The treasure of the soule Wherin we are taught how in dying to sin, we may attayne to the perfect loue of God, & our neighbour, and consequently vnto true blessednes and saluation. Many yeares since written in the Spanish tonge, & and [sic] now newly translated into English: by A.P.

THE TREASVRE OF the Soule .

Wherin we are taught how in dying to Sin , we may attayne to the perfect loue of God , & our neighbour , and consequently vnto true blessednes and Saluation .

Many yeares since written in the Spanish tonge , & and now newly translated into English : By A. P.

1. Tim 1.

The end of the commandementes is loue : springing from a clean hart , a good conscience , & an vnfained faith .

Gal. 5.

Those that appertaine to Christ , haue crucified their flesh , with all the euill desires & concupiscences thereof .

LONDON Printed by Iohn Wolfe . 1596.

To the worshipfull his good Vncle , Maister Richard Saltonstall , Alderman of the Citty of London , and his wife Mistres Susan Saltonstall , his louing Aunt . Adrian Poyntz wisheth health & prosperity in the Lord .

WHen I had finished the translation of this Booke ( louing Vncle & Aunt ) I remembred the common order & custome euer vsed , in so much that few commit their labours to the view of the world , vnlesse they first procure some Patrone for their defence . I therefore , vnwilling to send my translation to the presse , before I had committed it to the patronage of some And standing in doubt to whome I might offer my labour in this kind , trusting vpon your curtesies , did embolden my selfe to commende this Treatise to your protections . The booke was written aboue an hundreth and threescore yeares since in the Spanish tongue , the Authour thereof being vnknowne . As for his stile and methode of writing I meane not to commend it , leauing the iudgment thereof to those , vnto whom such censures are belonging . I for my parte as I haue faithfully englished his words , & deliuered his meaning in such manner that Englishmen may both read his treatise and vnderstand it , so I doo not doubt , but that it wil be as profitable vnto them that reade it , for their instruction , as it hath beene to other nations who haue greedily desired the translation hereof . And thus beseeching you to take my good will and meaning in good part , I commit you to the tuition of the Almightie .

Your worships to commaunde . Adrian Pointz .

THE PREFACE of the Authour to the Reader .

THE more graces a man hath receyued of God , and the more he is indued with knowledge of vnderstanding : the greater punishment he deserueth , if therefore he be vnthankefull . And againe , whosoeuer acknowledgeth the benefites of God , he also by all naturall reason is bound the more to loue him . Nowe all bookes are replenished with knowledge and learning , nowe is the holy Gospell sealed and confirmed with the precious bloude of the immaculate Lambe of God , to the end we may haue a greater assurance of the vnspeakeable loue towards vs . All bookes , I say , are full , the earth doth abounde with Preachers , sounding forth as Trumpettes the great power and excellency of the Almighty , for to draw & stirre vs vp to lande , praise & giue thankes to our Creatour , and most louing Father . But we are all so prone to vnthankefulnes , and so ready to forget his benefites , so largely bestowed vpon mankind , that there is none almost to bee found , who vnfaynedly doo seeke him ? But all runne and flie headlong into darke and obscure places of sin and wickednesse . Moued therefore by the premises , I haue finished this booke , to the glory of God , and ( as I hope ) to the furtherance of the godly . And because that nowe a dayes our slothfulnesse is so great , & our desire and stomacke to the glory of God so faint , weake and slender : I haue vsed here in this my booke sundry similitudes and parables , by these meanes to intice the minds of men the more to the deep consideration of the contentes of this volume .

THE TREASVRE of the Soule

IN times past there dwelte in a huge and great forrest , a wise and godly man : dayly watching , fasting , and praying deuoutly , seruing the Lorde . Who being desirous to attaine , asmuch as lay in man , to the true and perfect knowledge of vnderstanding , and the loue of God , leauing his cottage , determined with himselfe to trauaile through all the world , for to see if he could find any that wold vouchsafe to teach him the same . And after greate and wearisome iournyes , met in the ende with a shepheard , feeding his flocke in a green pasture . He being very glad of this , hauing as yet in none of all his iourneyes found or scene any man : came to him & said : Brother I thanke God that I doe see thee , wherevpon the shepheard bidding him welcome , asked him what hee lookt for in this desart . I looke , saide he , for a knight , who but nowe is gone by this way .

The seconde Chapter doth instruct the Pastors and Teachers of the people .

DEsire , for it was that holy mans name , meruaylinge greatly at the prouision , diligence and care which the shephearde tooke in his trade : for that he had a crook in his hand , a bagge hanging at his right side , woodeen cloge at his feet , and a long coat vpon his backe : besides at his lefte side two hornes hanging at his girdle , th● one somwhat bigger th●● the other , and two great dogges lying before at his feet , and not farre from thence his cottage enuironed with a hedge of thornes rounde about it . The shepherd perceuing Desire to beholde and to view him so diligent and narrowly , asked him the cause of his wondering , & that if neuer before he had seen any shepheard . Whervppon Desire aunswered him , how he had seene diuers of them , but none so well prouided and furnished of all necessaries as he was , desyring him most frendly , that it woulde please him to shewe and declare vnto him those thinges which hee should in curtesie demand & aske him . The shephearde hauing graunted to satisfy him in all his questions , so farre as he was able or his knowledge shoulde reach vnto . Desire began and saide , tell mee I pray thee , wherefore carryest thou this crooke ? Why demandest thou mee this question ( quoth the shephearde ) and thou a countrey swaine , and a heard-man , and doest thou not know this ? I do carry it said he , that I might leane vpon it , and keep me from falling when I leade my sheep about the pastures . To rule likewise my sheep with it , & to driue them into the right way , & to keep them together that they runne not astray , and seeke sundry wayes according to their owne pleasure . For when one runneth before and the other behind , then doe I driue the hindmost forwarde . And what hast thou in this bagge ( quoth Desire . ) Diuers and sundry things aunswered the shephearde : First of all I haue a tinder boxt , for to strike & make fyre in colde weather , and to dresse my meat for me and my housholde . Besides I haue in it , breade , ointmentes , a smal bottel with oyle , and salt , giuing these to my sheep oftentimes , but chiefly the salt . Wherefore dost thou weare these woodden clogges demanded Desire ? for to keep my feete warm when it is ●r●g●● , or the drie in raying weather , answered the shepheard : for if I should wear fine and proper shoes , they would be quickly worne & spoyled in the wet and snowe . What dost thou with this long coate saide Desire : It serueth to cloath mee ( qd the shepheard ) for if I did not weare this coate , I should not seeme to bee a heardeman . But of what stuffe is it made ( demaunded Desire ? ) It is made of sheep skinnes ( answered the shephearde ) for if my frocke were made of Wolf skinnes , or of any other kinde of beast , the sheepe woulde smell it quickly , & woulde flie and runne away from mee , but nowe that I am cloathed with their wooll , they loue me , know me , and follow me . Tell mee ( quoth Desire ) what hast thou in this small horne hanging at thy girdle . Ointmentes ( saide the shephearde ) to ointe my sheepe withall , when they bee scabbed . And what hast thou in the other horne somwhat bigger then the first ( demanded Desire . ) Tincture and collour ( answered the shepheard ) to marke my sheep withall , for to know them again when they are stragled by chaunce among other straunge sheep . What dost thou with these dogs . These dogges barke in the night , turne and chase away the Wolues , for the better safety of my sheepe , and because I shoulde the more quietly take my rest without ●eare . Wherefore ●oest thou al things so aduisedly ( quoth Desire ? ) be●ause I haue a good bountifull Lorde ( answered the shepheard ) who hath promised mee great recompence for my paines , al●hough I rather doe this more through the loue which I beare him then for the recompence I doe looke to receiue at his handes .

The third Chapter intreateth yet of the same matter .

DEsire did marnayle greatly at all these things , being wonderfully well pleased , that hee did all this through meere loue . And tolde him , brother seeing thou spendest the most part of the day in the fieldes , I praye thee canst thou not shewe mee which waye a certaine knight is gone , trauayling vp and downe without companie , because they haue thrust him out of his house , and his own subiectes will not knowe nor receiue him , therefore doth he seek on with whom he might dwell & remaine for euer . What is this man quoth the shepheard ? He is called the Loue of God , answered Desire , I know where he commonly keepeth , said the shephearde , and if I had one to looke to my sheepe , then would I bring thee my self whether dwelleth , to ease thee somewhat of thy iourney , for thou must know , that he loues shepheards , and is glad of their companies , and although he bee a knight , is notwithstanding a shepheards sonne . But because I haue no body to keepe my sheepe , I will shew thee the way as neere as I can . Therefore brother go through this desart and great forrest , at the ende whereof thou shalt finde a costly Pallace , where none but women must dwell , who will shewe thee where thou mayest finde thie knight . For hee is of such frendly and vertuous nature and conuersation , that hee despiseth no mans companie nor fellowshippe . These wordes did very much please and reioyce Desire , and chiefely because they put him in hope that hee shoulde finde out the Loue of God , saying brother , I pray thee shew me the direct way , that I may not misse my way : I may not leaue my sheepe alone , quoth the shephearde , but yet I will appoint and get thee good company , that will leade thee God willing in the readiest & best way : take therefore this Dogge for this purpose . But what is his name quoth Desire : He is called Good-wil , said the shephearde . I thanke thee quoth Desire , & God haue thee in his keeping . The Lord bee with thee & thy guide , aunswered the Shephearde , and had him farewell .

Of the Pallace of Humility .

WHen Desire was parted from the shepheard , who had committed him to that way with his new companion , being a great comfort vnto him in his iourney , after many nightes & daies trauelling , came at the end vpon a Sunday , in a green and large field , very pleasante , the grounde neuerthelesse being nothing but grauel & very drie : whereat DESIRE maruelling greatly , how it should be possible , that so faire and flourishing hearbes could growe in so rocky a place , sit rather for thornes and thistles , then for any thing els . Espied in the midst of the fielde , a sumptuous & costly Pallace , whereof he reioyced : and in all paste going to the howse , ounde the gates thereof shutte , and a fayre Damzell standing without , by her fauour and outwarde apparell , seeming very honest & vertuous . Who seeing his dogge was affraide of him , and began to shake . But Desire willed her not to feare him , because he was not wont to doe harme to any man . Desire maruelling at this Damzell , watching at the gates of the pallace , sayd : Tel me I pray thee sister , what lookest thou here for alone : I tarry aunswered she , til they open the gates that I might enter in : how art thou called then quoth Desire , my name is sayde she , Vaine-Glory . Desire hauing taried long at the gates , and seeing that hee thus watched in vain , began to knocke ( for at the doore did hange an won hammer called Patience ) to see if any man woul●e come to open the gates . And presently there came an aunciente and reuerende father , being Porter and keeper of all the house , to open the doores , and his name was the Feare of God . Desire seeing this olde and worshipfull father , after due reuerence done vnto him , saide : I am come hither sir , to look for a certain knight called the Loue of God , and the● haue tolde mee howe he shoulde bee past through thie forrest , and come into this house , therefore full ●am would I know whether he be here or not The Porter was glad of these wordes , for hee loued intirely the Loue of God , being his brother , and saide vnto him . Sonne wherefore doest thou looke for this knight , what busines hast thou with him ? Most reuerend father , answered Desire , I doe aske for him because I doe reioyce in him , and stande in great need of him . Howe so quoth The feare of God ? because said Desire , I would willingly dwell with him and be his seruant , for in all this countrie there is none who liketh mee better , although I might haue had many others that most gladly woulde haue entertayned me . But I haue beene certified of him by others , how he is a noble , courteous , and bountifull Lorde to his seruantes . It is most true answered the Porter , that thou sayest , and not long agone hee came by this way , with smal company , yet notwithstanding , at this present hee is not within , but tarry here a while , till I go call a Damosell , who wil shew thee directly , where thou maiest find him .

The seuenth Chapter howe Vaine-Glorie keepeth the watch at the gates of the Pallace of Humilitie .

DEsire tarried merily til the Damosell shold come with the Porter , and not long after , there came foorth a very humble and vertuous Ladie greeting him very frendly , and hee likewise her , saying , I pray thee Ladie tell mee thy name is said wee : Esteeme me nothing , & how is this house called , quoth hee . The Pallace of Humilitie answered she , because there are many Ladies dwelling in it vnder one soueraigne called Humility . And what gentle woman is she , said hee , that watched without at the gates ? She is called Vain-Glorie answered she , watching continually at the gates till they are opened : and whensoeuer the Porter looketh not narrowly to her , or taketh smal heed to his charge , then shee presumeth oftentimes to come in . Wherefore wilt thou not suffer her to come in said Desire , seeing her wordes , her apparell and fauour seemeth to bee honest and vertuous . Ah brother aunswered shee , thou doest not yet knowe her , for she is a most pestilent and wicked creature , and although she seemeth honest by her outwarde behauiour , she is therefore not any thing the better , but rather the worse . what iniury doth she than vnto thee said Desire ? As much as she is able to do , answered the Ladie , for she is daughter to a wicked father called Self-loue , and to a worser mother , called Selfe-Conceit . These three being our greatest foes in the worlde , are yet greater enemies to the Lorde , and chiefe of the house , called The loue of God .

Wilt thou know what iniury shee doth vnto vs , whensoeuer shee entreth by one way or another into the house , shee is very greedy and hungry , and runneth presently to a garden , and eateth all the fruites of the best tree which wee haue , by the which we do liue onely & are all maintayned : and haue but one of these trees , which is not yet verie fruitful , when she hath thereof stolen the fruites away , wee remaine very poore and are scarce able to liue . Besides , which is farre worse , shee is a great flatterer , and hath so smooth a tong , that whensoeuer she is come within , there is none that is able to thrust her out againe , but onely our soueraigne Humilitie , whom when she seeth , presently sheweth her heeles , and runneth away as fast as shee can . Therefore it is best not to let her come in : & to this intent haue we made this olde man our Porter , because he is something hard and frowarde , and speedily clappeth the doore to her face , and taketh great heed that she enter not by stealth , or on a sodaine . Moreouer wee haue desired him , that hee shoulde looke wel to his charge , in opening and shutting the gates . Desire wondering at this Ladies wordes , saide : thou hast reason not to suffer her to come in , seeing what great harme ye all receiue by her .

The sixt Chapter concerning the way to Humilitie .

TEll mee saide Desire , who brought thee in this faire & costly Pallace , two Ladies answered shee , the one called Contempt of the world , and the other , Contempt of her selfe : whereof the last is more holie then the first . These two Damselles did guide and conduct me hither , and desired our soueraigne , that it wold please her to entertaine mee , but shee woulde neuer haue done it , vnlesse it had been for a certaine Knightes sake who met vs in the way and brought vs hither , and for the loue of him gaue me this garment , and receiued mee into her seruice . But if God had not granted vs this grace , that wee had founde this Knight in our way , wee should haue taken all this paines in vaine , for shee woulde neuer haue entertayned me . How doe they cal this knight , quoth Desire : The Loue of God answered shee , all which did make Desire glad , and did increase his desire more to serue him , because he perceiued that the Loue of God was so much esteemed of in this place . Sister , said Desire of what kindred were these two Ladies who brought thee hither . For it profiteth greatly to vertuousnes , to be the childe of honest and godly parentes , because for the most part , the tree taketh her force from the roote . I know their kindred very well answered the Ladie , for they bee of a greate stocke , and their father is ( for they are sisters ) one of the chiefest in the Kinges Court , & is called Knowledge . Besides I do know their Grandfather , called Obseruing : a very wise and sensible man , doinge all his things with counsel & aduice , who tooke a wife called Wisedome . Then sayde Desire , The knight who met thee vppon the way , was hee alone , no quoth shee , for hee had a page with him , whom he loued sincerely , and was called Neighbourly Loue . Canst thou not shew mee saide Desire , whether this knight is gone ? I said she but first wee wil go within , and I will bring thee by some that will giue thee better direction . But good Lorde , quoth shee , what doest thou with this great Mastine : He is giuen me sayd hee , for at the first I had but a smal one , that was brought vp in my chamber , til I met a shepheard who hath bestowed this Dog vppon mee to bring me in safetie through this great Forrest : How doest thou cal him said she , Good-will saide hee , it is a very good Dog quoth she , & if thou canst keepe him wel , thou shalt be sure , as long as he shall remaine with thee , that he will not suffer any harme to fall vppon thee and thou needest not to feare that thou shalt go astray out of the right way : Tell me sayde Desire , who shal shew me this knight ? Brother aunswered shee , hee dwelleth far from this place , and thou must goe seuen daies iourney at the least through this desarte , before thou canst come to him where hee dwelleth : There be seuen houses in this desart , and there is no other hie way but one . But for the Loue of God , I will shew thee a short foot path , which will shorten thy way , that thou maiest come the sooner to thy iourneyes ende : but thou must follow my counsell . Desire was glad to heare these wordes , and chiefly because she did it onely for loue , and said , whatsoeuer thou commaundest mee to doo , that will I doe most willingly , for hereby to finde out the Loue of God .

In this desart saide she stand eight houses or pallaces , the first is , the Pallace of Humility : the second of Iustice : the third of Wisdome : the fourth of Fortitude : the fift of Temperance : the sixt of Faith : the seuenth of Hope : the eight of Charity : and in the last of all dwellet , the Loue of God , and is soueraigne of the house & all this way must thou goe , so thou wilt not goe out of thy way . But as I haue tolde thee before , so according to my promise will I shewe thee a foote path to shorten thy way . But first of all must thou dwell for a time here in this house , for to learne marke and remember all our manners , and become acquainted with our Soueraigne & her watching maides , and neuer to forget their names nor their countenances . And when thou shalt haue had a trial of all belonging to this house , and shalt bring certaine tokens from vs to the Loue of God , then soon wil he entertaine thee , for the great affection he beareth to our house aboue any of the rest , and chiefly when hee shall see a letter from our Soueraigne . Wherefore ( demaunded Desire ) doth this knight loue this house more then any other ? for in my iudgement it is the poorest , and barest of them all . Thou must knowe , that this house was the first builded in this desarte , and all the rest are subiect vnder it . And our commaunder and chiefe gouenour the first founder of it , did dwell here , and although hee went in progresse oftentimes for to see the other his friends and subiectes so to keepe them in good order , yet notwithstanding all this , would not be cald but a son of this house . Desire hauing giuen a diligent eare to her wordes found his hart to bee more inflaimed with Loue , for he did conceiue her meaning very well , & said : that hee would willingly remaine there for a time , till her had learned all their customes . Let vs go within then , said shee , and took him by the hand and went to showe him all the house .

