvas mads^ and be/bre I was born in the world. 138 liOOK III. Chap. IV. — That we ought to walk in truth and humility in God's presence. 1. C^^j walk before me in truth, O and always seek me ia the shn- plicity of thy heart. He that walks before me in truth shall be secured from evil occurrences, and truth shall deliver him from de- ceivers, and from the detractions of the wicked. If truth shall deliver thee, thou shalt be truly free, and shalt make no ac- count of the vain words of men. Lord, this is true : as thou sayest, so I beseech thee, let it be done with me. Let thy truth teach me, let thy truth guard me, and keep me till I come to a happy end. Let the same deliver me from all evil affections, and all inordinate love, and I shall walk with thee in great liberty of heart. 2. I will teach thee (saith Truth) those things that are right and pleasing in my sight. Think on thy sins with great com- GHAP. IT. 139 punction and sorrow ; and never es- teem thyself to be any thing for thy good works. Thou art indeed a sinner, subject to and intangled with many passions. Of thyself thou always tendest to nothing, thou quickly fallest, thou art quickly overcome, easily disturbed and dissolved. Thou hast not any thing in which thou canst glory, but many things for which thou oughtest to vilify thyself; for thou art much weaker than thou art able to comprehend. 3. Let nothing then seem much to thee of all thou doest : Let nothing appear great, nothing valuable or admirable, nothing worthy of esteem: nothing high, nothing truly praise-worthy or desirable, but what is eternal. Let the eternal truth please thee above all things, and thy own ex- ceeding great vileness ever displease thee. Fear nothing so much, blame and abhor nothing so much as thy vicci 140 BOOK iir. and sins, which ought to displease thee more than any losses whatsoever. Some persons walk not sincerely be- fore nie; but b-jing led with a certain curiosity and pride, desire to know my secrets, and to understand the high things of God, neglecting themselves and their own salvation. These often fall into great tempta- tions and sins through their pride and curiosity, because 1 stand against them. 4, Fear the judgments of God, dread Ihe auger of the" Almighty ; but pre- tend not to examine the works of the Most High, but search into thy own ini- quities, how many ways thou hast ot- lended, and how much good ihou hast neglected. Some only carry their devotion in their books, some in pictures, and some in outward signs and figures. Some iiave me in their mouth, but little in their heart. There are others, who being en- lightened m their understanding, and purified in their atfections, always CHAP. V. 141 breathe after things eternal, are unwil- ling to hear of earthly things, and grieve to be subject to the necessities of na- ture; and such as these perceive what the spirit of truth speaks in them. For it teaches them to despise the things of the earth, and to love Iieaveji- ly things; to neglect the world, and all the (Jay and night to aspire after heaven. Chap, v.— Of the rconderful effect of divine love. 1. T Bless thee, O Heavenly Father, X P'ather of my Lord Jesus Christ; because thou hast vouchsafed to be- mindful of so poor a wretch as I am. Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, I give thanks to thee, who sometimes art pleased to cherish with thy consolations, me that am unworthy of any comfort. 1 bless thee and glorify thee ever- more, together with thy only begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost the Comfort- er, to all eternity. O Lord God, my holy lover, when 142 BOOK III. thou shalt come into my heart, all- that is within me will be filled with Joy. Thou art my glory, and the joy of my heart : Thou art my hope and my refuge in the day of my tribulation. 2. But because I am as yet weak in love, and imperfect in virtue; therefore do I stand in need to be strengthened and comforted by thee. For this rea« son visit me often, and instruct me in thy holy discipline. Free me from evil passions, and heal my heart of all disorderly aftections ; that being healed and well purged in my interior, I may become fit to love, courageous to suffer, and constant to persevere. 3. Love is an excellent thing, a great good indeed: which alone maketh Tight all that is burthensomc, and equally bears all that is unequal : For it carries a burthen without be- ing burthencd, and makes all that which is bitter sweet and savoury. The love of Jesus is noble and ge- nerous, it spurs us on to do great cSAP. V. 143 things, and excites to desire all that which is more perfect. Love will tend upwards, and not be detained by things beneath. Love will be at liberty, and free from all worldly affection, lest its in- terior sight be hindered, lest it suffier itself to be entangled with any tem- poral interest, or cast down by losses. Nothing is sweeter than love, no- thing stronger, nothing higher, no- thing wider, nothing more pleasant, nothmg fuller or belter in heaven or earth : for love proceeds from God, and cannot rest but in God, above all things created. 4. The lover flies, runs, and rejoices ; he is free, and is not held. He gives all for all, and has all in all; because he rests in one sovereign good above all, from whom all good flows and proceeds. He looks not at the gifts, but turns himself to the giver, above all goods. Love often knows no measure, but is fervent above all measure. Love feels no burthen, values no la- 144 BOOK rix. bours, would willingly do more than it can ; complains not of impossibility, because it conceives that it may and can do all things. It is able tlierefore to do any thing, and it performs and effects many tilings, where he that loves not faints and lies down. 5. Love watches, and sleeping slum- bers not. When weary, is not tired ; when straitened, is not constrained ; when frighted, is not disturbed; but like a lively flame, and a torch all on fire, mounts upwards, and securely passes through all opposition. Whosoever loves knows the cry of this voice. A loud cry in the ears of God is the ardent affection of the soul, which saith ; O my God", my love : thou art all mine, and I am all thine. 6. Give increase to my love, that I may learn to taste with the interior mouth of the heart how sweet it is to love, and to swim, and to be melted in love. Let me be possessed by love, going euAP. V. 145 above myself through excess of fervour and amazement. Let me sing the canticle of love, let me follow thee my Beloved on High, let my soul lose herself in thy praises, rejoicing exceedingly in thy love. Let me love thee more than myself, and myself only for thee : and all others in thee, who truly love thee, as the law of love commands, which shines forth fr«m thee. 7. Love is swift, sincere, pious, pleasant, and delightful; strong, pa- tient, faithful, prudent, long-suftejin^, courageous, and never seekmg itselt; for where a man seeks himself, there he falls from love. Love is circumspect, humble, up- right, not soft, not light, nor intent upon vain things ; is sober, chaste, stable, quiet, and keeps a guard over all the senses. Love is submissive and obedient to superiors, in its own eyes mean and contemptible, devout and thankful to God, always trusting and hoping in him, even then when it tastes not the relish of Goti's sweetness ; for. there is K 146 BOOK III. no living in love without some pain or sorrow. e. Whosoever is not ready to siifier all things, and to stand resigned to the -will of his Beloved, is not worthy to be called a lover. He that loves must willingly embrace all that is hard and bitter for the sake of his Beloved, and never sufier him- self to be turned away from him by any contrary occurrences whatso- ever. Chap. VI.— Of the proof of a true lover, 1. 7V/TY son, thou art not as yet a JLtX valiant and prudent lover. Why, O Lord ? Because thou faliest off from what fhou hast begun upon meeting a little adversity, and too greedily seekest af- ter consolation. A valiant lover stands his ground in temptations, and gives no credit to the cral'ty persuasions of the enemy. As he IS pleased with me in prosperi- ty, so I displease hmi not when I send adversity. ciTAP. vr, 14f f. A prudent lover considers not so much the gift vt' the lover, as the love of the giver. lie looks more at the good- will thaa. the value, and seis his Beloved above all his gifts. A generous lover rests not in the. gift, but in me above every gift. All is not lost, if sometimes thou hast not that feeling [ofdevotionj to-. ^vards me or my saints, which thou wouldst have. That good and delightful affection, which thou sometimes perceivest, is the effect of present grace, and a cer- tain foretaste of thy heavenly country. But thou must not rely too much up-, on it, because it goes and comes. But to fight against the evil motions of the mind which arise, and to despise the suggestions of the devil, is a sigu of virtue and of great merit. 