The follovving of Christ Deuided into foure bookes. Written in Latin by the learned and deuout man Thomas a Kempis chanon-regular of the Order of S. Augustine. And translated into English by B. F.

OF THE FOLLOWING OF CHRIST .

THE FIRST BOOKE .

CHAP. I. Of the imitation of Christ , and contempt of all the vanities of the world .

HE that followeth me , Ioan. 8. walketh not in darknesse , saith our Lord . These are the words of Christ , by which we are admonished , that we ought to imitate his life , and manners , if we will be partakers of his diuine light , and be deliuered from all blindnesse of hart . Let therfore our chiefest care be to meditate vpon the life of Iesus Christ .

2. The doctrine of Christ exceedeth all the doctrine of the Saints : and he that had the light of spirit , would discouer therin a secret and hidden Manna . But it falleth out that many , who often heare the Ghospell of Christ , do yet feele in themselues but slender motion of any holy desire , because they are void of the spirit of Christ . But whosoeuer will fully and feelingly vnderstand the words of Christ , must endeauour to conforme his life wholy to the life of Christ .

3. What will it auaile thee to dispute profoundly of the Trinity , if thou be voyd of humility , and therby displeasing to the Trinity ? High words surely , make a man neither holy nor iust ; but a vertuous life maketh him deare to God . I had rather feele compunction , then vnderstand the definition therof . 1. Cor. 13. If thou didest know the whole Bible by hart , and the sayings of all the Philosophers , what would all that profit thee , without charity , and the grace of God ? Vanity of vanities , and all is vanity , but only to loue God , Eccles. 1. and wholy to serue him . This is the highest wisdome , by contempt of the world , to tend towards the Kingdome of heauen .

4. It is therfore vanity to seeke after fading riches , and to repose trust in them . It is also vanity to gape after honours , and to climbe to high degrees . It is vanity to follow the appetites of the flesh , and to labour for that , for which thou must afterwards suffer more grieuous punishment . Vanity it is to wish to liue long , and to be carelesse to liue well . It is vanity to mind only this present life , and not to foresee those things which are to come . It is vanity to set thy loue on that which speedily passeth away , and not to hasten thither , where euerlasting ioy is permanent .

5. Call often to mind this prouerbe : That the eye is neuer satisfied with seeing , Eccles. 1. nor the eare filled with hearing . Endeauour therfore to withdraw thy hart from the affection of visible things , and to turne thy selfe to the inuisible . For they that follow their sensuality , do staine their owne consciences , and loose the grace of God .

CHAP. II. Of the humble conceipt of our selues .

ALL men by nature desire to know : Eccl. 1. & Arist. l. 1. metaph . cap. 1. but what auaileth knowledg without the feare of God ? Surely , an humble husbandman that feareth God , is better then a proud Philosopher that neglecting himselfe , laboureth to vnderstand the course of the heauens . Who so knoweth himselfe well , groweth daily more contemptible in his owne conceipt , and delighteth not in the praises of men . If I vnderstood all that is to be knowne in the world , and were not in charity , what would that help me in the sight of God , who will iudge me according to my deedes ?

2. Giue not thy selfe to inordinate desire of knowledg : for therin is much distraction and deceipt . The learned are willing to seeme so to others , 1. Cor 8. and to be accoumpted wise . There be many things , which to know doth little or nothing profit the soule : and he is very vnwise , that bestoweth his labour about other things , then those that may auaile him for the health of his soule . Many words do not satisfy the desires of the hart : but a good life comforteth the mind , and a pure conscience giueth great assurance in the sight of God .

3. How much the more thou knowest , and how much the better thou vnderstandest , so much the more grieuously shalt thou therfore be iudged , vnlesse thy life be also more holy . Be not therfore extolled in thy owne mind for any art or science which thou knowest ; but rather let the knowledge giuen thee , make thee more fearefull . If thou thinkest that thou vnderstandest and knowest much ; know also that there be many things more , which thou knowest not . Rom. 12. Thinke not too well of thy selfe , but rather confesse thine ignorance Why wilt thou prefer thy selfe before others , sith there be many more learned & skilfull in the Law then thou ? If thou wilt know or learne any thing profitable , desire not to be knowne , and to be little esteemed of by men .

4. The highest and most profitable reading is the true knowledge & consideration of our selues . It is great wisdome and perfection to esteeme nothing of our selues , & to thinke alwaies well , and commendably of others . If thou shouldest see another openly sinne , or commit any heynous offence ; yet oughtest thou not to esteeme the better of thy selfe , for thou knowest not how long thou shalt be able to remayne in good estate . Gen. 8. We are all frayle , but thou oughtest to esteeme none more frayle then thy selfe .

CHAP. III. Of the doctrine of Truth .

HAPPY is he whome Truth by it selfe doth teach , Ps. 93.1 . not by figures , and voices that passe away ; but as it is in it selfe . Our owne opinion and sense do often deceaue vs , and it discernes little . Eccl. 3. What auaileth it to dispute and contend about darke and hidden things ; wheras for being ignorant of them we shall not so much as once be reprehended at the day of iudgment ? It is a great folly to neglect the things that are profitable and necessary , and giue our minds to that which is curious and hurtfull : Ps 113. we haue eyes and do not see .

2. And what haue we to do with the terms and distinctions of Logitians ? He to whome the eternall Word speaketh , is deliuered from multitudes and diuersities of opinions . By that one Word all things do speake , and all declare the same : and this is the beginning , and that which speaketh vnto vs . No man without that Word vnderstandeth or iudgeth rightly . He to whome all things are one , who draweth all things to one , and seeth all things in one , may enioy a quiet mind , and remaine peaceable in God . O God , the eternall Truth , make me one with thee in euerlasting charity . It is tedious to me often to read & heare many things . In thee is all that I would haue , and can desire . Let all Doctours hold their peace : let all creatures be silent in thy sight : speak thou alone vnto me .

3. How much the more one is retired within him selfe , Matt. 11. Luc. 10. and becommeth inwardly sincere , and pure ; so much the more , and higher mysteries doth he vnderstand without labour : for that he receaueth light of vnderstanding from aboue . A pure , sincere and stayed spirit is not distracted , though he be imploied in many workes : for that he worketh all to the honour of God , and laboureth for inward tranquillity , without seking himself in any thing he doth . Who hinders and troubles thee more then the vnmortified desires of thine owne hart ? A good and deuout man first of all disposeth in himselfe his outward works : neither do they draw him to the desires of an inordinate inclination ; but he ordereth them to the prescript of reason . Who hath a greater combate , then he that laboureth to ouercom himselfe ? This ought to be our endeauour , to conquer our selues daily , to wax stronger , and be more able to subdue our passions , and alwaies in this way to get some ground .

4. All perfection in this life hath some imperfections mixt with it : & no knowledg of ours is void of darknesse , and ignorance . An humble knowledg of thy self is a more secure way to God , then a deepe search after learning : yet learning is not to be blamed , nor the only knowledg of any thing whatsoeuer is to be disliked , it being good in it selfe , and ordained by God : but a good conscience , and a vertuous life is to be preferred before it . And for that many endeauour , rather to get knowledg , then to liue well : therfore they are often deceiued , and reape either none , or very slender profit of their labours .

5. O , if men bestowed as much labour in the rooting out of vices , and planting of vertues , as they doe in moouing doubts and questions ; neither would there so much hurt be done , nor so great scandall be giuen in the world , nor so much loosnes be practised in places erected for vertue ! Matt. 23. Truly at the day of ludgment we shall not be examined what wee haue read , but what we haue done : nor how well we haue spoken , but how vertuously we haue liued . Tell me now , where are all those great Doctours and Maisters , with whom thou wast well acquainted , whilst they lyued & flourished in learning ? Now others possesse their liuings , & perhaps do scarce euer thinke of them . In their life time they seemed somthing , and now they are not spoken of .

6. O , how quickly doth the glory of this world passe away ! Eccles. 2. Would God their life had byn answerable to their learning , then had their study & reading byn to good purpose . Tit. 1. How many perish in this world by reason of vaine learning , who take little care of the seruice of God ? Rom. 1. And because they rather choose to be great then humble ; Matt. 18. & 23. therfore they vanish away in their own thoughts . He is truly great that is great in charity . He is truly great , that is little in himselfe , and that maketh no accompt of the height of honour . He is truly wise , that accompteth all earthly things as dung , that he may gaine Christ . Phil. 3. And he is truly learned , that fulfilleth the wil of Christ , and forsaketh his owne .

CHAP. IV. Of Prudence , and Foresight in our actions .

WE must not giue eare to euery suggestion or instinct , but ought warily , 1.10.4 . & leasurly to ponder things according to the wil of God . But ( alas ) such is our weaknesse that we rather often belieue , and speake euil of others , then good . Those that are perfectly vertuous , Gen. 3. do not easily giue credit to euery thing that is told them , for they know that human frailty is prone to euill , Iac. 3. and very subiect to faile in words .

2. It is great wisdome not to be rash in thy proceedings , Frou . 19. nor to stand stifly in thine own conceipts ; Prou. 17. as also not to belieue euery thing which thou hearest : nor presently to relate againe to others , what thou hast heard , or dost belieue . Consult with him that is wise , and of a good conscience , and seeke to be instructed by a better then thy selfe , rather then to follow thine owne inuentions . Prou. 15. & Eccl. 1. A good life maketh a man wise according to God , and giueth him experience in many things . How much the humbler one is in himselfe , and more subiect and resigned vnto God : so much the more prudent shall he be in all his affaires , and enioy greater peace and quiet of hart .

CHAP. V. Of the reading of holy Scriptures .

TRVTH , not eloquence is to be sought for in holy Scriptures . Ech part of them is to be read with the same spirit it was made . Rom. 15. We should rather search after spirituall profit in Scriptures , then subtility of speach . We ought to read deuout and simple bookes , as willingly as high and learned . 1. Cor. 2. Let not the reputation of the writer offend thee , whether he be of great or small learning : but let the pure word of truth moue thee to read . Search not who spake this , or that , but marke what is spoken .

2. Men passe away ; Ps. 110. & Luc. 21. but the truth of our Lord remaineth for euer . God speaketh vnto vs sundry waies , without respect of persons . Rom. 2. & 10. & Col. 3. Our owne curiosity often hindreth vs in reading of the Scriptures , when as we will examine , and discusse that which we should rather passe ouer without more adoe . If thou desire to reape profit , read humbly , plainly , and faithfully : neuer desire the estimation of learning . Inquire willingly , and heare with silence the words of holy men : Prou. 1. & 18. dislike not the Parables of Elders , for they are not recounted without cause .

CHAP. VI. Of inordinate desires , and affections .

WHENSOEVER a man desireth any thing inordinatly , he is presently disquieted in himselfe . The proud and couetous can neuer rest . The poore and humble in spirit , liue togeather in all peace . The man that is not wholy dead in himselfe , is quickly tempted , and ouercome in small and trifling things . The weake in spirit , and that is yet in a manner subiect to his appetites , and prone to sensible things , can hardly withdraw himselfe altogeather from earthly desires . And therfore he is often afflicted , when he goeth about to retire himselfe from them : and easily falleth into indignation , when any opposition is made against him .

2. And if he hath followed therin his appetite , he is presently disquieted with remorse of conscience : for that he yielded to his passion , which profiteth him nothing to the obtaining of the peace he sought for . True quiet of mind therfore , is gotten by resisting our passions , not by obeying them . There is no peace in the hart of a carnall man , nor of him that is addicted to outward things , but in the spirituall and feruent .

CHAP. VII . Of flying vaine Hope , and Pride .

HE is vaine that putteth his trust in men , or creatures . Hier. 17.1 . Be not ashamed to serue others for the loue of Iesus Christ : nor to be esteemed poore in this world . Ps. 30. Presume not vpon thy selfe , but place thy hope in God . Do what lieth in thy power , and God will assist thee . Trust not in thine own knowledg , Hier. 9. nor in the wisdome or prudence of any liuing creature : but rather in the grace of God , who helpeth the humble , and humbleth the presumptuous and proud .

2. Glory not in wealth , if thou haue it ; nor in the power of thy friends : but in God , who giueth all things , and aboue all desireth to giue thee himselfe . Extoll not thy selfe for the stature , and beauty of thy body , which is dissolued , and disfigured with euery little sicknes . Take not pleasure in thy naturall gifts , or wit , least thereby thou displease God , to whome appertaineth all the good whatsoeuer nature hath giuen thee .

3. Esteeme not thy selfe better then others , Exod. 3. & 12. least perhaps in the sight of God , who knoweth what is in man , thou be accompted worse then they . Iob. 9. Be not proud of thy good workes , for the iudgments of God are farre different from the iudgments of men : and that of ten offendeth him , which pleaseth them . If there be any good in thee , belieue that there is much more in others , that so thou maist the better keepe within thy hart the precious treasure of humility . It is no preiudice vnto thee to esteeme thy selfe worse then all the world : but it hurteth thee very much , to preferre thy selfe before any one . The humble enioy continuall peace : but in the hart of the proud , is enuy and often indignation .

CHAP. VIII . That too much familiarity is to be shunned .

LAY not thy hart open to euery one : but treate of thy affaires with the wise , and such as feare God . Eccl. 8. Conuerse not much with yong people , and strangers . Flatter not the rich ; neither do thou appeare willingly before great personages . Keep company with the humble , simple , deuout , and vertuous ; and confer with them of those things , that may edify . Prou. 5. Be not familiar with any woman : but in generall commend all good women to God . Desire to be familiar with God alone , and his angels , and fly the knowledge of men .

2. We must haue charity towards all , but familiarity with all is not expedient . Sometimes it falleth out , that the fame of some person that is vnknowne , is much esteemed ; whose presence notwithstanding is not gratefull to the eies of the beholders . We thinke sometimes to please others by our company , and we rather distast them with our disordered manners , and the euill customes which they discouer in vs .

CHAP. IX . Of Obedience , and Subiection .

IT is a great matter to liue in Obedience , to be vnder a Superiour , and not to be at our owne disposition . It is much safer to liue in the state of subiection , then of gouernment . Many liue vnder Obedience , rather for necessity then for charity : and such are discontented , and do easily repine and murmure . Neither can they attaine to freedome of mind , vnlesse they willingly and hartily put themselues vnder Obedience for the loue of God . Go whither thou wilt , thou shalt-find no rest , but in humble subiection vnder the gouernment of a Superiour . The imagination and change of places haue deceiued many .

2. True it is , that euery one willingly doth that which agreeth with his owne sense and liking ; and is apt to affect those most , that are of his owne mind : But if God be amongst vs , we must leaue our owne iudgment , that so peace and quietnes may be the better preserued . Who is so wise , that he can fully know all things ? Trust not therfore too much to thine owne conceipts : but be willing to heare the iudgment of others . If that which thou thinkest be good , and notwithstanding dost leaue it for God , and followest the opinion of another , it shall be better for thee

3. I haue often heard , that it is more secure to heare and take counsell , then to giue it . It may also fall out , that ech ones opinion may be good : but to refuse to yield to others , when as reason , or cause requireth it , is a token of wilfullnes and pride .

CHAP. X. Of the auoyding superfluity of words .

FLY the vnquietnes of men as much as thou canst : Matt. 4. & 14. for the talke of worldly affaires hindreth very much , although they be recounted with sincere intention : for we are quickely defiled , Ioan. 6. and as it were enthralled with vanity . I could wish that I had often times held my peace , when I haue spoken : and that I had not byn in company . Why do we so willingly speake , and talke one with another , when notwithstanding we seldom returne to silence , without hurt of conscience ? The cause wherfore we so willingly talke , is , for that by discoursing one with another , we seeke to receaue comfort one of another : and desire to ease our mind , ouer-wearied with sundry thoughts : Matt. 7. and we talke willingly , and thinke of those things which we loue best , Rom. 2. and most desire ; or of those , which we feele most contrary vnto vs .

2. But alas , often times in vaine , and to no end : for this outward comfort is cause of no small losse of inward , and diuine consolation . Therfore we must watch and pray , least our time passe without any fruit or profit . If it be lawfull , and expedient for thee to speak ; speak those things that may edify . An euill custome , and neglect of our owne good , doth very much slacke the raynes to inconsiderate speach : Act. 1. Yet deuout discourses of heauenvly things , do greatly further our progresse in spirit , Rom. 15. especially where persons of one mind and spirit be gathered togeather in God .

CHAP. XI . Of the obteyning of peace , and zeale of spirituall profit .

WE might enioy peace , if we would not busie our selues with the words and deedes of other men , which appertaine nothing to our charge . How can he liue long in peace , that thrusteth himselfe into the cares of others , or that litle or seldom recollecteth himselfe within his owne breast ? Blessed are the simple and pure minds : for they shall enioy much peace .

2. What is the reason , why some of the Saints were so perfect , and contemplatiue ? Because they laboured to mortify themselues wholy to earthly desires ; and therefore they could with their whole hart , giue themselues to God , and freely attend to their owne affaires . We are too much lead by our owne passions , and too solicitous for transitory things . We also seldome ouercome any one vice perfectly , and are not inflamed with a feruent desire to profit in spirit : and therfore we remaine cold in deuotion , and full of tepidity .

3. If we were perfectly dead vnto our selues , and not intangled within our owne breasts : then we might also haue some tast of diuine things , and feele the sweetnesse of heauenly contemplation . The greatest , and indeed the whole impediment is , for that we are not free from our passions , and disordered inclinations : neither do we endeauour to enter into that path of perfection , which the Saints haue walked before vs : and when any small aduersity befalleth vs , we are too quickly deiected , and turne our selues to human comforts .

4. If we endeauour like men of courage to stand continually in the battaile ; surely we should feele the fauourable assistance of God from heauen . For he who giueth vs occasion to fight , to the end we may get the victory , is ready to succour those that fight manfully , and do trust in his grace . If we esteeme our progresse in Religious life , to consist only in these exteriour obseruations ; our deuotion will quickly be at an end . Let vs set the axe to the roote , that being freed from passions , we may enjoy true peace of mind .

5. If euery yeare we would root out one vice , we should quickly become perfect men . But now often times we perceaue it goeth contrary , and that we were better , and of a more pure conscience at the beginning of our conuersion , then after many yeares of our profession . Our feruour and profit should increase daily ; but now it is accompted a great matter , if one can retaine but some part of his first spirit . If we would vse but a little violence in the beginning , then should we be able to performe all things afterwards with ease and ioy of hart .

6. It is a hard matter to leaue that to which we are accustomed ; but harder to do against our owne wils . But if thou dost not ouercome little and easy things ; how wilt thou ouercome harder matters ? Resist thy inclination in the first motions , and breake off euill customes , least perhaps by little and little they draw thee to greater difficulty . O , if thou didest consider how much inward peace vnto thy selfe , and ioy to others thou shouldest procure by demeaning thy selfe well ; I suppose thou wouldest be more carefull of thy spiritual profit .

CHAP. XII . Of the profit of Aduersity .

IT is good that we haue sometimes griefe and aduersities : for they often make a man enter into himselfe , and remember that he is heere in banishment , and ought not to place his trust in any worldly thing . It is good that we be sometimes contradicted ; & that there be an euill or hard conceipt had of vs : and this , although we do , and intend well . These things help often to the attayning of humility , and defend vs from vaine-glory : for then we chiefly seeke God for our inward witnesse ; when outwardly we be contemned by men , and when there is no credit giuen vnto vs .

2. And therfore a man should settle himself so fully in God , that he needed not to seeke many comforts of men . When a good and vertuous man is afflicted , tempted , or troubled with euill thoughts ; then he vnderstandeth better the great need he hath of Gods assistance , without whose help he perceaueth he can do nothing that is good . Then also he sorroweth , lamenteth , and prayeth for the miseries he suffereth . Then is he weary of liuing longer , and wisheth that death would come , that he might be dissolued , and be with Christ . Then also he well perceaueth , that complete security , and perfect peace cannot be had in this world .

CHAP. XIII . Of resisting Temptations .

SO long as we liue in this world we cannot be without tribulation and temptation : for as it is writen in Iob : Temptation is the life of man vpon earth . Euery one therfore ought to be carefull , and diligently to arme himselfe with praier against his temptations , least the Diuell find time and place to deceaue him ; who neuer sleepeth , but goeth about seeking whome he may deuoure . No man is so perfect and holy , but hath somtimes temptations : and we cannot be altogeather free from them .

2. Temptations are often profitable vnto men ; though they be troublesome , and grieuous ; for in them man is humbled , purged , and instructed . All the Saints haue passed and profited through many tribulations and temptations ; & they that could not beare temptations , became reprobate & fell from God . There is no order so holy , nor place so secret , where there be not temptations or aduersities .

3. There is no man that is altogeather free from temptations , whilest he liueth on earth : for in our selues is the cause therof , being born with inclination to euill . When one temptation or tribulation goeth away , another commeth : and we shall euer haue something to suffer , because we haue lost that innocency with which we were created . Many seeke to fly temptations , and do fall more grieuously into them . By flight alone we cannot ouercome ; but by patience and true humility , we become stronger then all our enemies .

4. He that only auoideth them outwardly , and doth not plucke them vp by the root , shall profit little : yea temptation will the sooner returne vnto him ; and he shall feele himselfe in worse case then before . By little and little , and by patience with longanimity ( through Gods help ) thou shalt more easily ouercome , then with violence , and thine owne importunity . Often take counsell in temptations , and deale not roughly with him that is tempted ; but giue him confort , as thou wouldest wish to be done to thy selfe .

5. The beginning of all euill temptations , is inconstancy of mind , and little confidence in God : for as a ship without a sterne is tossed to and fro with the waues : so the man that is negligent , and leaueth his purpose , is many waies tempted . Fyre trieth iron , and temptation a iust man . We know not oftentimes what we are able to do , but temptations do shew vs what we are . We must be watchfull , especially in the beginning of the temptation , for the enemy is then more easily ouercome , if he be not suffered to enter the dore of our harts , but be resisted without the gate at his first knocke . Wherfore one said : Withstand the beginnings , Ouid. l. 1. de remed amoris . for an after-remedy comes often to late . First there commeth to the mind an euill thought , then a strong imagination therof , afterwards delight , and an euill motion , and then consent : and so by little and little our wicked enemy getteth full entrance , whilst he is not resisted in the beginning . And how much the longer one is negligent in resisting : so much weaker doth he become daily , and the enemy stronger against him .

6. Some suffer greatest temptations in the beginning of their conuersion others in the later end ; others againe are much troubled almost through the whole time of their life . Some are but easily tempted according to the wisdome , and equity of the diuine appointment , which weigeth the state and deserts of men ; and ordaineth all things for the sauing of his elect and chosen seruants .

7. We ought not therfore to despaire when we are tempted ; but so much the more feruently to pray vnto God , that he will vouchsafe to help vs in all tribulation ; who surely according to the saying of S. Paul , will make with temptation such issue , that we may be able to sustaine it . Let vs therfore humble our selues vnder the hand of God in all temptation and tribulation , for he will saue , and exalt the humble in spirit .

8. In temptations and afflictions man is proued , how much he hath profited ; and his merit is therby the greater before God , and his vertues do more openly appeare . Neither is it any great matter if a man be deuout and feruent , when he feeleth no heauines : but if in time of aduersity he beare himself patiently , there is hope of great good . Some are kept from great temptations , and are often ouercome in small ones , which do daily occurre ; to the end that being humbled , they may neuer presume on themselues in great matters , who in so small things do see themselues so weake .

CHAP. XIV . Of auoyding rash Iudgement .

TVRNE thine eyes vnto thy selfe , Matt. 7. Rom. 25. Eccls. 3. and beware thou iudge not rashly the deeds of other men . In iudging of others a man alwaies laboureth in vaine , often erreth , and quickly sinneth ; but in iudging & discussing of himselfe , he alwaies laboureth fruitfully . We often iudg of things according to our owne desire ; for priuate affection bereaues vs easily of true iudgment . If God were alwaies the pure intention of our desire , we should not be so much troubled with the repugnance of our sensuality .

2. But often times some inward secret inclination , or outward affection occurreth , which draweth vs after it . Many secretly seeke themselues in their actions , and know it not . They seeme also to liue in good peace of mind , when things are don according to their will , and opinion ; but if it succeed otherwise then they desire , they are straight waies troubled , and much afflicted . The diuersities of iudgments and opinions , Matt. 12. cause often dissentions betwene friends and neighbours , Luc 12. betwene religious and deuout persons .

3. An old custome is hardly broken , and no man is willingly lead further then himselfe liketh . Hier. 13. If thou dost more rely vpon thine owne reason or industry , then vpon the vertue of obedience to Iesus Christ ; it wil be long before thou be illuminated with grace , for Almighty God will haue vs perfectly subiect vnto him , and that we transcend the narrow limits of human reason , enflamed with his loue .

CHAP. XV. Of Workes done of Charity .

FOR no worldly thing , nor for the loue of any man , Matt. 18. is any euil to be done : but yet for the profit of one that standeth in need , a good worke is sometimes to be left off , or chaunged also for a better . For by doing this , a good worke is not lost , but changed into another of greater merit . The exteriour worke without charity profiteth nothing ; 1. Cor. 13. but whatsoeuer is done of charity be it neuer so little and contemptible in the sight of the world , it is fruitfull , and of great esteeme in the sight of God . For God weigheth more with how much loue one worketh , then how much he doth . He doth much , that loueth much . Luc. 7.

2. He doth much that doth a thing well : he doth well that rather serueth the common good of others , Phil. 2. then his owne will . Oftentimes it seemeth to be charity , and it is rather carnality : because naturall inclination , selfe-will , hope of reward , and desire of our owne commodity will seldome be wanting .

3. He that hath true and perfect charity , seeketh himselfe in nothing ; but only desireth in all things that the glory of God should be exalted . Phil. 2.3 . & 1. Cor. 13. He also enuieth none ; because he loueth no priuate good : Ps. 17. & 24. neither wil he reioyce in himselfe ; but wisheth aboue al things to enioy God He attributeth nothing that is good to any man , but wholy referreth it vnto God , from whom , as from the fountaine , all things proceed : in whom finally all Saints haue perfect rest , by fruition of his glory . O , he that had one sparke of perfect charity , how easily would he discerne , that all earthly things be ful of vanity !

CHAP. XVI . Of bearing with the defects of others .

THOSE things that a man cannot amend in himselfe or in others , he ought to suffer patiently , vntil God ordaine otherwise . Think that perhaps it is better so , for thy tryall and patience , without which our merits are not much to be esteemed . Matt. 6. Thou oughtest to pray notwithstanding when thou hast such impediments , Luc ▪ 11. that God would vouchsafe to help thee , and that thou maist beare them patiently .

2. If one that is once or twice warned doth not amend , contend not with him ; but commit all to God , that his will may be fulfilled , Matt. 6. and his name honoured in all his seruants , who knoweth how to turne euill into good . Endeauour to be patient in bearing with the defects and infirmities of others : Thess. 5. & Io. 1. Luc. 6. for that thy selfe also hast many things , which must be suffered by others . If thou canst not make thy selfe such an one as thou wouldest ; how canst thou expect to haue another in all things to thy liking ? We would willingly haue others perfect , and yet we amend not our owne faults .

3. We wil haue others seuerely corrected , and will not be corrected our selues . The large liberty of others displeaseth vs : and yet we will not haue our desires denied vs . We will haue others kept vnder by rigorous lawes ; but in no sort will we our selues be restrained . And thus it appeareth , how seldome we weigh our neighbour in the same ballance with our selues . If all men were perfect , what should we haue to suffer of our neighbour for God ?

4. But now God hath thus ordained , that we may learne to beare one anothers burden : Gal. 6. for no man is without defect , no man without burden , no man sufficient of himselfe , no man endued with so much wisdom as he needeth : 1. Thes. 5. & 1. Cor. 12. but we ought to beare with one another , confort one another , help , instruct , & admonish one another . Aduersity best discouereth how great vertue ech one hath : for occasions make not a man fraile , but do shew what he is .

CHAP. XVII . Of Religious life .

THOV must learne to break thy owne will in many things , if thou wilt haue peace , and concord with others . It is no small matter to dwell in communtiy , or in a congregation , & to conuerse therin without complaint ▪ and to perseuer there faithfully vntill death . Blessed is he that hath there liued well , and ended happily . If thou wilt perseuer in grace as thou oughtest ▪ and profit in vertue , esteeme thy selfe as a banished man , and a pilgrim vpon earth . Thou must be contented for the loue of Christ to be esteemed as a foole in this world , if thou desire to lead a vertuous , and perfect religious life .

2. The wearing of religious habit , 1. Pet. 2. and shauing of the Crowne do little profit ; but chang of manners , and perfect mortification of passions make a true religious man . He that seeketh any thing els but God , Eccls. 1. & 4. and the health of his soule , shall find nothing but tribulation & sorrow . Neither can he remaine long in peace , that laboureth not to be in the meanest place , and subiect to all .

3. Thou camst to serue , not to be serued Know that thou wast called to suffer and to labour , Matt. 20. not to be idle , or to spend thy time in talke . Heere in the schoole of Christ men are proued as gold in the fornace . Here no man can stand , vnlesse he humble himselfe with his whole hart , for the loue of God .

CHAP. XVIII . Of the examples of the holy Fathers .

CONSIDER the liuely examples of the holy Fathers , Heb. 11. in whom true perfection and religion shined ; and thou shalt see how little it is , and almost nothing , which we do now in these daies . Alas , what is our life if it be compared to them ! The Saints and friends of Christ serued our Lord in hunger and thirst , in could and nakednesse , in labour and wearines , in watching and fasting , in prayer and holy meditations , in persecutions and many reproaches .

2. O , how many and grieuous tribulations suffered the Apostles , Martyrs , Confessours , Virgins , & all the rest that endeauoured to follow the steps of Christ ! They hated their liues in this world , Ioan. 12. that they might possesse their soules in euerlasting life . Matt. 7. O , How strait and poore a life led the holy Fathers in the wildernes ! How long and grieuous temptations suffered they ! How often and how grieuously were they assaulted by their Ghostly enemy ! How feruent praiers offered they daily to God! How rigorous abstinence did they vse ! How feruent zeale , and care had they of their spirituall profit ! How strong , and continuall a combat had they for the ouercomming of vices ! How pure and vpright intention kept they vnto God! In the day they laboured , and in the night they attended to continuall prayer , although when they laboured also , they ceased not from mentall prayer .

3. They spent all their tyme with profit : euery houre seemed short for the seruice of God : and for the great sweetnes they had in contemplation , they forgot the necessity of corporall refection . They renounced all riches , dignities , honours , friends and kinsfolkes ; they desired to haue nothing which appertained to the world ; they scarse tooke things necessary for the sustenance of life ; they grieued to ferue their bodies , euen in necessity . They were poore in earthly things , but rich in grace and vertues . Outwardly they wanted , but inwardly they were replenished with grace , and spirituall comfort .

4. They were strangers in the world , but neere and familiar friends to God . They seemed to themselues as nothing , and abiect to this world : but they were precious , and beloued in the eyes of God . They were grounded in true humility , liued in simple obedience , walked in charity and patience : and therfore they profited dayly in spirit , and obteyned great grace in Gods sight . They were giuen for an example and patterne of pefection in Gods Church , and their example should more styr vs vp to a desire of our spirituall profit , then the number of the luke-warme and dissolute liuers draw vs to the neglect therof .

5. O , how great was the feruour of all religious persons in the beginning of their holy institution ! How great was their deuotion to prayer ! How diligent emulation of vertue ! How exact discipline florished ! How great reuerence and obedience , vnder the rule of their Superiour , obserued they in all things ! Their footsteps yet remaining do testify that they were indeed holy and perfect men ; who fighting so valiantly , trode the world vnder their feet . Now he is greatly accompted of , that breaketh not the rule , and that can with patience endure that which he hath professed .

6. O couldnes and negligence of our time , that we so quickly decline from our first feruour , and are come to that passe , that very slouth and couldnes of spirit makes our owne liues tedious vnto vs ! Would to God the desire to profit in vertue did not wholy sleepe in thee , who hast often seene the holy examples of deuout and religious soules .

CHAP. XIX . Of the Exercise of a good , and Religious person .

THE life of a Religious person ought to shine with all vertues ; Matt. 5. that he may inwardly be such as outwardly he seemeth to men . And with reason thou oughtest to be much more within , then is perceaued without : Ps. 33. Heb. 4. Ps. 15. for God behouldeth the hart , whom we ought most highly to reuerence whersoeuer we are , and walke in purity like Angels in his sight ; and to renew dayly our purposes , and styr vp our selues to feruour , as though this were the first day of our conuersion ; and to say : Help me , my God , in this my good purpose , and in thy holy seruice ; and graunt that I may now this day begin perfectly : for that which I haue done hitherto , is nothing .

2. According to our purpose , shal be the successe of our profit , and much diligence is necessary to him that will profit much . And if he that firmely purposeth , often faileth ; what shall he do , that seldome purposeth any thing , or with little certainty ? It may fall out sundry waies that we leaue off our purpose : and if for light occasions we omit our accustomed exercises , it seldome passeth without some losse . The purpose of iust men is rather grounded vpon the grace of God , then on their owne wisdome , in whom also they alwaies haue confidence , in whatsoeuer they take in hand . For man doth purpose , Prou. 16. but God disposeth : neither is the way of man in his owne hands .

3. If an accustomed exercise be sometimes omitted for some worke of charity , or of intention to profit our neighbour , it may easily afterward be recouered : Eccles. 7. but if it be lightly left through inconstancy or negligence , it is an offence , and will proue hurtfull . Though we endeauour what we can , yet shall we faile in many things . But yet we must alwaies purpose somthing certaine , especially against that which most hinders vs We must examine well , and order both our exteriour and interiour actions ; for that both are expedient for our progresse in vertue .

4. If thou canst not alwaies recollect thy selfe , yet do it somtimes , and that at least once euery day ; to to wit in the morning , or euening . In the morning make thy good purpose ; Deut. 4. in the euening examine thy selfe what thou hast byn that day in word , deed , or thought : for that in these oftentimes perhaps thou hast offended God , and thy neighbour . Arme thy selfe with courage against the malicious attempts of thine enemy . Refraine Gluttony & thou shalt more easily bridle all the disordered inclinations of the flesh . Neuer be altogeather idle , but either reading , or writing , or praying , or meditating , or labouring somthing of profit for the common good : but bodily exercises are to be discreetly vsed , and not to be vndertaken equally of all .

5. Those things that be not common , are not to be done in the sight of all : for priuate things are best done in secret . But thou must beware , thou neglect not that to which thou art bound by common rule , and be ready in performing thy priuate deuotions : but hauing fully & faithfully accomplished all thy duties , and those things that were enioyned thee , if thou hast further leasure , returne to thy selfe as thy deuotion desireth . All cannot vse the same exercise , but one is more conuenient for this person , another for that . According to the diuersity of times also , diuers exercises are fitting : for some suite better with festiuall dayes , others with daies of labour . We haue need of one kind in temptations , and of others in time of peace and quiet . We desire to thinke of other things when we are sorrowfull , then we do when we are cheerfull in our Lord .

6. When principall feasts draw neere , good exercises are to be renewed ; & the intercessions of Saints more feruently to be implored . From feast to feast , we should make some good purpose , as though we were then to depart out of this world , & to come to the euerlasting feasts of heauen . And therfore we ought to prepare our selues carefully at holy times , and to liue more deuoutly , and to keep more exactly all things that we are to obserue , as though shortly we were to receaue reward of our labour at Gods hands .

7. And if it be differred , let vs think that we were not well prepared , Rom. 8. nor worthy as yet of so great glory , as shall be reuealed in vs at the time appointed : and let vs labour to prepare our selues better for our departure . Blessed is that seruant ( sayth S. Luke the Euangelist ) whom when his Lord commeth , Luc. 12. he shall find watching : Matt. 24. verily I say vnto you , he shall place him ouer all that he possesseth .

CHAP. XX. Of the loue of Solitude , and Silence .

SEEKE a fit time to attend to thy selfe , and often thinke of the benifits of God . Leaue curious things . Read ouer such matters , as may cause rather compunction , than the labour of much study . If thou withdraw thy selfe from superfluous talke , and idle wandring about , as also from hearing of newes and tales ; thou shalt find sufficient , and fit time to thinke of good things . The greatest Saints auoyded the company of men as much as they could , Heb. 3. and chose to liue to God in secret .

2. One said : As often as I haue bene amongst men , Senec. ep. 7. I haue returned lesse man The same we find by experience when we talke long . It is easier to keep silence altogeather , then not to exceed in words . It is easier for a man to keepe home , then to demeane himselfe as he ought in all things abroad . He therfore that desireth to attaine to internall , Matt. 4. and spirituall graces , ought with Iesus to withdraw himselfe from the people . No man goeth safely abroad , but he that gladly keepeth home . Eccles. 3. No man securely gouerneth , but he that delighteth to liue in subiection . No man securely commandeth , but he that hath learned readily to obey .

3. No man securely reioyceth , vnlesse he hath within him the testimony of a good conscience . And yet the security of Saints was alwaies full of the feare of God . Neither were they lesse carefull and humble in themselues , for that they shined outwardly with grace , and great vertues . But the security of euill men riseth of pride and presumption , and in the end deceaueth them . Neuer promise to thy selfe security in this life , although thou seeme to be a good Religious man , or deuout Hermite .

4. Oftentimes those , who in the iugdment of men were of better esteeme , haue byn in greatest danger , by reason of their too much confidence . Wherfore it is more profitable to many , not to be altogeather free from temptations , but to be often assaulted ; least they should be too secure , and so perhaps be lifted vp in pride : least also they should too freely giue themselues to outward comforts . O , how good a conscience should he keep , that would neuer seeke transitory ioy ! would neuer busy him selfe with the things of this world ! and how great peace and quietnes should he possesse , that would cut off all vaine solicitude , & only thinke of diuine things , and such as are profitable for his soule , and place all his hope in God!