The seuenth Chapter concerning the talke which Humility had with Desire .

AFter that the ladie had shewed him all the house , he gretly maruelled at the fairenes and beauty thereof , and the more because it seemed outwardely but verye simple and homely and of no great shoe , but was within very profitable and necessarie , the foundation whereof was not set vpon grauell or sand , but vppon a fayre and precious stone . And after he had saide his prayers in the Chappell standing in the house , the Ladie did leade him into the chamber of her Soueraigne , who receiued him most courteously , and because she found him so aduised and circumspect in al his words , bad him to sit down next to her side and said : My son , wherefore art thou come to vs , seeing that we are so simple , poore and despised ? Ah most reuerent Ladie , aunswered Desire , I seeke for a Knight calles the Loue of God , and I am told that I shall not finde him , vnlesse I remaine for a certaine time with your Ladishippe , and if it woulde please you , I would most gladly tarry here at your obedience and commaundement . Thy good will , saide the Lady , pleaseth me well , but first of all remember thy self , and haue care what thou hast to do , for not to repent hereafter . God graunt me grace quoth he , to remaine constant in all vertues , & stedfast in all godlines . Amen said the Ladie . And that it may please him who hath begun in thee a good worke to bring it to perfection , for it is necessarie that thou shouldst putthy helping hande to it , as much as lyeth in thee , and that God doe accomplish it . What must I do then , said he : I wil tell thee , answered the Ladie , if thou art minded to remain here with vs , then thou must seeke to keepe my daughters fauour , who brought thee in , & take her as thy gouernes , for she is called Esteeme nothing . And wee haue put her in this office to entertaine straungers . because she sholde instruct them , and those that will not be vnder her commandement , can neuer remain constant or stedfast . I am ready , quoth Desire , to take her for my gouernes and guider in all my actions . But may it please your Ladiship to let me know your name , your kindred , your estate , and by what meanes you are become a Soueraigne to all these damsels and Ladies , for I was told before I came in , that it was necessary for me to know all this , that by these meanes I might loue your Ladiship , and all your houshold the better and likewise when I should goe from hence , that I might giue those that should aske mee good directious and certayne tokens of my former abyding here .

My name , saide she , is Humilitie , my father was called Contempt of himselfe , and my grandfather Knowledge of himselfe , and my grandmother Knowledge of God , and my grandfather was borne in a Citty called Remember what thou art , what thou hast beene , and what thou shalt be . And my grandmother was borne in a Cittie called Remembrance of the loue God . And to come to the Cittie where they were borne , there are but two waies and two gates to come in . The one is himselfe , and the other the Creatures . Besides they say , that none can come into the foresaid gates but flying , And howe the Lorde himselfe hath builded the Cittie with his owne hands , for there is no man able to build so great , fayre and strong a Cittie , then he only . How said Desire , the Lord who is so excellent , will be busie himselfe to make such walles of earth , I , answered she , for he is a cunning Mason and delighteth greatly to make walles , and monuments of earth . Wherefore doth hee this , seeing hee needeth nor wanteth nothing , quoth Desire . Therefore answered shee , because hee is so bountifull that he will neuer bee idle in doing good to others . And of all that he doth , seeketh but euery mans health , rest and saluation , although the honour hereof apertaine to him onely . And therefore he maketh his workes of such slight and vile stuffe , as earth , to bee the more praysed of all . I meruaile saide Desire , that such a noble and high Lorde wil be praised , and feareth not to fall into vaine glory . Not so , said Humilitie , for he is so perfect in all goodnesse , that no imperfection can any way touch him . And the glorie which wee doe giue him is not vaine , but is his due as belonging vnto him . And although wee shoulde giue him as much honor as euer wee could , yet in no wise shold wee pay that which wee do owe , and much lesse attaine to that hee is worthy of . And therefore he will be praised and honoured , not because hee is ambitious , but because he is the most perfect in all iustice & perfection , and will that euery one shoulde receiue that which is their owne , and due vnto them : and because wee do owe vnto him which is good alone , al h●●●or , praise & thanks he will therefore in iustice , that wee doe giue it vnto him . And whensoeuer any other doth desire or looke ●or it , as if it were h●s owne : then may hee well be called vaine-glorious , stealing it from him to whome it onely belongeth , and is worthy of no better title then of a thiefe , that will seeme to vsurpe Gods right , which is due onely vnto his diuine Maiestie .

The eight Chapter , wherin Humilitie proceedeth in her words .

DEsire said , I praye your Ladishippe ( seeing you haue satisfied me in the rest ) to tell me by what meanes you are become a Soueraign to this house , for in my iudgement , it is a great honour & credite . And perchaunce it might be my lucke to bee once a commander of such a like place , for there is great difference to commaund , and to bee commaunded . The Ladie Humilitie , hearing these words began to bitterly . Wherefore Desire demaunded her the occasion of her sorrowe & weeping . Then answered she , I weep because I see thee outwardly & not inwardly clad with Humilitie , and carriest onely the bare name of an aduised man , thy heart and mind being notwithstanding far from it . In vaine hast thou spoken yet to me , and til now hast thou dissembled with vs all , because such thoughtes and desires do vtterly displease my God and Father , who being man in this worlde , and hauing taken vppon him our shape and nature , sought not with words or deedes to commande , but rather to be commaunded of the simplest . And whosoeuer keepeth not this way , taketh the high way to condemnation , missing the right path leading to eternal life . Ah poore and miserable wretches that seeke to command and direct others , hauing more then inough to command and gouerne themselues . whoso●uer hunteth after this honour , seeketh care , griefe , trauaile , paine , distresse and danger . O heauie burthen that bringeth to a man but paine and griefe , & the il will , gainesay , and murmuring of those that were bounde in duety to recompence labor with thankes and thankfulnesse : which tho● shalt finde to bee most true if thou remaynest but a while with vs . And because I shoulde satisfie thee vpon thy demande , I will not hide from thee this secrete , but for the loue of God open and disclose to thee my hearte . When I came first to this house I humbled my self as a slaue and seruant to all the rest of the damsels , which lowlines I haue continually so loued , and embraced , that the mercy of God did marrye mee to this minde as to a husband , by whose means I haue gotten this office , although I did vtterlie detest it and refuse it . When Desire did hear this , be honoied this Ladie greatly in his hart , & esteemed her to bee very vetuous the wold for the Loue of God becom so humble & lowlie : and said , nowe doe I see whosoeuer will become a gouernour and commander of others , must first of all followe your Ladiships steppes , and learne to be humble & cammanded . It is so my sonne answered shee , and if thou didst vnderstande ●ne right , then thou shouldest perceiue that they are not my wordes but the euerlasting truthes . How shoulde I vnderstand then quoth Desire ? Thou must knowe said shee , that hee who humbleth himselfe , shal be exalted , although he doth not humble himselfe to that intent to bee exalted , for by these means he shoulde fall into pride , and humilitie and pride are contraries one to other : For if one humbleth himself in any work which he taketh in hand , in on wise may he become proude of it , although in his worke consisteth humility , yet in himselfe ( humbling himselfe to such an ende as I haue spoken of ) shoulde consist pride and ambition . And because the worke taketh his name and title from the intent of a mans minde : it happeneth that such humilitie is properly termed with the name of pride and arrogancy . And to speake more plainly of this , humility is not altogether contrary to pride , seeing they do remaine at one time in one body together ( which is contrary to the nature of contraries ) but the spirite of the one is quite repugnant to the other , so that they can not abide one anothers sight , for humilitie is onely the worke , but the spirite of humilitie maketh a happy end of the same , together with the good intent for to humble himselfe .

The ninth chapter doth prosecute the former words , & of the battaile between the flesh and the spirit .

THis my lowe minde sayde Humilitie , is my faithfull helper , & defender , in a battaile which I dayly sustaine against a mighty Princesse of an other pallace , who hath a great sorte of Ladies vnder her iurisdiction : and her court is called , the Pallace of Pride , and the soueraigne thereof , the Pride of life . Euery day shee commeth or to contende and quarrel with me couering onely to search out mine eyes . And bringeth with her the lifetenaunce of her house , commonly called the concupiscence of the flesh , with her steward , the concupiscence of the eyes , these three are accompanyed with an other wicked woman their mother , who hath nourished them all , called Obliuion . But because she is oftentimes of no force , and very weake , therefore shee bringeth with her a foolish idiot , and vnbrideled watching maide called Maliciousnes , besides 3. other more , the one called Wrath , the other Slothfulnes , and the third Enuy . And with these two last , there comes two other named il Suspition , & false Iudgement , these are altogether my mortall enemies , against whom I am forced to sight & to striue : & whensoeuer they haue made an entrance here in our house , then by the lownesse of my minde I driue them out again , and doe giue them the foyle . But when I & my company haue done this , then must we be carefull onely but for one thing , which is diligently to looke that this damsell called Vaine-glory ( continually keeping sentinell at our doore ) doe not enter , for when soeuer she cometh within , then she doth robbe vs of al the profite , delight and pleasure , which we take in ouer comming in others , so that we can no wise enioy the fruits of our pain and trauaile : and when these other Ladies , sayd Desire , make an entraunce here within , for to endamage you , wherefore doth not shee that standeth without at the gates come in with them . Because aunswered Humilitie , that the other Ladies haue wings and neuer enter through the doore , but flie alwaies ouer the wals of the house , and oftentimes doe hyde themselues in some corner of the house , & lie in ambush , for to assault vs when we think least vpon them . Therefore it is most necessary that wee shoulde watch and warde continually , that we be not assaulted being altogether vnprouided for to fight . Let vs speake some thing more plainer of this point quoth Desire . Wherefore doe you contende & striue with them , seeing it is not well done to giue an euill example to others , which happeneth , when men see such iars , strifes and contentions , betweene wise and godly people , who should be merciful , meeke and bountiful for the Loue of God towards euery body . We battell and contend with them , saide Humilitie , and seeke to driue them out of our house , because they are mortal enemies to the Loue of God , who is our onely Landelorde , & in matters which are contrary vnto him , we shoulde nor will not contract , or enter in league with any body .

The tenth Chapter doth entreat of the concupiscence of the flesh and how to ouercome it .

THe good will & loyalty which Lady Humilitie did bear to the Loue of God , did wonderfully delight Desire , and saide , Madame I woulde be glad that it woulde please your Ladishippe , to show and teach mee the meanes whereby , you doe vse to ouercome these wicked Ladies , your enemies , and driue them out of your house . I wold to God , aunswered shee , that thou wert herein satisfied , but because I doe not yet know thy nature , will , and mind , but onely by certain external signes , whereby one may be deceyued , it causeth me somwhat to doubt of your honesty : for honny is not sweet to euery body : for the diuersity of sundry natures and complexions : My Soueraigne , quoth Desire , euen as I am here , and as your Ladishippe doth see me , so I yeeld my selfe into your power , my reason and will wholly submitting to yours , that I might receiue instructions by these meanes for to find out the Loue of God . Most willingly wil I then satisfie thy minde aunswered Humilitie , and disclose all my secrets , & communicate vnto there my daylie exercises .

First , my godly pretence and purpose beinge my husband ( whereof I haue spoken vnto thee before ) made mee by the meanes of Contempt , to ouercom the worlde , and by chasting and fasting to rule my one flesh , and to vanquish Sathan by humilitie , and make mee Soueraigne of this house , but chiefly of my selfe , which is the most of all . For when my flesh feeleth that I trauell and endeuour to please the Loue of God , then it doth resist me with all his crue , & is continually disquieted with my doings , but neuerthelesse my soule doth then remaine in peace , contentment , and quietnesse .

Desire did meruaile greatly at the wordes of Lady Humilitie , and sayd , I pray your Ladishippe , that it may please you to instruct me by some similitude in these things , for I am somewhat dull of vnderstanding , so that I shal better conceiue your meaning by an example or comparison . This motion did greatly please Humilitie , and chiefly , because she saw how he did begin to waxe humble , in confessing the dulnesse and grossenes of his wit and vnderstanding , and said : My childe , whensoeuer any of that foresaide women doe enter in , then I behaue my selfe in this sort , as for example : when Concupiscence of the flesh beginneth to siruit with me , before she is able to come to mee , I knowe her , and her conditions very well , for shee is verie gluttenous , and gathereth forces by eating and drinking , therefore I withdrawe from her all dainty kindes of meate , and wil not giue her so much of ordinarie diet as she doth desire to haue . And because my forces are not able to withstand or to vanquish her , ( for mine owne houshold commeth to aide and to assist her ) I craue and call for helpe at the hands of God , who standeth alwaies at my side , to strengthen mee against these wicked women . Moreouer , I doe esteeme my selfe to bee as a beast who doeth eate no more then his maister doth giue and allow him . But when his maister seeth that he is greedie at his meate , hee doth restrayne his mouth with a mufle , because hee should not eate but at such times , and such as it doth please him to giue vnto him . Wherefore the Loue of God , my onely maister hath put about my mouth a mussell called Sobrietie , that I should eat no more then will suffice nature , & hath tolde me that I shold of that , yet something withdrawe , if I woulde please him . In this forte is this wicked Ladie vanquished and ouercome , as much as it doth concerne my owne selfe , But because she doth not onely assault me with mine owne flesh , but by others , doth prouoke and draw me to sensualitie and vncleannesse : therefore I auoide her as much as I am able , eschewing all things wherby she seeketh to intice me to her loue and liking , esteeming this to be the best and only cemedy to escape her snares and deceytes . Furthermore . shee assaulteth not ▪ onely my body , but also my mind with diuers and straunge imaginations and thoughtes : for the which to auoid likewise , I iudge it the best remedie , to cast my mind vpon my Sauiour Christ , and continually to behold his death , passion & martyrdome , as also to remēder the pames of hell , the straitnes of the last iudgement , and my small en●e , and that I must appeare before the tribunall seat of God , to giue an account of al my words , thoughts and deedes : And by these means is ouercome , vanquished and quite ouerthrowne this wicked woman , being Lieuetenant to the Pallace of Pride .

The xi . Chapter , Ladie Humilitie speaketh against the Concupiscence of the eyes , and the pride of life .

IT auailed not to haue ouerthrowne the one vnles I shold endeuour my selfe also to vanquish the other her fellow and companion , who is Steward of this vngodly Pallace , & is called Concupiscence of the eyes . And oftentimes shee offered first the combate , but I ouercome her by my godly intente and purpose , saying : whensoeuer that shee is ready to come . In vaine doest thou seeke to assault me , for I am not unlike to a beast , that doth care for no thing but what is before him , & esteemed of no other superfluitie , but what hee needeth , and therewithall is contented , being nothing curious in that which he lacketh , nor carefull whether the Saddle and the Trappi●rs are cleane , neat or old , or whether the stable or maunger be altogether fit for him or not , but is sufficiently satisfied when he may stand or lie , for to take his naturall rest . And because I esteeme my selfe to bee such an other , for the Loue of God . I will vse my body according as they are vsed : for when the maister doth mark that they waxe wilde and stubborne , hee putteth a bit and bridle in their mouth to rule them after his owne will . Likewise bath the Loue of God brideled mee with a bitte called Sham●f●stnes , that I shoulde not curiously beholde and loue vanitie , for it is daungerous to beholde that which is forbidden to bee desired or coueted . wherefore the Loue of God hath giuen me warning , when ●●euer I shoulde come to ●●euer I shoulde come to see a thing which is beautifull , comely and delightsome to the eyes , that I shoulde not set my minde oppon it , but shoulde di●daine it as a trifle of nothing , and shoulde continually loue and behold the cheefest felicitie , being a a treasure not subiect to mutability , or vnconstancie which is my only Sauior Jesus Christ , who doth seeke and demaunde my heart and loue , and will most bountifully reward me for the same . And by these contemplations I ouercome the other Damosell . Now when these two are driuen away , there resteth yet the last , who is there Soueraigne to bee vanquished , who hath more deceite and subtiltie then all the rest , & watcheth continually ouer the good workes of a man , and is called the Pide of life . And whensoeuer the commeth , she is alwayes accompanyed with one page or an other , the one called good , and the other euill intent . But so soone as I doe spie her , then I vse her in this sort : & tell her , Auoid thou wicked & deceitfull Syren , for if I sholdgiue eare to thy sweet poisoned words , I should draw vpon me a sea of calamities & miseries . And although thou clounsellest me that I should grudge at the chastenings & commandement of others , yet I will not hearken to thy wordes , for I tell thee plaine , I thinke that hee loueth me , who doth chasten and rebuke me , for not to come to shame , and vtterly to bee cast away . Sometimes she doth present her selfe vnder the colour of Enuy and tels me . This bodie is in such authoritie , and this hath such a commandemente , but no bodie esteemeth of thee . The one is Soueraigne , the other Lieuetenant , the other Steward , & ouerseer the other : but thou art accounted but as a kitchin drudge , being notwithstanding vs old & as good as any of them al. Thou art without office or commaundement , and esteemed amongest them as a slaue of all slaues , because they neuer commit any charge to thy handes , therefore thou mayest wel see , that he who doth most is least considered of , hereafter then vse thy selfe otherwise , for whosoeuer maketh of himself a sheep , the woolfe wil quickly eat and deuoure him . These and such like things doth she cast before me , and commeth dissembling wise to me , although I knew her not , nor could perceiue from whence these lamentable words did spring & grow . Whereupon I aunswere her in this sort . Content thou thy selfe , I haue not forsaken the worlde , and mine owne selfe , to rule & command others , but to be gouerned & commaunded my selfe : Long agone haue I purposed to be oobedient , and therefore I will doe that whereunto I am called . For God wil neuer aske an account of the commandement which I had here in this world , & how highly I haue beene aduaunced in Office and authoritie , but howe I haue behaued my selfe in mine estate , howe I haue executed those thinges which were commaunded mee : how I haue humbled my hearte towardes him . Therefore I will diligently execute the vocation whereunto God hath called mee , and meddle not with other mens offices and authorities . For I am assured of one thing , that it is a step & degree to saluation , to bee obedient , dutifull & humble , from which no man can fall but by an aspiring minde . And therefore I haue no occasion to complain for this my basenes sake , but rather the more to thanke and praise the Lorde , and greatly to reioyce , that hee hath taken away from me all occasions of feare and perill , whervnto honour and authoritie doo oftentimes leade & bring a man . And herein let Saynt Augustine satisfie thee , who saith : In nothing haue I felt more Gods wrath , then when he appointed me to rule & gouern others . And therfore my sonne maruaile not of this , for euen as this wicked Damsel , who is Soueraigne of the pallace of Pride , is more addicted and giuen to all manner of iniquitie and wickednesse , so we of our side do need to be the more circumspect , strong & diligent for to auoide her snares and subtilties . And to bee short , I will shewe thee here a thing of no small importance , being a remedie whereby thou mayest vanquish , and ouercome all these wicked crue together at once , or els euerie one apart . For when one of them commeth , whosoeuer she be in complayning wise , do them as I doo : Namely , when the Concupiscence of the flesh commeth , complayning , that they giue her too little & too cold cheer , or that her drinke is too smal or too sowre : then I answere her : It is most certaine that he who hath more then hee deserueth , hath no reason or occasion to complaine : & thou doest not deserue a crust of breade , nor a cup of colde water , as the best Saints haue confessed in truth of themselues , and therefore thou doest deserue a great deale lesse , who art not to bee compared vnto them in holines of life , being so vnstedfast in Gods seruice , and so vnthankfull for his benefites . What occasion hast thou then to complaine , seeing thou hast more then thou art worthy of . And the same I tell her likewise , when she misliketh her apparel . The like answere I giue vnto the other , called , Concupiscence of the eyes , when she stirres and prouokes me with the desire of coueting this or that : saying to my selfe : O thou vile & poore wretch , that which thou desirest vnder the colour of neede , is superflui●y and contrary to the pouertie of the spirite . And although shee is not by this altogether ouerthrowne , yet notwithstanding it doth diminish at the least our self-loue & pride in our vertues . And we Christians ( who professe the name of Christ ) should bee ashamed to bee endued with lesse vertues , then the Heathens and Idolaters were , amongest whome Seneca was the onely mirrour and patterne of vertuous pouertie , as it is yet manifestly to be seene in his workes and writinges . The like aunswere I make to the thirde Damsell being called the Pride of life , whensoeuer shee goeth about to tickle me with a desire to be honoured , esteemed of , exalted , and to command , thinking within my selfe : O thou miserable creature , thou dost inioy more honor then thou art worthie of , if thou couldest onely conceiue it . For hast thou not deserued to burn in hell fire with the damned soules ? And beholde what honour the Lorde doeth shewe thee , to suffer thee to dwell in peace and quietnesse amongst his creatures , I and which is more , hath receiued thee in to his seruice , & hath made thee one of his domesticals & houshold . And although thou art altogether vnworthy to be the least of his seruants , yet hath he chosen thee to be one of his minions , & wil not let thee part from him night nor day , but requireth that thou shouldest speake with him continually , and praise and thank him for his goodnesse . Moreouer hee dooth feede thee in this transitorie and mortall life , euen with the bread of Angels , and setteth thee at his own table for to banquet with him . Thou proud wretch what canst th●u craue more ▪ where wouldest thou clime ? wouldest thou fall downe again from whence thou art come , for to lie as deep in the bottomles pit of hell , as thy father Lucifer doth ? what wouldest thou haue more ? doest thou desire to bee God himselfe . Thou lackest nor needest nothing , O vnhappy creature as thou art , open but only thy blinded eies , and confesse that thou hast more then thou deseruest , or art worthy of . Be contented with that , that God sendeth thee , and with thine own estate , and perswade thy selfe that all things which do happen , do come to passe by Gods ordinaunce and appointment .