3. Let not therefore strange fancies trouble thee of what subject soever they be that are suggested to thee. Keep thy resolution firm, and thy intentions unright towards God. K '2 148 BOOK irr. Neither is it an illusion, that some- times thou art rapt into an extasy, and presently returnest to the accustomed fooleries of thy heart. For these ihou rather sufferest a- gainst thy will, than procurest : and as long as thou art displeased with them, and resisiest them, it is merit and not lo&s. 4. Know, that the old enemy strives by all means to hinder thy desire after good, and to divert thee from every devout exercise ; namely, from the ve- neration of the saints, from the pious meditation of my pasf^ion : from the profitable remembrance of thy sins, from keeping a guard upon thy own heart, and from a firm purpose of ad- vancing in virtue. He suggests to thee many evil thoughts, that he may tire thee out, and fright thee; that he may withdraw thee from prayer, and the reading of devout books. He is displeased with humble con- jessimi : and, if he could, he would cause thee to let communion alone. CHAP. VI. 149 Give no credit to him, value hini not, altbiough be often lay his deceit- ful snares in thy way. Charge him with it, when he sug- gests wicked and unclean tilings : and say to him : Be gone, unclean spirit; be asham- ed miserable wretch ; thriu art very filthy indeed to suggest such things as these to me. Depart from me, thou most wicked impostor ; thou shalt have no share in me ; but my Jesus will be with me as a valiant warrior, and thou shalt stand confounded. I had rather die, and undergo any torment whatsoever, than consent to thee. Be silent, I will hear no more of thee, although thou often strive to be troublesome to me. The Lord is my light j and my salva.^ tion : whom shall I fear ? Ifzohole armies should stand together against w?e, my heart shall not fear. The Lord is my helper^ and my Redeemer, Ps. cvi. 5. Fight like a good soldier ; and if K3 150 BOOK iir. sometimes thou fall throtigh frailly, rise lip again with greater strength than before, confiding in my more abun- dant grace. But take great care thou yield not lo any vain complacence and pride. Through this many are led into er- ror, and sometimes fail into almost in- curable blindness. Let this flill of the proud, who fool- -ishly presume of themselves, serve thee for a warning, and keep thee al- ways humble. Chap. VII. — That grace is to he hid undc?^ the guar diiiUHhip of humiliti/. MY Son, it is more and more safe for thee to hide the grace of de- votion and not to he elevated with it, not to speak much of it, not to consider it much ; but rather to despise thyself the more, and to be afraid of it as given to one unworthy. Thou must not depend too much on this affection, which may be quickly changed into the contrary. When thou hast grace, think virith CHAP. vjr. 151 thyself how miserable and poor thou art \yoQt to be, when thou art with- out it. Nor does the progress of a spiritual life consist so much in having the grace of consolation, as in bearing the warit of it with humility, resignation, and patience ; so as not to grow remiss in thy exercise of prayer at that time, nor to suffer thyself to omit any of thy ac- customed good works. But that thou willingly do what lies in thee, according to the best of thy ability and understanding ; and take care not wholly to neglect thyself through the dryness or anxiety of mind which thou feelest. 2 For there are'many, who, when it succeeds not well with them, presently grow impatient or slothful. Now the u,ay of man is not always in his own power ; but it belongs to God to give, and to comfort when he will, and as much as he will, and whom he will, as it shall please him, and no more. Some wanting discretion, have ru- ined themselves upon occasion of the K4 152 BOOK rir. grace of devotion ; because they were for doing more than they could, not •weighing well the measure of their own weakness, but following rather the in- clination of the heart than the judg- ment of reason. And because they presumptuously undertook greater things than were pleasing to God, therefore they quickly- lost his grace. They became needy, and were left in a wretched condition, who had built themselves a nest in heaven ; to the end, that being thus humbled and im- poverished, they may learn not to trust to their own wings, but to hide them- selves under mine. Those who are as yet but novices and unexperienced in the way of the Lord, if they will not govern themselves by the counsel of the discreet, will easily be deceived and overthrown. 3. And if they will rather follow their own judgment than believe o- thers that have more experience, they will be in danger of coming off ill if they continue to refuse to lay down their own conceits. CHAP. vri. 153 They that are wise in their own eyes seldom humbly suffer themselves to be ruled by others. It is better to hav© little knowledge with humility, and a weak understand- ing, than greater treasures of learning with a vain self-complacence. It is better for thee to have less than much, which may pufF thee up with pride. He is not so discreet as he ought, who gives himself up wholly to joy, for- getting his former poverty, and the chaste fear of God, wliich apprehends the losing of that grace which is offered. Neither is he so virtuously wise, who in the time of adversity, or any tribulation whatsoever, carries himself in a desponding way, and conceives and feels less confidence in me than he ought. 4. He, who is tOo secure in the time of peace, will often be found too much dejected and fearful m the time of war. If thou couldst always continue hum- ble and little in thy own eyes, and keep thy spirit in due order and sub- 151 BOOK Itii jectiodj thou wouldst not fall so easily into danger and offence. It is a good counselj that when thou hast conceived the spirit of fervour, thou shouldst meditate how it will he with thee when that light shall leave Ihee. Which vvhen it shall happen remem- ber that the light may return again, which for a caution to thee, and for my glory, I have withdrawn from thee for a time. 5. Such a trial is oftentimes more profitable than if thou wert always to have prosperity according to thy will. For a man's merits are not to be es- timated by his having many visions of consolations ; or by his knowledge of scriptures, or by his being placed in a more elevtited station : But by his being grounded in true humility, and replenished with divine charity : by his seeking always purely and entirety the honour of Grod ; by his esteeming himself to be nothing, and sincerely despising himself; and being better pleased to be despised CHAP. viir. 1'55 and humbled by others, than to be ho^ noured by them. Chap. Mil — Of the mean esteem of one's self in the sight of God. 1. T Will speak to my Lard, I that ant- •'■ hut dust and ashes. Gen. xviii. If I think any thing better of my- self, beiiold thou standest against me • and my sins bear witness to the truth, and I cannot contradict it. But if I vilify myself, and ackno\V» ledge my own nothing, and cast away all manner of esteem of myself; and,. as I really am, account myself to be mere dust, thy grace will be favour- able to me, and thy light will draw nigh to my heart, and all self esteem, how small soever, will be sunk in the depth of my own nothingness, and there lose itself for ever. It is there thou- she west me to my- self, what I am, what 1 have been, and what I am come to : for I am no- thing, and I knew it not. If I am left to myself, behold I am nothing, and all weakness ; but if thou , 156 LOOK III. suddenly look upon me, I presently become strong, and am filled with a new joy. And it is very wonderful that I am so quickly raised up, and so graciously embraced by thee ; I, who by my own weight am always sinking to the bot- tom. 2. It is thy love that effects this, freely preventing me, and assisting me in so many necessities ; preserving me also from grievous dangers ; and, as I may truly say, delivering me from in- numerable evils. For by an evil loving of myself, I lost myself; and by seeking thee alone and purely loving thee, I found both myself and thee, and by this love have more profoundly annihilated myself. Because thou, O most sweet Lord, dost deal with me above all desert, and above all that I dare hope or ask for. 8. Blessed be thou, O my God ; for though I am unworthy of ail good, yet thy generosity and infinite goodness never ceasethto do good even to those that are ungrateful, and that are turn- ed away from thee. CHAP. IX. 157 convert" us to thee, that we may be thankful, humble, and devout ; for thou art our salvation, our power and our strength. Chap. IX. — That all things are to be referred to God, as to our last end. 1. 