5. No man is worthy of heauenly comfort , vnlesse he haue diligently exercised himselfe in holy compunction . If thou desirest true contrition of hart , retire thy selfe into some secret and solitary place , and exclude from thy mind the tumultes , & vnquietnes of the world , as it is written : In your chambers be ye sory . Psal. 4. In thy Cell thou shalt find that which abroad thou shalt often loose . The Cell , if thou continue in it , waxeth sweet , and if thou loue not to stay in it , it becometh irksome If in the beginning of thy conuersion thou accustome thy selfe to remaine in it , and keepe it well , it wil be afterwards vnto thee a deare friend , and a most pleasant comfort .

6. In silence and quietnes a deuout soule perfecteth her selfe , and learneth the secrets of holy Scriptures . There she findeth flouds of teares , Ps. 6. with which she may euery night wash and clense her selfe , & be made so much the more familiar with her Creator , by how much the further off she liueth from al worldly disquiet . Who so therfore withdraweth himselfe from his acquaintance & friends ; God with his holy Angels will draw neere vnto him . It were better for a man to ly hidden , and haue care of himselfe , then being carelesse of his soule , to worke miracles in the world . It is commendable for a Religious person to go abroad seldome , to fly to be seene , and to be vnwilling to see men .

7. Why wilt thou see that which is not lawfull for thee to haue . The world passeth away , and all his delights . The desires of our sensuality , draw vs to walke abroad , but when the houre is past , what bringest thou home , but a burdened conscience , and distracted thoughts ? A ioyfull going abroad , bringeth often a sorrowfull comming home ; Prou. 14. and a merry euening makes a sad morning . So all carnall ioy entreth gently , but in the end it causeth remorse and destruction . What is elswhere to be seene , Eccles. 1. which thou canst not see heere ? Heere thou seest heauen and earth , and all the elements , of which all other things are made .

8. What is there any where to be seene that can long continue vnder the sunne ? Thou thinkest perhaps to satiate thy selfe , & haue thy fill ; but thou shalt neuer attaine it If it were possible for thee to see all things created , Eccles. 3. present before thine eyes , what were it all but a vaine and vnprofitable sight ? Lift vp thine eyes to God in heauen , Ps. 122. & aske pardon of thy sinnes and negligences . Leaue vaine things to the vaine . Attend thou to that which God commandeth . Matt. 6. Shut thy dore vpon thee , and call vpon Iesus thy beloued . Be thou with him in thy Cell , for thou shalt not find so great peace in any other place . If thou hadst staied within and not giuen eare to idle newes , thou haddest kept thy selfe better in good peace . But now that thou delightest sometimes to heare nouelties , it is fit thou sufferest for it some trouble and disquiet of mind .

CHAP. XXI . Of Compunction of hart .

IF thou wilt profit any thing , keep thy selfe alwaies in the feare of God , Prou. 19. and yield not too much scope to liberty . Containe all thy senses vnder the rule of discipline , and giue not thy selfe to foolish mirth . Giue thy selfe to compunction of hart , and thou shalt find deuotion . Compunction discouereth much good , which with too much liberty is quickly lost . It is meruaile that a man can euer perfectly reioyce in this life , if he consider his banishment , and weigh the many perils , wherwith his soule is inuironed . The leuity of our minds , & the little care we haue of our faults , makes vs not to feele the sorrowes of our soule .

2. But oftentimes we vainely laugh , when we haue iust cause to weep . There is neither true liberty , nor good mirth , but that which is in the feare of God , accompanied with a good conscience . Happy is he , that can auoyd all cause of distraction , and draw himselfe to the vnion of holy compunction . Happy is he , that can abandon all that may defile , or burden his conscience . Fight manfully : one custome ouercomes another . If thou canst forbeare to intermeddle with that which belongs to others ; they will not hinder thee in that which thou hast to do .

3. Busy not thy selfe in matters which appertaine to others : neither do thou meddle at all with the affaires of thy betters . Looke first of all to thy selfe , and haue a more especiall care to admonish thy selfe , then whomsoeuer thou louest best . Gal. 1. If thou hast not the fauour of men , be not therefore grieued : but let this seeme vnto thee a most iust cause of griefe , that thou lookest not to thy self with that care , which beseemeth the seruant of God , and a deuout religious person . It is oftentimes better and more secure , that a man hath not many consolations in this life , especially such , as are agreeable to the inclination of our corrupt nature But that we haue none at all , Ps. 76. or do seldom tast diuine comforts , the fault is ours , that do not seeke for compunction of hart , nor do wholy forsake the vaine comforts of this world .

4. Acknowledge thy selfe vnworthy of diuine comforts , and that thou hast deserued great tribulation . When a man hath perfect contrition , Iudic. 2. & 20. 2. Reg. 13. then is the whole world grieuous & loathsom vnto him . A good man findeth alwaies sufficient cause of teares and sorrow ; for whether he consider himselfe , or weigh the estate of his neighbour , he knoweth that none liueth here without tribulation . And how much the more throughly he considereth himselfe ; so much the more is his sorrow . Our sinnes and vices in which we are so plunged , that we can seldome contemplate the things of heauen , do minister vnto vs matter of most iust sorrow and harty contrition .

5. If thou didst thinke more diligently of thy death , then of liuing long , Eccles. 7. thou wouldest without doubt be more carefull in the amendment of thy life . And if thou wouldest consider within thy selfe , the paines of hell , or of purgatory , Matt. 25. I am perswaded it would moue thee to endure any labour or paine whatsoeuer in this world , and not to seare any kind of austerity . But because these things enter not to the hart , and we still loue that which delighteth vs , therfore we remaine could and void of spirituall vigour .

6. Oftentimes our want of spirit is the cause , that our wretched bodies do so quickly complaine . Pray therfore with all humility to our Lord , that he will vouchsafe to giue thee the spirit of contrition , and say with the Prophet : Feed me , o Lord , Ps. 79. with the bread of teares , and giue me to drinke with teares in measure .

CHAP. XXII . Of the consideration of humane misery .

MISERABLE thou art wher soeuer thou be , & whithersoeuer thou turnest , if thou turnest not thy selfe to God . Why art thou troubled when things succeed not as thou wouldest , and desirest ? Who is there that hath all things as he will ? Eccls. 7. Neither I , nor thou , nor any man vpon earth . There is not any man in this world without some tribulation or affliction , though he be a King , or a Pope . Who thinkest thou then is in best case ? I ruly he that willingly suffereth something for God .

2. Many weak & feeble men say : Behould how well such a one liues , how rich , how powerful , how beautifull , how great a man he is : Luc. 12. but lift vp thine eyes to the riches of heauen , and thou shalt see that all temporall prosperity is as nothing , full of vncertainty , and which rather oppresseth then otherwise : for it is neuer had without solicitude and feare . Prou. 19. Iob. 14. The felicity of man consisteth not in hauing aboundance of temporall riches : a meane sufficeth . It is truly misery inough to liue vpon earth . How much more a man desireth to be spirituall , Eccls. 2. so much the more distastfull is this present life vnto him : for he better perceaueth , and seeth more cleerly the defects of human corruption . To eate , to drinke , to watch , to sleepe , to labour , to repose , and to be subiect to all other necessities of nature , is doubtlesse a great misery to a deuout mind , that would gladly be free & deliuered from all sinne .

3. The inward man is much oppressed with these corporall necessities , whilst he is in this world . And therfore the holy Prophet prayeth with great deuotion to be deliuered from them , saying : Deliuer me , O Lord , from my necessities . Psal. 24. But wo be to them that know not their misery , & much more to them that loue this miserable , & corruptible life . For some there be so dotingly affected vnto it , that although with labour and begging , they scarce get bread to eat , yet if they might liue heer alwaies , they would care but little for the kingdome of heauen .

4. O senslesse creatures and infidels in hart , Rom. 3. who●ly buried so deep in earth , that they haue no tast nor feeling , but of sensuall things ! But miserable wretches , they shall in the end feele , to their cost , how vile , & of no esteeme was that which they loued . 1. Pet. ●1. Heb. 11. The Saints of God & the deuout Seruants and friends of Christ respected little what pleased their naturall inclinations , or what flourished in this life ; but with their whole hopes & intentions they sought after the riches of heauen . Their whole desire was carried vp to those euerlasting treasures , which are inuisible ; least they might haue byn drawne to base affections , by the loue of visible things . Rom. 13. Loose not thy hope to profit in spirituall matters : there is yet time the houre is not yet past .

5. Why wilt thou deferre thy good purpose ? Rise vp in this very instant , and begin , and say : Now is the time to worke , the time to fight : now is it a fit time to amend my selfe When any tribulation , or affliction doth befall thee , then is the time to merit . Psal. 65. Thou must passe through fire and water before thou come to rest . Vnlesse thou vse violence to thy selfe , thou shalt not ouercome thy euill inclinations . As long as we carry about with vs this frayle body of ours , we can neuer be without sinne , nor liue without tediousnes and griefe . Rom. 7. Gen. 3. We would gladly enioy quietnes , and be deliuered from al misery ; but for that we haue by sinne lost our innocency , we haue togeather with it lost also our happines . And therfore it behoueth vs to haue patience , 2. Cor. 5. & to expect the mercy of God till this iniquity haue an end , and that which is mortall be swallowed vp of life .

6. O , how great is the frailty of man alwaies inclined to euill ! Gen. 6. To day thou confessest thy sinnes , and to morrow thou committest againe the same which thou didst confesse . Now thou purposest to take heed , and within an houre thou dost as if thou hadst made no purpose at all . We may therfore with great reason humble our selues , 2. Mach. 9. and neuer admit any thought of our owne esteeme , being so weak as we are , and subiect to euery change . Full soone ( God knowes ) is that lost by negligence , which with much labour was hardly gotten by grace .

7. What will become of vs in the end , that do so timely begin to wax could ? Wo be vnto vs , if we will now giue our selues to ease , as if all were already in peace and security ; when as yet there scarce appeareth so much as any signe of true sanctity in our conuersation . It were needfull that we were taught good manners againe like Children , if so perhaps there might be some more hope of our amendment , and profit in spirit .

CHAP. XXIII . Of the consideration of death .

THE houre of death will quickly ouertake thee , and therfore look how thou liuest . To day a man is liuing , and to morrow he doth not appeare ; Iob. 9. & 14 Luc. 12. Heb. 9. and being once out of sight , he is also quickly out of mind . O dulnesse and hardnesse of mans hart , who thinketh only on that he seeth , and foreseeth not that which is to come ! Thou shouldest alwaies so order thy thoughts and actions , Matt. 25. as if this very day thou wert to depart this life . Luc. 12. If thou hadst a good conscience , thou wouldest not much feare death . It is better to auoyd sin then to fly death . Sap. 4. If thou be not prepared to day ; Matt. 24. & 25. how wilt thou be prepared to morrow ? To morrow-day is vncertaine , and whether thou shalt see it or no , thou knowest not .

2. What doth it auaile vs to liue long , when we do so little amend ? A long life doth not alwaies make vs better , nay rather it oftentimes heapeth vpon vs a greater load of sinnes . O that we had spent one day well in this world ! Many do reckon the yeares of their conuersion , but full slender oftentimes is the fruit of amendment If it be a dreadfull thing to dye , perhaps it will be more dangerous for thee to liue long . Blessed is he , that hath alwaies before his eyes the houre of his death ; Eccles. 7. and disposeth himselfe dayly therunto . If thou hast at any time seene a man dye , thinke with thy selfe , that thou must one day passe the same way .

3. When it is morning , think that perhaps thou shalt not liue vntill night ; Heb. 9. and when euening comes , do not dare to promise vnto thy self the next morning . Be alwaies ready and so order thy life , that death may neuer take thee vnprepared . Luc. 21. Many dye suddainly : for the Sonne of man will come , when we least thinke of it . Matt. 24. Luc. 12. When that last houre shall come , thou wilt begin to think farre otherwise of thy life , and much lament , that thou hast bene so slack and negligent .

4. O , how wise and happy is he , that now laboureth to be such in his life , as he wisheth to be found at the houre of his death ! For the perfect contempt of the world , the feruent desire to profit in vertue , the loue of discipline , the labour of pennance , the readinesse of obedience , the forsaking of our selues , and the bearing patiently of all aduersitie for the loue of Christ , will giue great confidence of a happy end . Thou maist do much good whilest thou art well ; but when thou art sick , what thou wilt be able to do , I know not . Few do grow better , and amend them selues with sicknes ; as also they that wander much abroad , seldome become holy .

5. Trust not vpon thy friends or neighbours ; Esa. 30. & 31. Herem . 17. & 48. neither do thou put off to future time , the care of thy soules health : for thou shalt sooner be forgotten , then thou dost imagine . It is better now to prouide in time , Matt. 6. and do some good before thou goest , then to trust in the help of others , when thou art gone . If thou hast no care of thy selfe now when thou hast time , who will be carefull for thee herafter ? The time which now thou hast is very precious . Now are the daies of health . Now is the time acceptable . But alas , that thou spendest it so little to thy profit , in which thou mightest gaine eternall life ! The time will come , when thou wilt desire one day , or one houre to amend , and I cannot assure thee , that thou shalt obtaine it .

6. O my dearest brother , from how great danger maist thou deliuer thy selfe ! From how great feare maist thou be freed , if thou dost now liue fearfull , and carefull of thy death ! Labour to liue in such sort , that at the houre of death thou maist rather reioyce then feare . Learne now to dye to the world , that thou maist then begin to liue with Christ . Learne now to contemne all earth ly things , that thou maist then freely go to Christ . 1. Cor. 9. Chastice now thy body with pennance , that thou maist then haue assured confidence .

7. Ah foole , why dost thou thinke thou shalt liue long , being not certaine of so much as one day ! Luc. 12. How many haue byn deceaued , and taken out of this world on a suddaine , when they least expected it ? How often hast thou heard , how such a one was suddainely slaine , another was drowned , another falling from some high place brake his neck , another dyed at his meate , another when he was playing : one came to his end by fire , another by sword , another by plague , another dyed by the hands of theeues ? So as death is the end of all , and the life of man passeth away like a shaddow .

8. Who will remember thee ; and who will pray for thee after thy death ? Iob. 14. Do now beloued brother , do now what thou canst , for thou knowest not how soone thou shalt dye , nor what shall befall thee after thy death . Matt. 1. Luc. 11. Now whilst thou hast time , heape togeather eternall riches . Thinke on nothing , but on the health of thy soule . Gal. 6. Luc. 16. Heb. 11. Haue care only on that which belongeth to God . Make the Saints of God thy friends by honouring them , and imitating their vertues , that when thou departest this life , they may receaue thee into their euerlasting dwellings .

9. Esteeme thy selfe as a pilgrime , 1. Pet. 2. and stranger vpon earth , and as one to whom the affaires of this world do nothing appertaine . Keep thy hart free , Heb. 13. and lifted vp to God : for thou hast not heere any permanent Citty . Send thither thy prayers dayly with sighes , and teares ; that thy soule may deserue to passe with much happines to our Lord after death .

CHAP. XXIV . Of Iudgment , and the punishment of sinne .

IN all things consider the end , and how thou willt be able to stand before that seuere Iudge , from whom nothing can be hidden , and is not appeased with guifts , Heb. 10. nor admitteth excuses , but iudgeth according to instice . O most wretched and foolish sinner , that fearest somtimes the countenance of an angry man ; what answere wilt thou make to God , to whome all thy wickednes is knowne ? Iob. 9. Why prouidest thou not for thy self against that rigorous day of iudgment , Luc. 16. in which no man can be excused , or defended by another , but euery one will be burden inough to himselfe ? Now thy pains are profitable , 2. Cor. 6. thy teares acceptable , thy cries are heard , thy sorrow satisfieth for thy sinnes , and purgeth thy soule .

2. The patient man hath a great and healthfull purgatory , Iac. 1. who receauing iniuries , grieueth more for the others malice , Luc. 23. then for his owne wrongs ; prayeth willingly for his aduersaries , Act. 7. and from his hart forgiueth their offences ; delayeth not to aske forgiuenes of whomsoeuer he hath offended ; is sooner moued to compassion then to anger ; vseth often violence to himselfe ; and laboureth with his whole force to subdue the flesh in all things to the spirit . It is better to purge our sins , and vices now , then to reserue them for purgatory . Verily the inordinate loue we beare to our selues deceaueth vs .

3. What other thing shall that fire feed on , but thy sinnes ? How much the more thou sparest thy selfe now , and followest the desires of thy corrupt nature : so much the more grieuously shalt thou be punished heerafter : and so much the more matter dost thou keep for that purging fire . In the selfe same wherin a man hath finned , shall he be more grieuoufly punished . There shall the slouthfull be pricked forwardes , with burning goads . There shall the Gluttons be tormented with insatiable hunger and thirst . There shall the lasciuious and the louers of pleasures be couered ouer with burning pitch and brimston . The enuious like raging dogs , shall there howle for griefe .

4. There is no vice , that shall not haue his proper torment . The proud shall be full of all shame and confusion . The couetous shall be in miserable want . One houre of paine there shall be more sharpe , then a hundred yeares of most hard pennance heer . There is no rest there , nor comfort for the damned . Iob. 40. Heere yet sometimes our labours cease , & we enjoy the comfort of our friends . Be now solicitous & sorrowfull for thy sinnes ; that in the day of iudgment thou maist be secure in the copany of the blessed soules . For then shall the iust stand in great constancy , Sap. 5. against those that afflicted & oppressed them . Then shall he stand to iudge , who now doth humbly submit himselfe to the iudgment of men . Then shall the poore and humble haue great confidence & the proud shall be compassed about on all sides with feare .

5. Then will it appeare , that he was wise in this world , who had heere learned to be as a foole and dispised for Christ . Then shall afflicti on patiently suffered delight vs , and iniquity shall stop her mouth . Then shall the deuout reioyce , and the irreligious mourne . Then shall the chasticed flesh more florish , Ps. 10● . then if it had byn alwaies nourished in delights . Then shall the poore garment shine , 2. Cor 4. & the precious robes appeare contemptible . Then shall the meane cottage be more commended , then the sumptuous pallace . Then will constant patience more auaile vs , then all earthly power . Then will simple obedience be more esteemed , 〈◊〉 . 25. then all worldly wisdome .

6. Then shall a good and pure conscience yield vs more comfort , then the profound learning of Philosophy Then shall the contempt of riches weigh more then all the worldlings treasures . Then wilt thou be more comforted that thou hast praied deuoutly , then that thou hast fared daintily . Then wilt thou be more ioyful that thou hast obserued silence , then that thou hast talked much . Then will good works appeare of much more esteeme , than faire words . Then a strict life and hard pennance will be more pleasing , then all earthly delights . Accustome thy self now to suffer a little , that thou maist then be deliuered from more grieuous paines . Proue heere first what thou canst endure heerafter . If now thou canst beare so little , how wilt thou be able to endure euerlasting torments ? If now a little suffering make thee so impatient , what will hell fire do heerafter ? Assure thy selfe , thou canst not haue two Paradises . It is impossible for thee to enioy delights heere in this world , and raigne heerafter with Christ in heauen .

7. If thou hadst hitherto liued alwaies in honors and delights ; Luc. 12. what would it auaile thee , if thou shouldest presently dy ? All is vanity but to loue God , Eccles. 1. and only to serue him . And he that loueth God with his whole hart , needeth to feare neither death , punishment , iudgment , nor hell : Rom. 8. for perfect loue giues secure accesse to God . But he that delighteth alwaies in sinne , what wonder though he alwaies feare death , and be terrified with the thought of Iudgment . Yet it is good , that if loue be not of force to withhould thee from sinne , that at least the feare of hell may restrayne thee . And he that layeth aside the feare of God , can neuer continue long in good state , but falleth quickly into the snares of the diuell .

CHAP. XXV . Of the seruent amendment of our whole life .

BE watchfull and diligent in the seruice of God , 2. Tim. 4. and often think with thy selfe wherefore thou camest , and why thou didst leaue the world . Was it not that thou mightest hue to God , and become a spirituall man ? Go on therfore with courage : Matt. 5. thou shalt shortly receaue the reward of thy labours , Apoc. 21. and there shall be no more feare nor sorrow in the confines of thy habitation . Thou must labour heer a while : Eccles. 51. thou shalt afterwards haue great rest ; yea euerlasting ioy . Apoc 21. & 22. If thou continuest faithfull and diligent in seruing of God , Matt. 25. do not doubt but God will be faithfull and liberall in giuing thee reward . Thou oughtest to haue a good hope of getting the victory , Rom. 5. but thou must not make thy selfe assured therof , least thou wax negligent , or be puffed vp with pride .

2. When one that was in great anxiety of mind , often wauering betweene feare and hope , did once , being oppressed with griefe , prostrate himselfe in a Church in prayer before an Altar , and sayd within himselfe : O , if I knew that I should yet perseuer ! He presently heard as it were a voice from God , which said : What if thou diddest know it , what wouldst thou do ? Do now what thou wouldest do then , & thou shalt be secure . And being herewith comforted , & strengthened in mind , he committed himselfe wholy to the will of God , and that noysome anxiety ceased , neither had he any mind to search curiously any further , to know what should befall him ; but rather laboured to vnderstand what was the perfect , and acceptable will of God , Rom. 12. for the beginning & accomplishing of euery good worke .

3. Hope in our Lord , Psal. 36. and do good , saith the Prophet , and inhabit the land , and thou shalt be fed in the riches therof . One thing there is that draweth many back from that spirituall good , and the diligent amendment of their liues : the horror of the difficulty , and the labour of the combat . But they aboue others profit most in vertue , that endeauour most to ouercome those things , which are grieuous , and contrary vnto them . For there a man profiteth more , and deserueth greater grace , where he more ouercometh & mortifieth himselfe in spirit .

4. But all men haue not alike to ouercome and mortify : yet he that is zealous and diligent , though he haue more passions , shall profit more in vertue , then another that is of a more temperate disposition , if he be lesse feruent in the pursuite of vertue . Two things chiefely help to our amendment , to wit , to withdraw our selues violently from that to which nature is viciously inclined ; and to labour earnestly for that vertue , which we most want . Be careful also to auoid with great diligence , those things in thy selfe , which do most displease thee in others .

5. Gather some profit to thy soule out of euery occasion , and whersoeuer thou be : so as if thou seest or hearest any good , stir vp thy selfe to the imitation therof . But if thou seest any thing worthy of reproofe , beware thou do not the same . And if at any time thou hast done it , labour quickely to amend it . As thine eye obserueth others , so art thou also noted againe by others . O , how sweet and comfortable a thing it is , to see the seruants of Christ feruent and deuout , endued with vertuous and decent manners ! And on the contrary , how pittifull and grieuous a thing it is , to see them that liue in a dissolute and disordered sort , not applying themselues to that , for which they were called ! O , how great domage and great danger it is , to neglect the good purposes of their vocation , and to busy themselues in that which appertaineth not vnto them , Eccles. 3. nor is committed to their care !

6. Be mindfull of the purpose thou hast made , and haue alwaies before the eyes of thy soule , the picture of thy Sauiour crucifyed . Thou hast good cause to be ashamed , looking vpon the life of Christ , seing thou hast so slackly endeauoured to conforme thy selfe vnto him , though thou hast walked a long time in the way of the seruice of God . A religious person that exerciseth himselfe seriously , and deuoutly in the most holy life , and passion of our Lord , shall there aboundantly find whatsoeuer is necessary , and profitable for him ; neither shall he need to seeke any thing elswhere , Gal. 2. & 6. but only in Iesus . O , if Iesus crucifyed would come into our harts , how quickly and fully should we be instructed in all truth !

7. A feruent religious person taketh , and beareth all well that is commanded him : but he that is negligent and cold , hath tribulation vpon tribulation , and on all sides is afflicted : for he is void of inward consolation , & is forbidden to seck externall comforts . A religious person that liueth not according to discipline , is in great danger of the ruine of his soule . He that seeketh liberty and ease , shall euer liue in disquiet : for one thing or other will alwaies displease him .

8. How do so many other religious persons , who liue vnder the strict rule of Monasticall discipline ? They seldome go abroad , they liue retiredly , they feed meanly , they are cloathed coursely , they labour much , speak little , watch long , rise early , spend much time in prayer , read often , and keep themselues in all kind of discipline . Consider the Carthusians , Cistercians , and the Religious men and women of diuers Orders , how they rise euery night to sing praises vnto God . And how vnseemly then it is for thee to be slouthfull in so holy a worke , when as so great multitudes of religious persons do begin to glorify God .

9. O , that we had nothing els to do , but alwaies with our mouth , and whole hart to praise our Lord God! O , that thou mightest neuer haue need to eate , nor drinke , nor sleepe , but mightest alwaies praise God , and only imploy thy selfe in the exercises of spirit : thou shouldst then be much more happy , then now thou art , when for so many necessities , thou art constrained to serue thy body . Would God these necessities were not at all , but only the spirituall refections of the soule , which ( alas ) we tast of too seldome .

10. When a man commeth to that estate , that he seeketh no comfort of any creature , then doth he begin to take perfect contentment & delight in God . Then shall he be contented with whatsoeuer doth befall him in this world . Then shall he neither reioyce in great matters , Rom. 11. nor be sorrowfull for small , but with great integrity and confidence commit himselfe to God ; who shall be vnto him all in all : to whom nothing doth perish , nor dy , but all things do liue vnto him , and serue him at a beck without delay .

11. Remember alwaies the end , Eccles. 7. and how that time lost neuer returnes . Without care and diligence thou shalt neuer get vertues . If thou beginnest to wax could , Apoc. 3. it will be euill with thee : but if thou giue thy selfe to feruour of spirit ; thou shalt find much peace , and feele lesse labour , through the assistance of Gods grace , and loue of vertue . The feruent and diligent man is ready , and prepared for all things . Eccls. 19. It is harder to resist vices and passions , then to toile in bodily labours . He that auoideth not small faults , by little and little falleth into greater . Thou wilt alwaies reioyce in the euening , if thou spend the day profitably . Be watchfull ouer thy selfe , stir vp thy selfe , warne thy selfe , and whatsoeuer becomes of others , neglect not thy selfe . The greater violence thou vsest against thy selfe , the more thou shalt profit .

The end of the first Booke .

OF THE FOLLOWING OF CHRIST . THE SECOND BOOKE .

CHAP. I. Of spirituall conuersation .

THE kingdome of God is within you , Luc 7. saith our Lord. Ioel. 2. Turne thee with thy whole hart vnto our Lord , and forsake this miserable world , and thy soule shall find rest . Learne to despise exteriour things , Rom. 19. & to giue thy self to the interiour ; & thou shalt perceaue the kingdome of God to come into thee For the king dome of God is peace , and ioy in the holy Ghost , which is not giuen to the wicked . Christ will come vnto thee , Psal. 44. and shew thee his diuine comfort , if thou prepare for him a worthy mansion within thee . All his glory and beauty is within , and there he pleaseth himselfe . The inward man he often visits , and hath with him sweet discourses , pleasant comfort , much peace , wonderfull familiarity .

2. O faithfull soule , make ready thy hart for this bridegrome , that he may vouchsafe to come vnto thee , and dwell within thee . For he saith : If any loue me , he wil keep my word , and we will come vnto him , Ioan. 14. and will make our aboad with him Giue therfore vnto Christ a place in thy hart , and deny entrance to all others . When thou hast Christ , thou art rich , and he wil suffice thee He will be thy faithfull and prouident helper in all things , so as thou shalt not need to trust in men . For men are soone changed , and quickly decay ; but Christ remaineth for euer , Ioan. 12. and standeth firmely vnto the end .

3. There is little trust to be put in a fraile and mortall man , Hier. 17. though he be profitable and deare vnto thee : neither oughtest thou much to be grieued , if somtimes he crosse , and contradict thee . They that to day take thy part , to morrow may be against thee ; and so on the contrary , they often turne like vnto the wind . Put all thy trust in God , and feare and loue him : 1. Pet. 5. Heb. 13. He will answere for thee , and do in al things what is best . Thou hast not heere a dwelling Citty : and whersoeuer thou be , thou art a stranger and pilgrime : neither shalt thou euer haue rest , vnlesse thou be perfectly vnited vnto Christ .

4. Why dost thou linger and make delaies heere , Phil. 3. since this is not the place of thy rest ? In heauen ought to be thy dwelling , Sap. 5. and all earthly things are to be regarded as it were in the way . All things passe away , and thou togeather with them . Beware thou cleaue not vnto them , least thou be enthralled ; and so doest perish . Let thy thought be on the highest , and thy prayer directed vnto Christ without ceasing . If thou canst not contemplate high and heauenly things , rest thy selfe in the passion of Christ , and dwell willingly in the wounds of his sacred body . For if thou fly deuoutly vnto his holy wounds , and to the precious markes of his passion , thou shalt feele great comfort in tribulation : neither wilt thou much care for being despised of men , and wilt easily beare the wordes of slaunderous tongues

5. Christ was also in the world despised , and in great necessity : Matt. 1.12.5.26 . & Ioan. 15. forsaken by his acquaintance , & friends in the middest of slaunders . Christ would suffer , and be contemned , & darest thou complaine ? Christ had aduersaries and backbiters ; and wilt thou haue all men thy friends & benefactours ? For what shall thy patience be crowned , 2. Tim. 21. if no aduersity happen vnto thee ? If thou wilt suffer no aduersity , how wilt thou be the friend of Christ ? Suffer with Christ , & for Christ , if thou desire to raigne with Christ .

6. If thou haddest once perfectly entred into the hart of Iesus , and tasted a little of his burning loue : then wouldest thou not weigh thy owne commodity or discommodity , but wouldest rather reioyce at flaunders , when they should chance to be cast vpon thee : for the loue of Iesus maketh a man to despise himselfe . A louer of Iesus , & of truth , & a true spirituall person , and free from inordinate affections , can freely turne himselfe vnto God , and lift himselfe aboue himselfe in spirit , and with great ioy of his soule rest in God .

7. He that iudgeth of all things as they are , Esa. 54. and not as they are said , and esteemed to be , is truly wise , and taught rather by God then men . He that can liue spiritually , & make small reckoning of outward things : neither requireth places , nor attendeth times for performing of deuout exercises . A spiritual man quickly recollecteth himselfe : because he neuer yieldeth ouer himselfe wholy to outward things . He is not hindred by outward labour or busines , which may be necessary for the time : but as things fall out , so he frameth himselfe vnto them . He that hath well ordered and disposed all things within , careth little for the vaine inuentions , and peruerse inclinations of men . So much is a man hindred and distracted , how much he draweth matters vnto himselfe .

8. If all went well with thee , and thou hadest thy hart well purged , all things would fall out to thy good and profit . But many things displease , and often trouble thee , Rom. 5. & 1. Cor. 4. because thou art not yet perfectly dead vnto thy selfe , nor free from the affection of earthly things . Nothing so defileth and intangleth the hart of man , as the impure loue to creatures . If thou refuse outward comfort ; thou wilt be able to contemplate the things of heauen , and often receiue internall ioy .

CHAP. II. Of humble submission .

RESPECT not much who is with thee , or who is against thee . Endeauour , and take care , that God may be for thee in euery thing thou doest . Haue a good conscience , Ps. 27. and God will defend thee . For whom God will help , no malice of man can hurt . If thou canst hould thy peace and suffer , without doubt thou shalt see that our Lord wil help thee . He knoweth the time , and manner how to deliuer thee , and therfore thou oughtest to resigne thy selfe vnto him . It belongs to God to help , and to deliuer from all shame . Oftentimes it is very profitable , for the better keeping of humility , that others know and reprehend our faults .

2. When a man humbleth himselfe for his faults , then he easily pacifieth others , and quickly satisfieth those that are offended with him . God protecteth and deliuereth the humble : he loueth and comforteth the humble : vnto the humble man he inclineth himselfe : vnto the humble he giueth great grace ; and after his humiliation , he raiseth him vnto glory . Matt. 11. Vnto the humble he reuealeth his secrets , and sweetly draweth and inuiteth him vnto himself . The humble when he hath receaued confusion , is in peace , for that he resteth in God , and relieth not on the world . Do not thinke that thou hast profited any thing , vnlesse thou esteeme thy selfe inferiour to all .

CHAP. III. Of a good and peaceable man .

FIRST keep thy selfe in peace , and then maist thou pacify others . A peaceable man doth more good , then he that is well learned . A passionate man turneth good into euill , and easily belieueth the worst . A good peaceable man turneth all things into good . 1. Cor. 15. He that is well in peace , is not suspitious of any . But he that is discontented , & troubled , is tossed with diuers suspitions : he is nether quiet himself , nor suffereth others to be quiet . He often speaketh that which he ought not to speake ; and omitteth that which were more expedient for him to do . Matt. 7. He considereth what others are bound to do : and neglecteth that which he is bound to himselfe . First therfore haue a carefull zeale ouer thy selfe , Act. 1. and then thou maist iustly shew thy selfe zealous of thy neighbours good .

2. Thou knowest well how to excuse and colour thine owne deeds , and thou wilt not receaue the excuses of others . Gal. 6. It were more meet , that thou didest accuse thy self , and excusedst thy brother . 1. Cor. 13. If thou wilt be borne withall , beare also with another . Behould how farre off thou art as yet from true charity and humility , which knoweth not how to be angry with any , or to be moued with indignation , but only against himselfe . It is no great matter to conuerse with the good , and those that are of a gentle disposition , 〈…〉 . for that is naturally pleasing to all , and euery one willingly enioyeth peace , and loueth those best that agree with him . But to be able to liue peaceably with the vnquiet , & peruerse minds , or with the disorderly , or such as contradict vs , is a great grace , and very commendable .

3. Some there are , that keep themselues in peace , and are in peace also with others . And there are some , that neither are in peace themselues , nor suffer others to be in peace : they are troublesome to others , but alwaies more troublesome to themselues . And others there are that keep themselues in peace , and labour to bring others vnto peace . Our whole peace in this miserable life , consisteth rather in humble suffering , then in not feeling aduersities . He that can best tell how to suffer , will best keep himselfe in peace . He is a conquerour of himselfe , a Lord of the world , friend of Christ , and heyre of heauen .

CHAP. IIII. Of a pure mind and vpright intention .

WITH two wings man is lifted vp from earthly vanities , that is , with simplicity , & purity . Simplicity ought to be in our intention . Purity in our affection . Simplicity fixeth the eyes of the soule in God . Purity apprehendeth and tasteth his sweetnes . No good action will hinder thee , if thou be inwardly free from inordinate affection . If thou intend and seek nothing els but the will of God , and the profit of thy neighbour , thou shalt enioy internall liberty . If thy hart were sincere and vpright , then euery creature would be vnto thee a looking-glasse of life , and a booke of holy doctrine . There is no creature so little and abiect , that representeth not the goodnes of God .

2. If in thine owne hart thou wert good and pure , Rom. 1. Prou. 3. then thou wouldest be able to see and vnderstand all things without any impediment . A pure hart penetrateth heauen , and pierceth the depth of hell . Ps. 118. Such as euery one is inwardly : so he iudgeth outwardly . If there be ioy in the world , surely a man of a pure hart possesseth it . And if there be any where tribulation and affliction , an euill conscience feels it . As iron put into the fire leeseth his rust , and becometh bright like fire : so he that wholy turning himselfe vnto God , becommeth feruent , & is changed into a new man .

3. When one beginneth to wax cold : then he is afraid of a small labour , and willingly receaueth externall comfort . But when he once beginneth to ouercome himselfe perfectly , and to walke manfully in the way of God : then he esteemeth those things to be light , which before seemed grieuous vnto him .

CHAP. V. Of the consideration of ones selfe .

WE cannot trust much to our selues , for that grace oftentimes and vnderstanding is wanting . There is but little light in vs , and that which we haue , we quickly loose by our negligence . And oftentimes we do not perceaue our owne inward blindnes . We often do euil , Matt. 7. and excuse it worse . We are somtimes moued with passion , and we thinke it to be zeale . We reprehend small things in others , and passe ouer greater matters in our selues . We quickly feele , and weigh what we suffer at the hands of others : but we mind not what others suffer from vs . He that doth well and deeply consider his owne works , will find little cause to iudge hardly of another .

2. A spirituall man preferreth the care of himselfe , Matt. 16. before all other cares . And he that diligently attendeth vnto himselfe , doth seldome speake much of others . Thou wilt neuer be recollected and deuout , vnlesse thou passe ouer other mens matters with silence , and looke especially to thy selfe . 1. Cor. 4. If thou attend wholy vnto God and thy selfe , thou wilt be little moued with whatsoeuer thou seest abroad . Gal. 1. Where art thou , when thou art not with thy selfe ? And when thou hast runne ouer all , what hast thou profited , if thou doest neglect thy selfe ? If thou desirest peace of mind and true vnion , thou must esteeme little of all earthly things , and looke only to thy selfe .

3. Thou shalt therfore profit much , if thou keepe thy selfe free from all temporall cares . Thou shalt hinder thy selfe greatly , if thou esteeme any thing of this world . Let nothing be great vnto thee , nothing high , nothing gratefull , nothing acceptable , but only God himselfe purely , or that which is for God . Esteeme all comfort vaine which thou receauest from any creature . Eccles. 1. A soule that loueth God , despiseth all things that be inferiour vnto God , God alone is euerlasting , and of infinite greatnes , filling all creatures : the comfort of the soule , and the true ioy of the hart .

CHAP. VI. Of the comfort of a good Conscience .

THE glory of a good man , 2. Cor. 1. is the testimony of a good conscience . Haue a good conscience , & thou shalt euer haue ioy . A good conscience is able to beare much , & is cheerefull in aduersities . An euill conscience is alwaies fearefull and vnquiet . Thou shalt rest sweetly , if thy hart doth not reprehend thee . Sap. 17. Do thou neuer reioyce , but when thou hast done well . Sinners haue neuer true mirth , nor feele inward peace : because there is no peace to the impious , saith our Lord . And if they should say : We are in peace , no euill shall fall vpon vs , Luc. 12. Esa. 27. and who shall dare to hurt vs ? belieue them not : for vpon a suddaine will arise the wrath of God , and their deeds shall be turned into nothing , and their conceipts shall perish .