The twelfth Chapter doth intreat of the waies and means to vanquish the other wicked Damsels .

WHen these three are ouercome , them easily mayest thou ouerthrowe her , who is their nurse and mother , called Obliuion , who comes creeping into the house through a thousand holes , sometimes she findes her selfe in the morninge , sometimes in the eueninge Prayers , and sometimes at our worke and labour . And alwaies I rebuke her in this sort : I tell thee woman , there is no man that keepeth a beast in his stable to bee idle alwaies , and to take his pleasure onely in eating , drinking , & sleeping , but that hee might worke dayly with some courage . For whensoeuer a beast is not tamed with working , fasting and watching , hee groweth quickly stubborn and stiffe necked agaynst his maister . But when the mayster seeth that he is slow and nothing quicke , then he vseth a goade or spurre to driue and prick him forwarde : euen so hath the Loue of God procured for ●●●e a rodbe called Feare , whereby he driues mee forwarde . And I that am seruant & the poorest of all the house , know verie well that a slaue is not kept but for to worke and trauaile , & no bodie should make great account of him or ease his taske or feede him daintily , because hee should not waxe too bold or too stubborne : for there is no worse man then a wicked prisoner . Further I aske her , whether the kingdome of heauen is to be gotten with eating , drinking , sleeping , and securenesse of life ? Not so truely , for our sauiour Christ did not enter into it in this sort : & seeing that he who is our onely guide , did not take this waye to come thether , but by paines and sufferings entered into euerlasting blessednes : therfore if we wil obtaine the same ioy , then are we forced to walke in the way of sufferinges and pouertie , for when the head will go this way and the feet another , the bodie shall neuer be ioyned and come together . And if we do not keep the high way of suffering , trauaile , paine , and contempt , then wee can in no wise be incorporated , but shall bee cut off as vnprofitable members and branches , and be cast into Hell fire . And if we refuse to be partakers of his crosse & passion , then we shall not participate of his ioyes and resurrection . And if wee doe not finde Christ , in punishing our flesh , as he was whipped , spitted at , despised , wearied , poor , hungry , thirstie , and suffering death betweene two theeus as an il doer , being neuertheles bout staine or spot , and altogether innocent , then wee are sure neuer to tast of his ioyes , and inioy his louely and sweet countenance , being nowe made kinge of all kinges , & Lord of Lords : sometimes this wicked woman comes to assault mee , when I am in my chamber at my prayers , although she were wearied and troubled with too much heate or frost . Then I tell her , woman a deuout damsell feeleth no tediousnes of a good thing . Besides , what shal I pay to the Lord againe , for all that hee hath giuen mee ? What can I suffer to requite my deere and welbe-loued Sauiour Christ ? Who through meere loue , hath lost his life vpon the crosse , not lying there at his owne pleasure , as I do heere , but was throwen most cruelly vpon it , & there stretcht out as with a racke , not cloathed , but naked , not vnder a couer , but vnder the bare skie : not with warme shooes at his feete , but pearced with great and cold iron nails , and all this for my sake . Wherefore then should I grudge to suffer a thing of nothing for the loue of him ? All which is yet smal in comparison of the rest , for he hath not onely , most gladly and willingly , for my sake suffered the miseries and calamities of this life , not for an houre , a day , or a moneth , but for three and thirtie years together , and besides remained three hours aliue vpon the crosse , in such pain , grie●e , and martirdome , that no tongue is able to speake it , or any vnderstand it to conceiue or comprehende it , all which seemed little vnto him for the great loue and affection he bore to all mankind , and particularly to euery one of vs , & would haue suffered much more if it had beene needful : he notwithstanding being a king , and I worse then a slaue , he God , and I more vilder then the earth , dust , or ashes : he most holy and innocent , and I a great and grieuous sinner , worthy of seuere punishment . And seeing hee hath done all this for my sake , shold I think it too much to do any thing for the loue of him ? And is the seruaunt better then the maister ? Therefore Obliuion auoid , for it is no paine for me to be here , seeing I doe not suffer any griefe or aduersitie : and vnlesse I should do this with a good will or spiritual pleasure , the hande of God might fall vpon me : for it is written , Cursed is hee who doeth the worke of the Lorde negligenly and carelesly . For hee cannot abide that one shoulde serue or offer the sacrifice of prayse and prayers vnwillingly , but is pleased when they spring and come out of a ioyful & vnfayned minde . When now this olde and accursed wretch is ouercome , then must wee endeuour ourselues to vanquish the other foolishe watching maides , whome the worser they are , of the greater and of more force are their temptations , & assailings : and the lesse they are mortified , the vncasier are they to bee rebuked and ouerthrowen . Now when the first whereof I haue spoken called Maliciousnes , accompanied with her daughter Wrath , do both assaile me , then I giue them this answere . Charitie is bountifull & patient , and thus with my good intent and meaning my husband , I quite ouerthrowe them . Further , I tell them , although that mine acquaintance , who professe great loue and frendshippe towardes me , doe offer mee some secret wrong and iniury , seeing that I deserue and am worthy of more , I am willing to beare it patiently for the Loue of God , & perswade my selfe that they greatly fauour mee , that they offer mee not so much as I , ( if all thinges were rightly considered off ) haue deserued . And this the Lord suffereth for my sins sake , for to make me readie in this worlde , that I might learn to suffer some thing in the mean season for his cause . Those whome thou sayest that wish me ill , and do speake ill behind my backe , and cannot abide my sight , they hate not my soule , but my sinnes onely , my faultes and wickednesse , therefore I am bounde to loue them , for their purpose and intent is good & goodly . And if I am Gods seruant , I shall soone spy & hate mine owne faults . Wherefore then should I curse or wish any harm to them , who do that which I would endeuour to do my selfe ? I will therefore conclude , & therewithall driue thee away from me . Those that do report ill of me , & seeke to hinder mee , are they not my brothers and sisters , and seeing that they be such , am I not commanded to loue , and in no wise to hate them , by force and vertue of the commandement , Loue thy neighbor as thy selfe ? And whensoeuer shee doth assault mee with another of her seruauntes called Enuie , who bringeth with her a two edged sworde , commonly termed , Spight at another mans corporall and spiritual vertues . Then I answere her as followeth . But first of all you must know that shee is a venemous and spightful Damsell , for she withereth , consumeth , & killeth her selfe at the prosperitie and good successe of her neighbour , and reuiueth againe , and reioyceth at their miserie and aduersitie . But nowe to my answere . Thou sayest that others are endued with greater wealth , beauty , and better giftes of nature them I , wherein I doe reioyce and account me the happier , for in this and in the life to come , I desire nor wishe for nothing but for Iesus Christ , who is the Angels and my onely treasure , mine and all creatures beauty , my gaine , and the fountaine of al goodnesse . Therefore let those loue the other things that wil , as for mee I doe thirst after nothing but after Christ and his loue . Fe , there is no exception of the rich or poore , of the foule and faire with him , but hee regardeth onely the humblenes and lowlines of the spirite . And thou sayest that others do possesse such and such wealth , and that they receiue great giftes , and I none at all : and I doe say , although they inioy all this , that I possesse , yet much more than they , for I beare so greate and noble a minde , that I esteeme it a great basenes to settle my heart vppon such meane , vile , & transitory things , as all earthly things are . But now I wil ouerthrow thee with humility , whereof I beare the name and tel thee that the children of God do freely possesse all these gifts , and many more , & not I that am but a slaue , and not worthy of the least of these thinges . Then she turneth her backe quickly , and presently assaulteth me with a spirituall enuie of another mans goodnes and holines of life , saying , this man is more aduised , more seruent in prayers , quieter , more mortified & soberer then thou art ? Whereupon I do answer her & I say : Let vs nowe speak with reason . Wherefore shold I spight at this , seeing they pricke me forwarde to godlinesse , and giue me an occasion to reioyce ; when I see that my good Lorde and mayster hath such seruantes , who are lo feruent and holy , & do loue him so much with out dissimulation . Therefore the more I am bound to pray , that it would please his diuine maiestic to bestowe more giftes and graces upon them , to the end he might be praysed & honoured the more by them . For if one did loue his mayster , would he not be glad that he were knowen , loued and honoured of all the world , and that he likewise shoulde inrich them with a temporal and spirituall riches and blessednes . Auoide therefore thou aceursed and wicked creature , for thou knowest not what charity meanes , seeing thou art the brood of so wicked a damme . Therefore I tell thee farther , I would be glad ( so that it might bee without the damage of my saluation ) that my Lorde and God shoulde depriue mee of all these bodily and spirituall gifts , wherewithall I am endued , and bestow them vppon others , who should use them better to his glorie then I who am vnworthy of the ground whereon I tread , and most vnthankefully haue entertayned his graces & fauours so aboundantly bestowed vppon me . For I desire nothing else then the glorie and praise of my Lord & mayster , & if it were possible , upon mine own charges , although my selfe shoulde receyue no benefit by it at all . Doest thou not know that our Gob doeth all ●hings in great wisedom ? hee knoweth the vesselles before , whereinto he poureth his graces , and because hee knew me to bee vnfit for such fauours , for my vncleannes & prides sake , that woulde bee puft vp with a vain presumption of my selfe , mine own workes & vertues , therefore hath his wisedom not beautified me with them , and yet I am wel contented , and will desire no more then I am able to vse , both to his glorie and mine owne saluation .

The thirteenth Chapter sheweth most manifestly the waies and meanes to ouercome all manner of wickednesse .

MAliciousnes third daughter , is Slothfulnes , who is of a wonderfull wicked nature , because she is in all spirituall actions which concerne Gob , in whome consisteth all our saluation , very cold , negligent and slothful . And when she beginneth to assault me , then I do withstande her with these armours : In dayrie doest thou seeke thou accursed wretch , to draw me from my prayers and spirituall exercises , and therefore to ouercome thee I will bee more diligente , & zealous in praying , watching & fasting , to passe my time in godly contemplations : And when she seeth that I thus prepare my selfe to the combate , shee taketh another course with me and saith : Doest thou not see & perceiue that thou art altogether without feruency , & that thou shalt praye aaginst thy stomack , wherby Gob is rather prouoked unto anger , than therby pleased , and rather tempted , then honoured , who both desire to be serued with a burning zeale and ioyful minde , and not with an vnwilling and browsie heart . Wherevpon I do aunswere as followeth , auoid hence thou brood of Sathan , too wel do I vnderstand thy meanning : for thou must know that at such times I doe please God much more , when I serue him at mine owne charges , then when hee bestoweth a great aboundance of grace vpon me , for it is an easie thing for him to swimme that is holden vp by the chinne . Dost thou not know that hee withdraweth sometimes his graces from vs : for to trie what we will or are able to doe our selues . And when hee seeth that we doe offer and present vnto him all our abilitie , and do al that lyeth in vs , hee doth then at conuenient time through his mercie increase our comfort againe : and although we bee depriued of that zeale which wee shoulde haue , yet notwithstanding wee feele alwaies in vs a good will & desire to performe it , and a misliking of that which wee dot : and doest thou aske then , wherefore I doe embolden my selfe to pray , being altogether faint , slow and of no zeale , and moreouer art not ashamed to say : that so doing is to tempt God : I tell thee , if I had yet lesse feruencie then I haue : yet I would not be afraid to do this , and woulde present my selfe before my Lorde & say nothing vnto him , nor craue any thing at his hand , but onely stande before him . shewing him honour and reuerence , hoping that he is present , and doth vouchsate to behold & regard me , & that hee which is the fire of loue , will kindle my hart whensoeuer it shall please him . For I will yeelde my selfe altogether into his hands and submitte my will and my self wholly vnto him : and further knowe , the colder and famier I am , the more neede I haue to approche neere to the fire . For if I shoulde go away from it , I should be worser and waxe colder . Auoid thou hence therefore for I do not set my selfe to pray , or to spirituall contemplations , and other godly exercises , for to receiue thereby comfort only , or because I finde in it a sweet and pleasant tast , but to serue my Lord and God , & besides I knowing his wil for to do it , exercising my self to the glorie of his name in all vertue and holines . Nowe when this wicked Damsell doth perceyue that she is not able to drawe mee from the loue of my God by these meanes , she turneth her aside , and endeuours to allienate mee from that loue of my neighbour , by the helpe of these two other foresaide damsels , called Ill Suspition , & false or light Iudgement , for to dispise them in my hart and iudge them to be wicked , and malicious , laying before my eyes all that which might breede in me some ill suspition of them , for by these meanes to intice me to giue a false and rashe iudgement of their doings . And to bring their purpose to better effect , they come accompanied with Murmuring , Despising , and Backebiting . But presently I aunswere th●●n as it followeth : it doeth not become a slaue suspect ill of his betters , sinners should not touch sacred things , I must esteeme euery bodie to bee good and holy , and account my self to be wicked and a sinner , not knowing what euery man may bee in the sight of God , or els what his latter ende will be . But as concerning my selfe , I know whom and what I am , and to what end the fee lt of my desires Wickednesse and Vngodlines woulde bring & carrie mee , namely into hell , it that mercy of God came not to aide or assist me . Therefore I haue inough to doo with my selfe , and to see whether my thoughtes , doodes , and conscience bee good , for I know my selfe and not other men . As concerning others , I wil take and chuse the surest , which is to thinke well of them all , wherewith I shall loose nothing , but may profite and aduance much . For it is daungerous to refuse the certainty for the vncertainty : and charity thinketh no harm . Moreouer , who hath ordeyned mee a Iudge betweene God & my neighbour ? betweene him and his conscience ? truely no body . Therefore auoide , the iudgement hereof belongeth to God onely , for it is hee that seeth the inward ? thoughts , and trieth euery mans reynes & secrets . Moreouer Ill Suspition , proceedeth from that Diuell , and is quite contrary to brotherly vnitie , and causeth great strife amongst friendes , which a man may finde to bee true by daylie experience : for if a husband taketh an euill suspition against his wife , and she doeth perceiue it , although she had been before the honestest of all her goodly neighbours , shee wil quickly turne her chastitie into all manner of wickednes and disloyalty . For it is most true that Seneca saith : Ill suspition hath caused many men to sinne . What although they haue erred , perhaps they are fallen through weaknes , or els through great temptations , but notwithstanding all this , I shoulde not therefore hate them , or els giue a light iudgment of their doings , but for the Loue of God shoulde turn all things to the best , should suffer , pittie , and haue compassion on them . And if thou wilt not yet graunt mee this , then I tell thee that it is Gods iustice and iudgement , whose prouidence doth bring all thinges to passe , which in no wise wee are able to comprehende : and in such sort , that euen as he neuer ceaseth to doe good vnto vs , so he permitteth these faultes , and turneth them ( although they are euill ) to the aduantage & profite of those that are fallen , or els of theirs that do behold them . Therfore trouble mee no more , for he that taketh vppon him to iudge other men , presumeth vppon the title of God , and remember what happened to thy father , when he would haue been like vnto God , and therefore I haue reason to take warning by his & others mishap , and misfortune , & to haue a speciall eye to mine owne actions and doings .

the xiiij . Chapter endeth the exercises of Ladie Humilitie .