1% J" Y Son, I must be thy chief and iVX l^st end, if thou desirest to be truly happy. By this uitention shall thy affections be purified, whicli too often are irre- gularly bent upon thyself, and things created. For if in any thing thou seek thy- self, thou presently faintest away witli- \n thyself, and growestdry. Refer therefore all things principally to me, fur it is I that have given thee all. Consider every thing as flowing from the sovereign good : and therefore they must all be returned to me as to their origin. a. Out of me both little and great, poor and rich, as out of a living foun- tain, draw living wiit«r ; and they thai; 158 BOOK III. freely and willingly serve me shall re- ceive grace for grace. But he that would glory in any thing else besides me, or delight in any good as his own [not referred to me] tihall not be established in true joy, nor enlarged in his heart, but in many kinds shall meet with hindrances and anguish : Therefore thou must not ascribe any thin^ of good to thyself, nor at- tribute virtue to any man ; but give all to God, without whom man has nothing. I have given all, I will have all re- turned to me again, and I very strictly require thanks lor all that I give. 3. This is that trut/i, by which all vain glory is put to liight : And if heavenly grace and true charity come in, ilicre shall be no envy nor narrowness of heart, nor shall selt- love keep its hold ; for divine cliarity overcomes all, and dilates all the forces of the soul. If thou art truly wise, thou wilt re- joice in me alone, thou wilt hope in me alope : for ncnc iv good but God alone, CHAP. X. 159 (Luke xviii.) who is to be praised above all, and to be blessed in all. Chap. X. — That it is meet to serve God, despising this zcorld. 1. 1WT0W will I speak, O Lord, and i.N will not be silent; I will say in the hearing of my God, my Lord, and rny king that is on high, O how great is the multitude of thy swcetnesSj Lord, which thou hast Idd^ den for those that fear thee I Ps. xxx. But what art thou to those that love thee ? What to those that serve thee with their whole heart ? Unspeakable indeed is the sweetness of thy contemplation, which thou be-^ stowest on those that love thee. In this, most of all hast thou shew- ed me the sweetness of thy love, that ■ when I had no benig, thou hast made nie; and when 1 strayed far from thee, thou hast brought me back again, that I might serve thee ; and thou hast commanded me to love thee. 2. O fountain of everlasting /p?f, what shall I say of thee ? 160 BOOK iir. How can I ever forget thee, who hast vouchsafed to remember me, even after that 1 was laid waste, and pe- rished ? Thou hast beyond all hope shewed mercy to thy servant ; and beyond all my desert bestowed thy grace and friendship on me. What return shall I make to thee for this grace ? for it is a favour not grant- ed to all, to forsake all things and re- nounce the world, and chuse a monas- tic life. Can it be much to serve thee, whom the whole creation is bound to serve? It ought not to seem much to me to serve thee ; but this seems great and wonderful to me, that ihou vouchsafest •to receive one so wretched and unwor- thy into thy service, and to associate him to thy beloved servants. 3. Behold all things ace thine, which I have, and with which I serve thee ; Though rather thou servest me, than I thee. Lo ! heaven and earth, which thou bast created for the service of nian^ ar» CHAP. X. 161 yeady at thy beck, and daily do what- ever thou hast conimauded them. And this is yet but little, lor thoii hast also appointed the angels for the service of man. . But, what is above all this is, tha.t thou thyself hast vouchsafed to s"rve man, and hast promised that thou wilt give him thyself. 4. What shall I give thee for all these thousands of favours ^ Oh that I could $erve tliee all the days of my life! Oh that I were able, if it were but for one day, to serve inee worthily ! Indeed thou art worthy of ali service, of all honour, anc! of eicrnal praise. Thou an iruly my L^'rd, aitd I ami thy poor servant, woo am bouiui wiili all my strength to serve tnee, and ought never to grow weary of praising, thee. This is my will, this is my desire; "and whatever is wiiutiug toine,do thou vouchsafe to siipji'.y. 5. It is a great xionour, a great glory to serve thee, and to despibC ail things for thee ; L 162 BOOK III. For they who willingly subject tliem- selves to thy most holy service bhall have a great grace ; They shall find the most sweet con- solation of the Holy Ghost, who for the love of thee have cast away all car- nal delight: They shall gain great freedom of mind, who for thy name enter upon the narrow way, and neglect all world- ly care. 6. Oh pleasant and delightful s€r- «iceof God, which makes a man truly free and holy ! O sacred state of religious bondage, which makes man equal to angels, pleasing to God, terrible to the devils, and commendable to all the faithful ! Oh service worthy to be embraced and always wished for, which leads to the supreme good, and procures a joy that will never end. 163 Chap. XI. — That the desires of our heart are to be examined and mcde- rated. 1. Q ON, thou hast many lliirTgs still i3 to learn, which thou hast not yet well learned. What are these things, O Lord? That thou conform in all things thy desire to my good pleasure, and tiiat thou be not a lover of thyself, but earnestly zealous that my will may be done. Desires often inRame thee, and violently hurry thee on ; but consider whether it be for my honour, or thy own interest that thou art more moved. If thou hast no other view but me, thou wilt be wpji contented with what- ever I shall ordain; but if there lurk in thee any ihing of self-seeking, be- liold this is it tliat hinders thee, and troid^les thee. 2. Take care then not to rely tor. much upon any desire which thoYt ha-t conceived before thou hast consutted 164 BOOK iir. me, lest afterwards thou repent, or be displeased with that which before pleas- ed thee, and which thou zealously dc- siiedstas thebest. For every aftection [or inclination] ■\vhich appears good, is not presently to be followed, nor every contrary affection at the first to be rejected. Even in good desires and inclinati- ons, it is expedient sometimes to use some restraint, lest by too much eager- ness, thou incur distraction of mind ; lest thou create scandal to others, by not keeping within discipline; or l>y the opposition which thou mayesi meet with from others, thou be suddenly disturbed and fall. 3. Yet in some cases we must use violence, and manfully resist the sen- sual appetite, and not regard what the flesh has a mind for, or what it would fly from ; but rather labour that, whe- ther it will or no, it may become subject to the spirit. And so long must it be chastised, and kept under servitude, till it readily obey in all things, and learn to be con- teni with a little, and to be pleased ciiAP. xir. 165 with what is plain and ordinary, and nut to murmur at any inconvenience, Chaj). Xlf. — Of leurniyig patience, and o/\figkling against coiicvpi&cencc. 1. /^^ Lord God, patience, as I per- V_/ ceive, is very necessary for me; this life is exposed to many adversities : For iiowsoever 1 projiose tor my peace, my life cannot be without war and sorrow. 2. So It is, Son ; but I would not have thee seek lor such a peace as ta be without temptations, or to meet with no adversities. But even then to think thou hast found peace, when thou shalt be exer- cised with divers tribulations, and tried in many adversities. If thou slialt say, thou art not able to suffer so muc'!