2. To glory in tribulation is no hard thing for him that loueth . Rom. 8. For to glory so , is to glory in the Crosse of our Lord . That glory is short , Gal. 6. which is giuen and receaued from men . Sorrow alwaies accompanieth the glory of the world . 2. Cor. 1. The glory of the good is in their consciences , and not in the tongues of men . The gladnes of the iust is of God , and in God : and their ioy is of the truth . He that desireth true and euerlasting glory , careth not for that which passeth away with time . And he that seeketh temporall glory , or contemneth it not from his hart , shewes himselfe but little to esteeme of the glory of heauen . He enioyeth great tranquillity and peace of mind , that careth neither for the prayses , nor dispraises of men .

3. He will easily be content and pacified , whose conscience is pure . He is not the more holy , though thou commend him : nor the more abiect though thou dispraise him . What thou art , that thou art : neither canst thou be truly sayd to be greater , then what thou art in the sight of God . If thou consider what thou art within thee , thou wilt not care what men say of thee . 1. Reg. 16. Man seeth in the face , but God looketh into the hart . Man considereth the deeds , but God weigheth the intentions . To do alwaies well , and to esteeme little of himselfe , is a token of an humble mind . To refuse to be comforted by any creature , is a signe of great purity , and inward confidence .

4. He that seeketh no outward witnes for himselfe , doth shew that he hath wholy committed himselfe vnto God . For not he that commendeth himselfe , 2. Cor 10. the same is approued ( saith S. Paul ) but whom God commendeth . To walke inwardly with God , and not to be possessed with any outward affection , is the state of an inward and spirituall man .

CHAP. VII . Of the loue of IESVS aboue all things .

BLESSED is he that vnderstandeth what it is to loue Iesus : Ps. 116. and to despise himselfe for Iesus . Thou oughtest to leaue thy beloued , Deut. 6. for thy beloued ; for that Iesus will be beloued alone aboue all things . Matt. 22● The loue of things created is deceiptfull and vnconstant : the loue of Iesus is faithfull and constant . He that cleaueth vnto creaturs shal fall with that which is subiect to fall . He that imbraceth Iesus shall stand firmely for euer . Loue him , and keep him for thy friend , who when all go away , will not forsake thee , nor suffer thee to perish in the end . Thou must once be left of men whether thou wilt or no.

2. Liue and dye with Iesus ; & commit thy selfe vnto his trust , who when all faile , can alone help thee . Thy beloued is of that nature , that he will none of that which appertaineth to others : but will haue thy hart alone , and sit like a King in his owne throne If thou couldest purge thy selfe perfectly of all creatures , Iesus would willingly dwell with thee . Whatsoeuer thou puttest in men , out of Iesus , is all no better then lost . Trust not , nor rely vpon a reed full of wind : for that all flesh is as hay , and all the glory therof shall wither away as the flower of the field . Esa. 4.

3. Thou shalt quickly be deceaued , if thou looke only to the outward shew of men . And if in them thou seekest thy comfort and profit : thou shalt often feele losse . If thou seekest Iesus in all things , thou shalt surely find Iesus . But if thou seekest thy selfe , thou shalt also find thy selfe , but to thy owne harme . For man doth more hurt himselfe , if he seeke not Iesus , then the whole world , and all his aduersaries could annoy him .

CHAP. VIII . Of familiar conuersation with IESVS .

WHEN Iesus is present , all is well , and nothing seemeth difficult : but when Iesus is absent , euery thing is hard . When Iesus speaketh not inwardly vnto vs , our comfort is nothing worth : but if Iesus speake but one word , we feele much consolation . Ioan. 11. Did not Mary Magdalen presently rise from the place where she wept , when Martha said vnto her : Thy maister is heere , and calleth thee . Happy is the houre when Iesus calleth from teares to spirituall ioy . How dry and hard art thou without Iesus ? How foolish and vaine , if thou desire any thing out of Iesus ? Matt. 16. Is not this a greater losse , then if thou shouldest loose the whole world ?

2. What can the world profit thee without Iesus ? To be without Iesus is a grieuous hell : and to be with Iesus is a sweete Paradise . If Iesus be with thee , Rom. 8. no enemy can hurt thee . He that findeth Iesus , findeth a good treasure : Matt. 13. yea a good aboue all goods . And he that leeseth Iesus leeseth too much , and more then the whole world . He is most poore that liueth without Iesus : Luc. 12. and he most rich that is well with Iesus .

3. It is a great skill to know how to conuerse with Iesus , Prou. 8. and a great wisdome to know how to keep Iesus . Be humble , and peaceable , & Iesus will be with thee . Be deuout and quiet , and Iesus will stay with thee . Thou maist driue away Iesus & loose his grace , if thou giuest thy selfe to outward things . And if thou shouldest driue him from thee , and leese him , vnto whom wilt thou fly , and what friend wilt thou then seeke ? Without a friend thou canst not well liue : and if Iesus be not aboue all a friend vnto thee ; thou shalt be too too sorrowfull and desolate . Thou doest therefore foolishly , if thou doest trust or reioyce in any other . It is better for thee to haue all the world against thee , Gal. 6. then Iesus offended with thee . Amongst all things therefore that be deare vnto thee , let Iesus alone be thy chiefest beloued .

4. Loue all for Iesus , but Iesus for himselfe . Iesus Christ alone is especially to be beloued ; who alone is found to be good , and faithfull aboue all friends . For him , & in him , Matt. 5. let aswell friends as foes be deare vnto thee : and all these are to be prayed for , Luc. 6. that all may know and loue him . Neuer desire to be singularly commended or beloued , for that appertaineth only vnto God , who hath none like vnto himselfe . Neither do thou desire that the hart of any should be set on thee ; nor do thou set thy hart on the loue of any : but let Iesus be in thee , and in euery vertuous and good man .

5. Be pure and free within , and intangle not thy hart with any creature . Thou oughtest to be as it were naked , & carry a pure hart to God , if thou wilt consider , and proue , & see how sweet our Lord is . And truly vnlesse thou be preuented , and drawne by his grace , thou shalt neuer attaine to that happines , to forsake and cast away all , that thou alone maist be vnited to him alone . For when the grace of God commeth vnto a man , then he is strong , and nothing is hard vnto him . And when it goeth away , he is poore & weake , and as it were left vnto the will of whomsoeuer will afflict him . In this thou oughtest not to be deiected , nor despaire , but to resigne thy selfe with all indifferency vnto the will of God , and to beare all things that befall thee for the glory of Christ : for after winter followeth summer : after night commeth day , and after a tempest , faire weather .

CHAP. IX . Of the want of all comfort .

IT is no great matter to despise humane comfort , when we haue diuine . It is much and very much , to be able to want both humane and diuine comfort : Phil. 2. and for the honour and glory of God , to be willing to endure desolation of hart ; and to seeke himselfe in nothing , nor to regard his owne merit . What great matter is it , if thou be cheerfull and deuout at the comming of heauenly grace ? This houre is wished for of all men . He rideth easily whome the grace of God carrieth . And what meruaile , if he feele not his burden who is borne vp by the Almighty , and led by the greatest guide ?

2. We are alwaies willing to haue something for our comfort : and a man doth hardly put off , and forsake himself . The holy martyr S. Laurence ouercame the world with his Prelate : because he despised whatsoeuer seemed delightsome in the world : and for the loue of Christ the patiently suffered the high Priest of God S. Syxtus to be taken from him , whome he most loued . He ouercame therfore the loue of man by the loue of the Creator ; and he rather chose the diuine pleasure , then humane comfort . See thou also learne to forsake some necessary thing , and a beloued friend for the loue of God . Be not grieued when thou art forsaken by a friend , knowing that we all at length must be separated one from another .

3. A man must fight long , and with a constant mind , before he get the victory , and be able to place his whole hart in God . When a man confideth in himselfe , he easily slideth vnto humane comforts . But a true louer of Christ , and a diligent follower of vertue , giueth not himselfe to such solace , nor seeketh sensible sweetnes : but rather forcible exercises , and to sustaine hard labours for Christ .

4. When therfore spirituall comfort is giuen thee from God , receaue it thankefully : but know that it is the gift of God , not any desert of thine . Be not puffed vp , ioy not too much , neither do thou presume vainely : but be rather the more humble for that grace , and more wary and fearefull in all thy actions : for that houre wil passe away and temptation will succeed . When consolation is taken from thee , despaire not presently ; but with humility and patience attend the heauenly visitation : for God is able againe to giue thee greater consolation . This is not new nor strange vnto them , that haue experience in the way of God : for in the great Saints and ancient Prophets , there was oftentimes such kind of alteration .

5. For which cause one when he had grace , said : Psal. 29. I sayd in my plenty , I will not be moued euerlastingly . But when this was gone from him , he addeth what he found in himselfe , saying : Thou turnedst thy face from me , and I became troubled . Ibid. Yet doth he not despaire in the middest of these changes , but more earnestly prayeth vnto our Lord , and saith : Ibid. Vnto thee ( o Lord ) I will cry , and I will pray vnto my God . Lastly he receaueth the fruit of his prayer , and witnesseth that he was heard , saying : Our Lord hath heard me , Ibid. and taken pitty on me : our Lord is become my helper . But wherin ? Thou hast turned ( saith he ) my sorrow into ioy , Ibid. and thou hast compassed me about with gladnes . If great Saints haue byn so dealt withall , we that are poore and weake ought not to despaire , if we be sometimes feruent , and sometimes cold : Ioan. 3. for the spirit commeth and goeth , according to the good pleasure of his will For which cause blessed Iob saith : Iob. 7. Thou visitest him early in the morning , and suddainly thou prouest him .

6. Whereupon therfore can I hope , or wherin ought I to trust , but in the great mercy of God alone , and in the only hope of heauenly grace ? For whether I enioy the presence of good men , or deuout brethren , or faithfull friends , or holy bookes , or learned treatises , or sweet songs and hymnes : all these help little , and haue little sauour , when grace forsaketh me , and I remaine left in my owne pouerty . At such a tyme there is no better remedy then patience , and the resigning of my selfe vnto the will God . Luc. 9.

7. I neuer found any so religious and deuout , that hath not had somtimes a withdrawing of grace , or felt not a decrease of feruour . There was neuer Saint so highly rapt , and illuminated , who first or last was not tempted . For he is not worthy of the high contemplation of God , who hath not byn exercised with some tribulation for Gods sake . For temptation going before , is wont to be a signe of ensuing comfort . And vnto those that are proued by temptations , heauenly comfort is promised . He that shall ouercome , Apoc. 21. saith he , I will giue him to eate of the wood of life .

8. But diuine comfort is giuen , that a man may be stronger to beare aduersities . There followeth also temptation , least we should wax proud of that good . The diuell sleepeth not , 1. Pet. 5. neither is our flesh as yet dead : therfore cease not to prepare thy selfe to the battaile : for on thy right hand , and on thy left are enemies that neuer rest .

CHAP. X. Of thankefulnesse for the Grace of God .

WHY seekest thou rest , since thou art borne to labour ? Dispose thy self to patience , Iob. 3. rather then to comforts : and to the bearing of the Crosse , rather then to gladnes . Luc. 14. What secular person is there , that would not willingly receaue spirituall ioy and comfort , if he could alwaies haue it ? Spirituall comforts exced all the delights of the world , and all the pleasures of the flesh . All worldly delights are either vaine , or vncleane : but spiritual delights are only pleasant and honest , produced by vertues , and infused by God into pure harts . But no men can alwaies enioy these diuine comforts , according to his desire : for the time of temptation it not long away .

2. False freedome of mind , and great trust of our selues , is very contrary to heauenly visitation . God doth well in giuing grace : but man doth euill in not returning it againe wholy vnto God , with thankesgiuing . And therfore the gifts of grace cannot flow in vs , Eccles. 1. because we are vngratefull to the giuer : and returne them not wholy to the headfountaine . For grace is euer due to him that is thankefull : and from the proud shall be taken that which is wont to be giuen to the humble .

3. I desire not that consolation that taketh from me compunction : nor that contemplation which breedeth a haughty mind . For all that is high , is not holy : nor all that is sweet , good : nor euery desire , pure : nor euery thing that is deare vnto vs , is gratefull to God . I do willingly accept of that grace , wherby I may euer become more humble and fearefull , and be made more ready and able to forsake my selfe . He that is taught by the gift of grace , and by the scourge of the withdrawing therof ; will not dare to attribute any good to himselfe : but will rather acknowledge himselfe poore , and naked . Matt. 22. Giue vnto God that which is Gods ; and ascribe vnto thy selfe that which is thine owne : that is , giue thankes vnto God for his grace , and acknowledge that nothing is to be attributed to thee , but only sinne , and the punishment due thereunto .

4. Content thy selfe , and desire alwaies the meanest and lowest things , and the highest shall be giuen thee : for the highest stand not without the lowest . The highest Saints before God , Luc. 14. are the least in their owne iudgments . And how much the more glorious , so much the humbler within themselues . Those that are full of truth , and heauenly glory , are not desirous of the vaine glory of this world . Those that are firmely setled and grounded in God , can no way be proud . And they that ascribe all vnto God , what good soeuer they haue receaued , Ioan. 5. seek not glory one of another : but would haue that glory which is from God alone : and desire aboue all things to praise God in himselfe , and in all the Saints , and alwaies tend vnto the same .

5. Be therfore gratefull for the least gift , and thou shalt be made worthy to receaue greater . Let the least be vnto thee also as the greatest : and the most contemptible as an especiall gift . If thou consider the worth of the giuer , no gift will seeme little , or of meane esteeme . For it is not little that is giuen by the soueraigne Maiesty of God . Yea if he should giue punishment and stripes , it ought to be gratefull , for that he doth it alwaies for our saluation , whatsoeuer he permitteth to happen vnto vs . He that desireth to keep the grace of God , let him be thankfull for the grace giuen , and patient for the taking away therof . Let him pray that it may returne . Let him be wary and humble , least he leese it .

CHAP. XI . How few the louers of the Crosse of Christ are .

IESVS hath now many louers of his heauenly kingdome , but few bearers of his Crosse . He hath many desirous of comfort , but few of tribulation . He findeth many companions of his table , but few of his abstinence . All desire to reioyce with him , few will suffer any thing for him , or with him . Many follow Iesus vnto the breaking of bread : but few to the drinking of the Chalice of his passion . Many reuerence his miracles , Luc. 9.22 . few follow the ignominy of his Crosse . Many loue Iesus , as long as aduersities happen not . Many praise and blesse him , as long as they receaue any comfort from him . But if Iesus hide himself , and leaue them but a while , they fall either into complaint , or into too much deiection of mind .

2. But they that loue Iesus for Iesus , and not for some comfort of their owne , blesse him in all tribulation and anguish of hart , as well as in the greatest confort . And although he should neuer giue them comfort , they notwithstanding would euer prayse him , and alwaies giue him thankes .

3. O how powerfull is the pure loue of Iesus , Phil. 2. which is mixed with no selfe-loue nor proper interest ! Are they not all to be called hirelings that euer seeke comforts ? Do they not shew themselues to be rather louers of themselues , then of Christ , that alwaies thinke of their commoditie & gaine ? Where may one be found that will serue God , without looking for reward ?

4. It is hard to find any one so spirituall , that is free from the loue of all earthly things . For where is any that is indeed poore in spirit , and free from all affection of creatures ? Far hence , Prou. 31. and from the end of the world is his price . If a man should giue all his wealth , yet is it nothing . And if he should do great pennance , yet is it little . And if he should attaine to all knowledg , he is yet far off . And if he should haue great vertue , and very feruent deuotion , yet there is much wanting : to wit , one thing which is most necessary for him . Matt. 16. What is that ? That leauing all , he forsake himselfe , and go perfectly from himselfe , and retaine nothing of selfe-loue . And when he hath done al that he knoweth to be done , let him thinke that he hath done nothing .

5. Let him not weigh that much which might be much esteemed , but according to truth , let him affirme himselfe to be an vnprofitable seruant , as our Sauiour hath sayd : When you shall haue done al things that are commanded you , say : We are vnprofitable seruants . Luc. 17. Then may he be truly poore in spirit and naked , and say with the Prophet : Psal. 24. I am alone and poore : yet no man richer , no man more powerfull , no man more free than he that can leaue himselfe and all things , and put himselfe in the meanest and lowest place .

CHAP. XII . Of the high way of the holy Crosse .

VNTO many seemeth hard this speach : Deny thy selfe , take vp thy Crosse , Matt. 16. and follow Iesus . But it will be much harder to heare that last word : Get yee away from me , Matt. 15. yee cursed into euerlasting fire . For they that now willingly heare and follow the word of the Crosse , shall not then feare to heare the sentence of euerlasting damnation . This signe of the Crosse shall be in heauen , when our Lord shall come to iudgment . Then all the seruants of the Crosse , who in their life time conformed themselues vnto Christ crucified , shal draw neer vnto our Lord with great confidence .

2. Why therfore fearest thou to take vp the Crosse , which leadeth thee to a kingdome ? In the Crosse is health , in the Crosse is life , in the Crosse is protection against our enemies , in the Crosse is infusion of heauenly sweetnes , in the Crosse is strength of mind , in the Crosse is ioy of spirit , in the Crosse is the height of vertue , in the Crosse is the perfection of sanctity . There is nor health of the soule , nor hope of euerlasting life but in the Crosse . Take vp therfore thy Crosse and follow Iesus , & thou shalt go into life euerlasting . Luc. 14. He is gone before , bearing his Crosse , and is dead for thee on the Crosse ; Ioan. 19. that thou maiest also beare thy Crosse , & desire to dy on the Crosse , with him . For if thou dyest with him , thou shalt also liue with him . And if thou be his companion in payne , 2. Cor. 1. thou shalt be partaker with him also in glory .

3. Behould in the Crosse al doth consist , and all lyeth in ending our life vpon it : for there is no other way vnto life , and vnto true inward peace , but the way of the Holy Crosse , and of daily mortification . Go where thou wilt , seeke whatsoeuer thou wilt : thou shalt not find a higher way aboue , nor a safer way below , then the way of the holy Crosse . Dispose & order all thinges according to thy will , and iudgment : yet thou shall euer find , that of necessity thou must suffer somewhat , either willingly or against thy will , so as thou shalt neuer fully auoide the Crosse . For either thou shalt feele payne in thy body , or in thy soule thou shalt suffer tribulation of spirit .

4. Somtimes thou shalt be forsaken of God , somtimes thou shalt be troubled by thy neighbours , & which is more , oftentimes thou shalt be irksome to thy selfe : neither canst thou be deliuered or eased by any remedy or comfort : but so long as pleaseth God , thou oughtest to beare it . For God will haue thee learne to suffer tribulation without comfort ; and that thou submit thy selfe wholy to him , and become more humble by tribulation . No man hath so liuely a feeling of the passion of Christ , as he who hath chaunced to suffer the like . The Crosse therfore is alwayes ready , & euery where attendeth thee . Thou canst not escape it , whither soeuer thou flyest : for whersoeuer thou goest , thou carriest thy selfe with thee , and shalt euer finde thy selfe both aboue and below , without & within : which way soeuer thou doest turne thee , alwayes thou shalt find the Crosse : and euery where of necessity thou must haue patience , if thou wilt haue inward peace , and deserue an euerlasting Crowne .

5. Yf thou beare the Crosse willingly , it will beare thee , and lead thee to thy desired end : to wit , where there shal be an end of suffering , though heere there shall not . Yf thou beare it vnwillingly , thou makest for thy selfe a new burthen , and increasest thy loade , and yet notwithstanding thou must beare it . Yf thou cast away one Crosse , without doubt thou shalt find another , & that perhaps a more heauy .

6. Thinkest thou to escape that which no man could euer auoyd ? Which of the Saintes in the world was without Crosses , and tribulations ? Verily Iesus Christ our Lord was neuer one houre without paine of suffering , so long as he liued . Christ ( saith he ) ought to suffer , Luc. 24. & rise againe from death , and so to enter into his glory : and how doest thou seek any other way , then this high way , which is the way of the holy Crosse ?

7. The whole life of Christ was a Crosse and Martyrdome : and doest thou seeke rest and ioy ? Thou art deceaued , thou art deceaued , if thou seekest any other thing , then to suffer tribulations : for this whole mortall life is full of miseries , Iob. 7. and inuironed on euery side with Crosses . And how much the more one hath profited in spirit ; so much the heauier Crosses he oftentymes findeth : for the loue he beareth to God increaseth the griefe which he endureth for his banishment .

8. But yet this man , though so many wayes afflicted , is not without the remedy of spirituall consolation , for the great good which he perceaueth to grow vnto him by the bearing of his Crosse . For whilest he willingly putteth himselfe vnder it , all the burthen of tribulation is turned into the confidence of diuine comfort . And how much the more the flesh is wasted by affliction , 2. Cor. 11. & 12. so much the more is the spirit strengthned by inward grace . And sometymes he is so comforted with the desire of tribulation , and aduersity , for the loue of conforming himselfe to the Crosse of Christ , that he would not wish at any time to be without sorrow and tribulation : because he belieueth , that so much the more gratefull he shall be vnto God , how much the more he can suffer for him . This is not a worke of humane vertue ; but it is the grace of Christ , that can , and doth so much in fraile flesh : that what naturally it alwayes abhorreth and flyeth , that , by feruour of spirit , it taketh hould on and loueth .

9. It is not according to mans inclination to beare the Crosse , to loue the Crosse , to chastice & subdue the body , to fly honors , to suffer contumelies with a ioyfull harte , to despise himselfe , and to wish to be despised , to beare all aduersities , and domages and to desire no prosperity in this world . 2. Cor. 3. Yf thou considerest thy selfe , thou shalt be able to performe no such matter of thy selfe . But if thou trustest in our Lord , strengh shall be giuen thee from heauen , and the world & flesh shall be made subject to thy commaund . Neither shalt thou feare thy enemy the Deuill , if thou bee armed with faith , and signed with the Crosse of Christ .

10. Resolue therfore with thy selfe , like a good and faithfull seruant of Christ , to beare manfully the Crosse of thy Lord , who was crucified for thy loue . Prepare thy selfe to beare many aduersities and diuers kinds of troubles in this miserable life : for so it wil be with thee , whersoeuer thou be : and so surely thou wilt finde it , whersoeuer thou hide thy selse . So it must be , and there is no remedy , or meanes to auoide tribulation and sorrow , but to beare them . Matt. 20. Drinke of the chalice of our Lord willingly , if thou wilt be his friend , and desirest to haue part with him . Leaue the desire of confortes to God let him doe therein as shall best please him . Ioan. 23. Set thou thy hart vpon the suffering of tribulations , and account them the greatest comfortes : Rom. 8. for that the passions of this life are not condign to future glory , although thou alone couldest suffer them all .

11. When thou shalt come to this estate , Gal. 6. that tribulation shall seeme sweet , and pleasant vnto thee for Christ : then thou maist thinke it is well with thee , for thou hast found a Paradise vpon earth . As long as it is grieuous vnto thee to suffer , and that thou desirest to fly it ; so long shalt thou be ill at ease : and the tribulation thou flyest will follow thee euery where .

12. Yf thou setlest thy selfe to that thou oughtest , to wit , to suffer , and to dy to thy selfe , it will quickly be better with thee , and thou shalt finde peace . Although thou shouldest haue bene rapt euen vnto the third heauen with Paul , 1. Cor. 12. thou art not for this assured , that thou shalt suffer no contradiction . I I ( saith Iesus ) will shew him how great thinges he must suffer for my name . Act. 9. It resteth therfore , that thou suffer , if thou wilt loue Iesus , and perpetually serue him .

13. O , would to God , thou wert worthy to suffer somthing for Iesus ! how great glory would it be vnto thee , what ioy to all the Saints of God , how great edification also to thy neighbour ! For all do commend patience , though few desire to suffer . With great reason thou oughtest to be willing to suffer a little for Christ ; Ps. 43. since many suffer far greater thinges for the loue of the world .

14. Know for certaine that thou oughtest to lead a dying life . And how much the more euery one dieth to himselfe , so much the more doth he begin to liue to God . No man is fit to attaine vnto heauenly thinges , vnlesse he submit himselfe to the bearing of aduersities for Christ . Nothing is more gratefull vnto God , nothing more wholesome to thee in this world , then to suffer willingly for Christ . And if it were in thy choyce , thou shouldest rather wish to suffer aduersities for Christ , then to enioy the delight of many comforts : because by these meanes thou shouldest be more like vnto Christ , and more conformable to all the Saints . For our merit , and the perfection of our estate consisteth not in much sweetnes and comfortes : but rather in suffering great afflictions and tribulations .

15. If there had been any better thing , and more profitable to the health of man then suffering , surely Christ would haue shewed it by word , and example . But he plainly exhorted all the disciples that followed him , Luc. 9. and all that desire to follow him , to the bearing of the Crosse , and saith : If any man will come after me , let him deny himselfe and take vp his Crosse , and follow me . So as when we haue read and searched all , Act. 14. let this be the last conclusion : That by many tribulations we must enter into the Kingdome of God .

The end of the second Booke .

OF THE FOLLOWING OF CHRIST . THE THIRD BOOKE .

CHAP. I. Of the inward speach of Christ vnto a saithfull soule .

I Will heare what our Lord God will speake in me . Psal. 84. Blessed is the soule that heareth our Lord speaking in her : 1. Reg. 3. and receaueth from his mouth the word of comfort . Blessed are those eares that receaue the sound of the diuine voice , and listen not to the whisperings of the world . Blessed indeed are those eares that harken not to the voice which soundeth outwardly , Matt. 13. but vnto truth which teacheth inwardly . Blessed are the eies that being shut vp to outward thinges , are attentiue to those things that are internall . Blessed are they that enter into the inward thinges , and indeauor to prepare themselues more and more by daily exercises to the attayning of heauenly secrets . Blessed be they that delight to attend to the seruice of God , & cast from them all impedimentes of this world .

2. Consider these thinges my soule , and shut vp the dores of thy sensuall desires that thou maist heare what thy lord God speaketh in thee . Ps. 14. Thus saith thy beloued : I am thy safety , thy peace , and thy life . Keep thy selfe with me and thou shalt find peace . Forsake all transitory thinges and seeke those that be euerlasting . Ps. 34. What are temporall things , but deaceauing snares ? and what do all creatures auaile thee , if thou bee forsaken by the Creatour ? Forsake therefore all earthly thinges and labour to please thy Creatour , and be faithfull vnto him , that thou maist attaine vnto true happines .

CHAP. II. That truth speaketh inwardely without noyse of Wordes .

SPEAKE Lord , The Seruant . for thy seruant heareth . I am thy seruant , graunt me vnderstanding , that I may know thy testimonies . 1. Reg. 3. Ps. 118. Stir vp my hart to heare the wordes of thy mouth . Let thy speach descend as the dew into my soule . The children of Israel in times past said vnto Moyses : Speake thou vnto vs , and we shall heare thee : Let not our Lord speake vnto vs , least perhaps we dye . Exod. 20. Not so Lord , not so , I beseech thee . But rather with the Prophet Samuel , 1. Reg. 3. I humbly and earnestly intreat : speak Lord , for thy seruant heareth . Let not Moyses speake vnto me , nor any of the Prophets ; but thou rather speake , my Lord God , the inspirer , and enlightener of all the Prophets : for thou alone without them canst perfectly instruct me , but they without thee can profit nothing .

2. They can pronounce words , but they giue not spirit . They speake maruelous well , but if thou hould thy peace , they inflame not the hart . They deliuer the letters , but thou openest the sense . They bring forth mysteries , but thou disclosest the vnderstanding of sealed thinges . They declare thy commaundements , but thou helpest to fulfill them . They shew the way , but thou giuest strength to walke it . They worke only exterioutly , but thou instructest and enlightnest the hartes . They water outwardly , but thou giuest fruitfulnes . They sound forth wordes , but thou giuest vnderstanding to the hearing .

3. Let not therfore Moyses speak vnto me , but thou my Lord God , the euerlasting truth ; least perhaps I should dye , and become without fruit , if I be warned outwardly only and not inflamed within : least the word heard and not fulfilled , knowen and not loued , belieued & not obserued , should increase my iudgment . Speake therefore Lord for thy seruant heareth , 1. Reg. 3. for thou hast the words of euerlasting life . Speake vnto me to the comfort of my soule and to the amendment of my whole life : Ioan. 6. and to thy prayse and glory and euerlasting honor .

CHAP. III. That the wordes of God are to be heard with humility , and that many weigh them not .

SONNE † † Our Lord . heare my words , wordes of great comfort , excelling al the knowledg of the Philosophers and wise men of this world . My wordes are spirit and life , not to be waighed by the vnderstanding of man . Ioan. 6. They are not to be drawne to vaine liking , but to be heard with silence , and to be receaued with al humility and great affection . And I said : * * The Seruant . Psal. 93. Blessed is the man whom thou shall instruct , O Lord , and shalt teach thy law , that thou maist giue him quietnes from euill daies , and that he be not destroyed vpon earth .

2. I ( saith our † † Our Lord . Heb. 1. Lord ) haue taught the Prophets from the beginning , and cease not continually to speake to euery one : but many are deafe and giue no eare to my speach . The greater number doe more willingly listen to the world , then to God : & follow sooner the desires of their fleshe , then the will of God . The world promiseth temporall & small things , and is serued with great diligence : I promise most high and eternall thinges , and the hartes of men are nothing moued with it . Who is he that serueth and obeyeth me with equall care to that with which the world , & the Lords therof are serued ? Esa. 23. Blush Sidon , saith the sea . And if thou aske the cause , heare wherefore . For a little prebend a long iorney is vndertaken : for euerlasting life many will scarce once lift a foote from the ground . A thing of small value is sought after greedily : for a penny somtimes there is great contention : for a vaine thing and sleight ptomise , men doubt not to toile day and night .

3. But alas for an vnchangeable good , for an inestimable reward , for the highest honour and glory without end , they are loath to take the least paines . Blush therefore flouthfull and complayning seruant , that they are found more ready to distruction , then thou to life . They reioyce more at vanity , then thou at truth . Rom. 1. Matt. 24. And yet they are somtimes frustrated of their hope , but my promise deceaueth none , nor sendeth him away empty that trusteth in me . I will giue that which I haue promised . I will fulfill that which I haue said , Apoc. 2 but to him that remaines faithfull in my loue to the end . I am the reward of all good , Matt. 5.15 . and do try my deuout seruants in forcible proofes .

4. Write my words in thy hart , and thinke diligently of them : for they will be necessary in time of temptation . What thou vnderstandest not when thou readest , thou shalt know in the day of visitation . I am wont to visite my elect two seuerall waies , to wit , with temptation , and comfort . And I dayly read two lessons vnto them , one reprehending their vices , another exhorting them to the increase of vertues . He that hath my words & despiseth them , hath within himselfe that shall iudg him at the last day .

A prayer to implore the grace of denotion .

5. Lord * * The Seruant . my God , thou art all that I can desire . Who am I , that dare speak vnto thee ? I am thy poorest seruant , Gen. 18. and a most vile worme : much more poore and contemptible then I can or dare expresse . Remember Lord , that I am nothing , haue nothing , and can do nothing . Thou alone art good , iust , and holy ; thou canst do all things , performest all things , leauing only a sinner voide of all good . Call to mind thy mercies , and fill my hart with thy grace , who wilt not that thy workes be voyd .

6. How can I support my selfe in this miserable life : vnlesse thy mercy and grace comfort me ? Psal. 68. Turne not thy face from me : delay not thy visitation ; draw not away thy comfort , least my soule become as earth without water vnto thee . Lord teach me to fulfill thy will ; Ps. 142. teach me to line worthily and humbly in thy sight ; for thou art my wisdome , thou dost perfectly know me , and didest know me before the world was made , and before I was borne in the world .

CHAP. IIII. That we ought to line in truth and humility in the sight of God .

SONNE * * Our Lord . walke in my sight in sincerity and truth ; and euer seeke me in playnes of hart . Gen. 17. Sap. 1. He that walketh in my sight in truth , shall be defended from euill incursions , and truth shall deliuer him from seducers and from the detractions of the wicked . 1. Ioan 8. If truth shall haue deliuered thee , thou shalt be truly free , and shalt not care for vaine speaches of men . Lord * * The Seruant . it is true . According as thou saist , so I beseech thee let it be done with me , and keepe me , & bring me to a happy end . Let thy truth teach me , and let it deliuer me from all euill affection and inordinat loue : and I shall walke with thee in great freedome of hart .

2. I † † Our Lord . will teach thee ( sayth the Truth ) those things that are right & pleasing in my sight . Thinke of thy sinnes with great sorrow , and grief ; & neuer esteeme thy selfe any thing for thy good works . Thou art in very deed a sinner , and subiect to many passions . Of thy selfe thou alwaies tendest to nothing , and art quickly cast downe and ouercome : quickly troubled , quickly dissolued . Thou hast nothing wherein thou canst glory . 2. Cor. 4. but many thinges for which thou oughtest to humble , and despise thy selfe : for thou art much weaker then thou art able to comprehend .

3. And therfore let nothing seeme much vnto thee whatsoeuer thou doest . Let nothing seem great , nothing precious , and wonderfull , nothing worthy of estimation : nothing high , nothing truly commendable ▪ and to be desired , but that which is euerlasting . Let the eternall Truth aboue all things please thee . Let thy owne great vnworthines alwaies displease thee . Feare nothing , blame , and fly nothing so much , as thy sinnes , and vices : which ought to displease more then the losse of any thing whatsoeuer . Some walk not sincerly in my sight , Eccles. 3. & 2. Cor. 3. but led by a certaine curiosity , and pride , will know my secrets , and vnderstand the high mysteries of God , neglecting themselues and their owne saluation . These often times ( for that I resist them ) do fall into great temptations & sinnes , for their pride and curiosity .

4. Feare the iudgments of God , dread the wrath of the almighty But discusse not the works of the Highest . Search thine owne iniquities , in how much thou hast offended , and how much good thou hast neglected . Some carry their deuotion only in bookes , some in pictures , some in outward signes and figures , some haue me in their mouths , but little in their harts , Esa. 29. There are others that being illuminated in their vnderstanding , and purged in their affection , do alwaies aspire with an earnest mind to euerlasting happines : and are vnwilling to heare of the things of this world , and do serue the necessities of nature with griefe ; Ps. 24. and these perceaue what the spirit of truth speaketh in them . Because it teacheth them to despise earthly , Ps. 1. and loue heauenly things to neglect the world , and day and night to desire heauen .

CHAP. V. Of the wonderfull effect of diume grace .

I praise * * The Seruant . thee o heauenly Father , Father of my lord Iesus Christ , for that thou hast vouchsafed to remember me a poore and wretched creature . 2. Cor. 1. O Father of mercies and God of all comfort , thanks be vnto thee , who somtimes with thy comfort refreshest me vnworthy of all comfort . I euer blesse and glorify thee with thy only begotten Sonne , and the holy Ghost for all worlds . O God my lord , the holy louer of my soule , when thou shalt come into my hart , all that is within me will reioyce . Psal. 3. Thou art my glorie and the exultation of my hart . Thou art my hope , Ps. 31. and my refuge in the day of my tribulation .

2. But for that I am yet weake in loue , and imperfect in vertue . I haue need to be comforted by thee : visit me therfore often , and instruct me with thy holy discipline . Deliuer me from euill passions , and heale my hart of all inordinate affections : that being cured within , and well purged , I may be made fit to loue , strong to suffer , and constant to perseuere .

3. Loue is a great matter , Matt. 11. in very truth a great good : which alone maketh euery thing that is heauy light ; and beareth equally vnequall burthens . For it carrieth a burthen without a burthen , and maketh euery thing that is bitter sweet , and delightsome . The noble loue of Iesus enforceth man to worke great things , and styrreth him vp to desire allwaies the most perfect . Loue will be aloft , and not kept downe with any base thinges . Loue will be free from all worldly affection , to the end his inward sight be not obscured , that he be not intangled with the desire of any transitory gaine , or troubled with the want therof . Nothing is sweeter then loue , nothing stronger , nothing higher , nothing more ample , nothing more pleasant , nothing fuller nor better in heauen or in earth : for that loue hath his beginning from God , and cannot rest but in God aboue all creatures .

4. He that loueth , flyeth , runneth , and reioyceth , he is free and not held in . He giueth all for all , & hath all in all , for that he resteth in one Highest aboue all , from which all good floweth and proceedeth . He respecteth not the guifts , but turneth himselfe aboue all goods vnto the giuer . Loue oftentimes knoweth no measure , but inflameth aboue all measure Loue feeleth no burthen , waieth no paines , desireth aboue it strength , complaineth not of impossibility , for that it thinketh all things lawfull , and possible . It is therfore able to vndertake all things , and performeth and bringeth many things to effect : wheras he that doth not loue , fainteth and can do nothing .

5. Loue alwaies watcheth , Rom. 8. and sleeping sleepeth not : being wearied is not tyred : straitned , is not pressed : frighted , is not troubled : but like a liuely flame , and burning torch , breaketh vpwards , and passeth through all with great security . If any one loueth , he knoweth what this voice crieth . A lowd cry in the eares of God , is the burning loue of the soule , which sayth : My God , my loue , thou art wholy mine , and I wholy thine .

6. Enlarge me in loue , that my hart may tast how sweet it is to loue , and to be dissolued , and swimme in thy loue . Let me be possessed by loue , mounting aboue my selfe , with excessiue feruour , and admiration . Let me sing the song of loue , let me follow thee on high my beloued , let my soule faint in thy praises reioycing with loue . Let me loue thee more then my selfe , and not my selfe but for thee , and all in thee , that truly loue thee , as the law of loue commandeth which shineth in thee .