DEsire being stroken in a maze at Lady Humilities words said : Now first I do vnderstand that , which long agone I haue heard my auncestors tell , but yet neuer had any triall of it , namely that Humilitie conteyneth and comprehendeth all manner of vertues , Iustice Peace , Ioy. ▪ spirituall and temporall comfort . Therfore I pray your Ladiship to resolue mee of one doubt which troubleth me not a little , as touching this matter . Whether you doo know alwayes these wicked Damsels , when they come in disguised apparel or vnder the colour of godlines , for we do reade , that they are able to transform themselues into Angels of light , whereby easily they may deceiue the simple , and such idiots as I am . Ah my welbeloued sonne , quoth Humility , this is a great point . Therefore to resolue thee herein , thou must knowe the God hath put a Lampe in the midst of our Chamber , called Good conscience , which burneth day and night with the oyle of his mercy : and is kindled with a wike of the holie Scriptures , & hangeth to it a string called Care of the mind , being fastned at a naile called Care of inclination . And as long as this Lampe doth burne and is kindled , then wee neede not to feare them , for wee can spie them quickly . And although they come as disguised as they may , yet we know them by their going , for they are crooked mishapen , and are lame , and do halt , so that they cannot for their liues go straight and vpright . But my son , when this Lamp is put our , by our owne negligence : or that the nayle falleth out by our idlenes , or els that the string breaketh , or that God withdraweth his Oyle ( which he neuer doth before wee doo first spill it willingly ) then we remaine in darknesse , and nothing doth prosper with vs . And therefore we pray to God alwaies , that it woulde please him to lighten our Lampe , and doe say with the Prophete Dauid , O Lorde thou art my guide , lighten mee therefore in darkenesse . The Lorde graunt you his grace and mercy , quoth Desire , for you haue comforted my troubled mind . Take them said Humility , these Ladies whom I shall aopoint , in thy companie , vntill thou be sufficiently armed with a True feare , for the foresaid wicked Damsels will endeuour themselues to draw thee perforce againe out of our handes , Here is Fortitude , against the first called Concupiscence of the flesh . Earnestnesse against Concupiscéce of the eyes . The second , Humilitie , against Price of life . The third , Watchfulnes , against , Slothfulnes . The fourth Bountifulnesse , against Maliciousnes . And so the Lord haue thee in his keeping .

The fifteenth Chapter intreateth of the Ver●ues of Lady Humilities d●ughters .

By these means said Humilitie , with the helpe and grace of God , & mine owne endeuour , I vanquish and ouerthrowe all my enemies . Desire did receyue a great comforte by his soueraigns words , and said , I pray your Ladishippe giue me leaue to go visite these Damselles , for to come acquainted with them . Go in the name of God aunswered shee this leaue I giue thee most willingly . And thou my Steward , go thou with him , & bring him acquainted with all the housholde . And herewithall Desire departed most ioyfully out of his Soueraignes chamber , accompanied with the foresaide Lady , who was Steward of the house , called Esteeme nothing . Who brought him presently into the chamber of Humilities eldest daughter , called Confession of sins , who did entertain him most frendly , and being bidden to sit by her , began to speake . I pray you Lady that it may please you to tell me your estate , conditions , and manners . I aunswered she , am Humilities eldest daughter , and a scholler to this damsel our Steward and do greatly delight in her company , acknowledging and confessinge alwayes whome I am , & such as I esteeme my selfe to be . Desire presently did marke , that this Lady was of a great contenance and very bountiful , because she shewed her selfe to be an enemie to all vain glory , and idlenes , and herewithall , did take his leaue of her . And being departed from thence , his guide brought him to the Chamber of Lady Humilities second daughter , called Desire to bee dispised , who did receiue him likewise most cu●teously , and sitting downe by her , said : I pray you Lady to tel me your name , & condition . I am called , said she , Desire to be despised , contemned , and nothing esteemed of ? This did greatly amaze Desire , hearing that she was so desirous to be dispised and contemned , seeing that it was quite contrary to euery mans nature and condition : yet notwithstanding , did account and esteeme her a very vertuous and godly Damsell , because shee did it for the Loue of God . And herewithall did take his leaue of her also , and went with the Stewarde his guide to Humilities thirde daughters Chamber , who was called Glad to be despised , who entertained him likewise with a cheerefull countenance , & as he sat downe , sayd vnto her . I pray you Ladie to tell me your name and conditions : I aunswered she , do reioyce to be dispised , contemned , iniured , & mocked at , and this for the Loue of God . Desire did maruaile at her vertuous disposition , and saide : I pray you to teach mee the means whereby I might attaine to your vertues , for I find this , which you haue to bee quite repugnaunt to mine owne nature : for when I am iniured , contemned , dishonored , and nothing esteemed of , then I grudge and waxe angrie at it . This doth happen said she , because thou hast notyet embraced Humilitie , who doeth comprehende to esteeme nothing of her self , and for the Loue of God to despise her selfe : but it is a sure and certaine token that thou art full of Selfe-loue , Pride , and Ambition . Yet because God hath brought thee here in the house , we will teach and instruct thee in all kind of vertues , and pull from thee this thicke and filthie skin , and transforme thee ●nto a new shape , and prepare thee , that thou maist come to the speech of the Loue of God . Therefore if thou wilt attaine to my vertues , first of all thou must imbrace my seconde ●ister , called Desire to be dispised , oftentimes remembring and speaking to thy selfe . Hereafter I wil be despised and contemned , & not grudge , when I am mocked at , iniured & belied . And when thou hast attayned vnto this , then shalt thou be feruent in prayer , and with great labour , not at the first , but by little and little obtaine this vertue , whereof I do beare the name . And although this will fall something hard vnto thee at the first , because thou shalt be forced to striue against thine owne nature , yet shalt thou with constancie ouercome all difficultie , insomuch that thou shalt at the last reioyce , when they shall eyther in wordes or deedes , offer thee , any wrong or iniury . Therefore force thy selfe to beare patiently all shame , contempt & despising , for thou must knowe that none is iust vnles he be humble , and grudgeth not to bee despised , iniured , & mocked at . wherevpon Desire did aunswere , and said , I doo maruell that he shold be vniust , who doeth mislike and grudgeth at these thinges ? for there are few to be found that then are iust , therefore I think that you do mistake your selfe in this point . Not so sayd she , and therefore I will instruct thee in this doctrine . First thou canst not deny , that hee is iust , who doth desire to giue and to receiue of euery man his right . And thou knowest that vnto man appertayneth nothing but contempt and mockery , because hee is more vilder then any other creature , for his great and abhominable sinnes : and therfore I conclude , that hee who grudgeth to receiue his due is vniust .

Furthermore thou canst not deny , that all good thinges shold be beloued , sought for , and esteemed of , and so much the more , the more that they exceede in goodnesse . And contrariwise , that euery euill thing should be hated , despised , & suppressed . And it is most certaine , that euery man is naught and wicked , because God onely is good , and therefore it followeth , that hee with reason should be dispised , scorned , and hated , because it is his due and right .

The sixteenth Chapter sheweth , that all thinges which God hath created are good , and howe this title Good , belongeth onely vnto him .

BEhold said Desire , I am not yet sufficientlie satisfied with these your argumentes , where with you doe seeke to prone , that God onely is good , and all that , that is not God shoulde bee naught . For your conclusions do disagree with the holy scripture , where shee witnesseth , that when God did beholde all that hee had made and created , founde it not onely to bee good , but perfecte and without fault . Further , seeing that God is good ( being our cheefest felicitte , and of all that there was created , the efficient and onely cause ) consequently it must followe , that all which hee hath created should be exceeding good , because the worke shoulde be answerable to the excellency of that workman , for not to stain his skil and cunning And seeing that man is the most noblest & excellentest creature of all visible thinges , therefore hee is not good onely , but exceedeth in goodnes , and by consequent , according to your owne argumente , to him belongeth all honor , loue , and obedience . I will not answered the damsell , dispute with thee any longer , but I will more at large , declare and expound vnto thee these thinges , to the end thou maiest the better vnderstand them . Thou must know that God onely is good , ( as that Gospel being the onely truth doeth witnesse ) which is thus to be vnderstood . That God in his essence and nature is good onely , & that it is proper to him to be good , and al that God hath created is good , but by participation of his goodnesse . Therefore when the creature doth consider the vnspeakeable goodnesse of God , and wayeth his benefites and graces , bestowed vppon her , shee will yeeld all honour and obedience that is due to his Maiestie . And this turneth to Godwarde , and not the creatures . And in this sort ought we to loue our selues & all creatures , because wee were all good in our first creation : and therefore man shall not seeke to bee honoured and reuerenced for his owne sake , but for the goodnesse of God participated vnto him : and becau●e he is the handie●wo●ke and creature of God , shall attribute onely vnto him all his goodnes , and not to himself or to his owne industrie . For th●re is great difference in that hee hath receiued of God , and in that he hath of his owne : from God hee hath that which is good in nature , but from himselfe that which is euill : for by him he doeth carry his image and likenesse alwayes in him : but by himselfe , through his wicked and vngodly life , doeth deface it , and becommeth altogether vnlike him , delighting in nothing by nature , but in that which is contrary to God , and his first creation . And hereout may we perceiue that we shoulde honour and loue that which man hath in him of God , namely , his good nature , condition , & all kinde of vertue . But shoulde hate and detest in him all that he hath of his own , namely his wickednesse , filthines and sinne , in such sort that wee shall in sundrie meanings , and to sundrie endes , honour or despise , loue or hate a man . And how holy or vertuous so euer a man is , yet must he know and confesse that hee hath nothing of himselfe , but all manner of wickednesse , & shall therefore desire , that the honour and praise of goodnesse shall onely redound to God , from whom all goodnes floweth . But as much as concerneth his wickednesse being his owne , shall wish onely to bee dispised , contemned , discredited , and dishonoured for it . And whensoeuer he shall doe this , then shall hee bee iust . And if a holie , good , and vertuous man doeth not grudge , & is desirous to be dispised , why should a sinner then account it iniustice and vndecent to haue such a desire , but contrariwise would bee honoured and esteemed of although they had deserued it . Therefore no sinner shall perswade himselfe that hee doth much when hee desireth to be thus despised & disdained , seeing a holy , vertuous , and iust man , is bound in duty and conscience to desire it .

The seuenteenth chapter intreateth of the same words .

THe wordes of the Damosell did greatlie please Desire & said , I praye you that it may please you to tell the means , wherby I might further and obtayne this holy desire . Two meanes there are , aunswered the Ladie , the first is the Loue of God , the second a godly minde , and whensoeuer thou wilt take my counsel it will greatly further thee to the attayning of this my vertue . Most willingly , answered Desire , I wil take it : make account then , and fully per●wade thy selfe said the Damsell , that the Loue of God , whom thou desirest and louest so much , hath no greater enemy , nor one who offereth him more wrong and iniury , & more resisteth him then thine owne fleshe . Therefore take this for an vse and custome , to speake euery morning to thy soule as followeth .

Let me see , O my soule , how thou wilt hate this day thy rebellious fleshe , mortall enemie to thy creator , Lorde , and louing spouse Iesus Christ , and what meanes thou wilt vse to despise and vexe it : And again in the euening shalt thou say this vnto her . Let vs examine now my foule , howe thou hast hated this day thy vile bodie enemie to thy onely Lorde and Sauiour , and hast sought by all meanes to dishonour it , chasten it , and vexe it , and how diligent thou hast beene to hinder it of his owne wil , and in all thinges to persecute it . And brother , whensoeuer thou wilt go about to do this , and with a stedfast desire to hate thy Lordes and thine owne soules enemic , then will this exercise bring and adnaunce thee to a high degree of humilitie , and by little and little worke in thee a perfection of all vertues : so that shortlie after thou shalt detest thy selfe , hate & vanquish thy owne rebellious will and fleshe . And whensoeuer any body doth vse thee so , then take holde of mee , and of my vertues , and herem greatly also reioycing , say : Praised and blessed : bee the Lorde my God , who giues me now meanes to bee reuenged vppon mine enemies . Desire receiued great comfort by this damsels wordes , and with great and humble thankes , hauing taken leaue of her , was brought by his guide into another of Ladie Humilities daughters chambers , called Sinceritie or Simplicitie , who likewise receiued & entertamed him most trendly , and curteously placing him , next to her side , began to speake of God , and of heauenly and spirituall matters . Wherevpon Desire did pray the Damsell , that it would please her to tell him her name . My name is Simplicity , answered shee , and with euery man I deale plainely and without deceite , vsing no dissimulation in any of my actions or doinges , & all that I heare or see , doe alwaies conster it to the best : for I thinke euery man to be as I am : at the least as much as concerneth his mind , I thinke no harm of any man , but only of my selfe , for I haue alwates an euill suspition of my selfe , hauing an eye continually vpon all my thoughtes and desires being very circumspect & carefull to eschew that traps and snares of the wicked , that by these meanes I might waxe strong and increase in my mother Humilities vertues . How , answered Desire , can you not bee vertuous vnlesse you be thus carefull ? No said she , for Simplicitie without Wisedome is worth little or nothing , and hindereth more then it profiteth : for the Loue of God loueth none but those which walke wisely and circumspectly in all his waies .

The eight Chapter intreateth of Sincerities manners and conditions .

I pray you good Lary ( quoth Desire ) to tell me ho●● you deale vpright and s●●cecely with euery 〈◊〉 . In three things answered she , in thoughtes , wordes , and d●edes . First of al I will not cast my thought vppon matters which do passe my vnderstanding or capacitie , nor seeke to purchase honour , dignitie or prouiotions of this world , which are but vaine and transitorie , alwaies thinking my selfe to be the worst amongst al reasonable creatures , and the vnworthiest of all Gods seruants , esteeming all others to be holy , good , and replenished with heauenly graces & vertues . Secondly , I will not vse any flattering or deceitfull words , to intrappe therewith my brother , but only I , no , for all things els are wicked , & spring out of the roote of vanitie and ●dlenes . Thirdely , I refraine my selfe from vain , fleshly , and worldly actions , and endeuour to doe that onely which is simple , plaine and prosiable , thereby to eschue Vanitie , & Partialitie , which ●ight cause and worke my cuine and ouerthrowe : for to go alwaies roundly and plainly to worke , it maintayned the mind in humilitie , whereof the contrary is full of feare and danger . wherefore is the contrary thus perillous ? qd Desire , thou must know that my mother hath giuen me two iewels or precious stones to keepe , which I haue here in my Closet , the one called Chastity , and the other Innocencie , which are of such valour , price and estimation , that none is able to giue the worth for them . For we doe direct all our actions by these two iewelles , euen as the Marriner doth his shippe by the compasse , endeuouring euery day to get them , & hauing gotten them surely to keepe them . And whensoeuer Curiositie , Vanitie , or Partialite , are suffered to enter through the doore of our harte , mouth , eyes or eares : they they serue by all means to steale them away and depriue vs of these iewelles . And therefore whosoeuer doeth not direct all his thoughtes , wordes , and deeds , to ge● and keep● them , deserueth to be esteemed worse then a foole . What will you ●o said Desire , with these iewelles , for it is a token of couetousnes , to possesse such needlesse and superfluous riches , as iewelles and precious stones bee , where you see so many poore almost ready to starue for want of foode & maintaynance . Not so quoth she , for thou doest mistake my wordes . And although that in the loue and desire of possessing wealth , riches , and worldly goodes , after the intent and meaning of the possessor or owner thereof , ma● consist couetousnes , fraud and guile : yet notwithstanding there can bee no deceite or auarisiousnesse in possessinge of these iewelles , whereof I haue spoken , because wee doe desire and keepe them to serue and please therewith the Loue of God , and to honour him herewith , when hee vouchsafeth to visite vs . Other riches eyther perish by wormes , or consume with rust , or weare with time , because they are earthly , and common to euery man . But those that are hidden in the harte , no mustines , rust , worme , or tune can consume them , because they are common to none but to such as doe possesse them . Dow , quoth Desire , if hee who doeth possesse them , did discourse and make a show of them , would they not consume then , as other riches doe ? No said she , for when he doeth discouer them to bee seene , then hee doeth not possesse them any longer , for whosoeuer doeth inioy them , doeth not thinke that hee doeth possesse them , but doeth alwaies endeuour himselfe and trauaileth to get and to attaine vnto them . For our God doeth oftentimes bestowe these iewelles vppon him that doth not know them , and is ignorant of the possession thereof , because that our Presumption and Selfe loue which lyeth hidden in our hartes , shoulde not steale them away . Therefore he that doeth possesse them , keepes them as secret as may the possible .

The nineteenth Chapter sheweth , what thinges that mayntaine sinceritie or Simplicitie .

THe wordes of this Damsell did please Desire , & sayd , by what meanes might one best keepe then these iewelles ? one thing aunswered she is most requisite and necessary to those that are new begin●ers , and not altogether vnprofitable to the long continuers , which is to flie & to shutte doores and windowes , for to haunt and frequen many mens companies , and to heare and see much , are ready waies to lose and to be depriued of them , because our soule is as a looking glasse , which easily receuieth all figures and likenesses which are brought before it : and is like vnto waxe which retayneth the print & marke of any thing put vppon it . How is it possible , quoth Desire , to flie and to shutte all the gates and windowes for him that dwelleth in a congregation or companie of many ? for he is constrained to go oftentimes hether and thether for to dispatch his busines , besides it is both decent and godly to be affable and curteous to euery man , for not to fall in the vice of selfe-loue or Partialitie , which is to bee abhorred and to be detested , although it seemeth to carrie a faire shine or colour of vertue and godlines . It is true answered she , but neuerthelesse the Loue of God commandeth vs that we should be circumspect in all our actions , and doe nothing but by necessitie according to the greatnes of our affaires , and to bee carefull alwaies for these iewels , which we haue in our custody , that we do not lose them . How must we then behaue our selues , quoth Desire , for to doe as much as lieth in vs ? It is needfull answered she , that hee who is not able for his busines sake to keepe him from company , indangering hereby greatly the looimg of these two iewels Chastitie and Innocency should alwaies take me at his side , and whensoeuer he shall bee in my companie , then he needeth not to feare , that hee shall loose them , although he should trauel through al the world . I pray you , quoth Desire , that it may please you to instruct me by some comparison , that I might the better conceiue it , and the simple and idiot people the better vnderstand it , for to carrie it away in their memories the more easier . Knowe then , aunswered Sinceritie , whosoeuer is desirous to keep Chastitie and Innocencie ( being two of the best meanes to vertue , and the readiest waies to come to the last , the Loue of God , who comprehendeth all perfection of Charitie ) must flie and shutte doores and windowes . And if it be not possible for him to doe it , let him vse me then , in all his actions and put mee in his right eye , that whensoeuer his left eie of Concupiscence , of rash or foolish iudgement , will desire to see or iudge any thing , let him direct her to his right eye of sinceritie , considering with himselfe earnestly , that euery man or woman are Angelles , and children of the Lorde , who continually without ceasing doe laude & praise their Creator , Likewise whatsoeuer he shall heare or see of his neighbour , his right eye shall excuse it , and amend it . And whensoeuer his left eye of Concupiscence , shall seeke to drawe him to the loue and desire of any Creature , let him presently beholde his right eye , which will send him to the remembring & consideration of the beauty , goodnesse , and other perfections of his Creator , which will cause him to loue the creature , for no other cause but that shee doth loue , laud , and praise with him her God and Creator . And therefore it were most requisite , that he should vse me likewise in all his words and communications . When quoth Desire , doeth a man all things with Sinceritie ? when his minde , answered she , is simple , vpright , and sincere , so that his wordes and deedes be alwaies correspondent , and all his actions reasonable and without dissimulation . Hauing alwaies a speciall regard that all his doinges may redound to the glorie & praise of God , his soules health and saluation , and to the profite of his neighbour : and this doing is in all thinges to walk with Sinceritie , and he goeth sure and without daunger , whosoeuer taketh her alwayes in his companie .