^, how then wilt ihou endure the fire of purgatory ? Of two evils one ought always to choose the least. That thou mayest therefore escape the everlasting punishments to come, 1&6 BOOK III. labour to endure present evils with patience for God's sake. Dost thou think the men of the world sulJer little or nothing ? Thou shalt not find it so, though thou seek out ior the most delicate. 5. But, thou wilt say they have ma- ny delights, and follow then- own wills ; iind therefore make small account of their tribulations. 4. Suppose it to be so, that they liave all they desire : how long dost thou think this will last ? Behold, they shall vanish away like smoke that abound in this world, and there shall be no remembrance of their pastjoys. Kay, even whilst they are living, they rest not in them, without bitter- ness, irksomeness, and fear. For the very same thing, in which they conceive a deUght, doth often bring upon them the punishment of sorrow. It is just it should be so with them, that since they inordinately seek and follow their pleasures^ they should not CHAP. XI r. 167 satisfy them without confusion and un- easiness. Oh ! iiow short, iiow deceitful, how inordinate and filthy, are all tliese pleasures ! Yet tlirough sottishness and blind- ness men understand this not ; but like brute beasts, for a small pleasure in this mortal life, they incur the eternal death of their souls. But thou, my son, Go not after tliy concupiscences, but turn awar/ Jrom thy own will. Eccl. xviii. Delight in the Lord, and he will give thee the requests of thy heart. Ps. xxxvi. 5. For if thou wilt be delighted in truth, and receive more abundant con- solation from me, behold it is in the contempt of all worldly things : and the renouncing all those mean plea- sures shaU be thy blessing, and an ex- ceeding great comfort to thy soul. And the more thou withdrawest thyself from all comfort from things created, the more sweet and the more powerful consolation shalt thou find in me. But thou shalt not at first attain to L4 1(38 BOOK nr. these williout some sorrow and labmir in the conflict. The old custom will stand in thy vay, but by a better custom it shall be overcome. The flesh will complain, but by the iervour of the spirit it shall be kept under. The old serpent will tempt thee and give thee trouble; but by prayer he shall be put to flight : moreover, by keeping tiiyself always employed in some usetul labour, his access to thee shall be in a great measure stopt up. Chap. Xlir. — Of the obedience of an hwnble subject ajtcr the example of' Jesus Christ. 1. QON, he who strives to withdraw O himself from obedience, with- draws himself from grace ; and he that seeks to have things for his own parti- cular, loses such as are common. If a man doth not freely and willingly submit himself to his superiors, it is a sign that his fle?li is not as yet per- fectly obedient to him; but oftentimes rebels and murmurs. CHAP. XIII. 109 Learn then to submit thyself readily to thy superior, if thou desire to subdue thy own tiesh ; For the enemy without is sooner overcome, if the inward man be not laid waste. There is no more troublesome or worse enemy to the soul than thou art to thyself, not agreeing well with the spirit. Thou must in good earnest conceive a true contempt of thyself, if thou wilt prevail over tlesh and blood. Because thou yet hast too inordi- nate a love for thyself, therefore art thou afraid to resign thyself wholly-to the will of others. 2. But what great matter is it, if thou, who art but dust and a mere no- thing, submittest thyself for God's sake to man; when I the A Imightj/, and the Most High, who created all things out of nothing, have for thy sake humbly subjected myself to man. I became the most humble and most abject of all men, that thou mightest overcome thy pride by my humihty. Learn, o' dust, to obey, learn to 170 BOOK III. humble thyself thou that art but dirt and mire, and to cast thyseJf down under the feet of all men. Learn to break thy own will, and to yield thyself up to all subjection. 3. Conceive an indignation against thyself, suffer not the swelling of pride to live in thee : but make tliyseif so submissive and little, that all may trample on thee, and tread thee under their feet, as the dirt of the streets. What hast thou, vain man, to com- plain of? What answer canst thou make, O filthy sinner, to those that reproach thee, thou that hast so often ottendcd God, and many times deserved hell ? But mine eye hath spared thee, be- cause thy soul was precious in my sight, that thou mightest know my love, and mightest be always thankful for my favours, and that thou mightest give thyself continually to true subjec- tion and humility ; and bear with pa- tience to be despised by all. 171 Chap. XIV. — Of considering the secret judgments of Gody lest we be puffed up by our good works. 1. nnilOU thunderest forth over my X head thy judgmenls, O Lord, and thou shakest all my bones with fear and trembling, and my soul is ter- rified exceedingly. I stand astonished, and consider that the heavens are not pure in thy sight. If in the angels thou hast found sin, and hast not spared them, what will become of me? Stars have fallen from heaven, and I that am but dust, how can I pre- sume ? They, whose works seemed praise- worthy, have fallen to the very lowest; and such as before fed upon the bread of angels, I have seen delighted with the husks of swine. 2. There is then no sanctity, if thou O Lord, withdraw thy hand : No wisdom avails, if thou cease to govern us : 175 BOOK III. No strength is of any help, if tiiou support us not: No chastity is secure without thy protection : No guard that we can keep upon ourselves profits us, if thy holy watch- fulness be not with us: For it we are left to ourselves,\ve sink and we perish; but if thou visit us, we are raised up and we live. For we are unsettled, but by thee we are strengthened: we are tepid, but by thee we are inHamed. "3. O how humbly and lowlily ought I to think of myself! how little ought I to esteem whatever good I may seem to have ? Oh ] how low ought I to cast myself down under the boiiomfess depth ol thy judgments, O Lord, where I find my- self to be nothing else but nothing and notiiing i Oh ! immense weight ! Oh ! sea, that cannot be ptissed over, where ] tind iiuthing of my sell' but just nothing at all. Where then can there be any lurking hole for glorying in myscll ? where any CHAP. XV. 17S confidence in any conceit of my own virtue? AW vain-glory is swallowed up in the depth of thy judgments over me. 4. What is all flesh in thy sight? shall the clay glory against him that formed it? How can he be puffed up with the vain talk of man, whose heart in truth is subjected to God. All the world will not lift him up, whom truth hath subjected to itself: Neither will he be moved with the tongues of all that praise him, who hath settled his whole hope in Go«l. For behold, they also that speak are all 7iothing, for they shall pass away with the sound of their words ; but the truth of the Lord remaincth Jar ever. Ps. cxiv. Chap, XV. — How roe are to he disposed, and zvhat we are to say zvhcn ue desire any thing. 1. 1\/TY Son, say thus in every oc- I-tJl casiou; Lord, if it be pleas- 174 BOOK III, ing to thee, let this be done in this manner. Lord, if it be to thy honour,let this be done in thy name. Lord, if thou seest that this is expe- dient, and approvest it as profitable for me, then grant that I may use it to thy honour; But if thou knowest that it will be hurtful to me, and not expedient for the salvation of my soul, take away from me such a desire. For every desire is not from the Holy Ghost, though it seem to a man right and good. Audit is hard to judge truly, whether it be a good or bad spirit that pushes thee on to desire this, or that, or whe- ther thou art not moved to it by thy own spirit. Many in the end have been deceived, who at first seemed to be led by a good spirit. 