7. Loue is swift , 1. Cor. 13. sincere , pious , sweet and delightfull : strong , patient , faithfull , prudent , suffering , full of courage , and neuer seeking it selfe . 1. Cor. 10. For where one seeketh himselfe , there he falleth from loue . Loue is circumspect , Ps. 2. humble , and vpright : not remisse , not mutable , nor attending vnto vaine things ; sober , chast , constant , quiet , and guarded in all the senses . Loue is subiect , and obedient to Superiours , meane and abiect to it selfe , deuout and thankefull vnto God , trusting and hoping alwaies in him , euen then , when God imparteth no sweetnes vnto it : for without sorrow none liueth in loue .

8. He that is not ready to suffer all things , and stand to the will of his beloued , is not worthy to be called a louer . A louer ought to imbrace willingly all that is hard , and distastfull for his beloued , Rom. 8. and not to turne away from him , for any contrary accidents .

CHAP. VI. Of the proofe of a true Louer .

SONNE † † Our Lord . thou art not yet a strong & prudent louer . Wherfore * * The Seruant . Lord ? Because † † Our Lord . thou giuest ouer for a small aduersity , and too earnestly seekest comfort . A constant louer standeth firmely in temptations , & giueth not credit to the crafty persuasions of the enemy . As I please him in prosperity , Phil. 4. so I am not vnpleasant to him in aduersity .

2. A prudent louer considereth not so much the guift of his louer , as the loue of the giuer . He rather esteemeth the good will , then the value , and placeth all guifts vnder his beloued . A noble louer resteth not in the gift , but in me aboue any gift . All therfore is not left if somtimes thou hast lesse tast of me , and my Saints then thou wouldest . That good and sweet desire which thou somtimes feelest , is the effect of present grace , and a certaine tast of the heauenly Country : wheron thou must not rely too much , for it goeth and commeth . But to fight against euill motions of the mind which may happen vnto thee , Matt. 4. and to despise the suggestion of the diuell , is a signe of vertue and great merit .

3. Let not therfore strange fancies forced into thee , of any matter whatsoeuer , trouble thee . Retaine a firme purpose and an vpright intention to God . Neither is it an illusion that sometimes thou art suddainly rapt on high , and presently returnest againe vnto the accustomed vanities of thy hart . For thou dost rather vnwillingly suffer them , then commit them : and as long as they displease thee , & thou striuest against them , it is a merit , and no losse .

4. Know that thy ancient enemy doth euer striue to hinder thy desire to good ▪ and to diuert thee from all deuout exercise : to wit , from the worshiping of Saints , from the deuout memory of my passion , from the profitable remembrance of thy sinnes , from the guard of thine own hart , and from the firme purpose of profiting in vertue . He thrusteth many euill thoughts into thy mind , that he may cause a wearisomnes , & horrour in thee , to draw thee from deuout prayer and reading . Humble cofession is displeasing vnto him , and if he could , he would cause thee to cease from receauing the Sacrament of my Body . Trust him not , nor care for him , although he should often set snares of deceipt to intrap thee . Charge him with it , when he suggesteth euill , and vncleane thoughts vnto thee : Say vnto him : Auant filthy spirit , blush miserable wretch , thou art filthy that bringest such things into myne eares . Matt. 4. & 16. A way from me wicked deceauer , thou shalt haue no part in me : but Iesus shal be with me as a strong warriour , and thou shalt remayne cofounded . I had rather dye and vndergo any torment , then to consent vnto thee . Hould thy peace and be silent . I will heare thee no more , though thou shouldest worke me many troubles . My Lord is my light and saluation , Ps. 26. whom shall I feare ? If whole armies should stand togeather against me , my hart shall not feare . Our Lord is my helper , and my Redeemer .

5. Fight like a good souldiar : Ps. 26. & 1. Tim. 6. and if thou sometimes fall through frailety , recouer greater forces then before , trusting in my more aboundant grace : and take great heed of vaine pleasing of thy selfe , and pride . This brings many into errour , and makes them sometimes fall into almost incurable blindnes . Let the fall of the proud foolishly presuming of themseues , serue thee for a warning , and a perpetuall humiliation .

CHAP. VII . That grace is to be hid vnder the veile of humility .

SONNE † † Our Lord . it is more profitable , & safe for thee to hide the grace of deuotion , not to extoll thy selfe , nor to speake much , nor to esteeme much therof ; but rather to despise thy selfe , and feare it , as giuen to one vnworthy therof . This affection is not to be cleaued vnto , which may be quickly changed into the contrary . Thinke when thou art in grace , how miserable and needy thou art wont to be without it ? Neither doth therin only consist the profit of spirituall life , when thou hast the grace of comfort ; but when thou humbly , resignedly , and patiently sufferest the withdrawing therof : so that thou be not then lesse diligent in the exercise of prayer , nor suffer thy selfe to passe ouer the rest of thy accustomed good works : but that thou willingly performe what lieth in thee , according as thou art able & vnderstandest to be fit : not neglecting thyself wholy for the drinesse , and trouble of mind , which thou feelest .

2. There are many that when it succeedeth not well with them , presently they become impatient or slouthful . Hierem. 10. & Rom. 9. The way of man is not alwaies in his power , but it belongeth to God , to giue , and to comfort when he will , how much he will , & whome he will , as it shall please him and no more . Some vnaduised persons haue ouerthrowne themselues for the greedy desire which they had of the grace of deuotion : attempting more then they were able to performe , not waighing the measure of their weaknes , but following rather the desire of their hart , then the iudgment of reason . And because they presumed on greater matters then was pleasing to God , they quickly lost their grace . Esa. 14. They were made needy , and left in a deiected estate that built themselues nestes in heauen : to the end that being humbled , and impouerished , they may learne not to fly with their owne wings , but to liue in hope vnder my fethers . They that are yet new , and vnacquainted in the way of our Lord , vnles they gouerne themselues by the counsaile of discreet persons , may easily be deceaued and ouer throwne .

3. And if they will rather follow their owne iudgment , then giue credit to others that are experienced , their end will be dangerous , if they cannot be drawne from their owne conceipt . Seldome those that are wise in their owne opinion , suffer themselues humbly to be gouerned by others . Psal. 15. & 16. A little knowledg with humility , and a slender vnderstanding , is better then great treasures of learning with a vaine selfe-liking . It is better for thee to haue lesse , then much of that wherof thou maist be proud . He doth not discreetly , that wholy giueth himself ouer to mirth , forgetting his former pouerty , and the chast feare of God , which feareth to loose the grace which he hath obteyned . Neither is he vertuously wise , that in time of aduersity or any tribulation whatsoeuer , yeildeth to despairing thoughts , and thinketh and imagineth of me lesse confidently then he ought .

4. He that will be ouer secure in time of peace , 1. Thess. 5. shall be often found in time of warre too deiected and fearfull . If thou couldest alwaies continue humble , and lowly within thy selfe , and temper , & gouerne thy soule well , thou shouldest not so soone fall into danger and offence . It is good counsell , that when thou conceauest feruour of spirit , thou shouldest thinke what will become of thee , when that light shal leaue thee . Iob. 17. And when that doth happen , remember the light may returne againe , which for thy instruction and my glory I haue withdrawne for a time .

5. Such proofe is often more profitable , then if thou shouldest alwaies enioy prosperity according to thy desire . For merits are not to be waighed in a man by the number of visions and comforts which he hath , or by his knowledg in Scriptures , or by his being placed in high degree : but in that he is grounded in true humility , and replenished with diuine charity : if he alwaies purely & entirely seeke the honour of God , if he esteeme himselfe nothing , and with a sincere hart despise himselfe , and reioyce more to be despised and humbled by others , Ps. 83. then to be honoured .

CHAP. VIII . Of a meane conceipt of our selues in the sight of God .

SHAL * * The Seruant . I speake vnto my Lord , sith I am dust and ashes ? If I esteeme better of my selfe , behould thou standest against me , Gen. 18. and my iniquities beare true witnes , neither can I speake against it But if I abase and esteeme nothing of my selfe , & cast of all selfe-conceipt , and ( as I am ) accompt my selfe to be dust , thy grace will be fauourable vnto me , and thy light will be neere vnto my hart : and all estimation how little soeuer shal be swallowed vp in the depth of my nothing , and perish euerlastingly . There thou shewest my selfe vnto me , what I am , what I haue byn , and whither I am come : for alas I am nothing , and I knew it not . And if I be left to my selfe , behould I become nothing , & a masse of infirmity . But if thou suddainly looke vpon me , I am presently made strong , and filled with new ioy . And it is a great meruaile , that I am so suddainly lifted vp , and so graciously imbraced by thee , that of myne owne waight alwaies sinke downward .

2. Thy loue is cause heereof , freely preuenting me , and releeuing me in so many necessities , preseruing me also from grieuous dangers , and ( as I may truely say ) deliuering me from innumerable euills . For surely by euill louing my selfe , Ioan. 12. I lost my selfe : and by seeking thee alone , & sincerly louing thee , I haue found both my selfe and thee , and for thy loue haue more deeply brought my selfe to nothing For that thou , o most sweet Iesu , dealest with me aboue all desert , and aboue all that I dare hope and request .

3. Blessed be thou my God ; for although I be vnworthy of all good , yet the noblenes of thy bounty and thy infinite goodnes , neuer ceaseth to do good euen to the vngratefull , Matt. 5. and to them that be turned away far from thee . Turne vs vnto thee o Lord , that we may be gratefull , humble , and deuout : for thou art our safety , our power , and our strength .

CHAP. IX . That all things are to be referred vnto God , as vnto the last end .

SONNE † † Our Lord . I ought to be thy chiefest and last end , if thou desire to betruly blessed . With this intention thy affection shall be purified which is oftentimes inclined inordinatly to it selfe , and vnto creatures . For if in any thing thou seeke thy selfe , thou presently faintest and driest vp within thy self Direct therfore all thinges chiefly vnto me , for I am he that haue giuen all . Eccles. 1. Consider euery thing as flowing from the highest good : and therfore all things are to be reduced vnto me , as vnto their first beginning .

2. Out of me , as out of liuing fountaines , the litle and the great , the poore & the rich , Ioan. 4. do draw the water of life : and they that willingly , and freely serue me , shall receaue grace for grace . 1. Cor. 1. But he that will glory out of me , or be delighted in any particuler good , shall not be grounded in true ioy , nor enlarged in his hart , but shall be many waies hindred and straitned . Thou oughtest therfore to ascribe no good vnto thy selfe , nor attribute the praise of vertue vnto any man : but giue all vnto God , without whome man hath nothing . I haue bestowed all , 1. Cor. 4. and will that all be returned to me againe : and with great seuerity I require thanks

3. This is the truth that putteth to flight vaine-glory . And if heauenly grace , and true charity enter in , there shall be no enuy nor grudging of hart , neither shall there be any place for selfe loue . For diuine charity ouercommeth all , & enlargeth all the forces of the soule . If thou vnderstand aright , in me alone thou wilt reioyce , in me alone thou wilt hope : for none is good , Matt. 19. & Luc. 18. but God alone , who is to be praised aboue all things , and to be blessed in all .

CHAP. X. That despising the world , it is sweet to serue God .

NOW * * The Seruant . I will speake againe Lord , and will not be silent . I will say in the eares of my God , my Lord , and my King that is on high : O how great is the multitude of thy sweetnes Lord , Ps. 30. which thou hast hidden for those that feare thee ! But what art thou to them that loue thee ? What to them that serue thee with their whole hart ? Truely vnspeakable is the sweetnes of thy contemplation , which thou bestowest on them that loue thee . Gen. 1. In this chiefly thou hast shewed me the sweetnes of thy charity , Ps. 118. & Matt. 15. for that when I was not , thou madest me : and when I went astray far off from thee , thou broughtest me back againe , that I might serue thee : and hast commanded me to loue thee .

2. O fountaine of euerlasting loue , what shall I say of thee ? How can I forget thee , that hast vouchsafed to remember me , euen when I withered away and perished ! Thou hast vsed mercy with thy seruant beyond all the expectation of my hart : and hast bestowed thy grace and friendship beyond all merit . What shall I returne vnto thee for this grace ? Psal. 115. For it is not graunted to euery one to forsake all things , to renounce the world , and to vndertake a life of religion and perfection . Is it much that I serue thee , whome all creatures are bound to serue ? It ought not to seeme much vnto me to serue thee : Iudic. 16. but this rather seemeth much , and meruailous vnto me , that thou vouchsafest to receaue into thy seruice one so poore and vnworthy , & to ioyne him with thy beloued seruants .

3. Behould all is thine which I haue , 1. Cor. 4. and wherby I serue thee . And yet in very deed thou rather seruest me then I thee . Behould heauen & earth , which thou hast created for the seruice of man are ready at hand , and do daily performe whatsoeuer thou dost command ; and this is little : Ps. 90. & Heb ●1. yea thou hast also appointed the Angels to the seruice of man . But that which exceedeth all , is that thou thy selfe hast vouchsafed to serue man , and promised to giue thy selfe vnto him .

4 What shall I giue thee for all these thousands of benefits ? I would I could serue thee al the daies of my life ! I would I were able at least for one day to do thee some worthy & acceptable seruice ! Thou art truly worthy of all seruice , of all honour & euerlasting praise . Thou art my Lord , and I thy poore seruant , that am bound to serue thee with all my forces , neither ought I euer to cease to praise thee . And this I wish to do , this I desire : and whatsoeuer is wanting vnto me , vouchsafe I beseech thee to supply .

5. It is a great honour , a very great glory to serue thee , and to despise al things for thee . For great grace shall be giuen to them that shall willingly submit themselues vnto thy most holy seruice . Matt. 19. They shal receaue most sweet comfort of the holy Ghost , that for thy loue shall renounce all carnall delights . They shall attaine great freedome of mind , Matt. 7. that for thy names sake shall enter into the narrow way , and shall haue left off all care of this world .

6. O sweet and delightfull seruitude of God , Matt. 11. & 1.10.5 . by which man is truly made free and holy ! O sacred state of religious bondage , which maketh man equall to Angels , pleasing to God , terrible to diuels , and gratefull , and of great esteeme to all the faithfull ! O seruice to be imbraced , & alwaies wished for , by which we obtaine the greatest good , and attaine to that ioy which neuer shall haue end !

CHAP. XI . That the desires of our hart are to be examined & moderated .

SONNE † † Our Lord . thou oughtest to learne many things more , which thou hast not yet well learned . * * The Seruant . What are those Lord ? That † † Our Lord . thou frame thy desire wholy according to my pleasure : and be not a louer of thy selfe , but a diligent follower of my will . Thy desires oftentimes do stir thee vp , and driue thee forwards with violence : but consider whether thou art moued rather for my honour , then for thine owne profit . If I be the cause , thou wilt be wel content with whatsoeuer I shall ordaine : but if there lurke in thee any selfe inclination , behould this is it that hindreth thee , Phil. 2. and waygheth thee downe .

2. Beware therfore thou incline not too much vpon any desire that commeth to thy mind , before thou aske my counsaile : least perhaps afterwards it repent thee , and that thou beginne now to dislike that which before did please thee , and which thou earnestly desiredst as the best . For euery affection that seemeth good , is not presently to be followed : nor euery contrary affection at the first to be fled . It is expedient sometimes to vse a restraint euen in good desires & endeauours : least by importunity thou incur distraction of mind , and by euill example become a scandall vnto others : or being gainsaid by others , thou be suddainly troubled and fall .

3. Yet sometimes thou oughtest to vse violence , Phil. 2. and resist manfully thy sensuall appetites , Rom. 8. & 2. Cor. 4. and respect not what thy body would , or would not : but rather to labour , that euen perforce it be subiect to the spirit . 2. Cor. 10. And it is to be chastised so long , and to be forced vnder seruitude , 1. Cor. 9. vntil it readily obey an all things , and learne to be content with a litle , and to be pleased with ordinary things , and not to murmur against any inconuenience .

CHAP. XII . Of the effect of Patience , and of strise against Concupiscence .

LORD * * The Seruant . Heb. 10. God , I perceaue patience is very necessary vnto me : for that many aduersities do happen in this life . Iob. 7. Howsoeuer I shall dispose of my peace , my life cannot be without warre & affliction . † † Our Lord . So it is Sonne . And my will is not that thou seek after that peace which is voyd of temptations , or that feeleth no contrarieties : but then thinke that thou hast found peace , when thou art exercised with sundry tribulations , Iac. 1. and tried in many aduersities .

2. If thou say that thou art not able to suffer much , how then wilt thou endure the fire of Purgatory ? Of two euils the lesse is alwaies to be chosen . That thou maist therfore auoid euerlasting punishments in the next world , endeauour to suffer patiently for God the present euils of this . Doest thou thinke that men of this world suffer little or nothing ? Thou art deceaued . Looke into the life euen of them that liue in greatest delicacies , and thou shalt find it otherwise . But thou wilt say they haue many delights , and follow their owne wills , and therfore they make small accompt of their tribulations . Be it so , that they haue whatsoeuer they will ; but how long dost thou thinke it will last ?

3. Behould the wealthy of this world vanish away like smoke , Ps. 67. and there shall be no memory of their ioyes past . Yea euen while they liue also , they rest not in them without griefe , irksomnesse , and feare . For the selfesame thing in which they take their delight , is oftentimes the cause of sorrow vnto them & much affliction . They haue their desert , who for that they immoderately seeke , and follow delights , they do not obtain them , but with shame & sorrow .

4. O how short and deceiptful , how inordinate , and filthy are those pleasures ! Yea so senseles and blind are men that they vnderstand it not : but like dumbe beasts , for a little pleasure of a corruptible life , they incur the eternall death of their soule . Do not thou therfore , my Sonne , follow the disordinate inclinations of thy corrupt nature , but forsake thine owne wil. Eccls. 28. Ps. 36. Delight in our Lord , and he will giue thee the desires of thy hart .

5. If thou desire true delight , and to be more plentifully comforted by me : behould , in the contempt of all worldly things , and in the cutting off of all base delights , shall be thy blessing , and aboundant comfort shall be giuen thee . And how much the more thou withdrawest thy selfe from all comfort of creatures , so much the sweeter and more forcible consolations shalt thou find in me . But at first thou canst not attaine vnto them without a certaine grief , labour , and strife . The olde custome wil make resistance , & thou must ouercome it with another custome that is better . Thy flesh will murmur : but thou must bridle it with feruour of spirit . The old serpent will sting and trouble thee : but by prayer he shall be put to fight : & with profitable labour thou shalt shut the dore against him .

CHAP. XIII . Of the humble obedience of a subiect , according to the example of Christ .

SONNE † † Our Lord . he that endeauoureth to withdraw himselfe from obedience , withdraweth him selfe from grace . And he that seeketh to haue things in priuate , Matt. 16. shall loose the common . He that doth not willingly and freely submit himselfe to his Superiour , it is a signe that his flesh is not yet perfectly obedient vnto him , but oftentimes rebelleth and murmureth against him . Learne therfore readily to submit thy self to thy Superiour , if thou desirest to subdue thine owne passions . For the outward enemy is sooner ouercome , if the inward man be in good estate . There is no worse enemy , nor more troublesome to the soule , then thou vnto thy selfe , not agreeing well with the spirit . Thou must of necessity haue a true contempt of thy self , if thou wilt preauaile against flesh and bloud .

2. Because thou louest thy selfe as yet too inordinatly , therfore thou art afraid to resigne thy selfe wholy to the will of others . But what great matter is it if thou that art dust , Luc. 2. & Ioan. 12. and nothing submittest thy selfe to a man for God : when I the Almighty and highest soueraigne , who created all things of nothing , humbly submitted my selfe vnto man for thee ? I became the most humble and abiect of all men , that thou mightest ouercome thy pride with my humility . Learne to obey thou that art dust . Learne to humble thy selfe thou earth and clay , and put thy selfe vnder the feet of all men . Learne to breake thine owne will , and to yeild thy selfe to all subiection .

3. Take courage against thy selfe , and suffer not pride to liue in thee : but humble and submit thy selfe to all , that euery one may go ouer thee , and tread thee as dirt of the streets vnder their feete . Vaine man , what canst thou complaine of ? what canst thou answere foule sinner to them that reprooue thee , who hast so often offended God , and so many times deserued hell ? But mine eye hath spared thee , because thy soule was pretious in my sight : that thou mightest know my loue , and alwaies remaine gratefull for my benefits : that thou mightest continually giue thy selfe to true subiection and humility , and mightest beare patiently the contempt of thy selfe .

CHAP. XIIII . Of the secret Iudgments of God to be considered , least we be extolled in our good deeds .

THOV * * The Seruant . thundrest thy iudgements ouer me , Lord , and shakest all my bones with feare & trembling , and my soule is sore afraid . I stand astonished , Iob. 15. and consider ; for that heauens are not pure in thy sight . Iob. 4 If thou hast found wickednes in Angels , and hast not pardoned them , what shall become of me ? Apoc. 8. Stars fell from heauen , & what do I presume that am dust ? They whose workes seemed laudable , fell into the lowest : and I haue seene them , that did eate bread of Angels , to be delighted with the huskes of swyne .

2. There is no sanctity , if thou o Lord , withdrawest thy hand . No wisdome auaileth , if thou ceasest to gouerne . No strength helpeth , if thou leauest to defend . No chastity secure , if thou doest not protect it . No custody of our owne profitable , if thy sacred watchfullnes be not present : For if thou leauest vs , we sinke , and perish ; but if thou vouchsafest to visit vs , we are raised vp , & do enioy life . We are inconstant , but by thee we are strengthned : we wax could , but by thee we receaue heate .

3. O how meanely and basely ought I to think of my selfe ! how little , yea nothing ought I to esteem it , if I seeme to haue any good ! O Lord , how ought I to submit my selfe vnder thy vnsearchable Iudgments : where I find my selfe to be nothing els , but nothing , and nothing ! O vnmeasurable waight ! O sea that can neuer be passed ouer : where I find my selfe only and wholy nothing ! Where then is the lurking hole of glory ? Where is the confidence conceaued of vertue ? All vayne glory is swallowed vp in the depth of thy Iudgments , which hang ouer my head .

4. What is all flesh in thy sight ? Eccls. 23. & Esa. 29. Shall clay glory against him that frameth it ? How can he be lifted vp with vaine words , whose hart is truly subiect to God ? All the world cannot mooue him to any elation of mind , whome truth hath subiected vnto it , neither shall he be mooued with the tongues of all his praisers , that hath setled his whole hope in God . For they also that speake , behould , are nothing : they shall passe away with the sound of the words : Ps. 116. but the truth of our Lord remaineth for euer .

CHAP. XV. What we ought to do , and say in euery thing which we desire .

SONNE † † Our Lord . say thus in euery thing : Lord if it be pleasing vnto thee , let this be donne in this sort . Lord if it be to thy honour , Iac. 3. let this be don in thy name . Lord if thou seest it expedient for me , and allowest it to be profitable , then graunt vnto me , that I may vse this vnto thine honour . But if thou knowest it will be hurtfull vnto me , and not profitable to the health of my soule , take from me all such desire . For euery desire proceedeth not from the holy Ghost , though it seeme vnto man right and good . It is hard to iudge whether a good spirit , or the contrary driue thee to desire this or that : or whether also by thine owne spirit thou be moued therunto . Many are deceaued in the end , who at the first seemed to be lead by a good spirit .

2. Alwaies therefore , whatsoeuer occurreth vnto thy mind to be desired , let it be desired with the feare of God , and with humility of hart : and aboue all thou oughtest to commit it vnto me with full resignation of thy selfe : and thou oughtest to say : Lord thou knowest what is best , do this , or that , as thou pleasest . Giue what thou wilt , and how much thou wilt , & when thou wilt . Do with me as thou knowest , and as best pleaseth thee , and is most for thy honour . Set me where thou wilt , and deale with me in all things according to thy will . I am in thy hand , turne me , and turne me againe which way soeuer thou please . Behould I am thy seruant , ready to obey thee in all things : for I desire not to liue vnto my selfe , but vnto thee : and would to God it might be in some worthy and perfect manner .

A prayer for the fullfilling of the will of God .

3. Graunt * * The Seruant . me thy grace sweet Iesus , that it may be with me , and labour with me , and perseuere with me vntill the end . Grant me alwaies to desire and will that which is most acceptable vnto thee , Sap. 9. and best pleaseth thee . Let thy will be mine , and let my will euer follow thine , and agree perfectly with it . Let my will and nill be all one with thine : and not to be able to will , or refuse any thing els , but what thou wilt , or reiectest .

4. Graunt that I may dye to all things that are in the world , and to loue for thy sake to be contemned , and not to be knowne in this world . Graunt that aboue all things that can be desired , I may rest in thee , and make my hart to enioy peace in thee . Thou art the true peace of the hart , thou art the only rest : out of thee all things are troublesome and vnquiet . In peace in the selfe same : that is , Ps. 4. in thee , one chiefest , eternall good I will sleep and rest . Amen .

CHAP. XVI . That true comfort is to be sought in God alone .

WHATSOEVER * * The Seruant . I can desire , or imagine for my comfort , I looke not for it in this life , but hereafter . For if I should alone haue all the comforts of the world , and might enioy all the delights therof , it is certaine , that they could not long endure . Wherfore my soule , thou canst not be fully comforted , nor haue perfect delight but in God , Psal. 76. the comforter of the poore , and the receauer of the humble . Expect a while my soule , expect the diuine promise , and thou shalt haue aboundance of all good things in heauen . If thou desire inordinatly the things that are present , thou shalt loose the celestiall and eternall . Haue temporal things in vse , and the eternall in desire . Thou canst not be filled with any temporall goods , because thou art not created to enioy them .

2. Although thou enioyest all that is created , yet canst thou not be happy therby nor blessed : but in God that hath created all things , Sap. 2. thy whole beatitude and happines consisteth : not such as is seene , and commended by the foolish louers of the world ; but such as the good faithful seruants of Christ expect , Phil. 3. and the spirituall , and cleane of hart , whose conuersation is in heauen , somtimes take a tast of . Vaine and short is all human comfort . Blessed and true is the comfort which is receaued inwardly from truth . A deuout man euery where carrieth with him Iesus his comforter , and sayth vnto him : Be present with me Lord Iesus in euery place , and time . Let this be my comfort to be alwaies willing to want all human comfort . And if thy comfort be wanting , let thy will & iust proofe be vnto me , as the greatest comfort : Ps. 102. for thou wilt not be angry alwaies , neither wilt thou threaten for euer .

CHAP. XVII . That all our care is to be placed in God .

SONNE † † Our Lord . suffer me to do with thee what I please . I know what is expedient for thee . Thou thinkest as man : thou iudgest in many things as humane affection perswadeth thee . * * The Seruant . Matt. 6. & Ioan. 6. Lord , what thou saiest is true . Thy solicitude for me is greater , then all the care that I can take for my selfe . For he standeth at too great a hazard , that casteth not his whole care vpon thee . Lord , so that my will may remaine right and firme in thee , do with me whatsoeuer it shall please thee . For it cannot be but good , whatsoeuer thou doest with me .

2. If it be thy will I should be in darknes , be thou blessed : and if it be thy will I should be in light , be thou againe bl●ssed If thou vouchsafest to confort me ; be thou blessed : and if thou wilt afflict me , be thou also euer blessed . Sonne , † † Our Lord . so thou oughtest to be , as ready to suffer , as to receaue ioy . Thou oughtest to be as willing to be poore and needy , as plentifull and rich .

3. Lord , * * The Seruant . I wil willingly suffer for thee , whatsoeuer thy pleasure is shall befall me . I will receaue indifferently from thy hand , Iob. 2. good and euill , sweet , and sower , delightfull , and sorrowfull : and giue thee thanks for all that happeneth vnto me . Keep me from all sinne , Ps. 22. and I will neither feare death , nor hell : so as thou dost not for euer cast me from thee , and blot me out of the booke of life , what tribulation soeuer befal me , shall not hurt me .

CHAP. XVIII . That temporall miseries , by the example of Christ , are to be borne patiently .

SONNE † † Our Lord . I descended from Heauen for thy health : I tooke vpon me thy miseries , Ioan. 8. my charity & not any necessity drawing me therunto : that thou mightest learne patience , and not refuse to beare temporall miseries . For from the houre of my birth , Esa. 53. vntill my death on the Crosse , I was not without suffering of griefe . Luc. 2. I suffered great want of temporall things : I often heard many complaints against me : I bare patienly shame and reproaches , for benefits I receaued ingratitude ; for miracles , blasphemies , for heauenly doctrine , reprehensions .

2. Lord , * * The Seruant . for that thou wert patient in thy life-time , chiefly in fulfilling the commandment of thy Father , it is reason that I miserable sinner should haue patience in all things according to thy will , Ioan. 5. and for myne owne health beare the burthen of this corruptible life , as long as thou wilt . For although this present life be burdensome , yet notwithstanding it is now by thy grace made very meritorious : and by thy example and the footsteps of thy Saints , more plaine and tollerable to the weake . Yea , much more comfortable also , then it was in times past in the old law , when the gate of heauen remained shut : and the way also to heauen seemed darker , when so few tooke care to seeke after thy Kingdome . Neither they also that then were iust , Matt. 7. and were ordained to be saued , could enter into the heauenly glory before thy passion , and the debt of thy sacred death was discharged .

3. O how great thanks am I bound to giue thee , that thou hast vouchsafed to shew vnto me , and to all faith ful soules a direct , & sure way to thy euerlasting kingdome ! For thy life is our way , and by holy patience we go vnto thee that art our Crowne . If thou hadst not gone before vs and taught vs , who would haue taken care to follow ? Alas how many would stay behind , and remaine far off , if they beheld not thy excellent examples ! Behould we are yet could although we haue heard of so many of thy wonders , Ioan. 12. and thy heauenly documents ! what would become of vs if we had not so great light to follow thee ?

CHAP. XIX . Of suffering of iniuries , and who is proued to be truly patient .

WHAT is it † † Our Lord . thou sayest , Sonne ? Cease to complaine , considering my passion , and that of my other Saints . Thou hast not yet made resistance to the sheeding of bloud . Heb. 12. It is but little thou sufferest , in comparison of them that haue suffered so much , Heb. 11. so strongly tempted , so grieuously afflicted , so many waies tried & exercised . Thou oughtest therfore to call to mind the heauy sufferings of others , that thou maist the easier beare the little aduersities which thou sufferest . And if they seem not little , beware least thy impatience because therof . Yet whether they be little , or great , endeauour to beare all patiently .

2. How much the better thou disposest thy selfe to suffering , so much the more wisely thou doest , and so much the more doest thou merit thou shalt more easily also endure it , if thy mind be prepared , & thy selfe accustomed therunto . Do not say ; I cannot suffer these things of such a one , at the hands of such a person , nor such things are not to be suffered by me , for he hath done me great wrong , and vpbraided me with those thinges which I neuer thought or : but or another I wil willinglie suffer , and as I shall see cause . Such a thought is foolish , it considereth not the vertue of patience , nor by whome it shall be crowned ; but rather wargheth the persons , and the iniuries offered .

3. He is not truly patient , that will nor suffer but as much as he thinketh good , and by whome he listeth . But he that is indeed patient , mindeth not by whome he is exercised , whether by his Superiour , or some of his equals , or by his inferior : whether by a good and holy man , or by a peruerse and vnworthy person . But indifferently from all creatures , how much soeuer , or how often soeuer any aduersity happeneth vnto him , he taketh all thankfully as from the hands of God , and esteemeth it a great gaine : for that nothing before God , how little soeuer , so it be suffered for God , can be without merit .

4. Be thou therfore alwaies prepared for the fight , if thou wilt haue the victory . Without combat thou canst not attaine vnto the Crowne of patience . If thou wilt not suffer , thou refusest to be crowned . But if thou desirest to be crowned , 2. Tim. 2. fight manfully , and endure patiently : without labour there is no comming to rest : nor without fight can the victory be obtained . Lord * * The Seruant . let that be made possible to me by thy grace , which seemeth impossible to me by nature . Thou knowest that I can suffer little , & that I am quickly dismayed , when a small aduersity ariseth . Let all exercise of tribulation be made pleasing vnto me , and be wellcome for thy name : for to suffer and to be troubled for thee , is very profitable for my soule .

CHAP. XX. Of the acknowledging of our owne infirmity : and of the miseries of this life .

I will * * The Seruant . Psal. 31. confesse against me my iniustice : I will confesse vnto thee o Lord my infirmity . Oftentimes it is a small matter that discomforteth , and grieueth me . I purpose to resist with courage , but when a small temptation commeth , it bringeth me into very narrow straits . It is somtimes a very trifle , from whence great temptations do proceed . And whilest I thinke my selfe somwhat lase , when I least expect it , I find my selfe sometimes ouercome with a small blast .

2. Behould therfore Lord , my humility , Psal. 24. and my frailty euery way knowne vnto thee . Ps. 68. Haue mercy on me and deliuer me out of the mire of my infirmities , that I stick not fast therin : let me not for euer remaine deiected . This is that which oftentimes beareth me back , and confoundeth me in thy sight : for that I am so subiect to fall , & weake in resisting of my passions . And though I do not altogeather consent , yet their continuall assaults are troublesome and grieuous vnto me : and it is tedious , & a very irksome thing to liue thus daily in strife . Hereby my infirmity is made knowne vnto me : for that wicked fancies do alwaies much more easily enter in vpon me , then they can be cast out againe .

3. O mighty God of Israel , the zealous louer of faithfull soules ; let it please thee to consider the labour and sorrow of thy seruant , and assist him in all whatsoeuer he vndertaketh . Strengthen me with heauenly force , least my old man , my miserable flesh ; not fully as yet subiect to the spirit , preuaile and get the vpper hand : against which I ought to fight , as long as I breath in this miserable life . Alas , what a kinde of life is this , where tribulations and miseries are neuer wanting ! where all is set with snares , and compassed with enemies ! For when one tribulation or temptation goeth away , another commeth , yea and during the first conflict also , many others come vnlooked for one after another .

4. And how can a life be loued that hath so many afflictions , and is subiect to so many calamities and miseries ? How is it called a life that begetteth so many deaths , and plagues ? And yet it is loued , and many seeke to delight themselues therin . The world is oftentimes blamed , that it is deceiptfull and vaine , and yet it is not easily forsaken , because the inclinations of our flesh do too much ouerrule vs . Some things draw vs to loue it , others to contemne it . To the loue of the world do draw vs the concupiscence of the flesh , 1. Ioan. 2. the concupiscence of the eyes , and the pride of life : but the paynes and miseries that do iustly follow them , causeth a hatred and loathsomnes therof .

5. But alas wicked pleasure ouercommeth the mind which is giuen ouer to the world , Iob. 30. & she esteemeth it a delight to be vnder thornes : because she hath neither seene nor tasted the sweetnes of God , and the inward delight of vertue But they that perfectly contemne the world , and endeauour to liue to God vnder holy discipline , these are not ignorant of the diuine sweetnes , promised to the true forsakers of the world , and do more cleerly see how grieuously the world erreth , and how it is many waies deceaued .

CHAP. XXI . That we are to rest in God aboue all his gifts .

ABOVE * * The Seruant . all things , and in all things , my soule , thou shalt euer rest in God , for he is the euerlasting rest of the Saints . Grant me most sweet and louing Iesu , Rom. 8. to rest in thee aboue all creatures , aboue al health and beauty , aboue all glory and honour , aboue all power and dignity , aboue all knowledg and learning , aboue all riches and arts , aboue allioy and gladnes , aboue all same and praise , aboue all sweetnes and comfort , aboue all hope and promise , aboue all merit and desire , aboue all gifts and presents that thou canst giue & impart vnto vs , aboue all ioy and iubily that the mind of man can receaue and feele : lastly aboue Angels and Archangels , and aboue all the heauenly Host , aboue al visible and inuisible things , and aboue all that , that thou art not , my God .

2. For that thou , my Lord God , surpassest all , thou alone most high , thou alone most powerfull , thou alone most full and sufficient , thou alone most sweet , and comfortable , thou alone most beautifull , and louing , thou alone most noble and glorious aboue all things : in whome all good things togeather both are perfectly , and euer haue beene and shall be : and therfore it is too little and not sufficient , whatsoeuer thou bestowest on me besides thy selfe , or reuealest vnto me of thy selfe , or promisest whilst thou art not seene , and not fully obtained : for surely my hart cannot rest , nor be fully contented vnlesse it rest in thee , and surmount all gifts and creatures what soeuer .

3. O my most beloued spouse Christ Iesus , the most chast louer , the gouernour of all creatures : Ps. 53. who wil giue me winges of true liberty to fly , and rest in thee ! O when shall it be fully granted me to consider in quietnes of mind , & see how sweet thou art my Lord God! When shal I fully recollect my selfe in thee , that for thy loue I may not feele my selfe , but thee alone , aboue all sense , and feeling , in a manner not knowne vnto all . But now I oftentimes lament , Dan. 13. and beare my infelicity with griefe . For that many euells occurr in this vale of miseries , which do often trouble , grieue , and darken me , often hinder and distract me , allure and intangle me , to the end I should not haue free accesse vnto thee , and that I should not enioy those sweet and heauenly imbracings , which thou alwaies giuest to the blessed and celestiall spirits . Let my sighes and manifold desolation on earth mooue thee .

4. O Iesus , splendor of eternall glory , and comfort of the pilgrime soule ! with thee is my tongue without voice , and my silence speaketh vnto thee . How long doth my Lord delay to come ! Let him come vnto me his poore seruant , and make me glad . Let him put out his hand , and deliuer me miserable wretch from al anguish . Come , come blessed Lord : for without thee I shall haue no ioy full day , nor houre . Thou art my ioy , and without thee there is nothing but want . A wretched creature I am , and in a manner imprisoned , and loaden with irons : vntill thou comfortest me with the light of thy presence , and giuest me liberty , and shewest a fauourable countenance vnto me .

