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

HEE that followeth me ▪ walketh not in darknes , saith our Lord . Ioh. 8. 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 heart . Let therefore our chiefe care be to meditate vpon the life or Iesus Christ .

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

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

4 It is therefore vanity to seeke after fading riches , and to repose trust in them . It is also vanity to gape after honors , 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 griueuous punishment . Vanity it is to wish to liue long , and to be carelesse to liue well . It is vanity to minde onely this present life , and not to fore-see 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 joy is permanent .

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

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

ALL men by nature desire to know : but what auaileth knowledge without the feare of God ? Eccles. 1. & Arist. l. 1. Metaph. cap. 1. 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 wel , groweth daily more contemptible in his owne conceit , 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 helpe me in the sight of God , who will judge mee according to my deeds ?

2 Giue not thy selfe to inordinat desire of knowledge : for therein is much distraction and deceit . The learned are willing to seeme so to others , and to bee accounted wise . 1. Corinth . 8. 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 doe not satisfie the desires of the heart : but a good life comforteth the minde , 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 therefore bee judged , vnlesse thy life bee also more holy . Be not therefore extolled in thy owne mind for any arte 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 . Thinke not too well of thy selfe , but rather confesse thine ignorance . Rom. 12. Why wilt thou preferre thy selfe before others , sith there bee many more learned and 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 and consideration of our selues . It is great wisedome and perfection to esteeme nothing of our selues , and to thinke alwaies wel 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 bee able to remaine in good estate . Wee are all fraile , but thou oughtest to esteeme none more fraile then thy selfe . Gen. 8.

CHAP. III. Of the doctrine of Truth .

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

2 And what haue we to doe with the termes and distinctions of Logitians ? Hee to whom the eternall Word speaketh , is deliuered from multitudes and diuersities of opinions . By that one Word all things doe speake , and all declare the same : and this is the beginning , and that which speaketh vnto vs . No man without that Word vnderstandeth or judgeth rightly . Hee to whom all things are one , who draweth all things to one , and seeth all things in one , may enjoy a quiet minde , and remaine peaceable in God . O God , the eternal Truth , make me one with thee in euerlasting charity . It is tedious to me often to reade and heare many things . In thee is all that I would haue , and can desire . Let all Doctors 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 himselfe , and becommeth inwardly sincere and pure ; so much the more , and higher mysteries doth he vnderstand without labour : for that he receiueth light of vnderstanding from aboue . Mat. 11. Luk. 10. A pure , sincere and stayed spirit is not distracted , though hee be imployed in many workes : for that hee worketh all to the honor of God , and laboureth for inward tranquillitie , without seeking himselfe in any thing he doth . Who hinders and troubles thee more then the vnmortified desires of thine owne heart ? 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 ouercome himselfe ? This ought to be our endeauour , to conquer our selues daily , to waxe stronger , and be more able to subdue our passions , and alwayes in this way to get some ground .

4 ▪ All perfection in this life hath some imperfections mixt with it : and no knowledge of ours is voide of darknes and ignorance . An humble knowledge of thy selfe is a more secure way to God , then a deep search after learning : yet learning is not to be blamed , nor the only knowledge 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 knowledge , then to liue well : therefore 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 do in mouing doubts and questions ; neyther would there so much hurt bee done , nor so great scandall be giuen in the world , nor so much loosnes be practised in places erected for vertue ! Truely at the day of Iudgement 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 . Math. 23. Tell me now , where are all those great Doctors and Ministers , with whom thou wast well acquainted , whilest they liued and flourished in learning ? Now others possesse their liuings , and perhaps doe scarce euer think of them . In their life-time they seemed something , and now they are not spoken of .

6 O , how quickly doth the glory of this world passe away ! Eccl. 2. Would God their life had beene answerable to their learning , then had their study and reading bin to good purpose . How many perish in this world by reason of vaine learning , who take little care of the seruice of God ? Tit. 1. And because they rather choose to bee great then humble ; Rom. 1. therefore they vanish away in their owne thoughts . Mat. 18. and 23. He is truely great , that is great in charity . He is truly great , that is little in himselfe , and that maketh no account of the height of honor . He is truly wise , that accounteth all earthly things as dung , that he may gaine Christ . And he is truly learned that fulfilleth the will of Christ , and forsaketh his owne . Phil. 3.

CHAP. IV. Of Prudence and Fore-sight in our actions .

WE must not giue eare to euery suggestion or instinct , but ought warily & leasurely to ponder things according to the wil of God . 1. Io. 4. But ( alas ) such is our weakenesse , that wee rather often beleeue , and speake euill of others , then good . Those that are perfectly vertuous , do not easily giue credit to euery thing that is told them , Gen. 8. for they know that humane frailtie is prone to euill , and very subiect to faile in words . Iam. 3.