The twentith Chapter intreateth of Pouertie , one of Ladie Humilities daughters .

DEsire hauing receiued great comforte out of Sincerities words , tooke his leaue of her , and his guide brought him to another of Ladie Humilities daughters , called Pouerty . who bidding him welcome , did pray him to sit downe by her side . Desire seeing the great courtesie of the Ladie , said , that hee was very glad of her company , because he did perceiue that shee esteemed much of the Loue of God , and therefore did aske her name , and prayed her to tell him her manners and conditions . My name , quoth she is Pouertio . And for the Loue of God , I doe not possesse nor care for anye worldly thinges . wherein , quoth Desire , take you then your ioy and all your comforte ? My chiefest treasure , answered she , wealth , and riches , ioy and comforte consisteth , to forbeare all things for the Loue of God . I doe greatly maruaile of this , quoth Desire , for I was tolde , that this pallace was builded , by the most noblest , richest , and most bountifullest knight of the earth , wherefore doth he suffer then so poore and needie people to dwel in it ? For I cannot conceiue what profite or gain hee receiueth by your pouertie , need , and necessitie . I will tell it thee , answered she . The Landlord & the founder of this house , is Lord and King of all the earth , hauing al her riches and wealth in his hand & power , and yet it is his will and pleasure , that we should bee poore , because we shoulde not settle our heart vpon any thing , but vpon him onely , for hee is able inough to giue vs all things aboundantly . But these whom he loueth , he doeth giue them none of this earthly felicitie , because they shoulde onely desire and loue him , and hate this transitorie and deceitfull worlde . The greatest token and witnes which we can haue of his loue towardes vs , is when hee doeth not comfort vs in this wretched worlde , or bestoweth on vs all , that our flesh and lust doth craue and desire . Moreouer he doeth sende vs pouertie , because wee should not bee too pensiue and carefull for the goods and riches of this worlde , but that wee should serue him with an vnfayned minde and a ioyfull spirite , and not lightly for any worldly thinges , gaine or losse , prosperitie or aduersitie , receiue a vaine ioy , or discomforte , but that our hearts should alwaies in rest and quiet , without perturbations or discorde , bee vnited with God our creator and Sauiour . For the Loue of God is of such tender and gentle nature , that he can not dwell but in a quiet , cleaue , & peaceable place . which is your cheefest vertue , quoth Desire , my cheefest vertue is , answered Pouertie , to frame and conforme my selfe to the godly and vertuous conuersation of the children of God , whose company I gladly do frequent . And although my desire is , for to haue nothing yet for to shut out a wild bore who doeth destroy all our garden , called Partialitie or Exceptions of persons , my mother hath ordained that I should liue as the other of my sisters do . But because I shold not lose the rewarde of my vertue , she hath married me to a holy mind , called to desire nothing : this quoth Desire , in my iudgement , is to desire more then to be good , or more then wee do owe or are bounde vnto , for I do perswade my selfe that your Landlorde doeth counsell you rather to the pouertie of the spirite , them to that of the boly , and the prophet saith , if thy goods and wealth doeth increase set not thy heart vpon it : Therefore I esteeme that the vertue of pouertie doth not consist in possessing little or much , but in the hart and mind of the possessor . It is true , quoth she , that the vertue of pouertie consisteth in the spiritie , yet for the Loue of God to forbeare these thinges it is a precious vertue , & worthy of great praise & commendation . For our loue and desire is so much enclined to the beauty and comelines of these earthly thinges , that hardely we can possesse them , without fixing our whole minde vpon them . And because they should not draw vs away from the loue which wee beare to God , which commonly is very small , it is good and wisely done to take the flaxe from the fire , and to remoue & preuent all occasions of mischiefe , as much as lyeth in vs . For the loue of God wil haue all the heart and can abide no partner : and take of this an example of our Sauiour himselfe , who could haue possessed all the wealth of this world , & that without to set his minde vpon it . But behold I pray thee how poor hee and all his Apostles were . What doth this els signifie , but that we shold abstain from these things which are so dangerous & draw many that doe possesse them into euerlasting paine and damnation .

The twentie one Chapter intreateth of Obedience .

DEsire was likewise comforted by this Damsell , and tooke his leaue of her . And his guide brought him to an other of Lady Humilities daughters , called Obedience , whom he greatly did reuerence , for her countenaunce and outwarde apparaunce did showe , that she was of great dignitie and more esteemed of , by the Loue of God , then any of her sisters were . And when he did offer to kisse her handes , shee woulde not suffer it , for shee was one of Ladie Humilityes daughters , and sought not after Honour and Promotion . But she bad him to sit downe by her wherevpon Desire did inquire her name and conditions . My name , quoth the Lady , is Obedience , & I am married to a husband called to leaue nothing vndone , who is a very valiant , and renowned Knight , and hee onely is able to ouerthrowe this feareful and terrible beast , ranging thus in the world . called selfe-will . Which beast doth deuour all those that follow and loue him , and causeth through his sweet whistling , al the vngodly to follow him , and fewe doe leaue him before hee hath brought them to eternall destruction . But euery body flieth away from mee , although it bee most true , that without me , none can get and obtaine the Loue of God . And seeing that God hath giuen me so good a husband , therefore I doe nothing but that hee commandeth me : Likewise I craue nothing at his handes but necessaries : and I neuer do go about any thing alone for feare of theefes , for here are many , and hide themselues , so that I cannot see them . Who goeth then with you , quoth Desire , first aunswered shee a trustie dogge , called Good wil , and my sister Sincerity , and my daughters , Foresight , Mirth , Diligence , and Chastity , and before all things my mother Humilitie will alwaies accompanie me : all these must I needes take with mee for to goe sure , and without daunger , and for to do those thinges which are commanded me . I praye you quoth Desire , to tell me in what sort your mother Humilitie is alwaies with you in all thinges which you take in hande : for I cannot well vnderstande it . Of all thinges which I doe , aunswered shee , although they were the greatest of the worlde , I thinke not once that I haue done any goodnesse , nor set my trust or confidence vpon them , nor doe exalt my self for them , nor perswade my selfe that others are not able to doe the like or better , nor doe desire that any man shold praise mee , although I should seem to haue done great wonders : but humbly I do thanke the Lord , that it hath pleased his goodnesse to giue and bestow vpon me this knowledge , wisedome , & grace , to doe this for the loue of him : and thinke , because God hath granted me the grace for to do this therein hath made me more beholden vnto him , & therefore am altogether vnwilling that any shoulde doe otherwise but laude & praise God for it . And as concerning my self , I desire nothing but pain and trauaile till my last end , and that my Lorde God may receiue thereof , the prayse and thanks , & my neighbour the gaine and profit : And therfore I desire nothing for all my doinges , because I knowe that I meryte nor deserue nothing . Praying God onely that it may please him to graunt me his loue , that thereby I might bee the more vertuous in all my actions , for neuer to offend him , and that it may please him to be vnto mee a fauourable and merciful God in the houre of death : as I hope and faithfully put my trust in him .

The two and twentith Chapter intreateth of Chastity .

DEsire taking leaue of Lady Obedyence , went his wayes , being greatly comforted by her : and his guide brought him to another of Lady Humilities daughters chamber , called Chastitie , who likewise entertayned him most frendly , and bad him to sit downe . Wherevpon Desire did aske her name , and of what nature and conditions shee was . I am quoth shee , one of Humilities daughters , and I haue two maide●● attendant vppon mee , the first called Continency , the seconde Shametastnes , and my name is called the Suruiour of the hart . Who hath likewise a daughter surnamed the keeper of the sences . I pray you quoth Desire to showe mee this maiden , willingly quoth she , her own name is Virginity . Desire did greatly maruaile at the costly and straunge apparell of the maid . For first of all shee held a bridle in her hande , a stone and a white lawne with a chaine and a padlocke therevnto . And Desire said , I pray you sister to let mee vnderstande what all these thinges do meane . This bridle , quoth shee serueth for to came a wild beast , and although it is very small , yet troubleth vs not a little : For if it slips once away , it throweth euery one of vs downe , and there is none then that can rule it , but our Porter called The fear of God . Now do you cal this wilde beast , said Desire . It is called answered she , the tongue . And what doe you with this stone demaunded Desire : This stone serueth quoth shee , to stoppe vp a gappe which is in our house , called the eares , for to keepe out theeues , that they enter not through it as they doe many times . Some times I doe put it in my mouth , because I shoulde not speake , for it greatly pleased the Loue of God , sometimes to refrain his speech . What seruice quoth Desire , doth the Loue of God receiue of you by thus doing ? Great seruice answered shee , for by this dore one looseth these two precious stones whereof Ladye Sinceritie hath spoken of before : And wherto serueth this white lawne , quoth Desire . To stoppe vp the left eye , sayd she , and it is called Hate of Vncleannes . And do you not couer your right eye , demanded Desire , no saide she , for it belongeth to Sinceritie , who doth beautifie it with al manner of goodnesse and vertuousnesse . But this left eye which serueth Sensualitie , hath a very sharpe sight , and spieth any thing sooner then the right eye , and doth vs much hurte , for it causeth death : and therefore it is necessary that it should be couered with this lawne , to the end wee might behold , and see in all things with the purenes of minde , for to become edified therby , to the honour & praise of God , and to the edifying of our brother . But to what vse serueth this chaine with a padlocke hanging at it . This chain is called , quoth she , Mediocrity , and serueth to chain vp our doores , for to keep out theeues , and likewise to keepe all in good order in the house , if it were not for this locke and chayne , we shoulde haue no order in any thing , but a confusion which should cause & procure our destruction & ouerthrow .

The three & twentith chapter is a conclusion of the first book .

WHen Desire had beene a while in Chastityes company , at the last taking his leaue of her , departed with humble thanks , being likewise greatly conforted by her words . And his guide leading him out of that house , saide vnto him , nowe thou hast seene all that house , & the Ladies therein dwelling , and whensoeuer thou doest remember al that thou hast seene and heard here amongst vs , & put it diligently in execution and practise , them thou hast enough to finde out the Loue of God . But yet I wil shew th●● a tree which standeth in our Barden . Desire being come into the Garden and hauing seene the tree , did maruel greatly at the beautie thereof , & chiefly because hee carried two sundry sorts of fruits , inquiring what they were for fruites : the fruites which growe vppon the lowest boughs quoth she , which are thus pale and without colour , as thou seest , are called Discoufidence in himselfe , and those that grow vpon the highest branches , which haue a golden and vermilion hue , are called Confidence in God , and this is the chiefest fruite that those must feede vpon , who do resort hither . And if they eat not hereof , all their labour is lost , and in vaine is their comming into this place . will you not giue me som of these fruites towardes my iourney , quoth Desire , most willingly quoth she , but first fill thy bellie with the fruites of the lowest boughes , and then thy pockette and sleeues with those that grow vpon the highest brannches , to eate them by the way , til thou commest into the Pallace of the Loue of God . Desire was glad that hee had eaten with so good a stomacke of the lower fruites , and had filled his bellie with them , and afterwarde did fil his sleeues , bosome and pockette with the highest fruites , and saide vnto the Dainsel : I pray you shew me the neerest and readiest way , which I must keepe for to finde out the Loue of God . I am glad quoth that Damsell , that I see thee thus well furnished , and prouided for thy iourney , going to seek out the Loue of God , yet I feare mee , if thou shouldest go alone , that thou shouldest not finde the right way , therefore I will appoint thee some good company that shall conducte and bring thee in safetie to thy iournies ende . Nowe , quoth Desire , haue I not companye sufficient enough of my dog ? called Good Will , No , said shee , hee woulde not suffice although hee were twice better then he is . For in the way there are not only a great company of theeues , murtherers , and robbers , who sease vppon men and rob them , but also many wild beastes , who doo altogether denour them , if they doe catch them : therefore it is good not to trust too much vpon thy dog Seeing it is so , quoth hee , as you say : shew me so much fauour as to appoint mee such company as you thinke to be needeful and meet for me . Lake therefore said● she , the Porter with thee called the Feare of God , for he is a strong and valiant man . And if thou wilt that he forsakes thee not , make much of his daughter called Shamefastnes . And likewise if thou wilt not loose her , keepe this sweet pouder alwayes about thee , called Looke downe warde , for she delighteth greatly in the smell thereof . And the other whom I do appoint thee , is sinceritie . And so the Lorde bee with thee , and haue thee in his keeping . But before thou goest , I must admonish & instruct thee of one thing , which is , if peraduenture thou shouldst com to leese the Feare of God and sinceritie , at the least look well to thy Dogge , for he shall find them out againe , and looke that thou feede him well with those fruites which thou hast in thy pocket & about thee . And when thou goest hence take the waye which lieth on the left hand , and there shalt thou find a foot path which is a great deale noerer then the high way , & will directly bring thee to the Pallace of Loue , where the Loue of God dwelleth . How is this footpath called quoth Desire , that I might inquire of it , If I hapned to misse the way , and come in the right path againe . It is called said she , Patience , which is the nearest way to the Pallace of Humilitie , and likewise to that of the Loue of God .

The second part of the Treasure of the Soule .

The first Chapter intreateth of Patience .

DEsire parted merely from the pallace of Humility , hauing filled his belly with the sru●tes of the Garden thereof , and was well prouided with good companie , namely , with his Dogge Good-wil . And 〈◊〉 his one side with the Feare of God , and at the other , with sincetitie , and his pockets full besides , with the fruites of To trust in God . And although they had tolde him that it was shorter and a great deale neerer then any other waye , yet notwithstanding , did find it to be very harde and tedious , ful of stones , hedges and thornes . Where vpon hee said to sincerity , O good God how coms this way so harde , vneasie and todious , I neuer would haue thought it , that it coulde haue beene so . Marua●le not , qd sinceritie , for therefore it is called the way of Patience : and if it were not so ful of stones , prickles and thornes , and not so troublesome to walke in it , it should not beare the name , which it doeth , and the house where it bringeth a man vnto , not of such a great estimation , if the way were euen and pleasant , and euery one could walk in it according to his owne will and liking . But nowe none come thether before they be first well exercised in vertue . For dost thou not remember the common prouerbe . There is no gaine without paine , No ioy without annoy . And seeing thou art now entred into it , bee of good cheere , for it will not last long : for thou knowest that be who desireth to fish , must not feare the water : and doest thou thinke then to finde so costly and precious a treasure as is the Loue of God , without paine ? Remember I pray thee , what Seneca saith , A rare and precious thing is not to bee bought with smal money : Besided , the ende of toyle and labour , is rest & quiet . Therefore it were a foolish thing but once to imagine that such a costly iewell could bee gotten so easily at euery mans pleasure . For if one could find the Loue of God so lightly , he wold be nothing esteemed of , because lightly gotten lightly forgotten . Therefore do thy best , and let a small paine not annoy thee , then afterward thou shalt rest with the Loue of God , reioyce , and dayly banket with him : and the greater pain thou takest now to finde him , the more wilt thou esteem of him , and with greater diligence wilt thou endeuour thy selfe to keepe his fauour . And likewise how thy paine & trauell which thou hast taken for him , hath beene more tedious , so much the greater shall bee thy ioy , comforte and pleasure . Againe if thou feelest thy selfe weake and almost ready to sounde , take a little of the fruit , To trust in God , which thou hast about thee , and it wil reniue thee againe . And if thou wilt not feele the tediousnes of the way , do as commonly all trauellers do , who with a song doe lighten the tediousnes of their iourney . Sincerities wordes did please Desire , and saide : howe is it possible that one shoulde sing in this olde mans company , for commonly age is alwaies repugnant to youthful actions . It is his custome quoth shee to beare such graue and seuere a countenance , but otherwise hee is very pleasaunt , frendly , and merry , for he is the Loue of Gods onely brother , and delighteth in mirth , but chiefly when we sing no vayne , light , or worldly songes . How shall I beginne to sing , quoth Desire , seeing I haue no voice at all ? It cannot be , answered Sinceritie , that thou shouldest not haue any voice , seeing that thou thy selfe art a voyce . Desire did maruel , because she saide , that hee was a voice himselfe , and askt howe it was possible that it should be so . Thou and all creatures , quoth shee , art created by the word of God , & it is most manifest , that soone after the worde vttered the voice followed . And seeing that as soone as the Lorde had spoken the word , all creatures were made and created : it followeth therefore that all creatures are voyces . I pray you quoth Desire , to tel me this somthing more plainer that I might conceiue it . Willingly answered Sincerity . The speech and the word is all one thing , for the speech is not that , which is vttered by the mouth , but it is the conceite of the mind , & that which man speaketh with the mouth is the voyce , which vttereth and giueth to vnderstand the speech , the word , and the inwarde conceite of the mind . As for example : When I doe thinke with my selfe , that thou art a man , this is a word or speech , although it lyeth hidden within me . Now let vs heare , quoth Desire seeing that I am a voice , what kind of voice am I ? Thou art , answered Sincerity , a voice of the Lord , who hath created thee to honour , laude and praise him . But what doe I say of my selfe ( as I am a voice ) qd Desire , through the good which thou hast receiued from God , sa●de she , thou criest that God is good and bountifull , & by the comelines wherewith he hath endued thee , thou sayest that God is beautifull : and so consequently all the wherewith God hath endued thee , is but a voice of him , declaring his bounty & goodnesse . What reason haue you qd Desire , to say that all wherewith God hath adorned me , is but a voice of him , & sayest not generally , that all which I haue in mee is his voyce ? Because answered she , the sin and wickednes , which do remain in thee , are not created of God , & therfore they cannot hee voyces of the Lorde , but well thine owne , declaring that thou art vile , wicked , defiled & vncleane , for as man may come by the creatures , to the knowledge of God , so likewise may hee attaine through the workes , proceeding from himself to his own knowledge .