5. Let others seeke what they please insteed of thee : but for me , nothing els doth , nor shall delight me , but thou only my God , my hope , my euerlasting health . I will not hould my peace , nor cease to pray , vntill thy grace returne againe , and thou speake inwardly vnto me . Behould † † Our Lord . I am heere : behould I come vnto thee , because thou hast called vpon me . Thy teares , and the desire of thy soule , thy humility , and the contrition of thy hart , haue inclined and brought me vnto thee . And * * The Seruant . I said : Lord I haue called thee , and haue desired to enioy thee being ready to forsake all things for thee . For thou first hast stirred me vp that I might seeke thee . Blessed be thou therfore o Lord , that hast shewed this goodnes to thy seruant , according to the multitude of thy mercies .

6. What hath thy seruant more to say before thee , but that he do greatly humble himselfe in thy sight , alwaies mindfull of his owne iniquity , and basenes ? For there is none like vnto thee in all whatsoeuer is wonderful , Ps. ●5 . in heauen and earth . Thy words are good , thy iudgments true , and by thy prouidence all things are gouerned . Praise therfore and glory be vnto thee , o wisdome of the eternall Father : let my tongue , my soule , & all creatures togeather praise and blesse thee .

CHAP. XXII . Of the remembrance of the manifould benefits of God .

OPEN * * The Seruant . o Lord my hart in thy Law ; and teach me to walke in thy commandements . Grant me to vnderstand thy will , * * Ps. 118. and to remember thy benefits , as well in generall , as in particuler , with great reuerence & diligent consideration : that hence forward I may be able worthily to giue thee thanks . But I know , and confesse , that I am not able to giue thee due thanks , for the fauours which thou bestowest vpon me , euen in the least moment . I am lesse then the least of thy benefits : & when I consider the excellency of thy Maiesty , the greatnes therof maketh my spirit to faint .

2. All that we haue in our soule and body , and whatsoeuer we possesse outwardly or inwardly , naturally or spiritually , are thy benefits , and do praise thee as bountifull , pious , and good , from whome we haue receaued all that is good . Although one hath receaued more , another lesse , all notwithstanding are thine , and without thee euen the least cannot be had . He that hath receaued greater , cannot glory of his owne desert , nor extoll himselfe aboue others , nor insult ouer the lesser : for he is greater and better that ascribeth least vnto himselfe , and is more humble & deuout in rendring thanks . And he that esteemeth him selfe basest of all men , and iudgeth himselfe most vnworthy , is fittest to receaue greater blessings .

3. And he that hath receaued fewer , ought not to be sory nor beare it impatiently , nor enuy them that are enriched with greater store , but attend rather vnto thee , and chiefly praise thy goodnes , for that thou bestowest thy gifts so bountifully , so freely , and so willingly without respect of persons . All things proceed from thee , and therfore in all things thou art to be praised . Thou knowest what is fit to be giuen to euery one : and why this man hath lesse , and he more , it is not ours , but thine to determine , who dost waigh in iust measure the deserts of euery one .

4. Wherfore my Lord God , I esteeme it as a great benefit not to haue much , wherby outwardly and before men I might seeme worthy of praise and glory : so that he , who considereth his owne pouerty , and basenes , ought not therfore to conceaue griefe , or sorrow , or to be therfore troubled , but rather to take great comfort , and to be glad : for that thou , O God , hast chosen the poore and humble , 1. Cor. 1. and the despised of this world for thy selfe , Ps. 44. and for thy familiar & domesticall friends . 2. Thess. 2. Witnesses are thy Apostle themselues , whome thou hast appointed princes ouer all the earth . And yet they liued without complaint in the world , so humble and simple , meane to the eyes of men , without all malice and deceipt , Act. 5. that they reioyced to receaue contumelies for thy name : and what the world abhorreth , they imbraced with great affection .

5. Nothing therefore ought so to reioice him that loueth thee , and acknowledgeth thy benefits , as the accomplishment of thy will in himselfe , and the pleasure of thy eternal appointment : wherwith he ought to be so contented and comforted , that he would as willingly be the least , as any would wish to be the greatest : & as peaceable & content in the last as in the first place : and as willingly to be despised and contemned , and to be of no esteeme or accompt , as to be preferred in honour before all others , and to be greater in the world . For thy will and the loue of thy glory , ought to be preferred before all things : and to comfort him more , and please him better , then all the benefits which he hath receaued or can desire .

CHAP. XXIII . Of soure thinges that bring much peace .

SONNE † † Our Lord . now I will teach thee the way of peace , and true liberty . Do * * The Seruant . Lord , I beseech thee , as thou saist , for I shall be very glad to heare it . Endeauour † † Our Lord . Matt. 26. & Io. 5.6 . 1. Cor. 10. my Sonne to do rather the will of another , then thine owne . Euer choose rather to haue lesse then more . Alwaies seeke the lowest place , and to be inferior to euery one . Wish alwaies , and pray , Lue. 14. that the will of God may be wholy fulfilled in thee . Behold such a man entreth into the limits of peace and most quiet rest . Matt. 6.

2. Lord * * The Seruant . Matt. 5. this thy short speach containeth much perfection . It is little in words but sull in sense , and aboundant in fruit . For if it could exactly be kept by me , then should I not so easily be troubled . For as often as I feele my selfe vnquiet , & afflicted , I find that I haue straied from this doctrine . But thou that canst all things , and euer louest the good and profit of my soule , increase in me thy grace , that I may fulfill thy words and perfect mine owne health .

A Prayer against euill thoughts .

3. My * * The Seruant . Ps. 70. Lord God , be not far from me : my God haue regard to helpe me , for sundry thoughts haue risen vp against me , and great feares afflicting my soule . How shall I passe through them without hurt ? How shall I breake them ? I , saith he , † † Our Lord . wil go before thee , and will humble the glorious of the earth . I will open the dores of the prison , Esa. 45. and reueale vnto thee the hidden secrets . Do * * The Seruant . Lord as thou saiest , & let all euill thoughts fly from before thy face . This is my hope , and my only comfort , to fly vnto thee in all tribulation , to trust in thee , to call vpon thee from my hart , and to expect patiently thy comfort .

A Prayer for enlightening of the mind .

4. Enlighten * * The Seruant . me good Iesu , with the clearnes of inward light , & expell all darknes of my hart . Represse the many wandring thoughts , and beate downe the fury of the remptations which violently assault me . Fight strongly for me , and vanquish the euill beasts , that is the alluring concupiscences , that peace may be made in thy vertue , and aboundance of thy praise sound in thy holy Court , which is a pure conscience . Command the winds and tempests : say vnto the sea , Matt. 3. Be still : and to the north-wind , Blow not ; and a great calme shall ensue .

5. Send forth thy light and thy truth , Psal. 42. that they may shine vpon the earth , for I am empty and vnprofitable earth , vntill thou impartest thy light vnto me . Powre out thy grace from aboue , wash my hart with heauenly dew , giue waters of denotion , to wash the face of the earth , to bring forth good and perfect fruit . Lift vp my mind , ouercharged with the waight of sinne : draw vp my whole desire to heauenly treasures , that hauing tasted the sweetnes of celestiall happines , it may loath to thinke of earthly vanityes .

6. Take me violently to thee , and deliuer me from all vnstable confort of creatures : for no created thing can fully quiet & satisfie my desire . Ioine me vnto thee with an vnspeakable band of loue : for thou only fillest the mind of him that loues thee , and without thee all things are distastfull .

CHAP. XXIIII . Of flying curious inquiry of the life of others .

SONNE † † Our Lord . Eccls. 3. & 1. Tim. 5. be not curious : trouble not thy selfe with idle cares . What is this or that to thee ? do thou follow me . For what is it to thee , whether that man be such or no , or whether this man do , or speake this or that ? Ioan. 21. Thou shalt not need to answere for others , but shalt giue accompt of thy selfe . Gal. 6. Why therfore dost thou trouble thy selfe ? Behould I know euery one what he is , and do see all things that are vnder the sunne : and do vnderstand how it is with euery one , what he thinketh , what he would , and at what his intention aymeth . All things therfore are to be committed vnto me : but do thou keepe thy self in good peace , and suffer the vnquiet to do as they will . Whatsoeuer they shall haue done , or sayd , shall fall vpon themselues , for they cannot deceaue me .

2. Desire not too great fame in this world , nor to be knowne to many , nor to haue the priuate loue of men : for these things breed distractions , and cause great darknes of hart . I would willingly vtter my words , and reueale my secrets vnto thee , if thou didest diligently obserue my comming : and didest open the dore of thy hart vnto me . Be carefull and watch in prayer , and humble thy selfe in all things .

CHAP. XXV . Wherin doth the firme peace of the hart , and true profit consist .

SONNE † † Our Lord . I haue sayd : Peace I leaue to you , my peace I giue to you : not as the world giueth , do I giue to you . All do desire peace , but all care not for those things that appertaine vnto true peace . Ioan. 4 My peace is with the humble , & meeke of hart . Thy peace shall be in much patience . If thou wilt heare me and follow my voyce thou maist enioy much peace . What * * The Seruant . then shall I do ? In † † Our Lord . euery thing attend vnto thy self what thou doest & what thou sayst : and direct thy whole intention vnto this , that thou maiest please me alone , and desire or seeke nothing out of me . Of the sayings and doings of others iudge nothing rashly : neither do thou intangle thy selfe with things not committed vnto thee : and doing thus , it may be thou shalt be little or seldome troubled .

2. But neuer to feele any trouble at all , nor to suffer any griefe of hart or body , is not the state of this life , but of euerlasting rest . Thinke not therfore that thou hast found true peace , if thou feelest no sorrow , nor that then all is well , if thou haue no aduersary : nor that it is perfect , if all things be done according to thy desire . Neyther do thou then esteeme highly of thy selfe , or imagine thy selfe to be especially beloued , if thou be in great deuotion , and sweetnes : for in these things a true louer of vertue is not tried : neither doth the profit and perfection of man consist in hauing them .

3. Wherin * * The Seruant . then Lord ? In † † Our Lord . offering thy selfe from the very bottom of thy hart , vnto the diuine seruice , not seeking thine own interest , or commodity , neither in great nor little , neither in time nor eternity : so that with equall countenance , thou maist persist in thanksgiuing , both in prosperity and in aduersity , waighing all things with an equall ballance . If thou be of such courage and so patient in hope , that when inward comfort is withdrawne from thee , thou prepare thy hart to suffer greater matters , and not iustify thy selfe , as though thou oughtest not to suffer these , and so great afflictions , but iustify me in whatsoeuer I appoint , and praise my holy name ; then thou walkest in the true and right way of peace : and thou shalt haue vndoubted hope to see my face againe with great ioy . And if thou attaine to the full contempt of thy selfe ; then shalt thou enioy as great aboundance of peace , as thy banishment may permit .

CHAP. XXVI . Of the excellency of a free mind , which humble prayer better deserueth , then reading .

LORD * * The Seruant . it is the worke of a perfect man , neuer to slack his mind from the attentiue thought of heauenvly things , & as it were to passe without care through many cares : not faintingly , but with a certaine priuiledg of a free mind , adhering by inordinate affection to no creature .

2. I beseech thee most mercifull God , preserue me from the cares of this life : least I should be too much intangled therby : & from the many necessities of the body , least I should be enthralled by pleasure from all hinderances of the soule , least broken with troubles I should be deiected and dismayed . I meane not from those things that worldly vanity so greatly desireth : but from those miseries , that as punishments , do weigh downe and hinder the soule of thy seruant , Gen. 3. & Rom. 7. with the generall curse of mortality , that it cannot enter into liberty of spirit , as often as it would .

3. O my God , the vnspeakable sweetnes , make bitter vnto me all carnall comfort , which may draw me away from the loue of euerlasting happynes , and wickedly allure me to it selfe with the force of a certaine present delight . Rom. 12. Let not flesh and bloud ouercome me o Lord . Let not the world and the short glory thereof deceaue me . Let not the Diuell and his subtile fraud supplant me . Giue me force to resist , patience to suffer , and constancy to perseuere . Giue me insteed of all the comforts of the world the most sweet vnction of thy spirit : and in lieu of carnall loue , powre into my soule the loue of thy name .

4. Behould , meate , drinke , cloathes , & other necessaries for the maintenance of the body , are burdensome vnto a feruent spirit . Graunt me to affect such nourishments in due measure , and not to be intangled with an ouer great desire of them . It is not lawfull to renounce them wholy , for that nature is to be maintayned : but to desire superfluityes , and those thinges that do rather delight , then sustayne , the law of God forbiddeth : for otherwise the flesh would rebell against the spirit . Here in I beseech thee , let thy hand gouerne me , and teach me , that I may not exceed .

CHAP. XXVII . That priuate loue most hindreth from the chiefest good .

SONNE † † Our Lord . , thou oughtest to giue all for all , and to retaine nothing of thy selfe . Know that the loue of thy selfe , doth hurt thee more , then any thing in the world . According to the loue , and affection thou bearest them , so doth euery thing cleaue vnto thee more or lesse . If thy loue be pure , simple , & well ordered , thou shalt be free from bondage . Matt. 6. Couet not that which thou maiest not haue . Be not willing to haue that , which may hinder thee and depriue thee of inward liberty . It is a wonderfull thing that thou committest not thy selfe wholy vnto me , from the bottome of thy hart , with all things , that thou canst desire , or haue .

2. Why dost thou consume thy selfe with vayne griefe ? Exod. 18. & Mich. 4. Why tyrest thou thy mind with needlesse cares ? Resigne thy selfe to me , and thou shalt feele no losse at all . If thou seekest this or that , and wouldest be heere or there , to enioy thine owne commoditie and pleasure , thou shalt neuer be in quiet , nor free from trouble of mind , for in euery thing , somwhat will be wanting , and in euery place there will be some that will crosse thee .

3. Not euery externall thing therfore attained , and heaped togeather helpeth thee : but it rather auaileth , if thou despise it , and doest root it out from thy hart , which thou must not vnderstand only of thy reuenewes and wealth , but of the desire of honour also , and vaine praise ; all which do passe away with this fading world . The place auayleth litle , Esa. 4.8 . if the spirit of feruour be wanting : neither shall that peace which is sought abroad long continue , if the state of thy hart be destitute of a true foundation : that is , vnlesse thou persist in me , thou maist change , but not better thy selfe . For when occasion doth happen , thou shalt find that which thou soughtest to fly , and perhaps more .

A Prayer for cleansing the hart , & obtayning of heauenly wisdome .

4. Confirme * * The Seruant . Ps. 50. me Lord with the grace of thy holy spirit . Giue me force to strengthen my inward man , and to purge my hart from all vnprofitable care , and grief ; Eph. 3. not to be drawne away with sundry desires of any thing eyther little or great : Matt. 6. but to consider all things , Eccls. 1. & 2. how they are transitory , and do quickly fade , & that my selfe do also passe away togeather with them : for nothing is permanent vnder the sunne , where all things are vanity , and affliction of mind . O how wise is he that so considereth them !

5. Graunt me Lord heauenly wisdome , that I may learne aboue all things to seeke and find thee , aboue all things to delight in thee , and to loue thee : and to thinke of all created things as they are , according to the disposition of thy wisdome . Graunt me prudently to auoyd him , that flatters me , Eph. 4. and to suffer patiently him that contradicts me . It is great wisdome not to be moued with euery blast of wordes : nor to giue eare to dangerous flattery : for so we shall go on securely in the way which we haue begun .

CHAP. XXVIII . Against the tongue of Slaunderers .

SONNE † † Our Lord . be not grieued if some thinke euill of thee , and speake that which thou dost not willingly heare . 1. Cor. 4. Thou oughtest to iudge the worst of thy selfe , and to thinke no man weaker then thy selfe . If thou walke according to spirit , thou wilt not much esteeme of flying wordes . It is no small wisdome , to be silent in time of euill , & inwardly to turne to me , and not to be troubled with the iudgment of men .

2. Let not thy peace be in the tongues of men For whether they iudge well or euill , thou art neuerthelesse alwayes the same . Where is true peace , and true glory ? Is it not in me ? And he that coueteth not to please men , Ioan : 17. nor feareth to displease them , shall enioy much peace . From inordinate loue and vayne feare ariseth all disquiet of hart , and distraction of the senses .

CHAP. XXIX . How we ought to call vpon God , and blesse him when tribulation draweth neere .

BLESSED * * The Seruant . ( o Lord ) be thy name for euer : since it pleaseth thee that this temptation and tribulation should fall vpon me . Iob. 1. & Ps. 112. I cannot fly it : but haue need to fly to thee , that thou maist help me , and turne it to my good . Lord I am now afflicted , and it is not well with me , I am much troubled with this present griefe . And now , beloued Father , what shall I say ? Matt. 26. I am taken in narrow straits , saue me in this houre . Yea therfore I am fallen in this houre , that thou maist be glorified , when I shall be greatly humbled , and by thee deliuered . Let it please thee Lord to deliuer me : for poor wretch that I am , what can I do , and whither shall I go without thee ? Graunt patience Lord , euen this tyme also . Help me my God , & then I will not feare how much soeuer I be oppressed .

2. And now in this , what shall I say ? Matt. 6. Lord , thy wil be done . I haue wel deserued to be afflicted and grieued . Surely I ought to beare it : and I would to God I might beare it with patience , vntill the tempest be passed ouer , and it become calme . But thy omnipotent hand is able to take this temptation from me , and to asswage the violence therof , that I vtterly sinke not vnder it , as oftentimes heretofore thou hast done vnto me , my Lord , my Mercy . And how much the more hard it is to me , so much the more easie is this change of thy mighty hand to thee .

CHAP. XXX . Of crauing the diuine aide , and confidence of recouering grace .

SONNE † † Our Lord . I am thy Lord , who do vse to giue comfort in the day of tribulation . † † Nahum . 1. Come vnto me when it is not well with thee . Matt. 11. This is that which most of all hindreth heauenly consolation , that thou art slow in turning thy selfe vnto praier . For before thou dost earnestly commend thy selfe to me , thou seekest many comforts , and delightest thy selfe in outward things . And hence it proceedeth that all doth little profit thee , vntill thou consider that I am he , that deliuer those that trust in me : and that out of me there is neither powerfull help , nor profitable counsell , nor remedy that can continue . But now thou hauing recouered breath after the tempest , gather strength againe in the light of my mercies : for I am at hand saith our Lord , Matt. 23. to repaire all , not only entirely , but also aboundantly .

2. Is there any thing hard to me ? or am I like vnto him that promiseth and performeth not ? Where is thy faith ? Be firme and constant . Take courage and be patient , comfort wil be giuen thee in due time . Attend me , expect , I will come and cure thee . It is a temptation that vexeth thee : and a vaine feare that affrighteth thee . What els doth the care for furture incertainties bring thee , but sorrow vpon sorrow ? Sufficient for the day is the euill therof . Matt. 6. It is a vaine and vnprofitable thinge to be grieued , or to reioice for future things , that perhaps will neuer happen .

3. But it is incident to man , to be deluded with such imaginations : and a signe of little courage to be so easily drawne away by the suggestion of the enemy . For he careth not so he delude and deceaue thee , whether it be true or false which he proposeth : whether he ouerthrow thee with the loue of present , or the feare of future things . Let not therfore thy hart be troubled , Ps. 90. neither do thou feare . Belieue in me and put thy trust in my mercy . When thou thinkest thy self furthest off from me , often times I am neerest vnto thee . When thou iudgest that almost all is lost , then oftentimes greatest gaine of merit is at hand . All is not lost when any thing falleth out contrary vnto thee . Thou must not iudg according to that which thou feelest for the present : nor giue thy selfe ouer to any griefe from whence soeuer it commeth , as though all hope of deliuery were quite gone .

4. Thinke not thy selfe wholy left , although for a time I haue sent thee some tribulation , or with drawne thy desired comfort : for this is the way to the Kingdome of heauen . And without doubt it is more expedient for thee , & the rest of my seruants , that ye be exercised with many aduersities , then that ye should haue all things according to your desires . I know the secret thoughts of thy hart , and that it is very expedient for thy soules health , that thou be left somtimes without tast and feeling of spirituall sweetnes , least perhaps thou shouldest be puffed vp with good successe , and shouldest please thy selfe in that which thou art not . That which I haue giuen . I can take away , and restore it againe when I please .

5. When I giue it , it is mine : when I withdraw it , I take not any thing that is thine : for mine is euery good , Iac. 1. and euery perfect gift . If I send thee affliction , or any crosse whatsoeuer , repine not , nor be not dismayed : I can quickly lift thee vp againe , and turne all thy sorrow into ioy . Neuerthelesse I am iust , and greatly to be praised , when I do all this vnto thee .

6. If thou be wise , and consider well thy case , thou wilt neuer yield so cowardly to griefe , for any aduersity that befalles thee , but rather reioyce and giue thanks : yea to accompt this thy only ioy , that afflicting thee with sorrows , I do not spare thee . As my Father hath loued me , I also loue you , said I vnto my beloued Disciples , whom certainly I sent not to temporall ioyes , Ioan. 15. but to great conflicts : not to honours , but to contempts : not to idlenes , but to labours : not to rest , but to bring much fruit in patience . My Sonne remember these words .

CHAP. XXXI . Of the contempt of all creatures to find our Creatour .

LORD * * The Seruant . , I stand yet in need of great grace , if I must go so far as that no man or creature can hinder me . For as long as any thing houldeth me , I cannot fly freely vnto thee . He desired to fly with great liberty that said , Who will giue me winges like a doue , Ps. 54. and I will fly and rest ? What thing more quiet then a simple eye ? Matt. 6. And what more free , then he that desireth nothing vpon earth ? Man ought therfore to ascend aboue all creatures , and perfectly to forsake himselfe , and to remaine in excesse of mind : & consider that thou , who art the maker of all things , hast nothing amongst creatures like vnto thee . And vnlesse a man be free from the affection of all creatures , he cannot with freedome of mind attend vnto diuine thinges . And for this cause there are so few contemplatiue men to be found , for that few can wholy sequester themselues from fading creatures .

2. Much grace is necessary to lift vp a soule , and to carry it aboue it selfe . And vnlesse a man be lifted vp in spirit , and deliuered from all creatures , and wholy vnited vnto God : whatsoeuer he knoweth , and whatsoeuer he hath , is of little accompt . Long shall he be little , and lye in earthly basenes , that esteemeth any thing great , but the one only vnmeasurable and eternall good . For whatsoeuer is not God is nothing , and ought to be accounted as nothing . There is great difference betweene the wisdome of a spirituall and deuout person , and the knowledge of a learned and studious Clerke . Far more noble is that learning which floweth from aboue , from the diuine influence , then that which is painfully gotten by the wit of man .

3. There are many that desire contemplation , but they endeauour not to exercise those thinges that are required therunto . It is a great hinderance that we rest in signes & sensible things , and haue little true mortification . I know not what it is , nor by what spirit we are lead , nor what we pretend , we that seeme to be called spirituall , that we take so much paynes , and so great care for transitory and base thinges , and scarce or seldome thinke of our owne inward profit , with full recollection of our senses .

4. Alas , presently after a sleight recollection , we breake forth : and weigh not our workes with diligent examination . We mind not where our affections lye : nor bewaile the impurity and many faults that are in all our actions . For all flesh had corrupted her way , Gen. 6. & 7. & therfore did that generall floud ensue . Sith our inward affection then is much corrupted , it must needs be that our action proceeding therof , be corrupted , as a signe of the want of inward vigour . From a pure hart proceedeth the fruit of good life .

5. We aske how much one hath done : but how vertuous his actions are , is not so diligently considered . We inquire whether he be strong , rich , beautifull , handsome , a good writer , a good singer , or a good labourer : but how poore he is in spirit , how patient , and meeke , how deuout & spirituall , is seldome spoken of . Nature respecteth outward things , grace turneth herselfe to the inward vertues . That is often deceaued : this hath her trust in God , to the end she be not deceaued .

CHAP. XXXII . Of the denrall of our selues , and forsaking all our affections .

SONNE † † Our Lord . , thou canst not possesse perfect liberty , vnlesse thou wholy deny thy selfe . All such as be louers of themselues are bound in setters , Matt. 16. & 19. they are couetous , curious , wanderers , seekers of ease , and not of those thinges that appertaine to Iesus Christ ; but oftentimes deuising , and framing that which will not continue . For all shall perish that proceedeth not from God . Keep this short and complete word , Forsake all , & thou shalt find all . Leaue thy inordinate desires , & thou shalt find rest . Consider this well : and when thou hast fulfilled it , thou shalt vnderstand all .

2. Lord * * The Seruant . , this is not one dayes worke , nor childrens sport : yea in this short sentence all the perfection of Religious persons is included . Sonne † † Our Lord . , thou must not go back nor straight waies be deiected , when thou hearest the way of the perfect ; but rather be stirred vp to more worthy & noble attempts , or at least to conceaue an earnest desire thereof . I would it were so wel with thee , and thou wert come so far , that thou wert no longer a louer of thy self , but didst stand meetly at my beck , and at his whom I haue appointed a Father ouer thee ; then thou shouldest exceedingly please me , and all thy life would passe away in ioy and peace . Thou hast yet many thinges to forsake which vnlesse thou wholy resigne ouer vnto me , thou shalt not attaine to that which thou desirest , I counsell thee to buy of me purified gould , Apoc. 3. that thou mayst become rich , that is , heauenly wisdome , which treadeth vnderfoot all base and earthly things . Set little by the wisdome of this world , and esteeme not of the contentment of men , nor thine own fancyes .

3. I said , that thou shouldest buy the meane and base things , with the precious , and those that were with men of great esteeme . For true heauenly wisdome seemeth very base , and of small accompt , and is scarce thought of by men : for that esteemeth not highly of it selfe , nor seeketh to be magnified vpon earth , which many praise from the teeth outward , but in their life they are far from it : yet is it the precious pearle which is hidden from many . Matt. 13.

CHAP. XXXIII . Of Inconstancy of hart , and of directing our finall intentions vnto God .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . trust not to thy affection : that which now is , will quickly change into another . As long as thou liuest thou art subiect to mutability , euen against thy will : so that now thou art merry , now sad , now quiet , now troubled , now deuout , now distracted , now diligent , now idle , now heauy , now light . But he that is wife , and well instructed in spirit , remaineth alwaies one in the middest of these changes , not heeding what he seeketh in himself , or which way the wind of mutability bloweth : but that the whole intention of his mind , may tend as it ought , to the most perfect and best end . For so he may continue one , & the selfe same , without any change in the midst of so many sundry chaunces , directing alwaies the sincere eye of his intention vnto me .

2. And how much purer the eye of the intention is , Matt. 6. so much the more constantly doth he passe through the variety of many contrary waues . But in many things the eye of a sincere intention waxeth blind , for it quickly looketh vpon some delight , some obiect that occurreth . And it is rare to find one that is wholy free from all blemish of seeking himselfe . So the Iewes in times past came into Bethania to Martha and Mary , Ioan. 11. not for Iesus alone , but to see Lazarus also . The eye of our intention therfore , is to be purged , Matt. 6. that it may be sincere & pure , and to be directed vnto me , neglecting the multitude and variety of earthly obiects ,

CHAP. XXXIIII . That God is sweet aboue all things , and in all thinges to him that loueth .

BEHOVLD * * The Seruant . my God , and all things ! What would I haue more , and what can I desire more happy ? O sweet and comfortable word ! but to him that loueth the word , not the world , nor those things that are in the world . My God , and all things ! Inough is said to him that vnderstandeth : and it is pleasant to him that loueth , to repeat it often . For when thou art present , all things do yield delight , but when thou art absent , al becomes irksome . Thou giuest quiet of hart and much peace , and pleasant ioy . Thou makest men think well of all , and praise thee in all things : neither can any thing please vs long without thee : but if it be pleasant and delightsome , thy grace must be present , & it must be seasoned with the sweetnes of thy wisdome .

2. What can be distastfull vnto him , to whome thou art pleasing ? And whome thou delightest not , what can be pleasant ? But the wise of the world , 1. Cor. 1. Rom. 8. & 1. Io. 2. and that haue their contentment in sensuall things , cannot attaine to thy wisdome , for in the world is much vanity , & in the flesh is death . But they that follow thee by the contempt of worldly things , & mortification of the flesh , are proued to be truly wise : for they are changed from vanity to truth , from flesh to spirit . To these God is sweet , and what good soeuer is found in creatures , they wholy referre vnto the praise of their Maker . Notwithstanding great , yea very great is the difference betweene the sweetnes of the Creatour , and of the creature , of eternity and of time , of vncreated and created light .

3. O euerlasting light , surpassing al created lights , cast forth the beams of thy brightnesse from aboue , and pierce the most inward corners of my hart : purifie , reioyce , clarifie & quicken my spirit with all the powers therof , that I may cleaue vnto thee with excesse of vnspeakable ioy . O when will that blessed and desired houre come , that I may be filled with thy presence , and thou maist be vnto me all , in all things : as long as this is not graunted me , I shall not haue full nor perfect ioy . Alas ! my old man yet liueth in me , Rom. 7. he is not wholy crucified , he is not perfectly dead . He doth yet couet strongly against the spirit , and moueth ciuill warres , and suffereth not the kingdome of my soule to be in peace .

4. But thou that rulest the powers of the sea , Ps. 88. and asswagest the motion of the waues , Psal. 7● . rise and help me : dissipate the people that desire war , and destroy them in thy might , and let thy hand be glorified : Ps. 30. for there is no hope nor refuge for me , but in thee , my Lord God .

CHAP. XXXV . That there is no security from temptation in this life .

SONNE † † Our Lord . , there is no security in this life : as long as thou liuest thou shalt alwayes haue need of spirituall armour . Thou liuest among enemies , Iob. 7. and art assaulted on all sides : if therfore thou defendest not thy selfe on euery side with the shield of patience , 2. Cor. 6. thou canst not be long vnwounded . Moreouer if thou fixe not thy hart on me with a sincere will to suffer all things for me , thou canst not sustaine the heate of this battaile , nor get that victorious crowne which they haue that are in glory . Thou oughtest therefore manfully to goe through all , & to vse a strong hand against whatsoeuer withstandeth thee . For to him that ouercommeth is giuen Manna ; Apoc. 2. and to the negligent is left much woe .

2. If thou seekest rest in this world , how wilt thou then attaine to euerlasting rest ? Giue not thy selfe to much ease , but to much patience . Seeke true peace , not in earth , but in heauen ; not in men , nor in any creature , but in God alone . Thou oughtest for the loue of God willingly to vndergoe whatsoeuer labours , to endure whatsoeuer griefes , temptations , vexations , anxieties , necessities , infirmities , iniuries , detractions , reprehensions , humiliations , confusions , corrections , and contempts : these help to the attaining of vertue : these trye a Nouice of Christ , these make a heauenvly crown . I will giue an euerlasting reward for a short labour , and infinite glory for transitory confusion .

3. Thinkest thou , that thou shalt alwaies haue spirituall consolations at will ? My Saints had not so , but many afflictions , and sundry temptations , and many discomforts : all which they endured patiently , and trusted rather in God , then in themselues : Rom. 8. knowing that the sufferings of this time are not condigne to the deseruing of future glory . Wilt thou haue that straight waies , which many after teares , and great labours haue hardly obteined ? Expect the comming of thy Lord , Ps. 26. do manfully , be of good courage : feare not , do not flye , but offer both body and soule for the glory of God . I will reward thee in most plentifull manner , and I will be with thee in all thy tribulations .

CHAP. XXXVI . Against the vaine Iudgments of men .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . fixe thy hart stedfastly on God , and feare not the iudgments of men , when thy conscience giueth testimony of thy iustice and innocency . It is a good and a happy thing to suffer in that sort : neither will it be burdensome to an humble mind , nor to him that trusteth rather in God , then in himselfe . The most part of men are giuen to talke much , and therfore little care is to be had of their words : Cor. 9. neyther is it possible to satisfy all . Though the Apostle endeauoured to please al in our Lord , Cor. 4. and made himselfe all vnto all , yet he little regarded that he was iudged by humane day . ●ol. 1.

2. He did for the edification & health of others as much as he could , and lay in him : yet could he not hinder , but that he was sometimes iudged , and despised by others . Therfore he committed all to God , who knew all , & defended himselfe with patience , and humility against euill tongues , and such as thought vanities and lyes , and spake what they listed : Yet sometimes notwithstanding he answered , least the weake might haue receaued scandall by his silence .

3. Who art thou , that fearest a mortall man ? to day he is , and to morrow he is not seene . Feare God & the terror of men shall not trouble thee . 2. Mac. 2. What harme can the wordes or iniuries of any do thee ? he rather hurteth himselfe then thee : Rom. 2. neyther can he auoyd the iudgments of God , be he what he will . 1. Cor. 11. Haue thou God before thine eyes , and contend not with complayning wordes . And if for the present thou seemest to be troaden down , Heb. 12. and to suffer shame & confusion , without desert , do not repine , neyther doe thou lessen thy crowne by thy impatience ; but rather lift vp thine eyes to me in heauen . I am able to deliuer thee from all shame and wrong , and to repay euery one according to their works .

CHAP. XXXVII . Of a full and pure resignation of our selues for the obtayning freedome of heart .

SONNE † † Our Lord . , leaue thy selfe , & thou shalt find me . Make choice of nothing , appropriate nothing to thy selfe , and thou shalt euer gaine . For greater grace shall alwaies be giuen thee , when thou dost perfectly resigne thy selfe , and not turne back to take thy selfe againe . Lord , * * The Seruant . how often shall I resigne my selfe ? and wherein shall I forsake my selfe ? Allwaies , † † Our Lord . and in euery thing , as wel in little as in great . I do except nothing , but do require that thou be as it were naked and void of all things . Otherwise , how canst thou be perfectly mine , and I thine , vnlesse both within and without thou be free from all self-wil ? And how much the sooner thou dost this , so much the better shalt thou find thy selfe , and how much the more fully and sincerely thou dost it , so much the more shalt thou please me , and so much the more shalt thou gaine .

2. Some there are that resigne themselues , but with some exception . For they put not their whole trust in God , and therfore do labour to prouide for themselues . Some also at the first do offer all , but afterwards being assailed with temptations , do returne againe to that which they had left , and therefore they go not forwards in the way of vertue . These shall not attaine to the true liberty of a pure hart , nor to the grace of my diuine familiarity , vnlesse they first make an entire resignation , and offer themselues a daily sacrifice vnto me . For without this can neuer be obtained the vnion with me , wherewith my Saints enioy me .

3. I haue often said vnto thee , and now againe I say the same : Forsake thy selfe , resigne thy selfe , Matt. 16. and thou shalt enioy internal peace . Giue all for all , seeke nothing , require nothing , repose thy selfe purely and with a full confidence in me , and I will giue my selfe vnto thee , & darknes shall not couer thee . Let this be thy whole endeauour● , let this be thy praier , let this be thy desire , that casting of all propriety , thou maist all naked follow thy naked Sauiour Iesus : and dying to thy selfe , maist liue eternally to me . Then shal vaine fantasies , euill perturbations , and all superfluous cares fly away : then shall immoderate feare leaue thee , & inordinate loue shall dye .

CHAP. XXXVIII . Of good gouernment in outward things , and of recourse to God in dangers .

SONNE † † Our Lord . , thou oughtest with all diligence to procure , that in euery place and action , or externall businesse , thou be inwardly free , & maister of thy selfe , & that all things be vnder thy disposition , and thou not subiect to them ; that thou maist be Lord & Maister of thy actions , not a seruant or a hireling , but rather a freeman , and a true Hebrew , belonging to the lot and freedome of the sones of God , who put the things that are present vnder their feet , & place their thoughts on that which is eternall : who looke on transitory things with the left eye , and with the right do behould the thinges of heauen : who suffer not themselues to be drawne to cleaue vnto them , but rather dispose and vse them , as they are ordained by God , and appointed by the Creatour of all , who hath left nothing in his creatures without due order .

2. If thou remayne firme and stedfast in all euents , and doest not weigh by the outward apparence , not with a carnall eye , the thinges which thou seest & hearest ; Exod. 33. but presently in euery occasion doest enter with Moyses into the Tabernacle to aske counsell of our Lord , thou shalt sometimes heare the diuine and celestiall oracle , and shalt returne instructed of many thinges both present and to come . Moyses had alwaies recourse to the Tabernacle for the deciding of all doubts & obscure questions , and fled to the help of prayer , for the remedy of the iniquity and dangers of men . So oughtest thou in like maner to fly to the closet of thy hart , earnestly crauing the diuine fauour . For the Scripture testifieth , that therfore was Iosue & the children of Israel deceaued by the Gabaonites , Iosue 9. because they consulted not first with God , but giuing too lightly credit to fayre wordes were deluded with counterfait piety .

CHAP. XXXIX . That a man be not ouer earnest in his affaires .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . alwaies commit thy cause to me , I will dispose well of it in due time : expect my ordination , and thou shalt find it wil be for thy good . Lord , * * The Seruant . I do most willingly commit all vnto thee , for my care can profit little . O that I cleaued not too much to future euents , but offered my selfe with all readinesse of mind to thy diuine pleasure !

2. Sonne , † † Our Lord . oftentimes a man doth earnestly labour for that which he desireth : and when he hath gotten it , he beginneth to be of another mind , and not to esteeme so much of it , as before he did : for mans affections do not long continue fixed on one thing , but do passe from one to another . I● is therfore a matter , not of least moment , , to forsake our selues euen in the least things .

3. The true spirituall profit of man , consisteth in denying and forsaking of himselfe ; and he that is resigned , liueth in great freedome and security . But the ancient enemy , who alwaies laboureth to withstand the seruants of God , 1. Pet. 5. omitteth at no time his wonted temptations , but day and night lieth still in waite , to cast the vnwary , if he can , into the snare of deceipt . Watch therfore & pray , saith our Lord , Matt. 26. that you enter not into temptation .

CHAP. XL. That man hath no good of himsefe , nor anything whereof he can glory .