2. Whatsoever therefore presents it- self to thymine! as wortliy to be desired ; see that it is always with the fear of God, and the humility of heart that thou desire or ask for it ; CHAP. XV. 175 And above all, thou oughtest with a resignation of thyself to commit all to me, and to say, Lord, thou knowest what is best; let this or that be done as thou wilt. Give what thou wilt, how much thou wilt, and at what time thou wilt. Do with me as thou knowest, and as best pleaseth thee, and is most for thy honour. Put me where thou wilt, and do with me in all things according to thy will. 1 am in thy hand, turn me round which way thou wilt. Lo, I am thy servant, ready to obey thee in all things; for I dont desire to live for myself, but for thee : I wish it may be perfectly and worthily. A PRAYER For ihe fulfilling of the Will of God. S. Grant me thy grace, most merci- ful Jesus, that it may be with me, and may labour with me, and continue v/ith me to the end. Grant me always to will and desire 176 BOOK iir. thai which is m\ost acceptable to thee, and wliich pleascth thee best. Let thy will be mine, and let my will always follow thine, and agree per- fectly with it. Let me always will or not will the same with thee; and let me not be able to will or not will any otherwise than as thou wiliest or wiliest not. 4. Grant that I may die to all things that are in the world ; and for thy sake love to be despised, and not to be known in this world. Grant that I may rest, in thee above all things desired, and that my heart may be at peace in thee. Thou art the true peace of the heart, thou art its only rest; out of thee all things are hard and uneasy Li this peace, in i/ie self stone (that is, in Thee, the one sovereign eternal Good) I will sleep an4 tuhc wy rest. CFs. iv.) Amen, 177 Chap. XVI. That true comfort is ta he sought in God alone. I'W niatsoever I can desire or ima-. V V gii^e ^^r iny comfort, I look not tor it in this ht'e, but hereatter. For if I alone should have all the comforts of this world, and might enjoy all its delights, it is certain they could not last long. Wherefore thou canst not, O my soul, be luliy comforted, nor perfectly dehghted, but in God, the comforter of the poor, and tlie support of the humble. Expect a little while, my soul, wait for the divine promise, and thou shalt have plenty ot all that is good ni hea- ven. Jf thou desirest too inordinately these present things, thou wilt lose those that are heavenly and everlast- ing. Let temporal things serve thy use, but the eternal be tiie object of thy desire. Tauu caust not be fullv satisfied with IM 178 BOOK III. any temporal good, because thou wast not created for the enjoyment of such things. 2. Although thou shouldst have all created goods, yet this could not make ihee happy and blessed : but in God, who created all things, all thy beati- tude and happiness consists Not such a happiness as is seen or cried up by the foolish admirers of this world, but such as good Christians look for, and of which they that are spiritu- al and clean of hean, whose conversa- tion IS in heaven, have sometimes a foretaste. All human comfort is vain and short. Blessed and true is that comfort which is inwardly received from truth. A devout man always carvieth about with him Jesus his Comforter, and saith to him, be with me, O Lord Jesus, in all places, and at all times. Let this be my consolation, to be willing to want all human comfort. And if thy comfort also be with- drawn, let thy will, and just appoint- ment for my trial be lo me as th« greatest ^f comforts. CHAP. XVI r. 179 For iJiou zoilt not always he an^ry, nor wilt thou threalenj'or ever. Ps. cii. Chap. XVII. — That we ought to cast all our care upon God, 1. QON, suffer me to do with thee io what i will: I know what is best for thee : Thou tlmikest as man: thou judgest in many things as luun an affection sug- gests. Lord, what thou sayest i-s true, thy care over me is greater than all the care I can take ot" myselK For he stands at loo great a hazard that does not cast his whole care on thee. Lord, provided that my will remain but firm towards thee, do with nie whatsoever it shall please thee : For it cannot but be good whatever thou shalt do by me. 2. It" thou wilt have me to be in dark- ness, be thou blessed; and if thou wilt have me to be in light, be thou again blessed. If thou vouchsafe to comfort M 2 180 BOOK iir. me, be thou blessed : and if it be thy will that I should be afflicted, be thou always equally blessed. 3. Son, ii is in this manner thou must stand affected, if thou desire to walk with me. Thou must be as ready to suffer as to rejoice; thou uuist be as willing to be poor and needy, as to be lull and rich. 4. Lord, I will suffer willingly for thee whatsoever thou art pleased should befal me. 1 will receive with indifference from thy hand good and evil, sweet and bitter, joyhil and sorrowful ; and will give thee thanks for all that happens to me. Keep me only from all sin, and I will fear neuher death nor hell. Cast me not off' for ever, nor blot me out of the book of life ; and what tribu- lation soever befalleth me shall not hurt me. 181 Chap. XVIII. — That temporal miseries are to be borne with patience after the example of Jesus Christ. 1. QON, I came down from heaven for thy salvation, I took upon me thy miseries, not of necessity, but moved thereto by charity, that thou mightest learn patience, and mightest bear without repining the miseries of this life : For from the hour of my birth, till my expiring on the cross, I was never ■ without suffering. 1 underwent a great want of tem- poral things ; I frequently heard many complaints against me; I meekly bore with confusions and reproaches. For my benefits I received ingrati- tude ; for my miracles, blasphemies; and for my heavenly doctrine, re- proaches. 2. Lord, because tliou wast pa- tient in thy life-time, in this chiefly fulfilling the commandment of thy Father, it is fitting that I a wretched sinner should, according to thy will, M a 182 BOOK III. take all with patience ; and as long as thou pleasest, support the burden of this corruptible life, in order to my sal- vation. For though thi^ present life he bur- thensome, yet it is become through thy grace, meritorious; and by the help of thy example, and the footneps of thy saints, more supponable to the weak, and more lightsome. It is also much more comfortable, than it was formerly under the old law, when the gate of heaven remained shut ; and the way to heaven seemed more obscure, when so few concern- ed themselves to seek the kingdom of heaven. Neither could they who were then just, and to be saved, enter into thy heavenly kingdom, before thy passion, and the* payment of our debt by thy sacred death. 3. Oh ! how great thanks am I ob- liged to return thee, for having vouch- safed to shew me and all the faithful, a right and good way to an everlasting kingdom ! For thy life is our way ; and by holy CHAP. XIX. 188 patience we walk on to thee, who art our crown. If thou hadst not gone before and in* structed us, who would have cared to have followed ? Alas ! how many would have staid afar off, and a great way behind, if they had not before their eyes thy excellent exaniple? Beiiold we are still tepid, notwith- standing all thy miracles and instruc- tions which we have heard : what then would it have been, jf we had not thia great hght to follow thee ? Chap. XIX. — Of' supporting injuries; and who is proved to be truly pa^ tient. 1. TX/'HAT is it thou sayest, my V V Son ? Cease to complain, con- sidering my passion, and that of other saints : Thou hast not yet resisted unto blood : V/hat thou sufferedst is but little, in comparison of them who have suf- fered so much; who have been so M4 184 BOOK iir. strong!}' tempted, so grievously at- flicted, so many ways tried and exer- cised. Thou must then call to m'liul the heavy sufferings of others, that thou raayest the easier bear the little things thou suSerest. And if to thee they seemed not lit- tle, take heed lest this also proceed from thy impatience. ^ But whether they be little or great, strive to bear thera all with patience. 2. The better thou disposest thyself to sufferings, the more wisely dost thou act, and the more dost thou merit ; and thou wilt bear it more easily, thy mind being well prepared for it, and accus- tomed to it. Do not say, I cannot take these things from such a man, and things of this kind are not to be suffered by me, for he has done me a great injury, and he upbraids me with things I never thought on ; but I will suffer willingly fro«i another, and as far as I .shall judge fitting for me to suffer. Such a thought is foolish, which con- siders not the virtue of patience, nor by CHAP. XIX. 185 wliom it shall be crowned ; but rather weighs the persons, and the offences committed. 