2 It is great wisedome not to be rash in thy proceedings , nor to stand stiffely in thine owne conceits . Prouerb . 19. as also not to beleeue euery thing which thou hearest ; nor presently to relate againe to others , what thou hast heard , or doest beleeue . Prou. 17. 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 . A good life maketh a man wise , according to God , and giueth him experience in many things . Prou. 15. and Eccl. 1. How much the humbler one is in himselfe , and more subiect and resigned vnto God ; so much the more prudent shall hee bee in all his affaires , and enioy greater peace and quiet of heart .

CHAP. V. Of the reading of holy Scriptures .

TRuth , not eloquence , is to bee sought for in holy Scriptures . Each part of them is to be read with the same spirit it was made . Wee should rather search after spirituall profit in Scriptures , then subtility of speech . Rom. 15. We ought to reade deuout and simple books , as willingly as high and learned . 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 reade . Search not who spake this , or that , but marke what is spoken . 1. Cor. 2.

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

CHAP. VI. Of inordinate desires , and affections .

WHensoeuer a man desireth any thing inordinately , he is presently disquieted in himselfe . The proud and couetous can neuer rest . The poore and humble in spirit , liue together in all peace . The man that is not wholly dead in himselfe , is quickely 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 altogether from earthly desires . And therefore hee is often afflicted , when hee 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 therein his appetite , hee is presently disquieted with remorse of conscience ; for that hee yeeldeth to his passion , which profiteth him nothing to the obtaining of the peace hee sought for . True quiet of minde therefore , is gotten by resisting our passions , not by obeying them . There is no peace in the heart 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 .

HEE is vaine that putteth his trust in men , or creatures . Hier. 17.1 . Bee not ashamed to serue others for the loue of Iesus Christ : nor to be esteemed poore in this world . Presume not vpon thy selfe , but place thy hope in God . Psalm. 30. Doe what lyeth in thy power , and God will assist thee . Trust not in thine owne knowledge , 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 . Hier. 9.

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 . Extol not thy selfe for the stature and beauty of thy bodie , which is dissolued & disfigured with euery little sicknes . Take not pleasure in thy naturall gifts , or wit , lest therby thou displease God , to whom appertaineth all the good whatsoeuer Nature hath giuen thee .

3 Esteeme not thy selfe better then others , lest perhaps in the sight of God , who knoweth what is in man , thou be accounted worse then they . Exod. 3. & 12. Bee not proud of thy good workes , for the iudgements of God are far different from the iudgements of men : and that often offendeth him , which pleaseth them . Iob 9. If there be any good in thee , beleeue that there is much more in others , that so thou mayst the better keepe within thy heart 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 heart of the proud is enuy , and often indignation .

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

LAy not thy heart 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 doe thou appeare willingly before great personages . Keep company with the humble , simple , deuout , and vertuous ; and conferre with them of those things , that may edifie . Be not familiar with any woman : but in generall commend all good women to God . Prou. 5. Desire to bee familiar with God alone , and his Angels , and fly the knowledge of men .

2 Wee must haue charitie towards all , but familiaritie with all is not expedient . Sometimes it falleth out , that the fame of some person that is not knowne , is much esteemed ; whose presence notwithstanding is not gratefull to the eyes of the beholders . Wee thinke sometimes to please others by our company , and wee rather distate 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 necessitie , then for charitie : and such are discontented , and doe easily repine and murmure . Neither can they attaine to freedome of minde , vnlesse they willingly and heartily put themselues vnder Obedience for the loue of God . Goe whither thou wilt , thou shalt finde 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 effect those most , that are of his owne minde : But if God bee amongst vs , we must leaue our owne judgement , that so peace and quietnesse may bee the better preserued . Who is so wise , that he can fully know all things ? Trust not therefore too much to thine owne conceits : but bee willing to heare the judgement of others . If that which thou thinkest be good , and notwithstanding doest 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 each ones opinion may bee good : but to refuse to yeeld to others , when as reason , or cause requireth it , is a token of wilfulnesse and pride .

CHAP. X. Of the auoiding supersluity of words .

FLy the vnquietnesse of men as much as thou canst : for the talke of worldly affaires hindereth very much , although they bee recounted with sincere intention : Mat. 4. & 14. for wee are quickely defiled , and as it were , enthralled with vanitie . Ioan. 6. I could wish that I had often times held my peace , when I haue spoken : and that I had not beene in company . Why doe wee so willingly speake , and talke one with another , when notwithstanding wee seldome returne to silence , without hurt of conscience ? The cause wherefore we so willingly talke , is , for that by discoursing one with another , wee seeke to receiue comfort one of another : and desire to ease our minde , ouer-wearied with sundry thoughts : Matth. 7. and wee talke willingly , and thinke of those things which we loue best , and most desire ; or of those , which we feele most contrary vnto vs . Rom. 2.

2 But alas , oftentimes in vaine , and to no end : for this outward comfort is cause of no small losse of inward , and diuine consolation . Therefore we must watch and pray , lest our time passe without any fruit or profit . If it be lawfull and expedient for thee to speake ; speake those things that may edifie . An euill custome , and neglect of our owne good , doth very much slacke the raynes to inconsiderate speech : Yet deuout discourses of heauenly things , doe greatly further our progresse in spirit , Act. 1. especially where persons of one minde and spirit be gathered together in God . Rom. 15.