LORD , * * The Seruant . Psal. 8. what is man , that thou art mindful of him , or the soone of man , that thou vouchsafest to visit him ? What hath man deserued that thou shouldest giue him thy grace ? Lord , what cause haue I to complaine , if thou forsake me ? Or if thou doest not that which I desire , what can I iustly say against it ? Surely , this I may truely thinke and say : Lord , I am nothing , I can do no thing , I haue nothing that is good of my selfe : but in all thinges I do fayle , and am defectiue , and doe euer tend to nothing : and vnlesse thou help me , and doest interiourly instruct me , I become cold , and am dissolued .

2. But thou , o Lord , art alwaies the same , Ps. 101. and endurest for euer , alwaies good , iust , and holy , doing all things well , iustly , and holily , and disposing all thinges with wisdome . But I that am more inclined to fall , then to goe forwardes , doe neuer continue in one estate : for seauen different tymes are changed ouer me , yet doth it soone turne to the better , when it so pleaseth thee , & when thou vouchsafest to stretch forth thy helping hand . For thou alone canst help me without the fauour of man , and so strengthen me , that my countenan e shall be no more changed , but my hart shal be conuerted , and rest in thee alone .

3. Wherefore if I could once perfectly forsake all humane confort , either for the loue of deuotion , or for mine owne necessitie , which inforceth me to seeke after thee ( for none els can comfort me ) then might I well hope in thy grace , and reioyce in the gift of new consolation .

4. Thankes be vnto thee , from whence all proceedeth , as often as it goeth well with me : but I am meete vanitie , and nothing before thee , an vnconstant and weake man . Wher of then can I glory ? Or why do I desire to be esteemed of ? Is it not of nothing ? And this is most vayne . Truly vaine glory is an euill plague & very great vanity : because it draweth from true glory , & robbeth the soule of heauenly grace . For whilst a man pleaseth himselfe , he displeaseth thee : whilst he gapeth after the praise of men , he is depriued of true vertue .

5. But true glory , & holy exultation , and ioy , Abac. 3. is for a man to glory in thee , and not in himselfe ; to reioyce in thy name , and not in his owne vertue , Psal. 112. & 1●3 . nor to delight in any creature , but for thee . Praised be thy name , not mine : magnified be thy worke , not mine : let thy holy name be for euer blessed , but to me let no part of mens praises be giuen . Thou art my glory , thou art the ioy of my hart . In thee will I glory and reioice all the day ; but for my selfe I will not ioy , but in my infirmityes .

6. Let the Iewes seeke the glorie , Ioan. 5. which one man giueth to another : I will desire this , which is from God alone . For all humane glory , all temporall honour , all worldly highnesse , compared to thy eternall glory , is vanity and folly . O my truth , my mercy , my God , most Blessed Trinity , to thee alone be all praise , honour , vertue , and glory for all eternity .

CHAP. XLI . Of the contempt of all temporall honours .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . trouble not thy selfe , if thou seest others honoured and aduanced , and thy self contemned and debased . Lift vp thy hart vnto me in heauen , and the contempt of men in earth will not grieue thee . Lord , * * The Seruant . we are blind , and quickly seduced with vanity . If I looke well into my selfe , I cannot say , that any creature hath done me wrong , and therfore I cannot iustly complaine of thee .

2. But because I haue often and grieuously sinned against thee , all creaturs do iustly take armes against me : for shame and contempt is due vnto me , but vnto thee praise , honour , and glory . And vnlesse I do so prepare my selfe , that I be willing , & do reioice to be despised and forsaken of all creatures , & to be esteemed nothing at all , I cannot obtaine internall strength and peace , nor be spiritually enlightned , nor wholy vnited vnto thee .

CHAP. XLII . That our peace is not to be placed in men .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . if the peace thou hast with any , be grounded on the opinion which thou hast of him , or on the contentment thou receauest in his company , thou shalt euer be vnconstant and subiect to disquiet : but if thou haue recourse vnto the euerliuing and eternall Truth , a friend going from thee or dying shall not grieue thee . The loue of thy friend ought to rest in me , and for me is he to be beloued , whosoeuer he be , whom thou thinkest well of , and is verily deare vnto thee in this life . No friendship can auaile , or continue without me ; neither is the loue true and pure , which they haue , whose hartes are not ioyned togeather by me . Thou oughtest to be so dead to such affections of beloued friends , that ( forasmuch as appertaineth vnto thee ) thou shouldest wish to be without all company of men . Man approacheth so much the neerer vnto God , how much the further off he departeth from all earthly comfort : so much the higher also he ascendeth vnto God , by how much lower he descendeth into himselfe , and how much the baser he is in his owne conceipt .

2. But he that attributeth any good vnto himselfe , hindreth the comming of Gods grace into him . For the grace of the holy Ghost euer seeketh an humble hart . If thou couldst perfectly annihilate thy self , & purge thy self of all created loue , then should there flow into thee great aboundance of my grace . When thou castest thy eyes on creatures , the sight of thy Creatour is taken from thee . Learne to ouercome thy selfe in al things , for the loue of thy Creatour ; and then shalt thou be able to attaine to heauenly knowledg . How little soeuer it be , if it be inordinately loued and regarded , it defileth the soule , and hindreth the enioying of the chiefest good .

CHAP. XLIII . Against vaine and secular knowledge .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . let not the fair speaches and subtile sayings of men moue thee . † † 1. Cor. 4. For the Kingdome of God consisteth not in words , but in vertue . Obserue well the wordes which I speake ; for they inflame the hart , and enlighten the mind , induce compunction , and bring sundry comforts . Do thou neuer read to shew thy selfe learned or wise : but labour to mortifie thy vices , for that will profit thee more , then the knowledg of many hard and difficult questions .

2. When thou shalt haue read & knowne many things , thou oughtest euer to returne to one beginning . I am he , that teacheth man all , knowledg : and do giue to little ones ▪ a more cleare vnderstanding , then can be taught by man . He therfore , to whome I speake , shall quickly be wise , and shall profit much in spirit . Woe be to them , that inquire many curious things of men , and do little desire to know the way how to serue me . The time will come , when the Maister of Maisters shal appeare , Christ the Lord of Angells , to heare the lessons of all , that is , to examine the consciences of euery one : and then he will search Hierusalem , with a candle , Soph. 1. 1. Cor. 4. and the hidden things of darkenesse shall be laid open , and the inuentions of tongues shall be silent .

3. I am he that in an instant do raise vp the humble mind , to vnder stand more reasons of the euerlasting truth , then can be gotten by ten yeares study in schools . I teach without noise of words , without confusion of opinions , without ambition of honour , without contention of arguments . I am he that teacheth to despise earthly things , to loath things present , to seeke the euerlasting , to delight in the things that are eternal , to fly honours , to suffer scandalls , to place all hope in me , to desire nothing out of me , and aboue all things feruently to loue me .

4. For one by louing me entirely , learned diuine things , and spake wonders : he profited more in forsaking all things , then in studying subtilties . To some I speake ordinary things , to others , things more especiall : to some I appeare sweetly by signes and figures , but to some I reueale mysteries with much light . The voice of bo●ks is one , but it teacheth not all men alike . For I am the internal teacher , I am the Truth ▪ the searcher of the hart , the vnderstander of thoughts , the setter forwards of good works , distributing to euery one according to my will .

CHAP. XLIIII . Of not drawing outward things to our selues .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . in many things thou oughtest to be ignorant , and esteeme thy selfe as dead vpon earth ; & as one to whom the whole world is crucified . Thou must also passe ouer many things with a deafe eare , and rather thinke of that , which appertaineth to thy peace . It is more profitable to turne thine eyes from the sight of vnpleasing things , and to leaue vnto euery one his owne opinion , then to striue with contentious wordes . If thou standest well with God , and considerest his iudgments , thou shalt the more easily yield to the will of others .

2. O * * The Seruant Lord , to what an estate are we come ! Behold , we bewaile a temporall losse , and for a little gaine we toyle and spare no labour , & the spirituall domage of our soule is forgotten , & hardly at length called to mind . That which little or nothing profiteth , is alwaies remembred , and that which is chiefly necessary , is negligently passed ouer , because mans nature carrieth him to externall things ; & vnlesse he quickly returne vnto himselfe , he lyeth drowned in them with delight .

CHAP. XLV . That credit is not to be giuen to all men : and how prone man is to offend in words .

HELP me * * The Seruant . Lord , in my tribulation , for vaine is the defence of man . How often haue I bene deceaued , finding want of faith , Psal. 59. where I thought it sure ? And how often haue I found faith , where I least expected it ? It is vaine therefore to trust in men : but the safety of the iust , o Lord , is in thee . Blessed be thou my God , in all thinges that befall vs . We are weake and inconstant , quickly deceaued , and soone changed .

2. Who is he , that is able so warily to keep himselfe , that he neuer fall into any deceipt or doubt ? But he that trusteth in thee , o Lord , and seeketh thee with a pure hart , Prou. 10. doth not easily fall ; and if he fall into any tribulation , be he neuer so much inthralled , yet he shal quickly be deliuered or conforted by thee For thou wilt not forsake him for euer that trusteth in thee . The friend is rare to be found , that continueth faithfull in his freinds distresse , but thou , o Lord , thou alone art faithfull at all times , and there is none like vnto thee .

3. O how wise was that holy soule that said : My mind is firmly setled and grounded in Christ ! If it were so with me , then would not humane feare so easily trouble me , nor words moue me . Who can foresee all things ▪ Who is able to beware beforehand of future euills ? If things euen foreseene do oftentimes hurt vs , how can things vnlooked for choose but wound vs grieuously ? But why did I not prouide better for my selfe , miserable wretch ? Why also haue I so easily giuen credit to others ? But alas we are men , and God knoweth weake & fraile men , although by many we are reputed and called Angels . To whome shall I giue credit Lord ? to whome but to thee ? Thou art the truth that neither dost deceaue , nor canst be deceaued . And on the other side , euery man is a liar , weake , vnconstant , and subiect to fall , especially in words : and therfore we must not easily giue credit euen to that , which in outward shew seemeth at the first a certaine truth .

4. O with how great wisdome hast thou warned vs to take heed of men ! and because the enemies of man are his familiar and domestical acquaintance , not to trust , Matt. 7. if one should say : Behould heere , or behould there . I am taught to my cost , and I would to God I might therby increase my care , and not my folly . Be wary , faith one , be wary , keep vnto thy selfe what I tell thee : and whilst I hould my peace , and think it is secret , he cannot keep that secret , which he desired should be secret , but presently discloseth me and himselfe , and goeth his way . From such tales , and such improuident people , protect me Lord , that I fall not into their hands , nor euer commit such errours , Giue me grace my God to obserue truth , and constancy in my words , and remoue far from me a deceiptfull tongue . What I am not willing to suffer , I ought by all meanes to auoid .

5. O how good & quiet a thing it is to be silent , and not to talke of others , nor to belieue all that is said , nor easily to report what we haue heard ; Prou. 25. to lay ones self open to few ; Esa. 24. alwayes to seeke after thee , the behoulder of the hart ; not to be carried about with euery wind of wordes , but to desire that all thinges both within & without , be accomplished according to thy will and pleasure . How secure is it for the keeping of heauenly grace , to fly the sight of men ? And not to seeke those things , that seeme to cause admiration abroad , but to follow that with all diligence , which bringeth amendment of life , and increase of feruour .

6. To how many hath vertue , knowne and ouer hastily commended bene hurtfull ? How profitable hath grace bene , kept with silence in this mortall life , which is nothing but a perpetuall temptation , and a warfare ?

CHAP. XLVI . Of putting our trust in God , when euill words arise .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . be constant , and put thy trust in me . For what are wordes , but wordes ? They passe through the ayre , but hurt not . Psal. 36. If thou be guiltie , determine willingly to amend thy selfe : if thou be innocent , resolue to suffer this willingly , at least for God . It is a small matter to suffer sometimes a few words , if thou hast not yet the courage to endure stripes . And why do small matters go to thy hart , but for that thou art yet carnall , and regardest men more then thou oughtest ? Because thou art afraid to be despised , therfore thou wilt not be reprehended for thy faults , and therfore seekest shaddowes of excuses .

2. But looke better into thy self and thou shalt see , that the world yet liueth in thee , and a vaine desire to please men . For when thou refusest to be humbled , & reproued for thy faults , it is surely euident , that thou art neither truly humble , nor dead to the world , nor the world perfectly crucified to thee . But giue diligent eare to my words , and thou shalt little respect ten thousand wordes spoken by men . Behould , if al should be spoken against thee that could be most maliciously inuented , what would it hurt thee , if thou sufferedst it to passe , & madest no reckoning at all of it ? Matt. 10. Luc. 11. Could al those words pluck as much as one haire from thy head ?

3. But he that hath not his heart within him , nor God before his eyes is easily moued with euery little dispraise , when as he that trusteth in me , and confideth not in his owne iudgement , shall be free from humane feares . For I am the Iudge and the discerner of all secrets . I know how the matter passed , Psal. 7. I know him that offereth the iniury , and him that suffereth it . From me hath this word proceeded : this hath happened by my permission , that out of many harts thoughts may be reuealed . I shall iudge the guilty & the innocent , Luc. 2. but by a secret iudgment I would before-hand try them both .

4. The testimony of men oftentimes deceaueth : my iudgment is alwaies true , it shall stand , and not be ouerthrowne . It is commonly hidden and secret , and not known in euery thing but to few : notwithstanding it neuer erreth , neither can it erre , although to the eyes of the foolish it seemes not right . Men ought therfore to returne to me in euery iudgment , and not to stand in their owne opinions . For the iust man will not be troubled , Prou. 12. whatsoeuer happeneth vnto him for God : and if any thing be wrongfully brought forth against him , he will not much care , neither will he vainely be glad , if by others he be with reason excused . Psal. 7. For he considereth that I am he , that searcheth the hart & reines , & do iudg , not according to the outward face , nor humane apparence . For that is oftentimes found culpable in my sight , that in the iudgment of men is commendable .

5. O Lord * * The Seruant my God , the iust Iudge , strong & patient , thou knowest the frailty and peruersity of man , be thou my strength , & all my trust , for mine owne conscience sufficeth me not . Thou knowest that which I cannot reach vnto , and therfore in euery reprehension I ought to haue submitted my selfe , & to haue borne it patiently : vouchsafe mercifully to pardon me , as often as I haue fayled heerin , and giue me againe grace of greater sufferance . For thy bountifull mercy is more auaylable to me for the obtayning of pardon , then my conceaued iustice for the defence of my hidden conscience . 1. Cor. 4. Although my conscience accuse me not , yet I cannot hereby iustifie my selfe ; Ps. 142. for if thy mercy be away , no man liuing shal be iustified in thy sight .

CHAP. XLVII . That all grieuous thinges are to be endured for life euerlasting .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . let not the paines dismay thee which thou hast vndertaken for me , neither be thou discomforted for the tribulations which do befall thee ; but let my promise strengthen and comfort thee in all euents . I am able to reward thee aboue all measure . Thou shalt not long toile here , nor alwayes be oppressed with griefe . Attend a while , and thou shalt see a speedy end of thy euills . There will come an houre when all labour and trouble shall cease . Little and short is all that passeth away with time .

2. Doe as thou doest , labour faithfully in my vineyard , I will be thy reward . Write , read , sing , M●tt . 20. mourne , obserue silence , pray , suffer crosses manfully : life euerlasting is worthy of all these & greater combats Peace shall come in the day which is knowne vnto our Lord , & it shall not be day nor night , to wit , of this time , but euerlasting light , infinite brightnesse , stedfast peace , and secure rest . Then thou shalt not say , Who shall deliuer me from the body of this death ? Rom. 7. nor cry , Wo be vnto me , for that my dwelling in a strange countrey is prolonged ! Psal. 119. For death shall be throwne downe , and health shall be without decay , no anxiety , blessed ioy , sweet and glorious company .

3. O if thou hadst seene the euerlasting crowns of the Saints in heauen , and with how great glory they now reioyce who in times past were contemptible to this world , Sap. 3. & 5. and esteemed vnworthy of life it selfe : truly thou wouldest presently humble thy selfe euen vnto the earth : & wouldest rather seek to be vnder the feet of all , then to haue command , so much as ouer one : neither wouldest thou desire pleasant daies of this life , but rather reioyce to be afflicted for God , and esteeme it thy greatest gaine to be reputed as nothing amongst men .

4. O if thou hadst a feeling of these things , and didst suffer them to enter into the depth of thy hart , how durst thou so much as once to complaine ! Are not al paineful labours to be endured for euerlasting life ? It is no smal matter to leese or to gain the Kingdome of heauen . Lift vp thine eyes therfore vnto heauen : behould I , and all my Saints with me , who in this world had great conflicts , do now reioyce , now are comforted , now are secure , now do rest , and shall remaine with me euerlastingly in the Kingdome of my Father .

CHAP. XLVIII . Of the euerlasting day , and shortnesse of this life .

O most * * The Seruant . blessed mansion of the heauenly Citty ! o most cleare day of eternity , which night obscureth not , Apoc. 21. but the highest truth euer enlightneth , day euer pleasant , euer secure , and neuer changing into contrary state ! O that , that day would once appeare , and all these temporall things were at an end ! To the Saints it shineth glistering with euerlasting brightnesse , but to those that are Pilgrimes vpon earth , it appeareth only a far off , and as it were through a glasse .

2. The inhabitants of heauen do know how ioyfull that day is : but the banished children of Eue be waile the bitternes and tediousnes of this . The daies of this life are short and euill , Iob. 7. full of sorrow & anguish , where man is defiled with many sinnes , incumbred with many passions , disquieted with many feares , filled with many cares , distracted with many curiosities , intangled with many vanities , compassed about with many errours , worne away with many labours , vexed with temptations , weakned with delights , tormented with want .

3. O when shall these euills be at an end ! Rom. 7. When shall I be deliuered from the miserable bondage of sin ! Ps. 70. When shall I thinke , o Lord of thee alone ! When shall I perfectly reioyce in thee ! When shall I be free from al impediments in true liberty , without all griefe of mind & body ! When shal I haue firme peace , peace secure and without trouble , peace within and without , peace euery way assured ! O good Iesu , when shal I stand to behould thee ! When shall I contemplate the glory of thy Kingdome ! When wilt thou be vnto me all in all thinges ! O when shall I be with thee in thy Kingdome , which thou hast prepared for thy beloued , from before all worldes ! I am left a poore and banished man in the land of mine enemies , where there are daily warres , and great misfortunes .

4. Comfort my banishment , asswage my sorrow : for my whole desire sendeth vp sighes vnto thee . For all is burdensome to me , whatsoeuer this world offereth for my confort . I desire familiarly to enioy thee , but I cannot attaine vnto it . I would gladly fixe my hart to the things of heauen , but temporall cares and vnmortified passions weigh me down . In mind I would be aboue al things , Rom. 7. & ● . but to my flesh I am inforced to be subiect against my will . Thus vnhappy man that I am , I fight against my selfe , and am become grieuous to my selfe , whilst my spirit seeketh after the things that are aboue , and my flesh that which is below .

5. O what do I inwardly suffer , when in mind I consider heauenly things , and presently in my praiers a multitude of fleshly fantasies present themselues before me ! Psal. 70. My God , be not farre from me , depart not in thy wrath from thy seruant . Cast forth thy lightning , and disperse them : send out thy darts , and breake all the fantasies of my enemie . Gather my senses togeather vnto thee , make me forget the things of this world : grant me grace to cast away speedily the fantasies of vices . Succour me , o euerlasting truth , that no vanity may moue me . Come heauenly sweetnesse , and let all impurity fly from thy face . Pardon me also , and mercifully forgiue me as often as I think vpon any thing els besides thee in praier . I truely confesse , that I am wont to be subiect to many distractions : for oftentimes I am not there , where I do corporally stand , or sit , but rather there , whither my thoughte do carry me . Where my thought is , there am I : there is oftentimes my thought , where my affection is . That quickly occurreth vnto me , which is naturally delightsome , and by custome pleasing .

6. And for this cause , thou that art truth it selfe , hast plainely said : Matt. 6. Where thy treasure is , there is also thy hart . If I loue heauen , I willingly think of heauenly things . If I loue the world , I reioyce at the felicity of the world , and grieue for the aduersity therof . If I loue the flesh , I imagine oftentimes those things , that are pleasing to the flesh : If I loue the spirit , I delight to think of spirituall things . For whatsoeuer I loue , thereof do I willingly speake , and heare , and carry home with me the formes and representations thereof . O blessed is that man , that for thee , o Lord , forsaketh all creatures ; that violently resisteth nature , and out of the feruour of spirit crucifieth the concupiscences of the flesh ; that with a cleare conscience he may offer sincere praiers vnto thee , & be worthy of the company of the angelical quiers , all earthly things outwardly and inwardly being excluded .

CHAP. XLIX . Of the desire of euerlasting life , & how great rewards are promised to those that fight valiantly .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . when thou perceauest the desire of euerlasting bliss to be giuen thee from aboue , & desirest to depart out of the Tabernacle of this body , that thou maist without shaddow of any enterchange behould my light ; open thy hart , and receaue this holy inspiration with thy whole desire . Giue great thanks to the heauenly goodnesse , that dealeth with thee so fauourably , visiteth thee mercifully , stirreth thee vp fernently , houldeth thee vp powerfully , least through thme owne weight thou fall downe to the vanities of the earth . Neither doest thou obtaine this by thine owne thought or endeauour , but by the only fauour of heauenly grace and diuine bounty , that thou maist profit in vertue , and obtaine greater humility , and prepare thy selfe to future battailes , and endeauour to cleaue vnto me with the whole affection of thy hart , and serue me with a feruent desire .

2. Sonne , fire often burneth , but the flame ascendeth not vp without smoke : so likewise the desires of some men are earnestly carried to heauenly things , & yet they are not free from temptation of carnall affection : and therfore it is not altogeather purely for the honour of God that which they so earnestly request of him . Such is also oftentimes thy desire , which with such importunity thou presentest vnto me . For that is not pure and perfect , which is infected and defiled with the loue of thine owne proper commodity and interest .

3. Aske not that which is delightsome and profitable to thee , but that which is gratefull to me , and appertaineth to my honour , for if thou iudgest aright , thou oughtest to preferre and follow my appointment , rather then thine owne desire , or any desired thing . I know thy desire , and haue heard thy often grones . Now thou wouldest be in the freedome of the glory of the Sonnes of God : now doth the euerlasting habitation , & the heauenly Countrey full of ioy delight thee , but this houre is not yet come : it is yet another time , to wit , of warre , time of labour and triall . Thou desirest to be filled with the chiefest good , but thou canst not attaine it for the present . Iob. 7. I am he , saith our Lord , expect vntill the Kingdome of God doth come .

4. Thou art yet to be tryed vpon earth , and to be exercised in many things . Comfort shall be sometimes giuen thee , but aboundant fulnes therof shall not be granted . Iosue 1. Take courage therfore , and be constant as well in doing , as in suffering things contrary to nature . Eph. 4. Thou oughtest to put on a new man , and to be changed into another . Thou must oftentimes do that which thou wouldest not , and leaue vndone that thou wouldest do . That which is pleasing to others , shall go well forwards , that which thou wishest , shall not speed . That which others say , shal be heard , what thou saist shall be nothing regarded . Others shall aske , & shall receaue , thou shalt aske and not obtaine .

5. Others shall be great in the praises of men , but of thee there shall be no speach ; to others this or that shall be committed , but thou shalt be accompted fit for nothing . At this nature will sometimes repine , and it is much if thou endurest it with silence . In these and such like , a faithfull seruant of our Lord is wont to be tryed , how he can deny and ouercome himselfe in all thinges . There is scarce any thing , wherein thou hast such need to mortifie thy selfe , as in seeing and suffering those things that are contrary to thy will , especially when that is commanded , which seemeth vnto thee inconuenient , or to little purpose . And for that thou being placed vnder authority , darest not resist a higher power , therfore it seemeth hard vnto thee , to walke at the becke of another , & to leaue wholy thine owne opinion .

6. But consider , Sonne , the fruit of these labours , the end neere at hand , & the reward aboue all measure , and thou shalt receaue no griefe therby , but great comfort of thy patience For in regard of that little of thy will , which now thou willingly forsakest , thou shalt alwaies haue thy will in heauen . There thou shalt haue all that thou wilt , or canst desire : there thou shalt enioy all good without feare of loosing it , there shall thy will be euer one with me ; it shall desire nothing , strange or priuate ; there no man shall withstand thee , no man complaine of thee , no man hinder thee , nothing come against thee : but all things desired shall be there togeather present , and delight thy whole desire , and fulfill it to the highest degree : there I will giue thee glory for the reproach which heere thou sufferedst , a garment of praise for former griefe , for the lowest place , a seat of an euerlasting Kingdome ; there shall the fruite of obedience appeare , the labour of pennance reioyce , & humble subiection shal be gloriously crowned .

7. Now therfore bow thy selfe with great humility vnder the hands of all , and regard not who said , or commaunded this ; but take great heed , that whether thy Superiour , or thy Inferiour , or thine equall require any thing of thee , or doe insinuate their desire , thou take it all in good part , and endeauour to fulfill it with a sincere intention . Let one seeke this , another that , let him glory in this , the other in that , and be praised a thousand thousand times ; but do thou neither reioyce in this , nor in that , but in the contempt of thy selfe , and in my pleasure and honour alone . This art thou to wish , that whether by life or death , God may be alwaies glorified in thee .

CHAP. L. How a desolate person ought to offer himselfe into the hands of God .

LORD God , * * The Seruant Holy Father , thy holy name be now and for euer blessed ; because as thou wilt , so is it done , and what thou doest , is good . Let thy seruant reioyce in thee , not in himselfe , nor any thing els , for thou alone art the true gladnes , thou art my hope and my crown , thou art my ioy and my honour , o Lord . What hath thy seruant , 1. Cor. 4. but what he hath receaued from thee , euen without any desert of his ? Thine is al that thou hast giuen , & whatsoeuer thou hast made . I am poore , and in labours from my youth : Psal. 87. and sometimes my soule is heauy euen vnto teares , sometimes also it is troubled in it self , by reason of passions which rise against her .

2. I desire the ioy of peace , I craue the peace of thy children that are fed by thee in the light of confort . If thou giue peace , if thou infuse holy ioy , the soule of thy seruant shal be full of heauenly sweetnes , and shall become deuout in thy praise , but if thou withdraw thy selfe , as very often thou art wont , he will not be able to runne the waies of thy commandements , but rather he boweth his knees , and knocketh his breast , for that it is not with him , as it was yesterday , and the day before , when thy light shined vpon his head , and he was protected vnder the shaddow of thy wings , from the temptations which violently assaulted him

3. O righteous Father , and euer to be praised , the houre is come , that thy seruant is to be proued ! Be hould Father , it is fit , that in this houre thy seruant suffer something for thee . O Father worthy of eternall honour , the houre is come , which from all eternity thou didest foreknow should come : that for a short time thy seruant should outwardly be oppressed , but inwardly liue for euer with thee : he should be a little despised , and humbled , and made as an abiect in the sight of men , and much afflicted with passions & infirmities , that he may rise againe with thee , in the rising of new light , and be clarified in heauen . Holy Father , thou hast so appointed it , and wilt haue it so : and this is fulfilled which thy selfe hast commanded .

4. It is a grace and a fauour to thy friend to suffer , and to be afflicted in the world for the loue of thee , how often soeuer , and by whomsoeuer thou permittest it to fall vpon him . Without thy counsell and prouidence , Ps. 118. and without cause nothing is done in earth . It is good for me , Lord , that thou hast humbled me , that I may learne thy righteous indgments , and cast away all haughtines of hart & presumption . It is profitable to me , that shame hath conered my face , that I may rather seeke to thee for comfort , then to men . I haue learned also heerby to dread thy inscrutable iudgment , that afflictest the iust with the wicked , but not without equity and iustice .

5. I giue thee thanks , that thou hast not spared my sinnes , but hast worne me away with bitter stripes , inflicting sorrowes , & sending griefs within and without . There is none vnder heauen that can comfort me , Tob. 13. but thou my Lord God , the heauenly Phisitian of soules , Psal. 17. that strikest & healest , bringest into hell , and drawest out againe : let thy correction be vpon me , and let thy rod instruct me .

6. Behould beloued Father , I am in thy hands , I bow my selfe vnder the rod of thy correction : let my neck and shoulders feele the stripes of thy chastisement , that my crookednesse may be conformed to thy will . Make me a deuout & humble disciple of thine , as thou art wont well to do , that I may be ready at euery beck of thy diuine pleasure . I commend my selfe and all mine vnto thee to be corrected . It is better to be rebuked heere , then heerafter Thou knowest all and euery thing , and there is nothing hidden in the conscience of man , which can be hidden from thee . Before things are done , thou knowest that they will happen , and hast no need that any should teach thee , or admonish thee of those things , which are done on earth . Thou knowest what is expedient for my good , and how much tribulation is fit for purging the rust of my sinnes . Do with me according to thy desired pleasure , and despise not my sinfull life , better and more clearly knowne to none then to thee alone .

7. Graunt me , Lord , to know that which is to be knowne : to loue that , which is to be beloued : to praise that which pleaseth thee most : to esteeme that which is precious vnto thee : to despise that which is contemptible in thy sight : suffer me not to iudge according to the sight of the exteriour eyes , nor to giue sentence according to the hearing of the eares of ignorant men ; but to determine of visible and spirituall things with a true iudgment , & aboue all things euer to search after thy will and pleasure .

8. The senses of men are often deceaued in their iudgments , the louers of the world are also deceaued in louing only visible things . What is a man the better , for that he is esteemed great by man ? The deceiptfull man deceaueth the deceiptfull , the vaine the vaine , the blind deceaueth the blind , and one feeble likwise another , whilst he exalteth and praiseth him . For how much euery one is in thy sight , so much he is , and no more , sayth humble S. Francis .

CHAP. LI. That a man ought to imploy himselfe in workes of humility , when force is wanting for higher exercises .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . thou art not able alwaies to continue in the feruent desire of vertue , nor to persist in the high pitch of contemplation , but thou must sometimes of necessity by reason of originall corruption descend to inferiour things , and beare the burthen of this corruptible life euen against thy will , and with irksomenes . As long as thou carriest a mortall body , thou shalt feele trouble and heauines of hart . Thou oughtest therefore in flesh oftentimes to bewaile the burthen of flesh : for that thou canst not alwaies perseuere in spirituall exercises , and diuine contemplation .

2. It is then expedient for thee to fly to humble and exteriour works , and to refresh thy selfe with good & vertuous actions , to expect with a firme confidence my comming , and heauenly visitation , to beare patiently thy banishment , and the drinesse of thy mind , till thou bee visited againe by me , and deliuered from all anxiety . For I will make thee forget thy former paines , and enioy inward quietnes . I wil lay open before thee the pleasant fieldes of holy Scripture , that with an enlarged hart thou maist begin to run the way of my commaundements . And thou shalt say , that the sufferings of this time are not condigne to the glory to come , Rom. 8. that shall be reuealed in vs .

CHAP. LII . That a man ought not to esteeme himselfe vnworthy of comfort , and to haue deserued stripes .

LORD , * * The Seruant . I am not worthy of thy comfort , nor of any spirituall visitation , and therfore thou dealest iustly with me , when thou leauest me poore and desolate . For if I could sheed teates like a soe , yet I were not worthy of thy comfort . For ( alas ) I deserue nothing , but to be scourged and punished , in that I haue grieuously and often offended thee , and sinned in many things . All things therfore duely considered , I am not worthy euen of the least confort . But thou mild and mercifull God , who wilt not that thy workes do perish , to shew the riches of thy goodnesse in the vessels of mercy , euen beyond his desert , vouchsafest to comfort thy seruant aboue humane measure . For thy comforts are not like to the vaine words of men .

2. What haue I done , o Lord , that thou shouldest impart any heauenly comfort vnto me ? I remember not , that I haue euer done any good , but haue bene alwayes prone to sinne , and slouthfull in my amendment . It is true , and I cannot deny it . If I should say otherwise , thou wouldest stand against me , Iob. 9. & there would be none to defend me . What haue I deserued for my sinnes , but hell and euerlasting fire ? I confesse in the truth of my hart that I am worthy of all scorne and contempt , and it is vnfit that I should be remembred amongst thy deuout seruants . And although I be vnwilling to heare this , yet notwithstanding for the loue of truth , I will lay open my sinnes against my selfe , that I may the better deserue to obtaine thy mercy .

3. What shall I say , being guilty , and full of confusion ? I can vtter out of my mouth no other word but this : I haue sinned , Psal 50. Lord , I haue sinned , Iob. 10. haue mercy on me : pardon me , suffer me a little , that I may bewaile my griefe , before I go vnto the land of darknesse , and be couered with the shaddow of death . What doest thou require of a guilty & miserable sinner , but that he be contrite and sorrowfull , and do humble him selfe for his offences ? In true contrition and humblenes of heart , is bred a hope of forgiuenes , a troubled conscience is reconciled againe , grace lost is restored , man is defended from future wrath , and God and the penitent soule meet togeather in the holy kisse of peace .

4. Humble contrition for sinns is an acceptable sacrifice vnto thee , Psal. 50. o Lord , sauouring much sweeter in thy sight then burning frankincense . This is also the pleasant oyntment , Luc. 7. which thou wouldest haue powred vpon thy sacred feet , Psal. 50. for thou neuer despisest a contrite and humble hart . There is a place of refuge from the face of the wrath of our enemie : there is amended , and washed away whatsoeuer vncleanes hath bene elswhere gathered , and whatsoeuer is defiled .

CHAP. LIII . That the grace of God is not giuen to those that sauour of earthly things .

SONNE † † Out Lord . my grace is precious , it suffereth not it selfe to be mingled with externall things , nor earthly comforts Thou oughtest therfore to cast away all hinderances of grace , if thou desire to receaue the infusion therof . Choose therfore a secret place to thy selfe , loue to liue alone with thy selfe , desire the conuersation of none ▪ but rather powre out deuout praiers vnto God , that thou maist keep thy mind compunct , and thy conscience pure . Esteeme the whole world as nothing : Matt. 19. preferre my seruice before all outward things : for thou canst not attend vnto me , and be delighted also in transitory vanities . Thou oughtest to sequester thy selfe from thy acquaintance & friends , & to keep thy mind depriued of all temporall confort . So the blessed Apostle Peter required , 1. Pet. 2. that the faithfull of Christ should keep themselues as strangers & Pilgrimes in this world .

2. O how great a confidence shall he haue at the houre of death , whome no affection to any earthly thing detaineth in the world . But the weake mind is not yet capable of so retired a hart ; neither doth the fleshly person vnderstand the freedome of a recollected mind . Notwithstanding if he will be truly spirituall , he ought to renounce as wel that which is farre off , as that which is neerest vnto him , and to beware of no man more then of himselfe . If thou perfectly ouercome thy selfe , thou shalt with more ease subdue the rest . It is a glorious victory to triumph ouer our selues . For he that keepeth himselfe subiect in such sort , that his sensualitie be subdued to reason , & reason in al things be obedient to me , he is truly a conquerour of himselfe , & Lord of the world .

3. If thou desire to mount vnto this height of perfection , thou must begin manfully , and set the axe to the root , that thou maist plucke vp and destroy thy hidden and inordinate inclination to thy selfe , and vnto all priuate and earthly good . Of this vice ( that man too inordinately loueth himselfe ) almost all dependeth , whatsoeuer is wholy to be ouercome : which being once ouercome & subdued , there will presently ensue great peace and tranquillity . But for that few endeauour perfectly to die vnto themselues , & to forsake themselues wholy , therfore they remaine intangled in themselues , and cannot be lifted vp in spirit aboue themselues : but he that desireth to walke freely with me , it is necessary that he mortify all his inordinate affections , and not adhere vnto any creature by priuate loue .

CHAP. LIV. Of the different motions of Nature and Grace .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . marke diligently the motions of thine owne nature , and my grace , for in very contrary and secret manner these are moued , and can hardly be discerned but by him that is spirituall and inwardly enlightned . All men desire that which is good , and pretend some good in all their words and deeds , & therfore vnder pretence of good , many are deceaued . Nature is deceiptfull and seduceth , intangleth , & deceaueth many , and alwaies proposeth her selfe for her end , but grace walketh with great sincerity , and auoideth all shew of euill , pretendeth not deceipts , & doth all things purely for God , in whome also she finally resteth .

2. Nature will not willingly dye , nor be kept in , nor ouercome , nor be subiect to any , nor be subdued : but grace laboureth to mortifie her selfe , resisteth sensuality , seeketh to be subiect , is willing to be ouercome , and will not vse her owne liberty , she loueth to be kept vnder discipline , and desireth not to rule any , but alwaies to liue and remaine wholy subiect vnto God , and for God is ready humbly to bow vnto all men . Nature striueth for her owne commodity , and considereth what profit she may reape by another : but grace considereth not what is profitable and commodious vnto herselfe , but rather what is profitable to many . Nature willingly receaueth honour & reuerence : but grace faithfully attributeth all honour and glory vnto God .

3. Nature feareth shame and contempt , but grace reioyceth to suffer reproach for the name of Iesus . Nature loueth idlenes , and bodily rest , but grace cannot be idle , but willingly imbraceth labour . Nature seeketh to haue those things that be curious and precious , abhorreth that which is meane and base : but grace delighteth in plaine & humble things , despiseth not course and meane , nor refuseth to wear that which is old & torne Nature respecteth the things of this world , reioyceth at earthly gaine , sorroweth for losse , is moued with euery little iniurious word ; but grace thinketh on that , which is euerlasting , and cleaueth not to that which fadeth with time ; she is not troubled with losse , nor exasperated with iniuries , for that she hath placed her treasure and ioy in heauen where nothing perisheth .