3. He is not a tiiie patient man, who will suffer no more than he thinks good, and from whom he pleaseth. The true patient man minds not by whom it is he is exercised, whether by his superior, or by one of his equals, or by an inferior; whether by a good and lioiy man, or one tliat is perverse and unworthy. But how much soever, and how often soever any adversity happens to him from any thing created, he takes it all with equality of mind as from the hand of God, with thanksgiving, and es- teems it a great gain. For nothing, how little soever, that is suffered for God's sake, can ])ass without merit in the sight of God. 4. Be thou therefore ready prepared to fight, if thou desirest to gain tlie victory. Without fighting thou cannot obtain the crown of patience. If thou wilt not suffer, thou refusest to be crowned j but if thou desirest to 186 BOOK iir. be crowned, fight manfully and endure patienHy. Withojit labour there is no coming to rest, nor without fighting can the victory be obtained. IVIay thy grace, O Lord, make that possible to me, which seems impossi- ble to me by nature. Thou knowest that I can bear but little, and that I am quickly cast down by a small adversity. Let all exercises of tribulation be- come amiable and agreeable to me for thy name's sake; for to suffer and to be afflicted for thee is very healthful for my soul. Chap. XX. — Of the confeasion of our infirmiti/, and of' the miseries of this life. 1. J Will confess against myself my in- ■*- justice. Ps xxxi. I will confess to thee, O Lord, iiiV mfirmity. It is ofiedtiraes a small thing which casts me dowii and troubles me. I make a resolution to behave my- self valiantly ; but when a small temp- CHAP. XX. 187 tation comes, I am brought into great straits. It is sometimes a very trifling thing, from whence a grievous temptation proceeds. Ami when I think myself somewhat safe, 1 find myself sometimes, when I least apprehend it, almost overcome with a small blast. 2. Behold, then, O Lord, my ab- jection and frailty every way known to thee Have pity on me, and draw me out of the mire, that I stick not fast there- in, that I may not be utterly cast down for ever. This it is which often drives me back, and confounds me in thy sight, to find that I am so subject to fall, and have so little strength to resist my pas- sions. And although I do not altogether consent, yet their assaults are trouble- some and grievous to me ; and it is ex- ceedingly irksome to live thus always in a conflict. From hence my infirmity is made known to me ; because wicked thoughts ^88 BOOK iir. do always much more easily rush in upon me, than they can be cast out again. 3. Oh ! that thou the most mighty God of Israel, the zealous lover of faith- ful souls, wouldst behold the labour and sorrow of thy servant, and stand by me in all my undertakings. Strengthen me with heavenly forti- tude, lest the old man, the miserable flesh not yet fully subject to the spi- rit, prevail and get the upper hand ; against which we must figbt as long as we breathe in this most wretched life. Alas! what kind of life is this, where afflictions and miseries are never want- ing, where all things are full of snares and enemies. For when one tribulation or temp- tation is gone, another cometh; yea, and whilst the first conflict still lasts, many others come on, and those unex- pected. - 4. And how can a life be loved that hath so great bitterness, that is sub^ ject to so many calamities and mise- ries. CHAP. XX. 189 And how can it be called life, since it begets so many deaths and plagues ? And yet it is loved, and many seek their delight in it. Many blame the world that it is de- ceitful and vain, and yet they are not willing to quit it, because the con- cupiscences of the flesh too much pre- vail. But there are some things that draw tftem to love the world, others to de- spise it. Tlie lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life draw to the love of the world; but the pains arid miseries which justly follow these things breed a hatred and loathing of the world. ■5. But alas! the pleasure of sin pre- vails over the worldly soul, and under these thorns she imagines there are de- lights ; because she lias neither seen nor tasted the sweetness of God, nor the internal pleasure of virtue. But they that perfectly despise the world, and study to live to God under holy discipline, experience the divine swpetness, that is promised to those 190 BOOK III. who forsake all ; and such clearly see how grievously the world is mistaken, and how many ways it is imposed upon. Chap. XXI. — That ZD€ are to rest in God above all goods and gifts, 1. A BOVE all things, and in all J\. things, do thou my soul rest al- ways in the Lord, for he is the eternal rest of the saints. Give me, O most sweet and loving Jesus, to repose in tliee above all things created, above all healtli and beauty, above all glory and honour, above ail power and dignity, above all knowledge and subtlety, above all riches and arts, above all joy and gladness, above all tame and praise, above all sweetness and con- solation, above all hope and promise, above all merit and desire. Above all gifts and presents that thou canst give and intuse, above ail joy and jubilation that the mind can contain or feel ; in line, above angels and arch- angels, and all the host of heaven; CHAP. XXI. 191 above all things visible and invisible, and above all that which thou, my God, art not. 2. For thou, O Lord my God, art the best above all things : thou alone most liigh, thou alone most powerful ; thou alone most sufticient, and most full ; thou alone most sweet, and most comtb] table : Thou alone most beautiful, and most loving; thou alone most noble, and most glorious above all things; in whom all good things are found toge- ther in all their perfection, and always have been, and always will be. And therefore whatever thou be- stowest upon me, that is not thyself, or whatever thou revealest to me con- cerning thyselt, or promisesl, as long as 1 see thee not, nor fully enjoy thee, is too little and insufficient. Because indeed my heart cannot tru- ly rest, nor be entirely contented, till it rest in thee, and rise above all things created. S. O my most beloved spouse, Christ Jesus, most pure lover, Lord of 192 BOOK iir. the whole creation; who will give ine the wings of true liberty, to tiy and repose in thee ? Oh ! when shall it be fully granted me to attend at leisure and see how sweet thou art, O Lord my God. When shall I fully recollect myself in thee, that through the love of thee 1 may not feel myself, but thee al'.'ne, above all feeling and measure, in a man- ner not known to all ? But now I oft€n sigh, and bear my mislortune with grief j Because I meet with many evils in this vale of miseries, which freqtiently disturb me, afflict me, and cast a cioud over me: often hmder me and distract me, allure and entangle me, that I cannot have free access to thee, nor enjoy thy sweet embraces, which are ever enjoyed by blessed spirits. Let my sighs move thee, and this manifold desolation under which 1 la- bour upon earth. 4. U Jesus, the brightness of eternal glory, the comfort of a sou] in its pil- CHAP. "xxr. 195 grimage; with thee is my mouth with- out voice, and my silence speaks to thee. How long doth my Lord delay to come. Let him come to me, his poor servant, and make me joyful : let him stretch forth his hand, and deliver me a wretch from all anguish. come, O come ; for without thee I can never have one joyful day nor hour, for thou art my joy; and without thee my table is empty. 1 am miserable, and in a manner imprisoned, and loaded with fetters, till thou comfort me with the light of thy presence, and restore me to liber- ty, and shew me a favourable counte- nance. 5. Let others seek instead of thee whatever else they please ; nothing else doth please me, or shall please me, but thou my God, my hope, my eter- nal salvation. I will not hold my peace, nor cease to pray till thy grace returns, and thou speak to me interiorly. 