The second Chapter declareth the knowledge of God through his c●●atures .

DEsire maruailed as the Ladies graue countenaunce . I althogh the seemed to bee but plaine , was notwithstanding very skilfull and learned in all heauenly knowledge , and said vnto her , wherefore woulde you haue vs to sing ? Therefore quoth shee , because wee might hereby somewhat forget the tediousnes and paine of this vale of miserye : wherevnto the remembrance and contemplation of Gods creatures , is likewise a great aide and furtherance , and therefore haue I placed them in the way of Patience , for the sooner shalt thou come to the Loue of God , if thou doest exercise thy hart oftentimes in the booke of the creation : for through Patience and the holy scriptures , ( whereof all the world is but a booke ) we attaine to the knowledge of God , and are greatly comforted in a distressed hope . And if thou wilt learne to tune thy voyce , learne it of the creatures , for some of them declare his goodnes , some shewe his might , some his wisedome , some his excellency , some his beauty , some his mercy , some his bountie , and generally all more or lesse sounde forth his omnipotency , that all in consideration hereof shoulde spread abroade his prayse and glorie . Therefore endeuour thy self to learn to sing here by the way , for where thou goest , namely in the pallace of the Loue of God , they doe nothing but singe forth his praise . Teach me I pray you , quoth Desire , to sing by his creatures , for I cannot learne it of my self , willingly , answered sincerity . In the mean while Desire trauelled farre and wide in this desart , where he saw many great wonders of the Lord , and began to learne and to perceiue his mercie and goodnesse , & most part through Sincerities helpe , doctrine and teaching : yet he was forced to endure and sustaine many dangers , perilles and paine , for he did stumble oftentimes , but Sinceritie kept him from falling , and yet notwithstanding sometimes fell , but sincerity did reach him the hande , and holpe him vp againe , and sometimes catcht such falles , that if the Feare of God had not aided him , he neuer wold or could haue risen again , sometimes when he shold go forwardes , went backwards , & when he should haue amended himselfe by the creatures , oftentimes did greatly hinder himself thereby . For hee did not endeuour to learne their secret voyces , but became hoarse throgh negligence and slothfulnes , vntill the feare of God gaue him a good push , and driue him forwardes . Oftentimes he did treade on a thorne , but sincerity incc●uted his feete and drew him out of it againe . Oftentimes fell a sleepe , but the ●eare of God did awake him : sometimes being wearie , sate down and rested himselfe , but his dogge Good-will did not holde off from barking , vntill he did rise againe . Sometimes the way was so tedious vnto him , that his heart began to faint ●un , and desired to turne backe againe , but as soone as he did eate of the fruites to trust in God , which hee had in his pocket , and in euery place about him , came to himself and waxed strong againe . And sometimes going by night , lost the feare of God and sinceritie , so that hee mist his way , but as soone as the day appeared , and the Sun began to shine , found quickly the way againe by meanes of his dogge . And when they had thus trauailed certain daies , came at the last into a faire large and pleasant field , in the midst whereof stood a princely and coastly pallace , called Loue , where the Loue of God was porter .

THE THIRDE parte of the Treasure of the Soule . Of Loue & Charity .

The first Chapter doth intreat howe the Loue of God doth exercise and trie vs .

DEsire was glad when he sawe so faire and princely a pallace , & founde by experience that this wearisome , tedious , and troublesome way had so good & pleasant an issue . Came therefore presently at the gates of the pallace , but finding them shutte close , begun to call and knocke , yet notwithstanding after long crying and knocking , none came to aunswere . Call and crie aloude , quoth sincerity , for in so doing , although they were all a sleepe , or halfe deafe , it cannot be but they shal heare thee . Knocke harde with the hammers which do hang at the gates , and then soone they will open the doores vnto thee ( for there hung two hammers at the gate called to sigh and weepe . Knocke , harde and boldly , quoth she , for if they were not wont to open the gate to none , these two hammers shoulde not hange at the doore , for I thinke they are made for that purpose , to let all those in that knocke with them . Desire hauing knockt and called very long before the Loue of God wold open the gates was yet at the last comforted by his comming , who hauing opened the doore , Desire knewe him not . Brother , quoth the Loue of God , what doest thou lack or desire ? For whom dost thou look here ? Thou art wearie perhappes to haue watched so longe at the gate , and to haue knocked so oftentimes . But here wee fame vs all to be halfe deafe , to trie thou constancie and patience of trauellers who come hether . And when we find some that are wearie , and perswade themselues that there is nothing els belonging vnto it , but as soone as they are come , then presently to open the gates for them , and let them come in : then wee let those without opening vnto them , returne backe againe , because wee open not the dore to any who thinketh that hee hath deserued it , and perswades himselfe that he is worthy of it , and that it is our dutie , and are bound to doe it . And art thou none of those fellowes ? No , my good Lorde , quoth Desire . For although I haue suffered and sustained much sorrow and paine both of bodie and soule , yet I know for certaine , that I haue not deserued , & am altogether vnworthye to enter into the house , vnlesse it woulde please your Lord shippe through your great mercye & goodnes , to leade and bring mee within . wherefore wouldest thou come in quoth that Loue of God , or whome doest thou seeke heere in this house ? My Lorde aunswered Desire , I am come from the Pallace of Humilitie , accompanied with these worthy personages . and haue taken my tourney through the neerest waye being Patience , to seeke out the Loue of God , who as I am informed , keepeth here his residence . Doest thou not bring any token , quoth the Loue of God , whereby a man may know thou commest from thence ? Yea my Lord , said Desire , I haue broght true tokens with me , whereof the one was giuen mee in the house of Humilitie , and is called Knowledge of him selfe , and the other haue I learned by the way , and is called Knowledge of God . I am glad , quoth the Loue God , to see thee so wel prouided , but dost thou think that for this knowledge sake we are bounde to let thee enter here ? No my Lorde , aunswered Desire , but onely as I haue saide before , for thy grace and mercies sake , because I cannot tell whether these two sundrie knowledges are perfecte or not , and therefore I doubt of their sufficiency , I knowe that I haue dwelt in the Pallace of Humility for a time , and that they haue shewed me there all the house , the Damsels , their nature and condition , but I cannot tell whether I haue well digested in my stomacke the fruites which I haue eaten there , although they were vnto mee very toothsome and pleasa●● Be●●des , I doe not know●● wherther I haue ●●of●●●ne● not by that may , 〈…〉 ●●●me● the pri●kelle●●nd ●●ornes haue gri●●●t●●y hurt me , & my com●●●ue hath brought me hether almost perforce . Therefore my good Lord , I can assure thee of nothing that I bring with me , but onely of my wickednes , vnbelief , and imperfection . And the chiefest occasion that moued mee to seeke the Loue of God was this , that I hearde that he was a good Phisition and Chirurgion , & would let mee blonde and purge mee from all corruptions and vncleannesse : And I am tolde , as soone as hee doth see one , knoweth presently his disease , although it lyeth hidden secreat win the hearte . And wheresoeuer hee putteth his hande vpon , there hee purgeth and cleanseth all thinges . Wherefore said the Loue of God , doest thou desire to be thus cleane , sound , and vnspotted ? Because answered Desire , that I was also tolde , that none who were vncleane and vndefiled , should or could enter or come into this place . Seeing it is so , as thou sayest quoth the Loue of God , and that thou puttest all thy confidence into our handes , tarrie here a while , for thou canst not become familiar with the loue of God , ere thou become acquainted first with his page , therefore I will go call him , and hee will instruct thee of all what thou hast to do , and speak vnto his Lorde and maister .

The second Chapter intreateth of the loue of his neighbour .

DEsire tarried with great expectation for the forth comminge of this Page , that he might bring him to the speech of his Lorde and maister , And not long after sawe him come , and was called Neighbourly loue , which sight did greatly reioyce him , that euen for the loue which he bare to she Loue of God , coulde not abstaine from weeping . Wherefore dost thou weep quoth Neighbourly loue , for they are all merrie in this house , & from hence is banished all sorrowe & ladnesse . I do not weepe for any griefe , said Desire , but for ioy . For whome dost thou seek here , quoth Neighbourly loue . My son , answered he , I looke for the Loue of God . I am his seruant & page , quoth he , and if thou doest seeke my Lorde , first of all thou must speake and come acquainted with me , for my Lorde loueth me deerely , & therefore those that loue not me , he wil not know them , nor once speake vnto them . Faine would I know thy nature & conditions , quoth Desire , & for thy Lorde and maysters sake become acquainted with thee ? If thou doest desire my acquaintance & frendshippe , quoth Neighbourly loue , thou must prouide & giue mee euery morninge an hearb for my breakfast , called to thinke humblie , & for my dinner another , called to speake humblie , & for my supper another not vnlike the first , called to worke and doe humblie . But where shall I get these hearbes , quoth Desire , the first called to think humblie , aunswered the Page , groweth in Humilities garden , where she esteemed her selfe a slaue of all slaues , and worse then a beast . But to come easily to this hearbe , because it is a great way to the pallace of Humilitie , and thou shalt take a horse to ride on , called to thinke well of euerie man , and by these means mayest thou come by this hearb euery morning . The second hearbe is made of three sundrye hearbes , of the first thinke humblie , of meekenes and affabilitie in speech , & vpon the last is cast a smal ponder called Slow and little . The third hearbe called to worke humblie , is made of diuers hearbes , whereof Mirth , loue , and quietnesse or diligence are the chiefest . And whensoeuer thou doest feede mee with these hearbs , then our acquaintance and frend shippe wil continue & abide for euer , & I wil soons bring thee to that speech of my maister . The counsell and doctrine of the Page did delight Desire , & said : Seeing thou hast made me acquainted with thy nature and desire , I will diligently endeuour my self to procure and get these hearbes , for to giue them vnto thee . After this they both continued in samiliaritie one with another a long time . And Desire hauing conuenient time and opportunitie , said vnto him , I beseech thee shew me so much fauour , as to bringe mee to thy Lorde . Willingly , quoth Neighbourly loue , for thou hast done thine endeuour since thou hast beene with mee . But tarrie here a while , I will go call my Lorde , & see whether hee will come forth to speake with thee .

The thirde Chapter intreateth of the loue of God & his neighbour , and of the second degree to loue , & of his office , and dayly exercise .

DEsire doubting whether the Loue of God woulde come forth to speake with him , because he saw his own vilenesse , pouertie , and miserie , and how vnworthy he was to speake with such a Lorde , espied one to come towardes him : who saide , Brother , what doest thou looke for , or what is thy desire ? Sir quoth Desire , I looke for that Loue of God . I am bee , aunswered the Loue of God . And as soone as Desire did heare this , fell in a sounde , but the Loue of God tooke him by the hand , and lifting him vp , reuiued him againe . And when hee sawe the loue of God make so much of him , hee began most bitterly to weepe , insomuch that hee could not speak any word at all . Which the loue of God seeing , being of a gentle and tender heart , was moued with compassion , and meruailed greatly of the extreame loue , desire & affection which Desire did beare vnto him , because he saw him weep for very ioy : and said , I pray thee weepe no more , and doe not make me sadde , for I cannot abide to see those weepe that loue mee . Tell me who told thee I dwelt here ? A shepheard , quoth Desire , whome I met by the way , and did direct me hether . What said he of me vnto thee , said the Loue of God , that thou louest and desirest me so much : doest thou loue mee so deerely , because thou hast beene told , that I am bountiful to my frendes , and vnto those that serue mee , very franke and liberall ? No quoth Desire , not therfore , but because you are a noble and good Lorde , and because you bring your frendes in a place where they shall see God , which is the greatest blessednesse of at the world . This good and holy minde of Desire did delight the Loue of God not a little , & was an occasion that he loued him the more for it , I meruell my Lord , quoth Desire , seeing your highnes are so noble a Prince ▪ that your Grace putteth those that come to seeke you to such pain and trauaile , and are so hardly so be found out . Hold thy peace , answered the Loue of God , this misterie is hidden from many . For some there are , who thinke they haue not founde mee , nor knowen me , yet I notwithstanding am alwaies neere them , and they are filled and replenished with me . And some there are likewise who perswade themselues that they haue founds me , who are yet far from me , and know me not . I pray your highnes therefore , quoth Desire , to let me vnderstande your nature and conditions , that I may know thereby whether I am neer or far from you , for I take you for my Lorde and maister . Mine exercise and office is , aunswered the Loue of God , to loue God , & I am a child of the knowledge of God . In what sort do you loue God , quoth Desire , I haue aunswered the Loue of God , a desire to wish for him with all my heart , & with all the strength and force of my soule , and to find him I leaue nothing vndone , vsing all means thereunto possible . And that I might knowe him the better , to his praise & glorie . I desire that all the earth wold acknowledge his vnspeakeable and infinite goodnesse , and that all creatures should laud , honour and praise him . with this desire I constraine and force my selfe to do nothing wherewith to displease him : and if peraduenture I offend him , then presently I prostrate my selfe before him , and craue pardon at his hands for my offence : and then we are as good frendes as euer wee were before : and because my Lord and God is so bountifull and ●ood , I am not yet coun●ed to this first degree , but I endeuour my selfe also ▪ to my small power a● d●●● b●●●e to execute and doe that which he or any of 〈◊〉 least amongst vs doeth command mee ▪ with as great diligence as may be . And hereby onely I can perceiue howe dearely I do loue him , when I doe that which he commaundeth me . For certainly I beleeue that nothing is more acceptable or pleasant vnto him ▪ no seruice or reuerence more delightful then the obedience vnto his will and commandementes . For he him self doth say , how can thy seruice please mee , or howe canst thou perswade thy self that I loue thee , when thou doest not keepe my commandementes . For knowe that there is nothing that ioyned & knitted faster thy spirite with thine , then willingly to execute my will , and keep my lawes and statutes .

The fourth Chapter doeth prosecute the office of the loue of God in the same degree .

IN the same degree of Charitie , I haue purposed to do al thinges , where unto by office and calling I am bound unto : and seeing that I haue nowe bounde my selfe to God , ( whereof I repent me not ) I am willing to obey his will and commandement . Daily therefore I consider my office , and all thinges there vnto belonging , and for the better execution hereof , I diligently follow the counsell of the godly , and the holy Scriptures , for I know that many herein offende my Lord , because they are ignorant of those things , which are belonging to their dutie . And if they knowe it , and doe it not , then they are farre worse , because they sinne not through ignoraunce , or weakenesse , but onely through meere wilfulnes and mallice . Besides that , which I haue promised and haue sworne , & vowed vnto him , ( wherevnto I am most bounde ) I endeuour with all diligence to performe and keepe it . Therefore I haue vowed vnto my Lorde to serue him with three damselles , Obedience , Chastity , and Pouertie . Therefore euery morning , I study how I might best serue & please him , speaking vnto my soule as followeth . Let vs cast about , my soule , how we shall behaue our selues , this day to please and to serue our Lorde , and again in the euening , I say vnto her . Let vs see O my Soule , howe wee haue serued our Lorde to day with the saide Damsels , whether we haue offended him in any thing or no : and in this sorte I endeuour my selfe to bee a loyall seruant to my Lorde , with these Damselles . Wherefore do you this quoth Desire . Therefore answered the Loue of God , because these three Damselles are Chamberlaines to my Lorde , and none can come in his chamber , and speake with him : vnlesse first they do open him the doores , and prepare him the entry . I pray you , quoth Desire , to tell me what spirituall exercises you do vse , for to bee faithfull vnto these damsels , I haue answered the Loue of God , three intents which I do offer both day and night , that further me to all manner of seruice . The first intent is called Wish or aduance not . The seconde , Desire nothing . The first intent serueth Obedience , when I dresse it with a certaine sause , called to doe , and then is called Aduance not to doe , And the finer I dresse this for her diet , the more frendshippe she getteth for me , and in greater fauour she bringers me with my Lorde , and sayeth much good of me vnto him , so that he by her words loues me dearly , and is a mercifull and bountifull Lord unto me . This foresaid dish , namely Aduance not to do , when I dresse it with another sause called to haue , then it is called , Wish or aduance not to haue , & herewithal I feede and maintaine the other Damsell called Pouerty . Stay a while quoth Desire . Why shoulde I not wish or aduance my selfe , to haue something when I lacke ? This is not thus to be understoode , answered the Loue of God , for if thou needest some thing , thou hast thy Soueraign , who wil by himselfe , or by his commanders sufficiently prouided for thee , without thy wishinge or asking , which is altogether vnmannerly . For where one is , who hath the commaundement , and care ouer all the houshold , hee will sufficiently prouide for them all , after his power & abilitie , & as it becommeth his duetie , place , and authoritie . To the end the rest should addict themselues more zelously to the seruice of God and to the contemplation of heauenly and spirituall thinges , without euery mans owne and perticular carefulnes , to craue , aske or aduance to haue that which he needeth . And it were a greate ouersight that a chiefe commaunder of anye place should not haue the care and forecast to prouide for his subiects or housh oldes necessitie , without their asking . But that which I speake of aduancing , demaunding or crauing , is diuersly , but chiefely two waies to be vnderstode . First when they prouide not for thy necessitie without thy asking or crauing , which is greatly to be misliked , discommended & dispraised in a congregation whatsoeuer . Secondly that which thou needest thou doest lacke it gretly , and not to be wilfull and wanton . Orels in all thinges which thou canst desire , therin will consist curiositie , superfluitie and tempting of God . For beleeue me that vnder the couer & colour of necessitie , lie oftentimes hidden diuers and many sinnes , & chieflie in things belonging to the maintenance & and sustenance of the body , as meare , drinke , apparell and such like things are . How shall I know quoth Desire , whether it be needfull , superfluitie or wantonnesse onely , that which I demand or craue to haue . See answered the loue of God , whether thou canst forbeare it , and liue without it , without the great hinderaunce , perill and daunger of thy soule and body . But if thou didst perceiue that it shold turne thee to such perill & damage , then to Desire nothing were a great sinne and madnesse , and contrarie to Gods commaundementes . But if thou canst forbeare it and bee without it , so it bee not as I haue sayde daungerous , and hurtefull to thy health , although somewhat painefull , troublesome and tedious to thy fleshe , then to Desire nothing is a great vertue , and morthie of prayse and commendation . But as the holy Scripture sayeth : Blessed is the man that suffereth something for the Loue of GOD . Therefore if thou canst forbear it without the hazarding , and indangering both of thy soule and bodie , then to craue , aske , and demande , esteeme it wantonnesse onely , although it couereth it selfe which the cloake of necessity , want , need , & holines . For sinnes neuer disclose and shewe themselues hare , but present themselues alwaies vnder the colour of good thinges , and hereby mayest thou know whether it be necessarie or not when thou crauest some thing ,

And that none deceiue themselues in their owne opinion , they need greatly a diligent inquisition , & a vertuous exercise , and if they be destitute hereof , then set them goe about their businesse with counsell of the holy scriptures , or with the aduice of a gooly and wise man , who will instruct them herein ,

The fifte Chapter intreateth of the two other intentes , namely of Desire nothing , and remember nothing .