4. Nature is couetous , and doth more willingly receaue then giue , she loueth proper and priuate things ; but grace is pittifull & liberall to all , auoydeth singularity , is content with a little , thinketh it happier to giue , then to receaue . Nature inclineth to creatures , yieldeth to her owne flesh , followeth vanities , and listneth to discourses : but grace draweth vnto God , and seeketh after vertues , renounceth creatures , flesh the world , hateth the desires of the flesh , restraineth wandrings abroad , blusheth to be seene in publike . Nature is willing to haue some outward comfort , wherin she may delight her senses , but grace seeketh comfort in God alone , and delighteth aboue all visible things in the highest good .

5. Nature worketh all for her owne gaine and profit , she can doe nothing freely , but for bestowed benefits : she hopeth to obtaine either that which is equall , or better , either praise or fauour , & coueteth to haue her workes & gifts much esteemed : but grace seeketh no temporal thing , nor asketh any other reward for her deserts then God alone , not desireth more of temporall necessaries , then what may serue her for the obtayning of euerlasting glory .

6. Nature rejoyceth to haue many friends , and kinsfolkes , she glorieth of Noble birth and descent , pleaseth the powerfull , fawneth vpon the rich , applaudeth those that are like herselfe : but grace loueth her enemies , & is not puffed vp with multitude of friends , nor esteemeth place or birth , but where it is ioyned with greater vertue , she rather fauoureth the poore , then the rich , hath more compassion of the innocent , then the powerfull , reioyceth in the simple , & respecteth not the deceiptfull , exhorteth euer the good to labour for the better gifts , and by vertue to resemble the sonne of God . Nature quickly complaineth of any want and trouble : grace constantly suffereth all kind of need .

7. Nature turneth all things to her selfe , striueth and contendeth for her selfe : but grace reduceth all to God , from whence originally they proceed : she ascribeth no good to her selfe , neither doth she arrogantly presume of her selfe : she contendeth not , nor preferreth her opinion before others , but in euery sense & vnderstanding submitteth her selfe vnto the eternall wisdome , and to the diuine iudgment . Nature coueteth to know secrets , and to heare newes ; she will appeare a broad , and make proofe of many things by the experience of her owne senses , she desireth to be known , & to do those things , for which she may be praised and admired : but grace careth not for hearing news , nor to vnderstand curious matters , for that all this springeth from the ancient disorder of our corrupt nature , seing nothing that is new , is durable vpon earth . She teacheth therfore to restraine the senses , to auoid vaine pleasing , and ostentation , humbly to hide those things that are worthy of praise and admiration , and of euery thing and euery knowledg to seeke profitable fruite , and the praise and honour of God : she will not haue her selfe nor hers publickly praised , but desireth that God should be blessed in his gifts , who of meere charity bestoweth all things .

8. This grace is a supernaturall light , and a certaine speciall gift of God , and the proper marke of the elect , and pledge of euerlasting saluation , which lifteth vp a man from earthly basenes to loue things of heauen , & of a carnall maketh him a spirituall person . How much the more therfore nature is depressed and subdued , so much the greater grace is infused , and the inward man daily by new visitations more perfected according to the Image of God .

CHAP. LV. Of the corruption of nature & efficacy of diuine grace .

MY God , * * The Seruant who of thy meere goodnes hast created me to thy Image and likenesse , Gen. 1. graunt me this grace which thou hast shewed to be so great , and so necessary to saluation , that I may overcome my wicked nature , which draweth me to sinne , and to the losse of my soule . For I feele in my flesh the law of sin ; Rom. 7. contradicting the law of my mind , and leading me captiue , to obey sensualitie in many things : neither can I resist the pass●ons therof , vnlesse thy holy grace feruently infused into my hart do assist me .

2. Thy grace o Lord , & great grace is needfull , that nature may be ouercome , which is euer prone to euill from her youth . For by Adam the first man , it falling & being corrupted by sinne , the penalty of this staine hath descended vpon all mankind , in such sort , that nature it selfe , which by thee was created good , & without defect , is now accompted for vice , and for the infirmitie of a corrupted nature , for that the motion therof left vnto it selfe , draweth to euill and abiect things . For the little force which remaineth , is like a certaine sparke , lying hidden in ashes . This is naturall reason it selfe , compassed about with great darknesse , still retayning power to discerne good and euill , and the distance be tweene true and false , although it be vnable to fulfill all , that it approueth and enioyeth not now the full light of truth , nor the former integrity of her affections .

3. Hence it is , my God , that according to my inward man I delight in thy law , Rom. 7. knowing thy commandements to be good , iust , and holy , reprouing also all euill and sunne , and do know that it is to be fled .. But in my flesh I serue the law of sir● , whilst I rather obey sensuality then reason . Hence it is , that I haue a will to do good , but know not how to performe it . For this cause I often purpose many good things , but : for that I want grace to help my infirmity , for a light resistance I go back , and faint . I know the way of perfection , and see cleerly inough what I ought to do , but pressed with the weight of mine owne corruption , I rise not vnto it .

4. O Lord , how needfull is thy grace for me , Ioan. 13. to begin any good worke , to go forward , and to accomplish it . For without it I can do nothing , but in thee I can do all things , when thy grace doth comfort me . O heauenly grace , without which our owne merits are nothing , and no gifts of nature are to be esteemed . Arts , riches , beauty , & strength , wit , or eloquence are of no worth with thee , o Lord , without thy grace . For gifts of nature are common to good & euil , but the peculiar gift of the elect is grace and loue , wher with being marked , they are esteemed worthy of euerlasting life . This grace so much excelleth , that neither the gift of prophesie , nor the working of miracles , nor any speculation , how high soeuer , is of any esteeme without it . Neither faith , nor hope , 1. Cor. 13. nor other vertues are aceptable vnto thee without charity and grace .

5. O most blessed grace , that makest the poore in spirit rich with vertues , and the rich in many blessings , humble in hart , come downe vnto me , replenish me in the morning with thy confort , least my soule should faint with wearines , and wither away with drinesse of mind . I beseech the Lord , Psal. 22. that I may find grace in thy sight , for thy grace sufficeth , though other things that nature desireth be wanting . If I be tempted and vexed with many tribulations , I will not feare euils whilst thy grace is with me : she is my strength , she giueth aduise and help : she is stronger then all enemies , and wiser then all the wise .

6. Thy grace is the mistresse of truth , the teacher of discipline , the light of the hart , the solace in affliction : she driueth away sorrow , she expelleth feare , she is the nurse of deuotion , the bringer forth of teares . What am I without it , but a rotten peece of wood , and an vnprofitable stalke only meet for the fire ? Let thy grace therfore , Lord , alwaies preuent me , and follow me , and make me euer diligent in good workes , through Iesus Christ thy Sonne , Amen .

CHAP. LVI . That we ought to deny our selues , and imitate Christ , by the Crosse .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . looke how much thou canst go out of thy self , so much maist thou enter into me . As to be void of all desire of externall things , maketh inward peace ; so the forsaking of our selues ioyneth vs internally to God . I will haue thee learne the perfect leauing of thy selfe vnto my will , without contradiction and complaint . Ioan. 14. Follow me , I am the way , the truth , and the life . Without the way there is no going , without truth there is no knowledge , without life there is no liuing . I am the way which thou oughtest to fo●low , the truth which thou oughtest to trust , the life for which thou oughtest to hope . I am the way which cannot lead amisse , the truth which cannot erre , the life which cannot end . I am a most strait way , a supreme truth , a true life , a blessed life , an increated life . If thou remaine in me , thou shalt know the truth , & truth shall deliuer thee , & thou shalt apprehend euerlasting life .

2. If thou wilt enter into life , Matt. 19. keep the commaundements : if thou wilt know the truth , belieue me . If thou wilt be perfect , sell all . Luc. 9. If thou wilt be my disciple , deny thy selfe . If thou wilt possesse a blessed life , Ioan. 12. despise this present life . If thou wilt be exalted in heauen , Luc. 14. humble thy selfe vpon earth . If thou wilt raigne with me , beare the crosse with me . For only the seruants of the crosse find the way of blisse and true light .

3. Lord Iesus , * * The Seruant . forasmuch as thy way is narrow , strait and contemptible vnto the world , graunt me grace to imitate thee in suffering willingly all worldly contempt . For the seruant is not greater then his Lord , Matt. 7. nor the Disciple aboue his Maister . Luc. 6. Let thy seruant be exercised in thy holy life , for there is the health and the true sanctity of my soule : whatsoeuer I read or heare besides , doth not recreate or delight me fully .

4. Sonne , † † Our Lord . now that thou knowest and hast read these things , happy shalt thou be , if thou fulfill them . He that hath my commandements and keepeth them , he it is that loueth me , and I will loue him , and will manifest my selfe vnto him , and will make him sit with me in the Kingdome of my Father . Lord * * The Seruant . Iesus , as thou hast said and promised , so giue me grace to deserue , that it be fulfilled . I haue receaued the Crosse , I haue receaued it from thy hand , and I will beare it , and beare it till death , as thou hast laid it vpon me . Truly the life of a good religious person is the crosse , and it is a sure guide to heauen . It is now begunne , it is not lawfull to go back , neither is it fit to leaue that which I haue vndertaken .

5. Let vs then take courage my brethren , & go forwards togeather ▪ Iesus will be with vs , for Iesus sake we haue vndertaken this crosse : for the loue of Iesus let vs perseuere in the crosse . He will be our helper , who is our guide & forerunner . Behould our King goeth before vs , who also will fight for vs : let vs follow him cheerefully , let vs not be dismaied , but be ready to dye with courage in the battaile , and let vs not blemish our glory by flying from the Crosse .

CHAP. LVII . That a man be not too much deiected , when he falleth into some defects .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . patience and humility in time of aduersitie , are more pleasing to me , then much confort and deuotion in prosperitie . Why art thou grieued for euery little trifle spoken & done against thee ? Although it had bene much more thou oughtest not to haue bene moued . But now let it passe , it is not the first that hath happened , nor any new thing , neither shall it be the last , if thou liue long . Thou art cheerfull inough as long as no aduersitie occurreth . Thou canst giue good counsaile also , and canst strengthen others with thy words , but when any tribulation suddainly knocketh at thy doore , thou art destitute of counsel , and void of force . See therefore thy great fraily , which thou often prouest in very small occasions . It is notwithstanding permitted for thy good , when these and such like occasions befall thee .

2. Put it out of thy hart the best thou canst , and if it touch thee , yet let it not detect thee , nor trouble thee long : beare it at least patiently , if thou canst not ioyfully . Although thou be vnwilling to heare it , and feelest in thy hart some motion of disdaine , yet represse thy selfe , and suffer no inordinate word to passe out of thy mouth , which may be a scandall to the weake ▪ The storme which now is raised , shall quickly be appeased , and inward griefe shall be asswaged by the returne of grace . I do yet liue , Esa. 49. saith our Lord , and am ready to help thee , and to giue thee greater comfort then before , if thou put thy trust in me , and callest deuoutly vpon me .

3. Be more patient , & prepare thy selfe to greater suffering . All is not lost , if thou feele thy selfe often afflicted , or grieuously tempted . Thou art a man , and not God : thou art flesh , not an Angell . How canst thou looke to continue euer in the same state of vertue , when an Angell in heauen hath fallen , and the first man in Paradise lost his standing ? I am he that do giue healthfull comfort to them that mourne , Gen. 3. and doe raise vp vnto my Godhead those that know their owne frailtie .

4. Lord , * * The Seruant . blessed be thy sacred word , more sweet vnto my mouth then the hony , & the hony combe . Ps. 118. What should I do in these my so great tribulations and anguish , vnlesse thou didst comfort me with thy holy , sweet , and heauenly speaches ? What matter is it , how much , and what I suffer , so as I may at length attaine to the hauen of blisse ? Grant me a good end , graunt me a happy passage out of this world . Be mindfull of me , my God , and direct me the straight and ready way to the euerlasting Kingdome , Amen .

CHAP. LVIII . Of not searching into high matters , & into the secret iudgments of God .

SONNE , † † Our Lord . beware thou dispute not of high matters , not of the secret iudgments of God , why this man is forsaken , and he assumed to so great grace : why also this man is so much afflicted , and he so greatly aduanced . These things exceed all humane power , neither can any reason or discourse of any man search out the iudgment of God . When the enemy therfore suggesteth these things vnto thee , or some enuious people demand then of thee , answere that of the Prophet : Psal. 118. Thou art iust , o Lord , and thy iudgment is right . And againe : The iudgments of our Lord are true and iustified in themselues . Psal. 1● . My iudgments are to be feared , not to be discussed , for they are such as cannot be comprehended by the vnderstanding of man .

2. In like manner I aduise thee not to inquire , nor dispute of the merits of the Saints , which of them is holier then the other , and which is greater in the Kingdome of heauen . These things oftentimes breed strife and vnprofitable contentions , 1. Tim. 2. they nourish also pride & vaine glory , from whence do vsually spring enuy and dissentions , whilst one wil needs foolishly haue this Saint preferred , and the other , another . To desire to know and search out such things , is to no purpose , but to displease the Saints , of whome they speake . For I am not the God of dissension , but of peace , which peace consisteth rather in true humility , then in exalting our selues .

3. Some are carried with zeale of affection , to loue these , or those most , but this loue is rather humane then diuine . I haue made all the Saints , and haue giuen them grace : I haue made them partakers of my glory . I know the merits of euery one , I haue preuented them in the benedictions of my sweetnesse . I foreknew my beloued before the beginning of the world . Ioan. 15. I chose them out of the world , they chose not me first . I called them by grace , I drew them by mercy , I led them through sundry temptations . I haue sent them great inward comforts , I haue giuen them perseuerance , I haue crowned their patience .

4. I know the first and last : I imbrace all with inestimable loue . I am to be praised in all my Saints , I am to be blessed aboue all things , & to be honoured in euery one , whom I haue thus gloriously exalted , and predestinated without any precedent merits of their owne . He therfore that contemneth one of the least of my Saints , Iac. 2. honoureth not the greatest , for that I made both the lesse and the greater . Sap. 6. And he that dispraiseth any of my Saints , dispraiseth also me , and all the rest in the Kingdome of heauen . All are one by the band of Charity , they thinke the same , they will the same , and are all knit togeather in one perfect band of loue .

5. But yet ( which is much more high ) they loue me more then themselues , and more then their owne merits . For being rauished aboue themselues , and drawne out of the affection of themselues , they tend wholy vnto the loue of me , in which also they rest , enioying me with vnspeakable glory . Nothing can put them backe , nothing presse them downe ; for being full of euerlasting truth , they burne with the fire of vnquenchable charitie . Let therefore carnall and earthlymen , that can affect no other but priuate ioyes , forbeare to dispute of the state of Saints . They adde and take away according to their owne fancies , not as it pleaseth the euerlasting Truth .

6. There is in many great ignorance , specially in those that be slenderly enlightned , and these can seldome loue any with perfect spiritual loue . They are alwaies much drawne by a naturall affection , and humane friendship to this man or to that , & according to the experience they haue of themselues in their earthly affections , so they frame an imagination of heauenly things . But there is an incomparable distance betweene the things , which the imperfect frame in their conceipts , and those which illuminated persons do see by reuelation from aboue .

7. Beware therfore , my Sonne , that thou treat not curiously of these things , Eccli. 3. which exceed thy knowledg , but rather so apply thy endeauours , that thou maist at least haue the meanest place in the Kingdome of heauen . And if any one did know which of the Saints exceeded others in sanctity , or is esteemed greater in the Kingdome of heauen , what would this knowledg auaile him , vnlesse he should thereby humble himselfe the more in my sight , and stirre vp his mind to praise my name with greater feruour . His labour is much more acceptable vnto God , that thinketh of the greatnes of his sinnes , and his want of vertues , & how far off he is from the perfection of the Saints ; then he that disputeth of their greatnes . It is better to pray to the Saints with deuotion & tears , and to craue their glorious suffrages with an humble mind , then to search their secrets with vaine curiosity .

8. They are well and right wel contented , if men could content themselues and refraine from these vaine discourses . They glory not of their owne merits , for they ascribe no good vnto themselues , but attribute all to me , who of my infinite charity haue bestowed my blessings vpon them . They are replenished with so great loue of my Godhead , and so superaboundant ioy , that there is no glory nor happines , that is , or can be wanting vnto them . All the Saints how much the higher they be in glory , so much the more humble they are in themselues , and neerer and deerer vnto me . And therfore thou haft it written , Apoc. 4. That they did cast their Crownes before God , and fell down vpon their faces before the Lambe , and adored him that liueth for euer .

9. Many inquire who is greatest in the Kingdome of God , that know not whether they shall euer be numbred there amongst the least . It is no small matter to be euen the least in heauen , where all are great , for that all there shall be called , and shal be indeed the Sonnes of God . The least there shall be great among thousands , and the sinner of a hundred yeares shall die . Matt. 18. For when the Disciples asked who was the greater in the Kingdome of heauen , they receaued this answere : Vnlesse you be conuerted , & become as little children you shall not enter into the Kingdome of heauen . Whosoeuer therfore shall humble himself as this little child , he is the greater in the Kingdome of heauen .

10. Woe be vnto them that disdaine to humble themselues willingly with little children . Matt. 6. For the low gate of the Kingdome of heauen , will not giue them entrance . And woe be to the rich , that haue their comforts heere , for whilst the poore enter into the Kingdome of God , they shall be wayting without . Reioyce you ●hat be humble : and you that be poore , Matt. 5. be you glad , for yours is the Kingome of God , if you walke according vnto truth .

CHAP. LIX . That all our hope and trust is to be fixed in God alone .

LORD , * * The Seruant . what trust haue I in this world ? Or what is the grea test comfort , that all thinges vnder heauen do yield me ? Is it not thou , my Lord God , whose mercies are without number ? Where hath it bene well with me without thee ? Or when could it be ill with me , when thou wert present ? I had rather be poore for thee , then rich without thee . I rather choose to be a Pilgrime in earth with thee , then to possesse heauen without thee Where thou art , there is heauen : and there is death and hell , where thou art not . Thou art my desire , and therfore it behoueth me to send forth deep sighes from my hart , and crie and pray vnto thee . For I haue none to trust vnto , none that can help me in tyme of necessity , but thee alone , my God . Thou art my hope , and my trust ; thou art my comforter , and most faithfull vnto me in all my distresses .

2. All men seeke their owne gaine , Phil. 2. thou only seekest my saluation and my profit , and turnest all things to my good . Although thou permittest many temptations to assault me , & many aduersities to befall me , yet thou ordainest all this to my good and profit , who art wont to proue thy beloued seruants a thousand waies . In which proofe thou oughtest no lesse to be loued and praysed , then if thou didest replenish me with heauenly comforts .

3. In thee therefore , my Lord God , I put my whole hope and refuge : in thee I place my tribulation and anguish , for I finde all to be weake and vnconstant , whatsoeuer I behould out of thee . For neither can many friends auaile , nor forcible helpers aid , nor wise counsellours giue profitable answere , nor the bookes of the learned comfort , nor any wealth deliuer , nor any secret , or pleasant place defend , if thou thy selfe doest not assist , help , comfort , instruct , and keep vs .

4. For all things that seeme to be ordayned for the rest and solace of man , when thou art absent , are nothing , and do bring indeed no ioy , nor comfort at all . Thou therefore art the end of all that is good , the light of life , the depth of wisdome : and the most forcible comfort of thy seruants , is to trust in thee aboue all things . To thee therefore doe I lift vp myne eyes : In thee my God , the Father of mercies , I put my whole trust . Blesse and sanctifie my soule with thy heauenly blessings , that it may be made thy holy habitation , and the seat of thy eternall glory : and that nothing may be found in the Temple of thy greatnes , that may offend the eyes of thy Maiesty . According to the greatnesse of thy goodnesse , & multitude of thy mercies , take pitty vpon me , and heare the prayer of thy poore seruant , who is farre exiled from thee in the land of the shaddow of death . Protect , and keep the soule of thy seruant , amidst so many dangers of this corruptible life , and by the assistance of thy grace , direct it in the way of peace , to the country of euerlasting light , Amen .

The end of the third Booke .

OF THE FOLLOWING OF CHRIST . THE FOVRTH BOOKE . A deuout Exhortation vnto the blessed Sacrament .

The voice of Christ .

COME vnto me all ye that labour & are burdened , Matt. 11. & I will refresh you , saith our Lord . The bread which I will giue , Ioan. 6. is my flesh , for the life of the world . Matt. 26. Take yee and eate , this is my body that shall be deliuered for you . 1. ● 1.11 . Doe this for the commemoration of me . He that eateth my flesh , and drinketh my bloud , remaineth in me , and I in him . Ioan. 6. The words which I haue spoken vnto you , are spirit and life .

CHAP. I. With how great reuerence Christ ought to be receaued .

THESE are thy words o Christ , euerlasting Truth , though not spoken all at one time , nor written in one and the selfe same place . Because therefore they are thine and true , they are all thankfully & faithfully to be receaued by me . They are thine , and thou hast spoken them , and they are mine also , because thou hast spoken them for my saluation . I willingly receaue them from thy mouth , that they may be the deeper imprinted in my hart . These deuout words so full of sweetnesse and loue , doe stirre me vp , but mine owne offences doe amaze me , and my impure conscience driueth me back from the receauing of so great mysteries . The sweetnesse of thy words doth encourage me , but the multitude of my sinnes do oppresse me .

2. Thou commaundest me to come confidently vnto thee , if I will haue part with thee : and to receaue the food of immortality , if I desire to obtaine euerlasting life and glory . Come , sayst thou , vnto me , all ye that labour and are burdened , Matt. 11. and I will refresh you . O sweet and louely word in the eare of a sinner , that thou my Lord God shouldest inuite the poore and needy to receaue thy most blessed body . But who am I Lord , that I may presume to approach vnto thee ? behould the heauens cannot containe thee , and thou sayst : Come ye all vnto me . Matt. 12.

3. What meaneth this most pious benignity , and so louing inuitation ? How shal I dare to come , that know not any good in me , wherevpon I may presume ? How shall I bring thee into my house , that haue often offended thy most gracious countenance ? The Angels and the Archangels honour thee , the Saints and iust men do feare thee ; and thou saist , Matt. 11. Come ye all vnto me . Vnlesse thou o Lord didst say it , who would belieue it to be true ? And vnlesse thou didst commaund it , who would dare to come vnto thee ? Behould Noe a iust man laboured a hundred yeares in the building of the Arke , Gen. 6. that he might be saued with a few : and how can I in one houres space prepare my selfe to receaue with reuerence the maker of the world ?

4. Moyses thy great seruant , & especiall friend , made an Arke of incorruptible wood , which also he couered with most pure gold , to put the Tables of the Law therein : and I a rotten creature , how shall I so lightly dare to receaue the maker of the Law , and the giuer of life ? Salomon the wisest of the Kings of Israel , 3. Reg. 6. bestowed seauen yeares in building a magnificent Temple , in praise of thy name , & celebrated the feast of the Dedication therof eight daies togeather : 3. Reg. 8. he offered a thousand peaceable sacrifices , and set the Ark in the place prepared for it , with the sound of trumpets , and ioy : and I the most vnhappy and poorest of men , how shall I bring thee into my house , that can scarce spend one halfe houre deuoutly ? and I would to God it were once almost one halfe houre , in worthy and due manner !

5. O my God , how much did they endeauour to please thee , and alas how little is that which I doe ? How short time do I spend , when I prepare my selfe to receaue ? I am seldome wholy recollected , very seldome altogeather free from distraction ; and yet surely no vndecent thought should occurre in the presence of thy Deity , nor any creature draw me vnto it : for I am not to harbour an Angell , but the Lord of Angels .

6. And yet there is great difference betweene the Arke & the Reliques therof , and thy most pure body with his vnspeakable vertues : betweene those legall sacrifices , figures of future things , and the true Sacrifice of thy body , the complement of all ancient Sacrifices Why therfore do I not become more feruent in thy venerable presence ? Wherefore do I not prepare my selfe with greater care to receaue thy sacred gifts , sith those holy ancient Patriarches , & Prophets , yea Kings also and Princes with the whole people haue shewed so great zeale of deuotion to thy diuine seruice ?

7. The most denout King Dauid daunced before the Arke of God with all his force , 2. Reg. 6. calling to mind the benefits bestowed in times past vpon his forefathers . He made Instruments of sundry kinds , he published Psalmes , and appointed them to be sung with ioy : himselfe also oftentimes played vpon the harpe . Being inspired with the grace of the holy Ghost , he taught the people of Israel to praise God with their whole hart , and with pleasant voyces euery day to blesse and praise him . If so great deuotion was then vsed , and such memory of diuine praise before the Arke of the Testament , what reuerence and deuotion is now to be performed by me , and all Christian people in the presence of this Sacrament , in receauing the most precious body of Christ ?

8. Many go to sundry places to visit the Reliques of Saints , and are astonished when they heare of their miraculous works : they behould the spacious buildings of their Churches , & kisse their sacred bones wrapped in silke and gould : And behold thou art heere present with me on the altar , my God , the Holy of Holies , the maker of all things , & Lord of Angels . Oftentimes in those deuotions there is but curiosity of men and nouelty of the beholders in the seeing of such sights , and little fruite of amendment is gotten thereby , especially where there is so vnconstant wandring without true contrition . But here in the Sacrament of the altar , thou art present , my Lord , God and Man , Christ Iesus , where also plentifull fruite of euerlasting saluation is obtained , as often as thou art worthily , and deuoutly receaued . No leuity , no curiosity , or sensuallity draweth vnto this , but firme faith , deuout hope , and sincere charity .

9. O God the inuisible Creatour of the world , how wonderfully doest thou deale with vs ! how sweetly and graciously doest thou dispose of all things with thy elect , to whome thou offerest thy selfe to be receaued in the Sacrament ! O this exceedeth all vnderstanding of man ; this chiefly draweth the harts of the deuout , and inflameth their desire . For thy true faithfull seruants that dispose their whole life to amendment , by this most worthy Sacrament , oftentimes receaue great grace of deuotion , and loue of vertue .

10. O admirable & hidden grace of this Sacrament , which only the faithfull of Christ do know : but the vnfaithfull , and such as are slaues vnto sinne , cannot conceaue nor feele . In this Sacrament spirituall grace is giuen , and lost vertue is restored in the soule : and beautie disfigured by sinne returneth . againe . This grace is sometimes so great , that with the fuinesse of deuotion , which is here giuen , not only the mind , but the weake body also feeleth great increase of strength .

11. Our coldnesse & negligence surely is much to be bewailed & pittied , that we are not drawne with greater affection to receaue Christ , in whome all the hope and merit of those that are to be saued doth con fist . For he is our sanctification and redemption : he is the comfort of passengers , and the euerlasting fruition of Saints . It is much therfore to be lamented that many do so little consider this comfortable mysterie , which reioyceth heauen , and preserueth the whole world ▪ O blindnes and hardnes of mans hart , that doth not more deeply weigh the greatnes of so vnspeakable a gift , but rather comes by the daily vse therof , to regard it little or nothing .

12. For if this most holy Sacrament should be celebrated in one place only , and consecrated by one only Priest in the world : with how great desire doest thou thinke would men be affected to that place : and what esteeme would they haue of such a Priest of Almighty God , by whome they might enioy the consolation of these diuine mysteries ? but now there are many Priests , & Christ is offered vp in many places , that so the grace and loue of God to man may appeare so much the greater , how much the more this sacred Communion is common through the world . Thanks be vnto thee , good Iesu , euerlasting Pastour of our souls , that hast vouchsafed to refresh vs poore & banished men , with thy precious Body & Bloud , & to inuite vs to the receauing of these mysteries with the words of thy owne mouth , saying : Come vnto me all ye that labour and are burdened , Matt. 11. and I wil refresh you .

CHAP. II. That great goodnesse and charity of God is bestowed vpon man in this Sacrament .

The voice of the Disciple .

PRESVMING of thy goodnesse and great mercy , o Lord , being sicke , I approach vnto my Sauiour , hungry and thirsty to the fountaine of life , needy to the King of heauen , a seruant vnto my Lord , a creature to my Creator , desolate to my mer cifull comforter . But whence is this to me , that thou vouchsafest to come vnto me ? Who am I that thou shouldest giue thy selfe vnto me ? Luc. 1. How dare a sinner presume to appeare before thee ? And thou , how doest thou vouchsafe to come vnto a sinner ? Thou knowest thy seruant , and seest that he hath no good thing in him , for which thou shouldest bestow this benefit vpon him I confesse therfore my vnworthinesse , & I acknowledg thy goodnesse : I praise thy mercy , and giue thee thanks for this thy vnspeakable charity . For thou doest this for thine owne goodnesse , not for any merits of mine , to the end that thy goodnesse may be better knowne vnto me , thy charity more aboundantly shewed , and thy humility more highly commended . Since therfore it is thy pleasure , and hast commanded that it should be so , this thy bounty is also pleasing to me , and do wish that my offences may be no hinderance .

2. O most sweet and bountifull Iesu , how great reuerence & thanks , with perpetuall praise is due vnto thee for the receauing of thy sacred body , whose worth and dignity no man is able to expresse ! But what shall I thinke of at this time , now that I am to receaue this diuine Sacrament , and to approach vnto my Lord , to whome I am not able to giue due reuerence , and yet I desire to receaue him deuoutly ? What can I thinke better , and more profitable , then to humble my selfe wholy before thee , and to exalt thy infinite goodnesse aboue me ? I praise thee my God , & will exalt thee for euer : and I do despise , and submit my self vnto thee , euen into the depth of my vnworthinesse .

3. Behould thou art the Holy of Holies , and I the skum of sinners ! behold thou bowest thy selfe downe vnto me , who am not worthy so much as to looke vp vnto thee ! Behould thou commest vnto me : it is thy will to be with me , Psal. 77. thou inuitest me to thy banquet . Ioan. 6. Thou wilt giue me the food of heauen , and bread of Angels to eate , which is no other truely then thy selfe , the liuely bread , that descendest from heauen , and giuest life vnto the world .

4. Behould from whence this loue proceedeth ! what kind of fauour and benignity is this which shineth vpon vs ! What thankes and praises are due vnto thee for these benefits ! O how good and profitable was thy counsell , when thou ordainedst it ! How sweet & pleasant the banquet when thou gauest thy selfe to be our food ! How wonderfull thy worke , o Lord , how powerfull thy vertue , how vnspeakable thy truth ! For thou saidst the word , Gen. 1 & Psal. 148. and all things were made ; & this was done which thou commanndest .

5. A thing of gr●at admiration , and worthy of faith , and surpassing the vnderstanding of man , that thou , my Lord God , true God & Man , shouldest be wholy conteyned vnder a small forme of bread & wine , and shouldest be eaten by the receauer without being consumed . Thou who art the Lord of all things , and standest in need of none , hast pleased to dwell in vs by meanes of this thy Sacrament : preserue my heart and body vnspotted , that with a cheerfull and pure conscience I may often celebrate thy mysteries , and receaue them to my euerlasting health , which thou hast chiefly ordained & instituted for thy honour , and perpetuall memory .

6. Reioyce my soule , and giue thanks vnto God for so noble a gift , and singular comfort left vnto thee in this vale of teares . For as often as thou callest to mind this mysterie , and receauest the body of Christ : so often dost thou worke the worke of thy redemption , and art made partaker of all the merits of Christ . For the charity of Christ is neuer diminished , and the greatnesse of his mercy is neuer lessened . Therefore thou oughtest alwaies to dispose thy selfe hereunto by a fresh renewing of thy mind , and to weigh with attentiue consideration this great mystery of thy saluation . So great , new , and ioyfull it ought to seeme vnto thee , when thou sayest , or hearest Masse , as if the same day Christ first descending into the wombe of the Virgin , were become man , or hanging on the crosse , did suffer and dye for the saluation of mankind .

CHAP. III. That it is profitable to communicate often .

BEHOLD , o Lord , I come vnto thee , Ps. 67. that I may be comforted in thy gift , and be delighted in thy holy banquet , which thou , o Lord hast prepared in thy sweetnesse , for the poore . Behold in thee is all whatsoeuer I can , or ought to desire : thou art my health , and my redemption , my hope and my strength , my honour , and my glory . Make ioyfull therefore this day , the soule of thy seruant , Psal. 85. for that I haue lifted it vp to thee my sweet Iesus I desire to receaue thee now with deuotion , and reuerence . I do long to bring thee into my house , that with Zachaeus I may deserue to be blessed by thee , and numbred amongst the children of Abraham . My soule thirsteth to receaue thy body , my heart desireth to be vnited with thee .

2. Giue thy selfe to me , and it sufficeth . For besides thee no comfort is auailable . I cannot be without thee , nor liue without thy visitation . And therefore I must often come vnto thee , and receaue thee as the only remedy of my health , least perhaps I faint in the way , if I be depriued of thy heauenly food . For so , most mercifull Iesus , thou once didst say , preaching to the people , and curing sundry diseases : Matt 15. I will not send them home fasting , Matt. 8. least they faint in the way . Deale thou therfore in like manner now with me , who hast vouchsafed to leaue thy selfe in the Sacrament for the comfort of the faithfull . For thou art the sweet refection of the soule , and he that eateth thee worthily , shall be partaker , and heire of euerlasting glory . It is necessary for me , that do so often fall and sinne , so quickly wax dull and faint , that by often praiers & confession , and receauing of thy sacred body , I renew , clense , and inflame my selfe , least perhaps by long abstayning I fall from my holy purpose .

3. For man is prone vnto euill from his youth , Gen. 8. and vnlesse this diuine remedie help him , he quickly slideth to worse . This holy Communion therfore draweth back from euill , and comforteth in good , For if I be now so often slack and negligent when I communicate , or say Masse , what would become of me , if I receaued not this remedy , and sought not after so great a help ? Though euery day I be not fit , nor well prepared to say Masse , I will endeauour notwithstanding at conuenient times to receaue the diuine mysteries , and make my selfe partaker of so great a grace . For this is the onely chiefe comfort of a faithfull soule , whilst she wandreth from thee in this mortall body , that being mindfull of her God , she often receaue her Beloued with a deuout mind .

4. O wonderfull benignity of thy mercy towards vs , that thou , Lord God , the Creatour and giuer of life to all spirits , doest vouchsafe to come vnto a poore soule , & with thy whole Godhead and humanity to replenish her hunger O happy mind and blessed soule , that deserueth to receaue thee , her Lord God , with deuout affection , and in receauing of thee to be filled with spirituall ioy ! O how great a Lord doth she intertaine ! How beloued a ghest doth she harbour ! how pleasant a companion doth she receaue ! how faithful a friend doth she accept ! how beautifull and noble a spouse doth she imbrace ! she imbraceth him who is to be loued aboue all that is beloued , and aboue all things that may be desired . Let heauen and earth and all their beauty be silent in thy presence . For what beauty and praise soeuer they haue , it is receaued from thy bounty , and shall not equall the beauty of thy name , of whose wisdome there is no end . Psal. 146.

CHAP. IIII. That many benefits are bestowed vpon them that communicate deuoutly .

The voice of the Disciple .

MY Lord God , Psal. 20. preuent thy seruant in the blessings of thy sweetnesse , that I may deserue to approach worthily and deuoutly to thy holy Sacrament : stirre vp my heart vnto thee , and deliuer me from all heauines and slouth : Psal. 105. visit me with thy comfort , that I may tast in spirit thy sweetnesse , which plentifully lyeth hid in this Sacrament , as a fountaine , Giue light also to mine eyes to behold lo great a mystery , and strengthen me to belieue it with vndoubted faith . For it is thy worke , and not mans power , thy sacred institution , not mans inuention . For no man is of himselfe able to comprehend & vnderstand these things , which surpasse the vnderstanding euen of Angels . What therfore shall I vnworthy sinner , earth and ashes , be able to search and comprehend of so high and sacred a mysterie ?

2. O Lord in sincerity of hart , with a good and firme faith , and at thy commaundement , I come vnto thee with hope and reuerence , and do verily belieue , that thou art heere present in the Sacrament , God and Man . Thy holy pleasure is , that I receaue thee , and by charity do vnite my selfe vnto thee . Wherfore I do recurre vnto thy Clemency , and do craue speciall grace , that I may wholy melt in thee , and abound with loue , and heerafter neuer admit any externall comfort . For this most high and worthy Sacrament is the health of the soule and body , the remedy of all spirituall sicknes : by it my vices are cured , my passions bridled , temptations ouercome or weakened , greater grace infused , vertue increased , faith confirmed , hope strengthened , and charity inflamed and enlarged .

3. For thou hast bestowed , & still oftentimes doest bestow many benefits in this Sacrament vpon thy beloued that receaue it deuoutly , my God the Protectour of my soule , the strengthener of humane frailty , and the giuer of all in ward comfort . Thou impartest vnto them much comfort against sundry tribulations , and liftest them vp from the depth of their owne basenes , to the hope of thy protection , and doest inwardly refresh and illustrate them with a certaine new grace , in such sort , that they who before Communion felt themselues heauy and indisposed , afterwards being strengthened with heauenly meate and drinke , do find in themselues a great change to the better : Which thou doest so dispose to thy elect , that they may truly acknowledge , and patiently proue , how great their owne infirmity is , and what benefit and grace they receaue from thee . For they of themselues are cold , dull , and vndeuout , but by thee they are made feruent , agile , and full of deuotion . For who is there , that approaching humbly vnto the Fountaine of sweetnesse , doth not carry away from thence at least some little sweetnesse ? Or who standing by a great fire , receaueth not some small heate therby ? Esa. 12. Leuit. 6. Thou art a fountaine alwaies full & ouerflowing , a fire euer burning and neuer decaying .