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

WEE might enioy peace , if wee would not busie our selues with the words and deeds of other men , which appertaine nothing to our charge . How can hee liue long in peace , that thrusteth himselfe into the cares of others , or that little or seldome recollecteth himselfe within his owne breast ? Blessed are the simple and pure minds : for they shal enioy much peace .

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

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

4 If wee endeauour like men of courage , to stand continually in the battell ; surely wee 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 doe trust in his grace . If wee 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 , wee may enioy true peace of minde .

5 If euery yeare we would roote out one vice , we should quickly become perfect men . But now oftentimes we perceiue it goeth contrary , and that wee 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 encrease daily ; but now it is accounted a great matter , if one can retaine but some part of his first spirit . If wee would vse but a little violence in the beginning , then should wee bee able to performe all things afterwards with ease and joy of heart .

6 It is a hard matter to leaue that to which wee are accustomed ; but harder to doe against our owne wills . But if thou doest not ouercome little and easie things ; how wilt thou ouercome harder matters ? Resist thy inclination in the first motions , and breake off euill customes , lest perhaps by little and little they draw thee to greater difficultie . O , if thou diddest consider how much inward peace to thy selfe , and joy to others thou shouldest procure by demeaning thy selfe well ; I suppose thou wouldest be more carefull of thy spirituall profit .

CHAP. XII . Of the profit of Aduersitie .

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 some times contradicted ; and that there bee an euill or hard conceit had of vs : and this , although wee doe , and intend well . These things helpe often to the attaining of humilitie , and defend vs from vaine-glory : for then wee chiefely seeke God for our inward witnesse ; when outwardly we be contemned by men , and when there is no credit giuen vnto vs .

2 And therefore a man should settle himselfe so fully in God , that hee needed not to seeke many comforts of men . When a good & vertuous man is afflicted , tempted , or troubled with euill thoughts ; then hee vnderstandeth better the great neede hee hath of Gods assistance , without whose helpe he perceiueth hee can doe 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 hee might be dissolued , and bee with Christ . Then also hee well perceiueth , that complete security , and perfect peace cannot be had in this world .

CHAP. XIII . Of Resisting Temptations .

SO long as wee liue in this world we cannot be without tribulation and temptation : for as it is written in Iob : Temptation is the life of man vpon earth . Euery one therefore ought to be carefull , and diligently to arme himselfe with prayer against his temptations , lest the Diuell finde time and place to deceiue him ; who neuer sleepeth , but goeth about seeking whom he may deuour . No man is so perfect and holy , but hath sometimes temptations : and we cannot be altogether 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 ; and they that could not beare temptations , became reprobate and 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 altogether free from temptations , whilest he liueth on earth : for in our selues is the cause thereof , being borne with inclination to euill . When one temptation or tribulation goeth away , another commeth : and we shal euer haue something to suffer , because wee haue lost that innocencie with which we were created . Many seeke to flie temptations , and do fall more grieuously into them . By flight alone we cannot ouercome ; but by patience and true humility , wee become stronger then all our enemies .

4 Hee that onely auoideth them outwardly , and doth not pluck 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 longanimitie ( through Gods help ) thou shalt more easily ouercome , then with violence , and thine owne importunity . Often take counsell in temptation , and deale not , roughly with him that is tempted ; but giue him comfort , as thou wouldest wish to be done to thy selfe .

5 ▪ The beginning of al euil temptations , is inconstancie of minde , and little confidence in God : for as a shippe without a sterne is tosted to and fro with the waues : so the man that is negligent , and leaueth his purpose , is many wayes tempted . Fire trieth iron , and temptation a just man . We know not oftentimes what we are able to doe , but temptations doe shew vs what wee are . We must be watchfull , especially in the beginning of the temptation , for the enemie is then more easily ouercome , if hee bee not suffered to enter the dore of our hearts , but bee resisted without the gate at his first knocke . Wherefore , one said : Ouid. libr. 1. de remed. amoris . Withstand the beginnings , for an after-remedie comes often too late . First there commeth to the minde an euill thought , then a strong imagination thereof , afterwards delight , and an euill motion , and then consent : and so by little and little our wicked enemie getteth full entrance , whilest 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 weigheth the state and deserts of men ; and ordaineth al things for the sauing of his elect and chosen seruants .

7 We ought not therefore to despaire when we are tempted ; but so much the more feruently to pray vnto God , that hee will vouchsafe to helpe 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 therefore humble our selues vnder the hand of God in all temptation and tribulation ; for he wil saue and exalt the humble in spirit .

8 In temptations and afflictions man is proued , how much he hath profited ; and his merit is thereby the greater before God , and his vertues doe more openly appeare . Neither is it any great matter if a man bee deuout and feruent , when he feeleth no heauines : but if in time of aduersitie he beare himselfe patiently , there is hope of great good . Some are kept from great temptations , and are often ouercome in smal 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 doe see themselues so weake .