SEeinge I haue nowe disclosed vnto thee my first intent , wherewithall I maintayne the two damosels Obedience and Pouertie likewise I will discouer the nature and propertie of others , namely Desire nothing , & Remember nothing . Thou must know that the said first intent , To wishe for nothing , groweth and commeth of nothing , but from a Desire to haue or doe nothing . And when the cause which is the Desire , to wishe for , is taken awaye and rooted out , then his force and effect doth cease quickly , which is , To aske for . And hereby is made that which is contrarie to it , namely To aske nothing , which is my second intent , wherewithall I maintain dame Pouertie . But thou must marke , that this Desire , is vnderstood only of worldlye and earthly matters . But because this hearbe hath an other roote , where out it groweth , which is to Remember , ( for nothing there can bee wisht for , which was not before remembred ) therefore make much of this third intent , which is , to Remember nothing , wherewithall I mayntain the third Damsell , called Chastitie . But thou must vnderstande this , Remembring , when it is substantiall , stedfast , wilfull , and springing out of a fleshly lust . For it is not in mans power not to Remember nothing , but wel not to suffer thoughtes to remayne and cast foundations in him , but to turne them quickly of , and to thinke of God . But because that this hearbe Remembring doeth water it selfe with a water called To see , we must cast vpon it a pouder called Diligently to haue care to the eyes , which is very profitable so it .

These three intents , do not onely clense my soule of all worldly things , as selfe-wil & such like spots , but they breede in mee a great purenes & promptitude , to loue my Lorde , drawing from me al other loues , and vniting me altogether with him . In these three intents I haue comprehended all the other godly exercises seruing the spirite , as well of Humilitie , as of any other vertues , because I know that the perfection of vertue consisteth herein . Thinke not therefore that in vaine I serue these three Ladies , for they bee very gracious , and get me much fauour . One of the three called Pouerty , hath giuen me a faire iewell . I pray you quoth Desire , to let me see it ? I keepe it answered the Loue of God , in two places , namelie , in my heart and Bed-chamber . This iewel is so costly , and of such price and value , that I was not able to keepe it in my hart , before I had cast out of it all earthly loue . And in like sort , it coulde haue no place in my Bed-Chamber , before I had cast and throwne out of it all curious , superfluous , and partiall things , reseruing onely to my vse , but a few bookes . Now do you call this iewell quoth Desire ? It is called , answered the Loue of God . Nothing at all , for this is the greatest treasure that Pouertie can possesse , who is the richest Ladie of all the earth , because she hath as much treasure hereof as she will her selfe .

The sixte Chapter doth prosecute the office of the Loue of God , and besides , intreateth of praier .

IN this degree of charity wherof I haue spoken , which was for to obey his commaundement ( as my duetie doeth require ) there is yet another circumstance to bee considered , for the Office sake , wherein hee hath placed me , namely to be his chamberlain . Which is , whensoeuer I come to serue him , or come to craue something at his hands , or but onely to speake with him : I haue then a special care to come before him , with such great humilitie , lowlines & purenesse of mind as I am able . And the purer and cleaner that my heart is , the more casie I see , beholde and knowe him . And pray my louing brother , the Feare of God , and my Aunt Reuerence , to keepe mee companye . What do you when Lady Reuerence goeth with you said Desire . Then I remember and think what I am , answered the Loue of God , and set before my eyes the maiesty and greatnes of my Lord , who is to be serued with feare and reuerence , as one onely worthie of it . Besides , I remember that all Angels and heauenly principalities do fall downe before him , worshippe and adore him , being astonished , at such great excellent and incomprehensible a Maiestie . Moreouer I conclude , that hee knoweth the secrets of my bart , and seeth my inward thoughtes , better then I my selfe . Likewise that he can , according vnto his godly will and pleasure , doo and vndoo all things , and that life and death , being and not being , and the saluation and condemnation of al the world are in his hand and power . Furthermore , I remember that hee is the fountaine and welspring of all goodnesse , the onely and Soueraigne good in heauen and earth : and when diligently I put in minde those thinges , then I beginne to shake and tremble , then my hearte and minde beginnes to alter , so that oftentimes I fall in a sound : chieflie when I consider that I being so wicked , vile , vncleane , & worser then any dog , presume to vndertake such an high office , & to be so familiar with such a mighty Lord , & that such a renowned Maiesty will vouchsafe to delight in my vile companie , & suffer me to speak & eat with him , as his familiar and onely friend . And oftentimes my selfe do tel him of it , saying : wherefore doest thou suffer , O my God , these vile & vnclean sinners to stand before thee ? How my Lord , is it decent that thou shouldest be serued of such wretches & wicked offenders as we are ? Where is the honour and reuerence due to thy princely Maiestie ? But what aunswere doeth he giue you , quoth Desire . I cannot tell answered the Loue of God , but onely that for very ioy hee makes mee to weepe , and saith : Doo not trouble thy selfe herewithall , for thou hast not procured thee the office , & hast not placed thy selfe in it , but I haue called thee vnto it , and I know wherefore I haue done it , but bee thou carefull to looke to thy calling : and that which thy Office doth require & demaunde : endeuour thy selfe diligently to further and performe it . What do you say vnto him , quoth Desire , when you come before him , accompanied with Humilitie , Charity , Feare , and Reuerence . First of al , quoth the Loue of God , when I craue something at his hands , and would moue him to grant me my request , then I endeuour with all my force and power to exalte and prayse him : and cease not for to giue him thankes for all his benefits which I haue receiued , for I knowe that this is acceptable & pleasant in his sight . And whensoeuer I goe about to praise him , then I rehearse all the wondrous workes which hee hath done , recreating and delighting my selfe therein greatly . This same I do touching his great power , wisedome , and goodnesse , further I rehearse his great mercye and benefites , which he hath bestowed vppon his people and seruants , praising and magnifying him therein . I doe not forget also his great mercy shewed vnto his enemies , which hee doeth dayly yet continue , maruelling greatly in his omnipotency , excellencie , & incomprehensible goodnesse , in that he doeth not punish them according to their desertes , but rather doeth make them partakers of his bountie and liberalitie . I thanke him also for the great mercye which in him is alwaies resident , delighting to recount his vertues & beautie which flow and runne from him , praysing and magnilying him for those , and reioycing in them , & in his vnspeake able mercie . And this I do oftentimes , because I knowe that this is his will , and doeth greatly please him . Besides his will is , that we being familiar with him , should talke of ●ecret and heauenly thinges , which are hidden from those that doe not esteeme to enter in his priuie Chamber , although they are of his housholde and dayly seruantes . Wherefore , quoth Desire , doe you giue him all this praise , thankesgiuing and blessing ? because answered the Loue of God , the more I extol his goodnesse , and the more I disable and humble my selfe before him , the more I am agreeable , and acceptable vnto him . For this is his most blessed & holy will , that we should haue alwaies before our eyes , his vnspeakeable goodnesse , highnesse , excellencie , & omnipotency , & our weaknes . And although I giue vnto him as much praise & thanks as euer I may , I am certaine , that therein I can bee no lyar , for hee is of greater excellencie , power , highnesse , and worthinesse , then I or any mortall or unmortall tongue can vtter , or any heauenly or earthlye creature conceiue or comprehende .

The seuenth chapter intreateth of the loue of God in the second degree , & doth prosecute the manner of prayer .

AFter that I haue praysed , thanked , and exalted him as much as I am able , then I do commend vnto him my soule , my whole will , and the best intent and minde which I haue : which is , that although I might gaine all the world , I would in no wise anger or offend him , praying him out of the bottome of my hearte , that it would please him to keep , strengthen and further me in this good and godly minde , for without him were I not able to keepe it long . This done , I praye him for the forgiuenesse of all my trespasses , and offences , wherein I haue transgressed his holy laws , and that he wold not let me set my thoghts , loue and minde vpon any thing , but vpon him onely . And because hee hath vouchsafed to accept mee for his seruant and friend , and hath honoured mee with such an office , that it wold likewise please him to giue mee the spirite of Humilitie , who might draw and turne away my mind from pride , & from all that doeth displease him : to the end my seruice bee not to his dishonour , but to his honour and glorie , giuing mee that , which he knoweth to bee most needefull vnto me , & that which hee is willing I should haue to his glorie , for to be more acceptable vnto him . And this I doe for no other cause , but that I might liue and die with him , & feare not to bee cast ( although I haue deserued it ) out of his sight and fauour . Then afterwarde I pray to him for my frendes and acquaintance , as also for all creatures , that it would please him in his mercie to giue them grace , that they all shoulde praise , honour , loue and thanke him , as is their duetie : endeuouring my selfe for to doo and speake all this with all purenesse and simplicitie of minde . What doe you quoth Desire , to come by such purenes ? To my vttermost , answered the Loue of God , I haue a speciall care to my minde , & keep a straight watch ouer al my cogitations , and doe most carefully looke to my soule . And besides , I suruey narrowly all my senses , setting alwaies before my eie● Sincerity , who turneth all things which she seeth to the best . And when I will assure my selfe against all the worlde , and haue no cause to feare any body : then I go and remaine with my Lord , for it is all my comforte , ioy , pleasure , and my Souetaigne good , to bee in his company to speake , and aske his aduice and counsell : and I am neuer contented , quiet , satisfied , or assured , but when I am with him . And therefore I haue determined to leaue & forsake all things for to dwell and remaine with him , and neuer to go from him , but when he doth commaunde it me . It is yet quoth Desire , sometimes needful to reade also ▪ It is true , aunswered the Loue of God , that reading is good , not for to become craftie and subtill thereby , but onely for to learne to know God and his waies , & to loue him as wee shoulde . And to this I neede not manye bookes , but will deepely fal in loue with my Lord , and set all my desire and whole minde vppon him , with all my vnderstanding and wisedome , for his loue doeth suffice me , and will instruct mee in all thinges , which are requitte for mee to know : and he will by the means of loue , disclose and open vnto me , more secreates , then all the bookes of the world are able to do . And my soule gathereth more purenesse , feare , feruency , reuerence , repentaunce , strength and force to resist my fleshe , when I am with him , then when I do read . Besides , I know that he neuer wil aske an account how much I haue reade & studied , but how I haue honoured and loued him , yet hereby I will not seem to condemne readinge , chiefly in those who know not the wayes of God , nor the gouernemente of the spirite , nor cannot frame in good order their thoughtes , wordes and deedes , as they should do , to those I say , it is necessarie that they shoulde read a long time to becom prompt & ready in spirituall & inward exercises . For other wise it would bee a great madnes , presumption : nay , a contempt & dispising o● the king , that a clownish fellowe who knoweth not the vse , custome , and language of the court , would come personally to speake with the king , in the presence of all his Lords & nobles , & now being in that midst of his talke , should cast forth vnwise & foolish words according vnto his custome , for this shoulde turne to his great shame & confusion , for the king woulde command him to be driuen away , so that it should haue beene better for him neuer to haue presumed to shew himself before his Maiestie . And thus it is with spirituall matters . But those that haue gotten the knowledge of God , and of heauenly thinges , eyther by reading or hearing prayer , is much more profitable , & a more excellent an exercise then readinge , being now somewhat acquainted with the manners , vse and custome vsed in the spirituall and heauenly Court .

And when I am nowe before my Lorde , then I take heede that I turne not my head , eyes , & body , hither and thether : because it is a signe of contempt of his word , when one speaketh vnto him , and then turneth his face another way . Declare this vnto mee , quoth Desire , somewhat better , for I doe not wel vnderstande it . When I , aunswered the Loue of God , speak vnto my Lord , and cast my mind and cogitations vpon other matters : then I turne him my backe , and not my face . Therefore I thinke and perswade my selfe , that he alwaies seeth me , and neuer turneth his eyes from me , for to marke what I say , what feruency I haue , what reuerence I shewe vnto him , likewise in what repentance , loue & vnitie , I doe exercise my selfe . Then afterwarde I humbly thanke him for all his benefits bestowed vpon me , and generally vpon all creatures , hauing them oftentimes in my minde , and rehearsing them vnto him : because I knowe that hee cannot abide any vnthankefulnes , or that in any wise wee should forget his goodnes declared vnto vs all .

The eight Chapter intreateth of the third degree of the Loue of God .

SEeing I haue nowe spoken vnto thee of the first degree o● loue which I beare vnto my Lorde , which is to be careful not to offend him , and likewise of the seconde , which is to doe all that hee commaundeth mee , yet I am not contented with these two , for the great loue which I ba●e him , but haue toyned vnto those two first , the third degree which is , to do all that I am able to thinke or imagine , for to please and to bee acceptable vnto him , wherby do you know qd Desire , that you do that which is pleasant in his sight ? By two things answered the Loue of God . The one is , to loue that which hee loueth , and the other , to hate that which he hateth . As concerning the first , to loue that which he leueth , therby I loue my Lords only son , who is the fairest , gentlest and most worthiest , that euer was or shal be , being like vnto his father in all thinges , and yet the most obedientest that was or euer shall bee . This sonne be loueth as much as him self , because he is more like vnto him , then euer sonne was vnto his father . And the vnitie and loue between the father and the sonne is so exceeding great , that they are both one , of one will , force , power , wisedome & maiestie . And although they are distinguished in persons , are notwithstanding but of one substance and essence . My Lorde did make with his owne hande for this his sonne , a shepheardes garmente wherewithall being clothed , came out of his Fathers chamber , yet neuer was from him , but alwaies with him , and is dayly conuersant with vs in this house , for otherwise we could not see nor know him : and thus apparelled , his father sent him with a basket at his armes through the whole world , & likewise through this wildernesse to seeke out his sheepe that were lost and run astray . And as hee was walkinge through the desart , his father suffered him to bee slaine by the wolues , and deuoured by dogges , and in no wise would come to aid or assist him , although hee was able enough to haue done it , but his will was , that the wolues should teare him in peeces , and put him to the most cruellest death that could be inuented or imagined , and shoulde vse him the worse because hee was a kinges sonne . And this did our Lord for meer loue which hee bare vs , because that all they which are of his houshold might perceiue and see howe dearely hee loued vs , in that he hath not spared his owne son , but hath giuen him in sacrifice for vs , therefore are we bound to loue him also , because he loued , vs so much before . when the Loue of God was telling this , Desire wept bitterly , so that his hart seemed to breake in peeces . The father loued the son so much , saide the Loue of God , that although he suffred him to be put to death , yet throgh his omnipotency did soone raise him vp again from the dead with more glozie and triumph than euer before , carrying with him those sheepe , for whom Bee was come , hauing a speciall care ouer those whome hee had yet left in the desarte and pastures to waxe fat . And thus he returned into his fathers chamber , where he now sitteth at his right hand , making dayly intercession for vs , and excusing our infirmities for the vnspeakable loue which he beareth vnto mankind : & I belieue that if it were not for his sake , the Lorde would haue cast vs long agone out of this house , for our great wickednesse sake , because we serue him so negligently , without anie zeale or affection , and so highly doe forget him , & put him out of minde for euery trifle and small occasion . The Father loueth his sonne so dearely , that I belieue not that there is any thing in this world wherwith we can do him better seruice , then in louing of his sonne . Therefore I endeuour my selfe to loue & please his sonne . wherein , quoth Desire , do you loue and please him ? when I , aunswered the Loue of God , remember his holy life , his exceeding great trauaile , his death , & his blessed doctrine , & endeuor to conform & frame my actions and manners vnto his life , for when my Lord doeth see one resembling the life of his sonne so much the more doth he loue him : and therefore it was his wil that he shold come to visite vs , dwel with vs , and teach vs how we shoulde liue , for wee liued before euen as beasts , and therfore the Lord did send him vnto vs , in steed of a mirror , and looking glasse , that all men who were desyrous to knowe whether their wil , or actions were bad or good , shoulde behold his sons life , for in the worlde there is no surer & better , touchstone then it . The seconde whome my Lord loueth , is my page , called Neighbourly loue For hee loueth this lad so tenderly , that all that we doe vnto him , whether it be good or euill , he doth take it as it were done vnto his own person . In what loue you this boye , quoth Desire . First ol al , I esteeme him to bee better then my selfe , and although I doe supplie a great and high office , yet am obedient vnto him in all lawfull & good things . I take heede in no wise to hinder or endamage him , but I shewe him all loue and frend shippe that I am able . I haue no ill su●pition of him , but rather doe alwayes defende and excuse him . I ●narie him not i● words nor dee●es , but I suffer patiently his naturall weaknes and infirmitie , I ●●●rie him , I doe not back ●●●e him , nor will not suff●r any man for to do it . I wish that he should exceede me in loue which I beare to God , and that it woulde please almightie God to make him better then my selfe . I in no wise ennie his temporall or spirituall blessinges , or any thing that belongeth vnto him , but reioyce in his prosperitie and welfare , his losse aduersitye and sorrowe doeth hartely grieue mee . Further , I thinke him to be an Angell of the Lord , and that I am vnworthy to bee his slaue & seruant , and this do I because my Lord loueth him so deorely . I loue also the affaires of the common wealth , hauinge a speciall care ouer them , because they appertaine to the seruice of the Lorde , to his honour and to the mayntenance of his house . Therefore I doe mine indeuour that nothing be neglected , chiefly which concerneth anye godly exercise , as is reading , fasting , chastning of the flesh , and such like , although some do but little esteeme of these thinges . Further I remember that I know him better then any other creature , because I haue receyued more at his handes then any . And seeing that other seruants serue their earthly maisters , with greate attendance and diligence , why shoulde I not serue my Lord , who hath chosen ●●●e to bee his chamberlaine aboue any domestical seruant ? And although all the world should faile , and there should none bee remayning , yet I will neuer be vnfaithfull vnto him till death .