4. Wherfore if I cannot draw at the full out of this fountaine , nor drinke my fill , I will notwithstanding set my lips to the mouth of this heauenly conduite , that I may draw from thence at least some small drop to refresh my thirst , to the end I wither not wholy away and perish . And though I be not altogeather celestiall , nor so inflamed as the Cherubims & Seraphims , not with standing I will endeauour to apply my selfe to deuotion , and dispose my heart to obtaine some small sparke of diuine fire by humble receauing of this life-giuing Sacrament . And whatsoeuer is hereunto wanting in me , good Iesu , most blessed Sauiour , do thou supply for me , most benigne & gratious Lord , who hast vouchsafed to call vs vnto thee , saying : Come vnto me all ye that labour and are burdened , Matt. 11. and I will refresh you .

5. I labour in the sweate of my browes , I am vexed with griefe of hart , I am burdened with sins , I am troubled with temptations , I am intangled and oppressed with many euill passions , and there is none to help me , none to deliuer and saue me , but thou , Lord God , my Sauiour , to whome I commit my selfe , and all mine , that thou maist keep me , and bring me to life euerlasting . Receaue me to the honour and glory of thy name , who hast prepared thy Body and Bloud to be my meat and my drinke . Graunt , Lord God , my Sauiour , that by frequenting thy mysteries , my zeale and deuotion may increase .

CHAP. V. Of the dignity of this Sacrament , and Priestly sunction .

The voice of Christ .

IF thou hadst angelicall purity , & the sanctity of S. Iohn Baptist , Matt. 11. thou wert not worthy to receaue , nor handle this Sacrament . For it is not within the compasse of the deserts of men , that man should consecrate and handle the Sacrament of Christ , and receaue for food the bread of Angells . Psal. 77. A great mystery , and great is the dignity of Priests , to whome is graunted that , which is not permitted to the Angells . For Priests only instituted in the Church , haue power to celebrate , and consecrate the bodie of Christ . The Priest is the Minister of God , vsing the wordes of God , by Gods commaundement , and appointment ; but God is there the principall actour , and inuisible worker , to whome is subiect all that he pleaseth , Gen. 1. Psal. 148. Rom. 9. and all that he commaundeth , doth obey .

2. Thou oughtest therefore to giue more credit to God Almighty in this most excellent Sacrament , then to thine owne sense , or to any visible sign . And therfore thou art to come vnto this Mystery with feare and reuerence . Consider attentiuely with thy self , what that is , wherof the Ministry is deliuered vnto thee by the imposition of hands of the Bishop . Behould thou art made a Priest , & consecrated to say Masse : 1. Tim. ● . see now that in due time thou offer Sacrifice vnto God faithfully & deuoutly , and carry thy selfe so , as thou maist be without reproofe . Thou hast not lightned thy burthe , but art now bound with a straiter band of discipline , and art obliged to a more perfect degree of sanctity . A Priest ought to be adorned with all kind of vertues , and to giue example of good life to others . His conuersation should not be according to the ordinary and common proceedings of men , Phil. 3. but like to the Angels in heauen , or to perfect men on earth .

3. A Priest clothed in sacred garments is the Vicegerent of Christ , to pray humbly , Heb. 5. & with a prostrate mind vnto God for himselfe & the whole people . He hath before , and behind the signe of the Crosse of our Lord , to the end he may euer remember the Passion of Christ : he beareth the Crosse before him in the Vestement , that he may diligently behould the foot-steps of Christ , and feruently endeauour to follow them . He is behind marked with the crosse , that he may patiently suffer for God whatsoeuer aduersities shall be layd vpon him by others . He beareth the crosse before , that he may lament his owne sinnes , and the same he hath also behind , that he may with a compassionate hart bewaile the offences of others , and know that he is place as a mediatour betweene God and the sinner . Neither ought he to cease from praier and holy oblation , till he deserue to obtaine grace and mercy . When a Priest doth celebrate , he honoureth God , reioyceth the Angels , edifieth the Church , helpeth the liuing , giueth rest to the dead , and maketh himselfe partaker of all good deeds .

CHAP. VI. An Interrogation of the exercise before Communion .

The voice of the Disciple .

WHEN I weigh thy greatnesse , o Lord , and my vnworthinesse , I tremble , and am confounded in my selfe . For if I come not vnto thee , I fly from life , & if I vnworthily intrude my selfe , I incurre thy displeasure . What therfore shall I do my God , my helper , and my counsellour in necessity ?

2. Teach me the right way , appoint me some brief exercise sutable to this holy mysterv of sacred Communion . For it is good for me to know , how I should reuerently & deuoutly prepare my heart vnto thee , for the profitable receauing of thy Sacrament , or for the celebrating of so great and diuine a Sacrifice .

CHAP. VII . Of the discussing of our owne conscience , and purpose of amendment .

The voice of the Beloued .

ABOVE all things , the Priest of God ought to come to celebrate , handle , and receaue this Sacrament with great humility of hart , and lowly reuerence , with a full faith , and a Godly desire of the honour of the diuine Maiesty . Examine diligently thy conscience , and to thy power , purge and clense it with true contrition , and humble confession : so as there may be nothing in thee , that may be burdensome vnto thee , or that may breed thee remorse of conscience , and hinder thy free accesse to these heauenly mysteries . Repent thee of all thy sinnes in generall , and in particuler bewaile thy daily offences . And if thou hast time , confesse vnto God in the secret of thy hart , all the myseries of thy disordered passions .

2. Lament and grieue , that thou art yet so subiect to sensuality , and so addicted to the world , so vnmortified in thy passions , so full of the motions of concupiscence , so vnwatchfull ouer thy outward senses , so often intangled with many vaine fantasies , so vehemently inclined to outwardthings , so negligent in the interiour , so prone to laughter and immodesty , so hard to teares & compunction , so prompt to ease & pleasures of the flesh , so dull to austerity & feruour , so curious to heare newes and see vaine sights , so slack to imbrace that which tends to thine owne humiliation and contempt , so couetous of aboundance , so niggardly in giuing , so fast in keeping , so inconsiderate in speach , so vnbridled to silence , so loose in manners , so outragious in deedes , so greedy to meate , so deafe to the word of God , so hasty to rest , so slow to labour , so watchful to tales , so drowsy to watch in the seruice of God , so hasty to the end therof , so inconstant in attention , so negligent in saying thy office , so vndeuout in saying Masse , so dry in receauing , so quickly distracted , so seldome wholy recollected , so suddainly moued to anger , so apt to take displeasure against another , so prone to iudge , so seuere to reprehend , so ioyfull in prosperity , so weake in aduersity , so often purposing much good , and performing little .

3. These and other thy defects confessed , & bewailed with sorrow , and great dislike of thine owne infirmity , make a firme purpose alwaies to amend thy selfe , and to go forwards in vertue . Then with full resignation , and with thy whole will offer thy selfe vp to the honour of my name , a perpetuall sacrifice in the altar of thy hart , faithfully committing thy body & soule vnto me , that thou maist so also deserue to come worthily to offer sacrifice vnto God , and to receaue profitably the Sacrament of my body .

4. For there is no oblation more worthy , nor satisfaction greater , for the washing away of sinnes , then to offer vp our selues vnto God purely and wholy with the oblation of the Body of Christ in the Masse , and in Communion . And when a man shal haue done what lyeth in him , and shall be truly penitent , as I liue , Ezec. 18. saith our Lord , who will not the death of a sinner , but rather that he be conuerted and liue , I will not remember his sinnes any more , but they shall be all forgiuen him , and fully pardoned .

CHAP. VIII . Of the oblation of Christ on the Crosse and resignation of our selues .

The voice of the Beloued

AS I willingly offered vp my selfe vnto God my Father , with my hands stretched forth on the Crosse , and my body naked for thy sinnes , so that nothing remained in me that was not turned into a sacrifice , for the appeasing of the diuine wrath : so oughtest thou also to offer vp thy selfe willingly vnto me daily in the Masse , as a pure and holy oblation , with thy whole force , and desire , in as harty a manner as thou canst . What do I require of thee more , Prou. 23. then that thou resigne thy selfe wholy vnto me ? Whatsoeuer thou giuest besides thy selfe , is of little accompt in my sight , for I seeke not thy gift , but thee .

2. As it would not suffice thee to haue all things whatsoeuer besides me ; so neither can it please me whatsoeuer thou giuest , if thou offerest not vp thy selfe . Offer thy selfe vnto me , and giue thy selfe , all that thou art , for God , and thy offering shall be gratefull . Behould I offered vp my selfe wholy vnto my Father for thee , and gaue my whole body , & bloud for thy food , that I might be wholy thine , and thou remaine mine . But if thou abidest in thy self , and doest not offer thy selfe vp freely vnto my will , thy oblation is not entire , neither shall the vnion betweene vs be perfect . Therfore a free offering vp of thy selfe into the hands of God , ought to go before all thy actions , if thou wilt obtaine freedome and grace . For this cause so few become in wardly illuminated , and enioy true liberty of hart , for that they do not resolue wholy to deny themselues . My saying is vndoubtedly true : Ioan. 14. Vnlesse one forsake all , he cannot be my Disciple . If thou therfore wish to be mine , offer vp thy self vnto me with thy whole desires .

CHAP. IX . That we ought to offer vp our selues & all that is ours vnto God , and to pray for all .

The voice of the Disciple .

THINE , O Lord , are all things that are in heauen and in earth . Psal: 23. I desire to offer vp my self vnto thee , as a free oblation , and to remaine alwaies thine O Lord , in sincerity of my hart , I offer my selfe vnto thee this day , in sacrifice of perpetuall praise , to be thy seruant for euer . Receaue me with this holy oblation of thy precious body , which in the presence of the Angells inuisibly attending heere vpon thee , I offer vp this day vnto thee , that it may be to the health of my soule , and the saluation of all thy people .

2. I offer vnto thee , o Lord , all my sinnes & offences , which I haue committed in the sight of thee , and thy holy Angels , from the day wherin I first could sinne , to this houre , vpon thy holy altar : that thou maist consume and burne them al with the fire of thy charity , and wash out all the staines of my sinnes , and cleanse my conscience from all offence , and restore to me againe thy grace , which I lost by sinne , forgiuing me all my offences , and receauing me mercifully in the kisse of peace .

3. What can I do for my sinns , but humbly confesse and bewaile them , Psal. 31. and intreat alwaies for mercy without intermission ? I beseech thee , heare me in thy aboundant mercy , when I stand before thee my God . All my sinnes are very displeasing vnto me I will neuer commit them any more , but I am sory , and will be sory for them as long as I liue , and am ready to do pennance and to satisfy for them to the vttermost of my power . Forgiue me , o God , forgiue me my sinnes , for thy holy names sake : saue my foule , which thou hast redeemed with thy precious Bloud . Behould I commit my selfe vnto thy mercy , I refigne my selfe ouer into thy hands . Do with me according to thy goodnesse , not according to my wickednes , and manifold iniquity .

4. I offer vp also vnto thee all whatsoeuer is good in me , although it be very little and imperfect , that thou maist amend and sanctify it , that thou maist make it gratefull and acceptable vnto thee , and alwaies perfect more and more that which thou hast begun , and bring me also , who am the slouthfull and vnprofitable creature , to a good and blessed end .

5. I offer vp also vnto thee all the Godly desires of deuout persons , the necessities of my parents & friends , my brethren & sisters , & of al those that are deere vnto me , & that haue done good either to myself or others for thy loue , and that haue desired me to say Maste and pray for them , & all theirs , whether they be yet aliue , or already dead : that they all may receaue the help of thy grace and comfort , protection from dangers , delinery from paine , and being freed from all euills , may ioyfully giue worthy thankes to thee .

6. I offer vp also vnto thee my prayers , and sacrifices , especially for them who haue in any thing wronged , grieued , or slaundered me , or haue done me any domage or displeasure , and for those also , whome I haue at any time grieued , troubled , and scandalized by words , or deeds , wittingly , or at vnawares : that it may please thee to forgiue vs al our sinnes & offences , one against the other . Take , o Lord , from our harts all iealousie , all indignation , wrath , & contention , and whatsoeuer may hurt Charity , and weaken brotherly loue . Haue mercy , o Lord ; haue mercy on those , that craue thy mercie : giue grace vnto them , that stand in need thereof , and graunt that we may be worthy to enioy thy grace , and attaine to life euerlasting , Amen .

CHAP. X. That the holy Communion is not lightly to be forborne .

The voice of the Beloued .

THOV oughtest often to haue recourse to the Fountaine of grace , and of diuine mercy , to the Fountaine of goodnesse , and of all piety , that thou maist be cured of thy sinnes and passions , and deserue to be made more strong and vigilant against all temptations and deceipts of the Diuell . The enemie knowing the greatest profit , and remedie to consist in the holy Communion , endeauoureth by all meanes and occasions to withdraw and hinder faithfull and deuout persons from it .

2. Some when they purpose to receaue the sacred Communion , suffer greatest assaultes of the Diuell . For that wicked spirit ( as is written in Iob ) commeth amongst the Sonnes of God , to trouble them with his accustomed malice & impiety , or to make them ouer fearfull & perplexed , that so he may diminish their affection , or by his subtile assaultes , take away their faith , to the end they may either altogeather abstaine from this diuine food , or at least come vnto it with lesse deuotion . But there is no heed to be taken of his frauds and malicious suggestions , be they neuer so filthy and hideous , but all is to be turned back vpon his owne head . We ought to contemne and scorne him miserable wreth , and not to omit the sacred communion for his assaults , and the troubles which he raiseth .

3. Oftentimes also an excessiue care for the obtaining of deuotion , and a certaine anxiety for the making of our Confession hindreth vs . Follow in these occasions the counself of the wise , and put away all anxiety and scruple , for it hindreth the grace of God , and ouerthroweth deuotion . Omit not for euery small vexation of the mind which happeneth , to receaue this holy Sacrament , but go presently to confession , and willingly forgiue others , whatsoeuer offences they haue done against thee : and if thou hast offended any , humbly craue pardon , and God will willingly forgiue thee .

What auaileth it to delay confession , and to defer receauing ? Purge thy selfe with speed , spit out the venom presently , make hast to take a remedy , and thou shalt find it better , then if thou deferredst it long . If thou omittest it to day for this cause , perhaps to morrow some greater will fall out , & so thou maist be hindred a long time from these diuine mysteries , and become more vnfit . Stirre vp thy selfe , and shake off all heauinesse and flouth , with the greatest force and speed thou canst . For it profiteth nothing to continue long in disquietnes and trouble of mind , and for daily occurring impediments to withdraw thy selfe from the Sacraments . Yea it hurteth very much to defer Communion long , for it is wont to breed a great and dangerous dulnesse . Alas , some cold and dissolute people , do willingly delay their confession , & do therfore defer the sacred Communion , least they should be bound to greater watch ouer themselues .

5. O how little charity & weake deuotion haue they that so easily omit the receauing of these holy mysteries ! How happy is he and gratefull to God , who ordereth so his life , and keepeth his conscience in such purity , that he may be readie and fit to communicate euery day , if it were conuenient & might be done without note . If any one sometimes abstaine of humility , or by reason of some lawfull impediment , he is to be commended for the reuerence which therin he sheweth . But if it proceedeth of coldnesse , he must stir himselfe vp , & do what lieth in him , and God will prosper his desire , for the good will he hath to do it , which God doth chiefly respect .

6. And when any lawfull hindrance doth happen , he must alwaies haue yet a good will , and louing desire to communicate , and so shall he not loose the fruit of the Sacrament . For a deuout person may euery day and houre profitably and without let , receauc Christ spiritually : and yet on certaine daies , and at time appointed he ought to receaue Sacramentally with a reuerend desire the Bodie of his Redeemer , and rather seeke the honour and glory of God , 1. Cor. 11. then his owne comfort . For he communicateth mystically , and 〈◊〉 inuisibly fed , as often as he deuoutly calleth to mind the mysterie of the Incarnation , and the Passion of Christ , and is inflamed with his loue .

7. He that prepareth not himself , but when a feast draweth neere , and when custome compelleth him therunto , shall often be vnprepared . Blessed is he that offereth himselfe vp as an Holocaust & burnt offring to our Lord , as often as he doth celebrate or communicate . Be not too long nor too short in saying Masse , but keep the accustomed manner of those , with whome thou liuest . Thou oughtest not to be tedious & troublesom to others , but to obserue the common course according to the appointment of thy Superiours : and rather frame thy selfe to the profit of others , then to thine owne deuotion or desire .

CHAP. XI . That the Body of Christ , and the holy Scripture are most necessary vnto a faythfull soule .

The voice of the Disciple .

OMOST sweet Lord Iesu , how great is the delight of a deuout soule that feasteth with thee in thy banquet , where there is no other meate offered to be eaten , but thy selfe her only beloued , and most to be desired aboue all the desires of her hart . And verily it would be a great comfort vnto me , to powre out teares from the bottome of my hart in thy presence , Luc. 7. and with deuout Magdalen to wash thy feet with the teares of mine eyes . But where is this deuotion ? Where is so plentifull shedding of holy teares ? Surely in the sight of thee and thy holy Angels , my whole hart should be inflamed and dissolue into teares for ioy . For I enioy thee in the Sacrament really present , although hidden vnder another forme .

2. For to behould thee in thine owne diuine brightnesse , mine eyes would not be able to endure it , neither could the whole world stand in the clearnesse of the glory of thy Maiesty . Thou therfore prouidest for my weaknesse in that thou couerest thy selfe vnder the Sacrament . I do really enioy and adore him , whome the Angels adore in heauen , but I as yet for the time in faith , they in his proper forme , and without shaddow . I ought to be contented with the light of true faith , and to walke therin , vntill the day of euerlasting brightnesse breake forth , and the shaddowes of figures passe away . But when that shall come which is perfect , 1. Cor. 13. the vse of Sacraments shall cease . For the blessed in heauenly glory need not the remedy of Sacraments , who reioyce without end in the presence of God , behoulding his glory face to face , and being transformed by his brightnesse into the brightnesse of the incomprehensible Deity , they tast the word of God made flesh , as he was from the beginning , and as he remaineth for euer .

3. Whilst I remember these thy wonderfull works , all spirituall confort whatsoeuer becometh very tedious vnto me : for that as long as I behould not my Lord openly in his glory , I make no accompt of whatsoeuer I see or heare in this life . Thou art my witnes , o God , that nothing can comfort me , no creature giue me rest , but thou my God , whome I desire to behould euerlastingly . But this is not possible whilst I remaine in this mortall life . Therfore I must frame my selfe to much patience , & submit my selfe to thee in all my desires . Heb 10. & 11. For thy Saints also , o Lord , who now reioyce with thee in the Kingdome of heauen , whilest they liued expected in faith and great patience the comming of thy glory . What they belieued , I belieue ; what they hoped for , I expect ; whither they are come , I trust I shall come by thy grace . In the meane time I will goe forward in faith , strengthened by the examples of the Saints . I haue also deuout bookes for my comfort , and for the guide of my life , and aboue all these , thy most holy Body for a singular remedie and refuge .

4. For I perceaue two things to be chiefly necessary for me in this life , without which this miserable life would be insupportable vnto me . Whilst I am kept in the prison of this bodie , I acknowledge my selfe to stand in need of two things , to wit , food , and light . Thou hast therfore giuen vnto me , Ioan. 6. weake creature , thy sacred Bodie for the refection of my soule & bodie , and hast set thy word as a light vnto my feet : Psal. 118. without these two I could not well liue . For the word of God is the light of the soule , & thy Sacrament , the bread of life . Psal. 22. Heb. 9. &c 13. These also may be called the two tables set on the one side & the other , in the store-house of the holy Church . One is the table of the holy Altar , conteyning the sacred bread , that is , the precious body of Christ : the other is of the diuine law , conteyning holy doctrine , teaching true faith , and certainely leading to the part of the Temple within the veile , where are the Holy of Holies . Thanks be vnto thee , Lord Iesu , light of euerlasting light , for thy table of holy doctrine , at which thou seruest vs by thy seruants the Prophets and Apostles , & other Doctours .

5. Thanks be vnto thee Creatour and Redeemer of man , who to manifest thy charity to the whole world hast prepared a great supper , Luc. 14. wherin thou hast offered to be eaten , not the mysticall lambe , but thine owne most sacred Body and Bloud , Ioan. 6. reioycing all the faithfull with thy holy banquet , and replenishing them to the full with thy heauenly Cuppe , Psal. 22. in which are all the delights of heauen , Sap. 16. and the holy Angels do feast with vs , but with a more happy sweetnesse .

6. O how great and honorable is the office of Priests , to whome it is graunted with sacred words to consecrate the Lord of Maiesty , with their lips to blesse him , with their hands to hould him , with their own mouth to receaue him , and to administer him to others ! O how cleane ought to be those hands ! How pure that mouth ! How holy the body ! How vnspotted the hart of the Priest , into whome the Author of purity so often entreth ! Nothing but holy , no word but chast and profitable ought to proceed from the mouth of the Priest , which so often receaueth the Sacrament of Christ .

7. Simple and chast ought to be the eyes , that are wont to behould the body of Christ , the hands pure and lifted vp to heauen , that vse to handle the Creator of heauen and earth . Vnto the Priests especially it is said in the Law : Be ye holy , Leuit. 19. & 20. for that I your Lord God am holy .

8. Assist vs Almighty God with thy grace , that we , who haue vndertaken the office of Priesthood , may serue thee worthily and deuoutly in all purity , and with a sincere conscience . And if we cannot liue in so great innocency as we ought to do , graunt vs notwithstanding in due manner to bewaile the sinnes which we haue committed , and in the spirit of humility , and sincere intention to serue thee heerafter with more feruour .

CHAP. XII . That he that is to communicate , ought to prepare himselfe with great diligence .

The voice of the Beloued .

I AM the louer of purity , Psal. 23. & Matt. 5. and the giuer of all sanctitie . I seek a pure hart , and there is the place of my rest . Marc. 14. & Luc. 22. Make ready & adorne for me a great chamber , and I will make with thee the Pasch with my Disciples . If thou wilt haue me come vnto thee , and remaine with thee , purge the old leauen , 1. Cor. 5. and make cleane the dwelling of thy hart : shut out the whole world , and all tumult of vices : sit like a sparrow solitary vpon the house top , and thinke of thy offences in the bitternesse of thy soule . For euery louer prepareth the best and fairest roome for his beloued , & heerin is knowne the affection of him that intertaineth his beloued .

2. Know thou notwithstanding that the worth of no action of thine , is able to make this preparation sufficient , although thou shouldest prepare thy selfe a whole yeare togeather , and thinke on nothing else : but of my mercy and grace onely thou art suffred to come to my table , like a beggar inuited to dinner to a rich man , who hath nothing else to returne him for his benefits , but to humble himselfe , & giue him thanks . Doe what lieth in thee , and do it diligently , not for custome , nor for necessity , but with feare and reuerence , and harty affection receaue the body of thy beloued Lord and God , who vouchsafeth to come vnto thee . I am he that haue called thee , I haue commaunded it to be done , I will supply what is wanting in thee , come and receaue me .

3. When I bestow the grace of deuotion on thee , giue thankes to God , for it is giuen thee , not for that thou deseruest it , but because I haue mercy on thee . If thou haue it not , but rather feele thy selfe dry , continue in prayer , sigh and knock , and giue not ouer vntill thou deserue to receaue some crumme or drop of grace . Thou hast need of me , not I of thee , neither comest thou to sanctify me , but I come to sanctify and make thee better . Thou comest that thou maist be sanctified by me , and vnited vnto me , that thou maist receaue new grace , and be stirred vp againe to amendment . Neglect not this grace , but prepare thy hart with all diligence , and receaue thy beloued into thy soule .

4. But thou oughtest not only to prepare thy selfe to deuotion before Communion , but carefully also to conserue thy selfe therin , after thou hast receaued the Sacrament . Neither is the carefull guard 〈◊〉 thy selfe after , lesse exacted , then deuout preparation before . For a good guard afterwards is the best preparation thou canst make for the obtaining againe of greater grace , because that mans mind becommeth very indisposed , if he presently powre himselfe out to outward comforts . Beware of much talke , remaine in some secret place , & inioy thy God . For thou hast him whome all the world cannot take from thee . I am he , to whome thou oughtest wholy to giue thy selfe , that so thou maist liue heerafter not in thy selfe , but in me , without all care .

CHAP. XIII . That a deuout soule ought to desire with her whole hart to be vnited vnto Christ in the Sacrament .

The voice of the Disciple .

HOW may I obtaine this , o Lord , that I may find thee alone , and open my whole hart vnto thee , and enioy thee as my soule desireth ? And that no man may looke vpon me , nor any creature moue me or respect me , but thou alone maist speake vnto me , and I to thee , Exod. 33. & Cant. 8. as the beloued is wont to speake to his beloued , and a friend to banquet with his friend . This I pray for , this I desire , that I may be wholy vnited vnto thee , and may withdraw my hart from all created things , & more & more , by sacred Communion and often celebrating , learne to tast of heauenly and euerlasting sweetnes . O Lord God , when shall I be wholy vnited and absorpt by thee , and altogeather forgetfull of my self ! thou in me , Ioan. 15. and I in thee , and so graunt vs both to continue in one .

2. Thou art my beloued , Cant. 5. the choicest amongst thousands , in whom my soule hath taken pleasure to dwell all the dayes of her life . Thou art my peace-maker in whome is greatest peace , and true rest , without whome is labour and sorrow , and infinite miserie . Thou art a hidden God , & thy counsell is not with the wicked , but thy speach is with the humble & simple of hart . Prou. 3. O Lord , how sweet is thy spirit , Sap. 12. who to the end , thou mightest shew thy sweetnes towards thy children , vouchsafest to feed them with the most delightsome bread which descendeth from heauen , & is full of all sweetnes . Surely there is no other Nation so great , Deut. ● . that hath Gods approaching vnto them , as thou our God art present to all thy faithfull , vnto whome for their daily comfort , and for the lifting vp of their harts to heauen , thou giuest thy selfe to be eaten and enioyed .

3. For what other Nation is there so famous , as the Christian people ? or what creature vnder heauen so beloued , as a deuout soule , to whome God himselfe commeth to feed her with his glorious flesh ? O vnspeakable grace ! O admirable fauour ! O infinite loue singularly bestowed vpon man ! Psal. 115. But what shall I giue vnto our Lord in returne of this grace , for so singular a charity ? There is no other thing more gratefull that I am able to giue , then to bestow my hart wholy on my God , and to vnite it perfectly vnto him . Then shall all my bowels reioyce , when my soule shall be perfectly vnited vnto God . Then he will say vnto me : if thou wilt be with me , I will be with thee . And I will answer him : Vouchsafe , o Lord , to remaine with me , and I will be with thee This is my whole desire , that my hart be vnited vnto thee .

CHAP. XIIII . Of the feruent desire of some deuout persons to receaue the Body of Christ .

The voice of the Disciple .

O HOW great is the store of thy sweetnesse , Psal. 30. o Lord , which thou hast hidden for them that feare thee ! When I remember some deuout persons who come vnto thy Sacrament , o Lord , with great deuotion and affection , I am oftentimes confounded , and blush within my selfe , that I come so negligently and coldly to thy Altar , to the table of holy Communion , that I remaine so dry , and without spirituall motion or feeling , that I am not wholy inflamed in thy presence , my God , nor so earnestly drawne and moued , as many deuout persons haue beene , who out of a vehement desire of receauing , and a feeling affection of hart , could not containe themselues from weeping , but with the desire both of soule and body they earnestly longed after thee , o God , the liuely fountaine , being not otherwise able to temper nor satisfie their hunger , but by receauing thy body with all ioy and spirituall greedinesse .

2. O most ardent faith of those persons , a probable argument of thy sacred presence . Luc. 24. For these truly know their Lord in the breaking of bread , whose hart burneth so within them , whilst thou ; o blessed Iesu , walkest with them . Such desire and deuotion , so vehement loue and feruency is oftentimes far off from me . Be mercifull vnto me , good Iesu , sweet & benigne Lord , and graunt me thy poore needy creature , to feele sometimes at least , in this holy Sacrament , a little cordiall desire of thy loue that my faith may be more strengthned , my hope in thy goodnesse increased , and that my charity once perfectly inflamed , after the rafting of heauenvly Manna , may neuer decay .

3. Thy mercy , o Lord , is able to giue me the grace I desire , and to visit me in thy bounteous clemency with the spirit of feruour , when it shall please thee . For although I burn not with so great desire as those that are so especially deuoted vnto thee : yet notwithstanding by thy grace , I desire to haue this great inflamed desire , praying and crauing that I may participate with all such thy feruent louers , and be numbred among them in their holy company .

CHAP. XV. That the grace of deuotion is obtayned by humility and deny all of our selues .

The voice of the Beloued .

THOV oughtest to seeke the grace of deuotion instantly , to aske it earnestly , to expect it patiently and confidently , to receiue it ioyfully , to keep it humbly , to worke with it diligently , and to commit the time and manner of this heauenly visitation to God , vntill it shall be his pleasure to come . Thou oughtest chiefly to humble thy selfe , when thou feelest inwardly little or no deuotion , and yet not to be too much deiected , nor to grieue inordinately for it . God often giueth in a short moment that , which he hath long time denyed : he giueth sometimes in the end that , which in the beginning of prayer he differred to graunt .

2. If grace should be alwaies presently giuen , and at hand euer with a wish , it could not be well indured by a weake man . Therfore deuotion is to be expected with good hope , and humble patience : yet impute it to thy selfe , and thy sinnes , when it is not giuen thee , or when it is secretly taken from thee . It is sometimes a small matter that hindreth and hideth grace from vs , if it be to be called small , and not rather a great matter , that hindreth so great a good . And if thou remoue this , be it great or small , and perfectly ouercome it , thou shalt haue thy desire .

3. For presently as soone as thou giuest thy selfe to God , and seekest not this , nor that , for thine owne pleasure or will , but fetlest thy selfe wholy in me , thou shalt find thy selfe vnited vnto him , and quiet . For nothing will tast so well , and please thee so much , as the will and pleasure of God . Whosoeuer therfore with a sincere hart directeth his intention to God , and purgeth him selfe from all inordinate loue , or dislike of any creature , shall be most fit to receaue grace , and worthy of the gift of deuotion . For our Lord bestoweth his blessing there , where be findeth his vessels empty . And how much the more perfectly one forsaketh these basest things , and dieth to him selfe by contempt of him selfe : so much the more speedily grace commeth , & entreth in more plentifully , and lifteth vp the hart that is free , to a higher state of grace .

4. Then shall be see , and abound , Psa. 60. and wonder , and his hart shall be enlarged , because the hand of our Lord is with him , and he hath put himselfe wholy into his hand for euer . Behold so shall the man be blessed , that seeketh Almighty God with his whole hart , and taketh not his soule in vaine . This man deserueth great grace of diuine vnion , in receauing the holy Eucharist , for that he regardeth not his owne deuotion and comfort , but aboue all deuotion and comfort , he prizeth the honour and glory of God .

CHAP. XVI . That we ought to manifest our necessities vnto Christ , and to craue his grace .

The voice of the Disciple .

O MOST sweet & louing Lord whome I now desire to receaue deuoutly , thou knowest my infirmity , and the necessity which I endure , with how many sinnes I am oppressed , how often I am grieued , tempted , troubled , and defiled . I come vnto thee for remedy , I craue of thee thy heauenly comfort , and the ease of my paine . I speake to him that knoweth all thinges , to whome all my secrets are open , and who can only perfectly comfort and help me . Thou knowest what it is , wherof aboue all things I stand in most need , and how poore I am in vertues .

2. Behould I stand before thee , poore and naked , calling for grace , and crauing mercy . Refresh this thy hungry and needy creature , giue heate vnto my coldnesse with the fire of thy loue , giue light vnto my blindnesse with the brightnesse of thy presence . Turne all earthly things vnto me , into bitternesse , all things grieuous and contrary , into patience , all base and created things , into contempt and obliuion . Lift vp my hart to thee in heauen , and suffer me not to wander vpon earth : be thou only sweet and delightsome vnto me from henceforth for euermore , for thou only art my meate , and my drinke , my loue and my ioy , my delight and all my good .

3. O that with thy presence thou wouldest wholy inflame , burn , and change me into thee , that I might be made one spirit with thee , by the grace of inward vnion and melting of burning loue ! Suffer me not to goe from thee hungrie and dry , but deale mercifully with me , as thou hast oftentimes dealt wonderfully with thy Saints . What meruaile if I should be wholy inflamed by thee , and dye in my selfe , sith thou art fire euer burning and neuer decaying , loue purifying the hart , & inlightening the vnderstanding .

CHAP. XVII . Of burning loue & vehement desire to receaue Christ .

The voice of the Disciple .

WITH great deuotion & burning loue , with most hartie affection and feruour I desire to receaue thee , o Lord , as many Saints and deuout persons haue desired thee , when they receaued thy Sacrament , who were most pleasing vnto thee in holinesse of life , and most feruent in deuotion . O my God the euerlasting loue , my whole good my happinesse without end , I would gladly receaue thee with the most vehement desire , and worthy reuerence , that any of the Saints euer had , or could feele .

2. And although I be vnworthy to haue all those feelings of deuotion , yet I offer vnto thee the whole affection of my hart , as if I alone had those most sweet inflamed desires : yea whatsoeuer also a deuout mind can conceaue and desire , all that , with greatest reuerence , and most inward affection I offer and present vnto thee . I wish to reserue nothing to my selfe , but freely and most willingly to sacrifice my selfe and all mine vnto thee , my Lord God , my Creatour , and my Redeemer . I desire to receaue thee this day with such affection , reuerence , praise and honour , with such gratitude , worthinesse , and loue , with such faith , hope , and purity , as thy most blessed Mother the glorious Virgin Mary receaued , and desired thee , when she humbly and deuoutly answered the Angell , who declared vnto her the mystery of the Incarnation , and sayd : Behold the handmaid of our Lord , Luc. 1. let it be done vnto me according to thy word .

3 And as thy blessed Forerunner , the most excellent amongst the Saints Iohn Baptist cheerfully leaped with ioy of the holy Ghost , whilst he was yet shut vp in his mothers wombe : and afterwards seing Iesus walking amongst men , humbling himselfe very much , said with deuout affection : The friend of the Bridegrome that standeth & heareth him , Ioan. 3. reioyceth with ioy for the voice of the Bridegrome : so I also wish to be inflamed with great and holy desires , and to offer my selfe vp to thee with my whole hart . Wherfore I offer also and present vnto thee the ioyes , feruent desires , excesses of mind , spirituall illuminations , & heauenly visions of all deuout harts , with all the vertues and praises exercised , and to be exercised by all creatures in heauen and earth , for my selfe , and all such as are commended to me in prayer , that by all thou maist be worthily praised , and glorified for euer .

4. Receaue , my Lord God , the affections of my hart and desires , which I haue to giue thee , infinite praise and thankes , which according to the measure of thy vnspeakable greatnesse are due vnto thee . These I yield thee , and desire to yield thee euery day and moment , and I doe intreate , and inuite all the heauenly spirits , and all thy deuout seruants to giue thankes and praises togeather with me .

5. Let all People , Tribes , and Tongues praise thee , and magnify thy holy and sweet name with great ioy , and feruent deuotion : and let all that reuerently and deuoutly celebrate thy most high Sacrament , and receaue it with full faith , deserue to find grace , and mercy at thy hands , and pray humbly for me sinfull creature . And when they shall haue obtained their desired deuotion and ioyfull vnion , and depart from thy sacred heauenly table well comforted and meruailously refreshed , let them vouchsafe to remember my poore and needy soule .

CHAP. XVIII . That a man be not a curious searcher of this Sacrament , but an humble follower of Christ , submitting his sense vnto faith .

The voice of the Beloued .

THOV oughtest to beware of curious and vnprofitable searching into this most profound Sacrament , if thou wilt not sink into the depth of doubt . Prou. 25. He that is a searcher of Maiesty● , shal be oppressed by glory . God is able to worke more then man can vnderstand . A pious and humble inquiry of truth is tolerable , so he be alwaies ready to be taught , and do endeauour to walke in the sound pathes of the ancient Fathers doctrine .

2. Bessed is that simplicity , that forsaketh the difficult waies of questions , and goeth on in the plaine and assured path of Gods Commandements . Many haue lost deuotion , whilst they would search after high things . Faith and sincere life are exacted at thy hands , not height of vnderstanding , nor the depth of the mysteries of God . If thou doest not vnderstand , nor conceaue those things that are vnder thee , how shalt thou be able to comprehend those that are aboue thee ? Submit thy selfe to God , and let thy sense be subiect to faith , and the light of knowledge shall be giuen thee in that degree , as shall be profitable and necessary for thee .

3. Some are grieuously tempted about faith and the Sacrament , but this is not to be imputed to them , but rather to the enemie . Do not regard nor dispute with thy thoughts , neither do thou giue answere to the doubts moued by the enemie , but belieue the words of God , belieue his Saintes and Prophets , and the wicked Serpent will fly from thee . It is oftentimes very profitable to the seruant of God to suffer such things . For he tempteth not Infidels and sinners , whome he already securely possesseth , but he sundry waies tempteth & vexeth the faithfull and deuour .

4. Go forward therfore with a sincere and vndoubted faith , and come to the Sacrament with vnfaigned reuerence . And whatsoeuer thou art not able to vnderstand , commit fecurely to Almighty God . God deceaueth thee not : he is deceaued that trusteth too much to himselfe . Ps. 19. &c. 118. God walketh with the simple , Matt. 11. reuealeth himselfe to the humble , giueth vnderstanding to little ones , openeth the senses of pure minds , and hideth grace from the curious and proud . Humane reason is weake , and may be deceaued , but true sayth cannot be deceaued .

5. All reason & naturall search ought to follow faith , not to go before it , nor impugne it . For faith and loue do chiefly excell , & worke in a hidden manner in this most blessed and excellent Sacrament . God , who is euerlasting , and of infinite power , doth great and inscrutable things in heauen and in earth , and there is no searching of his wonderfull workes . If the workes of God were such , as might be easily comprehended by humane reason , they were not to be called wonderfull and vnspeakable .

FINIS .