6, Behold here 1 am ; behold I come N 194 BOOK irr. to thee, because thou hast called upon mc. Thy tears, and the desire of thy soul, thy liumihation and contrition of heart have inchned and brought ms to thee. 7. And I said, O Lord, I have called upon thee, and have desired to cnjt-iy thee, and am ready to renounce all otiier things for thee. For tliou didst first stir me up thai I might seek thee. Be thou therefore blessed, O Lord, who hath shewed this goodness to thy servant, according to the multitude ol- thy mercies. What hath thy servant more to say in thy presence, but to humble him- self exceedingly before thee; always remembering his own iniquity smd vileness. For there is none like to thee, amongst all things that are wonderful in heaven or eartti. Thy works are exceedingly good, thy judgments are true, and by thy prov.> ^cnce all things arc ruled. cuAP. xxir. %95. Praise therefore and glory be ta thee, O Wisdom of the Father : let my tongue, my soul, and all things created join in praising thee, and blessing thee. Chap. XXII. — Of the remsmhcrance of the manifold henejits of God. 1. ^^PEN, O Lord, my heart in thy \J law, and teach me to walk in thy commandments. Give me grace to understand thy will, and to commemorate with great reverence and diligent consideration all thy benefits, as well in general as in particular, tliat so I may be able wor- thily to give thee thanks for them. But I know and confess that I arii not able to return tb^e thanks, uot even for the least point. I am less than any of thy benefits bestowed upon me; and when I consi- der thy excellency, my spirit loses itself in the greatness of thy Majesty. 2. All that we have in soul and body^ all that we possess outwardly or in- wardly, by nature or grace, are thy be- nefits, and commend thy bounty,, mey- N 2 196 BOOK III. cy and goodness, from whom we have received all good. And though one has received more, another less, yet all is thine, and with- out thee even the least cannot be had. He that has received greater things cannot glory of his own merit, nor ex- tol himself above others, nor insult over the lesser ; because he is indeed greater and better, who attributes less to himself, and is more humble and devout in returning thanks. And he who esteems himself the vil- est of all men, and judges himself the most unworthy, is fittest to receive the greatest blessings. 3. But he that has received fewer must not be troubled, nor take it ill, nor envy him that is more enriched ; but attend rather to thee, and very much praise thy goodness, for that thou bestowest thy gifts -so plentifully, so freely and willingly without respect of persons. All things are from thee, and there- fore thou art to be praised in all. Thou knowest what is fit to be givea to every one; and why this persoa CHAP. XXII. 197 hath less, and the other more, is not our business to decide, but thine, who keepest an exact account of the merits of each one. 4. Wherefore, O Lord God, I take it for a great benefit, not to have much which outwardly and according to men might appear praise-worthy and glori- ous. So that a person, considering his own poverty and meanness, ought not upon that account to be weighed down, or to be grieved and dejected, but rather to receive comfort and great pleasure. Because thou, O God, hast chosen the poor and the humble, and those that are despised by this world, for thy familiar friends and domestics. Witness thy apostles themselves, whom thou hast appointed rulers over all the earth. And yet they conversed in this vy-orld without complaint, so humble and sim- ple, without any malice or guile, that they were even glad when they suffered affronts and reproaches for thy name ; and what the world tlies from, they embraced with great affection. 5, Nothing therefore ought to give N 3 IDS BOOK 111. so great joy to liim that loves thee, and knows thy benefits, and the ac- complishment of thy will in himself, and the pleasure of thy eternal ap- pointment. With which he ought to be so far contented and comforted, as to be wil- ling to be the least, as any one would wish to be the greatest, and to enjoy as much peace'and content in the iowest place, as in the highest; and to be as willing to be despicable and mean, and of no name aiwi repute in the world, as to be preferred in ho» nour, and greater than others : For thy will, and the love of thy honour, ought to be regarded above all, and to comfort and please him more than any benefits whatsoever which he hath received, or can re- ceive. Chap. XXIII. — Of four tilings which bring much peace. 'S ON, I will teach thee now the way of peace and true liberty. 2. Do, Lord; I beseech thee, as thou CHAP, xxiri. 199 sayest, for I shall be very glad to hear it. 3. Endeavour, my Son, rather to do the will of another, than thy own. Ever choose rather to have less, than more. Always seek the lowest place, and to be inferior to every one. Always wish and pray that the will of God may be entirely fulfilled in thee. Behold, such a man as this enters upon the coast -of peace and rest, 4. Lord, this thy short speech con- tains much perfection. It is short in words, but full in sense, and plentiful in its fruit; For if it could be faithfully observed by me, I should not be so e^asily trou- bled. For as often as I find myself dis- €iuieted and disturbed, I am sensible it is because I have strayed from this doctrine. But thou, O Lord, who canst do all things, and always lovest the pro- gress of the soul, increase in me thy grace, that I may accomplish this thy word, and perfect my salvation. N4 200 BOOK iir, A FRAYER Against evil thoughts, 5. O Lord, my God, depart not far from me : O my God, have regard to heJp me, for divers evil thoughts have risen up against me, and great fears afflicting my souh How shall I pass without hurt? How shall I break through them ? 6. I (saith he) zoill go before thee, end will humble the great ones of the earth. Isaiah xxv. I will open the gates of the pri- son, and reveal to thee the hidden se- crets. 7 Do, Lord, as thou sayest, and let all these wicked thoughts flee from be- fore thy face. This is my hope and my only com- fort, to fly to thee in all tribulations, to confide in thee, to call on thee from my heart, and patiently to look for thy consolation. CHAP xxiir. 201 PRAYER For the enlightening the Mind, 8. Enlighten nie, O good Jesus, ^vith the brightness of the internal light ; and cast out all darkness from the dwelling of my heart. Restrain my many wandering thoughts, and suppress the tempta- tions that violentl}; assault me. Fight strongly for me, and overcome those wicked beasts, I mean, these al- luring concupiscences ; that peace may be made in thy power, and the abun- dance of thy praise may resound in thy holy court, which is a clean conscience. Command the winds and storms: say to the sea be thou still, and to the north wind, blow thou not; and a great calm shall ensue. 9. Send forth thy light and thy truth, that they may shine upon the earth ; for I am an earth that is empty and void, till thou enlightenest me. Gen. i. Pour forth thy grace from above; water my heart with the dew of hea- 202 r.ooK HI. ven ; send down the waters of de%'0- tion, to wash the face of the earth, to briii^ forth good and perfect fruit. Lift up my mind, oppressed with the load of sins, and raise my whole desire towards heavenly things; that having tasted the sweetness of the happiness above, I may have no plea- sure in thinking of the things of the «arth. 10. Draw me away, and deliver me from all unstable comfort of creatures, for no created thing can fully quiet and satisfy my desire. Join me to thyself with an insepa- rable bond of love; for thou alone canst satisfy the lover ; and without thee all other things are frivolous. Chap. XXIV.— That we are not to be curious in enquiring into the life of ethers. 1. OON, be not curious, and give not O way to useless cares. What is this or that to thee ? do thou follow me. CHAP. XXIV. 203 For what is it to thee whether this man be such, or such ; or that man do •or say this, or the other ? Ttiou art not to answer for others, but must give an account for thyself; why therefore dost thou meddle with them? Behold, I know every one, and see all things that are done under the sun ; and I know how it is with every one, what he thinks, what he would have, and at what his intention aims. All things therefore are to be com- mitted to me ; but as for thy part, keep thyself in good peace, and let the busy- body be as busy as he will. Whatsoever he shall do or say, will come upon himself, because he cannot deceive me. 2. Be not solicitous for the shadow of a great name, neither seek to be fa- miliarly acquainted with many, nor to be particularly loved by men. For these things beget distractions and great darkness in the heart. I would willingly speak my word to thee, and reveal my secrets to thee ; if thou wQuldst diligently observe my 204 BOOK III. coming, and open to me the door of thy heart. Be careful and watch in prayers, and humble thyself in all things. Chap. XXV. — In what things the firm peace of' the heart and true progress doth consist, 1. O ON, I have said, Peace I leave to O j/ou, my peace 1 give to you: not as the world giveth, do 1 give to you. John xiv. Feace is what all desire ; but all care not for those things which appertain to true peace. My yeace is with the humble and meek of heart : thy peace shall be in much patience. If thou wilt hear me, and follow my voice, thou mayest enjoy much peace. 2. What then shall I do. Lord ? 3. In every thing attend to thyself, what thou art doing, and what thou art saying; and direct thy whole intention to this, that thou mayest please me alone, and neither desire nor seek any thing out of me. CHAP. XXV. 205 And as for the sayings or doings of others, judge of nothing rashly ; nei- ther busy thyself with things not com- mitted to thy care; and bhus may it be brought about that thou shalt be little or seldom disturbed. But never to feel any trouble at all, nor to suffer a grief of heart or body, is not the state of this present life, but of everlasting rest. Think not therefore that thou hast found true peace, if thou feelest no burden; nor that then all is well, if thou have no adversary ; nor that thou hast attained to perfection, if all things be done according lo thy in- clination. Neither do thou then conceive a great notion of thyself, or imagine thyself especially beloved, if thou be in great devotion and sweetness : for it is not in such things as these that a true lover of virtue is known ; nor doth the progress and perfection of a man consist in these things. 4. In what then, O Lord? 5. In offering thyself with thy whole heart to the will of God ; not seeking 206 BOOK irr. tht things that are thine either in little or great, either in time or eter- nity. So that with the same equal coun- tenance thou continue giving thanks bolh in prosperity and adversity, weighing all things in an equal ba-. lance. If thou come to be sa valiant, and long suffering in hope, that when in- terior comfort is withdrawn, thou canst prepare thy heart to suffer still more; and dost not justify thyself, as it thou oughtest not to suffer such great things; but acknowledgest my justice in all my appointments, and praisest my holy name ; then it is that thou walkest m the true and right way of peace, and mayest hope with- out any question to see my face again with great joy. And if thou arrive at an entire con- tempt of thyself, know that then thou shalt enjoy an abundance of peace, as much as is possible in this state o£ banishment. 207 Chap. XXVI. — Of the eminence of a free mind^ which humble prayer bet- ter procures than reading. 1. X ORD, this is the work of a per- JLi feet man, never to let one's mind slacken from attending to hea- venly things, and to pass through many cares, as it were without care ; not after the manner of an indolent person, but by a certain prerogative of a free mind, which doth not cleave by an inordinate affection to any thing created. , Q.. Preserve me, I beseech thee, O my most merciful God, from the cares of this life, that I be not too much en- tangled by them ; from the many ne- cessities of the body, that I may not be ensnared by pleasure ; and from all hinderances of the soul, lest being overcome by troubles I be cast down. I do not say from those things which worldly vanity covets with so much eagerness; but from these miseries, which by the general curse of our mor- tality, as punishments^ weigh down ai«i 208 BOOK rn. keep back the soul of thy servant from being able, when it will, to enter into liberty of spirit. 3. O my God, who art unspeakable sweetness, turn into bitterness to me all carnal comfort, which withdraws me from the love of things eternal, and wickedly allures me to itself, by setting before me a certain present delightful good. O my God, let not flesh and blood prevail over me, let it not overcome me : let not the world and its transi- tory glory deceive me : let not the devil supplant me by his craft. Give me fortitude, that I may stand my ground, patience that I may en- dure, and constancy that I may per- severe. Give me, in lieu of all the comforts of this world, the most delightful unction of thy spirit ; and instead of carnal love, infuse into me the love of thy name. 4. Beriold ! eating, drinking, cloath- ing, and other necessaries appertaining to the support of the body are burthen- some to a fervent spirit. CHAP. XXVII. 209 Grant that I may use such things with moderation, and not be entangled with an inordinate affection to them. It is not lawful to cast them all away, lor nature must be support- ed ; but to require superfluities, and such things as are more delightful, thy holy law forbids; for otherwise the flesh would grow insolent against the spirit. In all this, I beseech thee, let thy hand govern and direct me, that I may 110 way ex-ceed. Chap. XXVn.—TIiat self-love chieflif keeps a person buck from the Sovereign Good. 1. IV/TY Son, thou must give all for •^'-'•all, and be nothing of thy own. Know that the love of thyself is more hurtful to thee than any thing in the world. Every thing, according to the love and inclination which thou hast to it, cieaveth to thee more or less. If thy love be pure, simple, and well ordered, thou shalt not be a cap- live lu any thing. O mo BOOK III. Covet not that which thou mayest not have. Seek not to have that which may hinder thee and rob thee of inward liberty. It is wonderful that thou wilt not from the very bottom of thy heart com- mit thyself wholly to me, with all things that thou canst desire to have. ^. Why dobt thou pine away with vain grief? why tirest thou thyself with useless cares? Stand resigned to my good pleasure, and thou shalt sutler no loss. If 11 ou seekest this, or that, or would&t be here or there, for the sake of thy own interest, or the pleasing thy own will, thou shall never be at rest, nor free from solicitude ; for in every thing thou shalt find some defect, and in every place there will be some one that \\ ill cross thee. 8. It is not therefore the obtaining or multiplying things exteriorly that avails thee, but rather the despising of them, and cutting them up by the root out of thy heart; which I would not have thee to understand only with CHAP, xxvir. 211 regard to money and riches, and also with regard to ambition and honour» and the desire of empty praise: all which things pa&s away with the world. The place avails little, if the spirit of fervour be wanting; neither shall that peace stand long which is sought from abroad, if the state of thy heart want the true foundation, that is, if thou stand not in me : thou mayest change, but not better thyself. For when occasion happens, thou shalt find that which thou didst fly from, and more. A PRAYER For the cleansing of the Hearty and the obtaining heatenli/ wisdom. 4. Confirm me, O God, by the grace of thy holy spirit. Give me power to be strengthened in the inward man, and to cast out of my heart all unpro- fitable care and trouble; let me not be drawn away with various desires of any thing whatsoever, whether it be of little or great value ; but may I look 2 212 BOOK iir. upon all things as passing away, and \ipon my selfas passing along with them . For nothing is lasting under the sun, where all is vanity and affliction ofsjiirit. O how wise is he who con- siders things in this manner ! 5. Give me, O Lord, heavenly wis- dom, that I may learn above all things to seek thee, and to find thee; above all things to relish thee, and to love thee, and to understand all other thhigs, as they are, according to the order of thy wisdom. Grant that I may prudently decline lihn that flatters me, and patiently bear with him that contradicts me. For this is great wisdom, not to be moved with every wind of words, nor to give ear to the wicked flattering Siren; for thus shall we go on securely in the way we have begun. Chap. XXVIII. — Against the tongues of' detractors. 1. ^ON, take it not to heart if some O people t^iink il) of thee, and say of thee what thou art not willing to hear* CH.