The ninth Chapter intreateth of those things which the loue of God hath , an● of the conclusion .

THe other of these two things wherof I haue spoken vnto thee , and wherewith I seeke to please my Lord , is to hate the which he hateth . Therefore I set before mee , that my Lorde hath two enemies , the one , the world , the other my flesh , therefore I haue determined with my selfe to hate them mortally , & neuer to contracte any league with them : & because I might the stedfaster remaine in my determination , I use these meanes , neuer to recreate my selfe with them , to speake or frequent their companies , vniesse my Lord doeth commaund it me , whose commaundement I esreene more then my determination . And therefore I haue desired the lieuetenant of the house , that be send me not about such busines whereby I might recreatemy selfe , as in townes , citties , countries , or among people , for I esteeme this a great contempt and dispising , but when I am commanded , then I obey . And althogh my Lorde for certaine affaires commandeth me to go into the world , yet his will is , that I in going should not loyter , and in returning shold be found faithfull vnto him , and in no wise shold vse any falshood practise treason against him , but shoulde withdrawe my selfe as soone as it were possible , & come again , for I know certainely , that how narrowly wee looke to our selues , and as much good as we can do , yet we are like to get there nothing , but are alwaies in danger to loose much . In this sorte I hate like my sins , iniquities , vncleannes , carnal motions , w●ekes desires and vnnaturall passions , and am vetie pensiue and sorrowful that they dwel within me , knowing that they are contrary to my Lords wil & doe altogether displease him . Therefore I endeuour my selfe alwayes to amend through loue . Like wise for the loue of him I eschewe and flie from all those that are in his house , except it be in thinges of necessitie and loue , withdrawing my selfe altogether from them . Wherefore doe you so , quoth Desire . Because now a dayes there are no spiritual praiers , loue and goodly zeale practised and exercised , and those that boast of the knowledge of God , commonly decay in slothfulnes

Therefore I will accustome my selfe to be alone , and addict my self to praiers , that my soule may receine and feele some comfort and ioy in the Lorde , and I learne to loue him as it becommeth me , for to that intent I haue forsaken the worlde , and all the vanities thereof . But quoth Desire others will account you fantasticall & partiall , and euery man will cast his eyes vppon you , it is no matter answered the Loue of God , for I shoulde not serue to please man , and chiefly in things which are contrarie to God . And when I giue no offence to my brother , I care not what the worlde speaketh , so I do my duety in that which is commanded mee , And therefore if thou wilt haue and possesse me , doe as I do .

The tenth Chapter intreateth , that the Loue of God brought Desire to the house .

DEsire was amased at those things which the Loue of God had tolde him , and after long studying , said : When you do all these things , haue you then any need to stand in feare of any body ? I truly aunswered the Loue of God , for I must be very careful that I bee not puft vp in vaine glorie for my good workes , or intangled with selfe loue , for if I gaue anye place unto these , my Lord presently would thrust and turne me out of the doores . There●ore I haue alwayes at my side my mother Humilitie . I pray you quoth Desire , to leade mee into the house , follow me said the Loue of God , for thou hast beene nowe long enough with me , and I will bring thee to another of my fellowes who hath a greater office then I. How is he called quoth Desire . His name answered the Loue of God , is To desire God . Desire went merrely accompanied with the Loue of God , to seeke out To desire God , & when he had found him : said vnto him : my Lord I wold it would please you to entertaine me as one of your seruantes . Desires good-will did greatly please To desire God , and saide vnto him , it is needefull ( so thou wilt bee with me ) that thou bee first well instructed by my fellows , for thou must knowe , that of the wine which floweth out of the hoggeshead of the Loue of God , is made To desire God . Therefore doe not deceiue thy selfe , but see that thou be first well prouided and replenished with the Loue of God . My Lorde quoth Desire , I haue dwelt longe with the Loue of God , and he hath instructed me in all thinges which I must doe , and with Gods grace I wil endeuour my selfe to put all thinges in vre and practise , but I cannot warrant you whether I haue the Loue of God , or not , for hee onely knoweth who doeth loue him , and in these thinges the vest is to humble himselfe . As for my selfe I can not assure what I haue , but onely this dog called good-wil , and yet I think not that hee is mine because he was but sent me . To desire God did take a great delight and pleasure in all these wordes , and chiefly because Desire did not perswade himself that he had the Loue of God , I pray you Sir , quoth Desire , to tell me your nature and conditions . Euen as a man saide , The dersie of God commeth through the knowledge of himselfe to a hate and despising of himselfe , so likewise through the knowledge of God , hee attaineth to Desire God . And whosoeuer doeth possesse mee , hee hated all worldly thinges , for I do frame in him so noble and excellent a mind , that hee thinketh himselfe to good , to desire any thing els , then the chiefest and the souerainest good , which is God onely , besides I make him very great & high tanored with God , & although he is but of base kindred , yet I make him a mighty king , & whosoeuer doeth enioy me , his mind runneth vpon nothing but vpon God only , he speketh nothing but of God , for where his treasure is , there is his , hart also . And that which a man hath conceiued in mind , the tongue commonly speaketh , for the mouth doeth alwaies bewray the inwarde affections of the hart . To the hungrie I am meat , and restoritie , I am the chiefest in this pallace , and ain Chamberlaine to loue and Charitie , I haue power to bringe those in , whome I will that are my frendes . I am the preacher , who goeth through the house trying , vntill my Lorde doeth awake , & commeth forth of his chamber , for to speake with those that do call vpon him . Whom think you did awake vs , when thou didst stand long before the gates , knocking with the two hammers hanging at the doore , called To sigh and weepe , but onely the continual barking of thy dog . I am the surest messinger , who commeth first at the gates , and goeth to the Lord , who followeth him alwaies , and is next vnto him . I haue in my power the fruite of a tree , that which wee that are here within haue to deliuer out , and to giue to euery man thereof to eate , called See God . Is it a sweete fruite , said Desire , for they gaue me an other to eat in the house of Humility , which was somwhat bitter : and chiefly at the first fell somewhat harde & vneasie to bee swallowed . This fruite quoth hee To desire God , is maruellous sweete and pleasant , but to some more sweeter , and of pleasanter tast then to others , which happeneth after the good appetite and stomack that they haue . And the sounder that their tast is , and their teeth the better , thereafter they finde this fruite the sweeter and more pleasant . For some there are , who haue rotten teeth , & to those this fruit is vnsauorie , for they are not able to chaw it . And some doe eat it without appetite or hunger , because their stomackes are already ouerladen with other meates , and to those likewise it is vnpleasant , because they cannot well digeste it , although it doeth them but sinal hurt . And some there are , whose taste is marde through a feuer , or an vnnaturall heate , and these knowe nothing of this fruit , but onely by heare say . I pray you qd Desire , let me taste of this fruit . I am glad answered To desire G●d , art thou willing to taste of it , for it is not possible , that wee during this life should satisfie our selues , or sil our bellies with it , but only tast how sweet and pleasant it is . Wherefore quoth Desire ? Therefore aunswered To desire God , for if man could here satisfie his appetite with it , & feede plentifully vnto his owne will of it : hee wold neuer be willing to leaue this prison , and go to heauen , hauing here of this fruit sufficient enough to maintaine him . But for the better vnderstanding hereof , we die almost for hunger , and are famt and feeble with too long fasting , looking alwaies for the time till we shall come to the banquet of our soueraigne Lorde and Ring . And euen as a hart doth thirst in the Sommer after the springe of water : so likewise doe our soules hunger after that day . This fruite is of such force and vertue , that onely a small bitte doth fil our stomacke so much , that it is not able to containe more , how great a feeder soeuer a man bee . But when wee shall bee with the Lorde , then he will giue vs greater & stronger stomackes , that we may eat plentifully enough of these fruites , without any hurt or surfeting : for if any would eate here in this li●e , more then their stomackes were able to beare : it woulde more hinder then profite them . Therefore it is needefull , that we eat but a little and inoderatly of these fruits , till we come to that place , where we may fully satisfie our selues with them , wherof we haue now but a taste onely .

The eleuenth Chapter intreateth how to Desire God , did prepare Desire for to eate of the fruit .

I Pray you sir quoth Desire . let mee haue a taste of these fruits so much or little as it pleaseth you . First aunswered To desire God , because this fruit doth neuer remain but in a pure vessell , it is therefore most necessary that thou doest make cleaue thy teeth , wash thy eyes , mouth , face , and handes . But where shall I come to water here saide Desire , I will bring thee to a fountaine of life , aunswered To desire God , which runneth and floweth both night and day , and is called Godly exercise , besides I will call some Damselles of the house , that will bee willing to wash and cleanse thee : Desire was glad in tarrying for these Damselles , and saw presently To desire God , accompainied with these Ladies : and saide , Behold frende these Ladies must wash thee . The first is called Courtesie , the seconde Vnitie , the third Pittie , the fourth Mercy , the fift Amiablenesse , the sixte Fauour , the seuenth Meeknesse , the eight Zeale , the ninth Ioy , the tenth Iustice , the eleuenth Fortitude , the twelfth Prouidence or Forecast . And this last will giue thee an hearbe that will prouoke thine appetite , for to eat thy meat with a better stomacke . For this fruite is onely ministred to the hungrie , and not to any other . The thirteenth Damsell is called Long suffering , the foureteenth Constancie , the fifteenth Peace , the sixteenth Neatnes , the seuenteenth Diligence , the eighteenth Prayer , the nineteenth Labour , and the last am I to Desire God . And I am alwaies found in this company And so long as thou art to bee founde among them , they will further thee greatly in the eating of this fruite . And whensoeuer thou dost eat them , they will goe alwaies with thee , and neuer forsake thee , vnlesse thy selfe beares them away , and doest misuse them , for they themselues are wondrous desirous of this diet , and no sooner they fee this fruite , but presently they swarme about it , euen as bees about the hony , and there is no surer token that one hath had a tast of these fruites , but when they see these Damsels about the doore . Desire was glad when hee was washt , and had tasted of the fruit . Brother quoth to desire God , seeing thou hast done this , thou must now sing also , for the seruants of God do alwaies sing after their meales , praising and thanking the Lord . And h●●t is 〈◊〉 b●o●e in the ho●●● t●at can not one in the ho●● that can not 〈◊〉 ▪ Howe shall I sing quoth Desire , Let vs goe within the house , said To dessire God , where ●●ll the Musicians dwell . The ●●rst is called Blessing , the second Honour , the thirde Prayse , the fourth Thanksgiuing . With these must thou sing , for they are very good and skilfull Musitians , and haue all good doyces . The first Musitian called Blessing , singeth the Superins or troble and prayseth God for his great liberalitie . The seconde who supplieth the Contratenor called Honour , praiseth the Lord for his vnspeakeable and incomprehensible wi●●bom . And the third who is c●lled Praise , singeth the Tenor , and praiseth him in his endles goodnes , bountie , excellency , and generally in all that God is in himselfe . The sourth is Thankesgiuing , and serueth the Base , who thanketh the Lorde for all that hee hath created , and for all his benefites most liberally powred & bestowed vppon all his creatures .

The twentie two Chapter intreateth howe Desire did learne to sing .

THe musicke and the manner thereof did please Desire greatly . Behold quoth to desire God , wilt thou go hence , and return againe from whence thou art come , where should I trauaile answered Desire , for to be better then I am here where I am come with so much pain and labour ? Now that I am welcome to a place where I may line in quiet , and be comforted , I am not minded to change , for they say in a common prouerbe . De that is in blisse , let him remain where hee is . And I tell you sir , I wil not go hence , vnles you doe thrust mee out of the dores . It is not our custome , qd To desire God , to turn any body out of the doores , vnlesse they themselues doe desire it , but rather doe intreat them to stay . But because they may know that we stand not in need of any body , therefore sometimes doe aske them , if they are desirous for to go or not . But because thou art willing to tarrie here with vs , thou must not bee idle . what must I doe qd Desire . All that they shall commande thee aunswered To desire God . And when I shall not bee commaunded at all , saide Desire , what shall I doe then ? Sing answered To desire God , praise , thanke & magnifie the Lord . And whensoeuer thou art about thy busines , & dost that is commanded vnto then , then thou maiest yet sing to thy selfe , for to keepe thy thoughtes from idlenes . Further wilt thou please our Lord , and become his familiar frende , see that thou goest to speak oftentimes alone with him , and if thou wilt profite greatly , bee daylie conuersant with him . Then shalt thou heare his aunswers , who will disclose vnto thee many secretes , whereby thou shalt grow familiar with him , & becom one of his minions . May euery man who will , said Desire , come in his chamber and speake with him ? I quoth To desire God , as far as he hath Humilitie in his company , I tel thee that it is his greatest ioy that wee should come to him , and awake him , for hee is of this nature that he cannot abide to be alone , and how base & simple soeuer a man is , yet he reioyceth greatly in his company , and will haue him to remaine with him continually . For his nobilitie and worthines is so great , that hee doth not regarde the externall person , for there is no exceptions of persons with him , if his spirite bee humble : for one man hath cost him so deare as an other , and hath created than all of one substance , the earth . I which more is , the baser & viler the person is , if he doth but debase & humble himself , the greater fauour and courtesy he sheweth vnto him , and wil do him the more good . And I tell thee plaine , that the most part of these , that are dwelling here , are but of simple parentage & progenie . For God hath chosen those for his seruice , who were the abiectes of that worlde , to the ende that no body who dwelleth here should think him to be receyued and intertained for his desarts & worthines , but only through the goodnesse and meere mercy of God . Therefore if thou art willing for to dwell here , and desirous not to loose , but to profite & further thy selfe , and procure that thy song bee acceptable vnto God , remember these four parts . The first is Good-will , the seconde Humilitie , that third Patience , the fourth Loue or Charity . And whensoeuer thou singest with these four parts , thou shalt neuer faile in thy songs . And although sometimes thou flippest a note or two , or els doest not sing fast enough , presently thou shalt come to the right tune againe by hearing onely . With good will thou shalt sing that Superius or Treble , for all that rest doth frame it selfe after it , and with the second and third , namely with Humility & Patience , thou shalt sing the Contratenor , for Humilities & Patiences doinges are contrarie to a mans wil and wilfulnes . And with the fourth , namely Loue , thou shalt sing all manner of musicke whatsoeuer , & that with thy soule . & the sweetnesse of that holy Ghost . But aboue all thinges doe not forget to eat the fruit , which thou hast eaten in that Pallace of Humilitie , namely to Distrust in thy selfe , and the greater thy loue and desire is towards God , and the greater friend thou art of the Lord , giue him the more of this fruite , for he loueth them wel , & gladly eateth of them .

The thirteenth chapter , how to desire God , did bring Desire into the chamber of the Lord , & besides intreateth of an instruction to Praier .

I woulde praye you for to get one sauoure more at your hands , which is , seeing you haue entertained mee , & granted that I shall dwell here , that it may please you likewise to bring me to my Lord , for to know him , & to do vnto him homage & reuerence . I am contented , qd To Desire God , go with me . Desire went trembling that he now should speak with so mightie a king & monarch in his chamber , and stand before his diuine maiesty , and was taken with such feare & trembling , that he neither durst nor coulde come before that Lorde , in as much that hee was minded to turne backe againe . But when he remembred againe the nobilitie and vnspeakable courtesie and goodnes of this king , & how louing & affable ▪ hee was to euery man , he comforted himself vppon his gratiousnesse , there vpon putting onely all his trust & confidence . Tarrie for mee here at the doore , saide to desire God , for I will go see what my Lorde doth , and tell him how thou art here to speak with him , Desire was yet fearfull , studying what hee should say vnto the Lord , when he shold come before him . Com hither qd to desire God , I haue tolde my Lorde how thou art here . Go in therfore , and I wil stay here for thee . Desire began with great reuerence to goe through the chamber of presence , & as soone as he did see the Lorde , fell downe flat vpon his face weeping bitterly , & durst not once lift vp his eyes , for he remembred that he had beene a mortall enemye of his Lord , & had done him oftentimes great iniury and wrong , in as much that he was not able to vtter one word , but onely did sigh & weepe , thinking alwaies that now he was in the presence of this endlesse goodnes , whome hee had so oftentimes , & so grieuously offended . What meaneth this , qd our Lord , wherefore doest thou come hether ? doest thou not speak ? Arise , & let me know thy desire . What can or shall I speake before thy incomprehensible Maiestie ? answered Desire . O my Lord I am not worthy to open my vile & vnclean mouth in thy sight , but suffer me now to bewaile by silence , sighes , & teares , my forepast wickednes & iniquity . Wherefore art thou come hither quoth our Lord ? I I am not come hither my Lord , answered Desire , for I do not thinke , that I haue deserued to dwell here in thy house , and yet lesse to come in thy maiesties chamber , & presence . Who hath bronght thee hether then said our Lord : Thy grace hath drawne mee hether , hath caused me to be calde , & commanded to let mee come in , & to haue accesse vnto thee . I cannot tell my Soueraigne , what cause hath moued thy maiestie here vnto , or wherein thy grace hath neede of me , for it would suffice me & bee too much , that such a one as I am , might be the least of the seruants of thy house , & yet deserue not so much , and am altogether vnworthy of it . But seeing thy goodnesse hath nowe called me , and that inpleaseth thee , that I shold dwell heere & speake vnto thee , open thou my lips , and teach mee what I haue to say in thy presence , powre in me the spirit of feare & reuerence , to the end thy Maiesty be not offended , or in dishonor serued by me , & dispised of such a wicked and vile sinner as I am . Rather I would be ready to suffer a thousande deathes then to offend and despise thy highnes . For hereby I shoulde dishonour and iniury the Angels , Archangelles , & all Celestiall powers , who intirely loue thy goodnes : & serue the with such zeale , glorie , & reuerence . Declare vnto me O Lord , what I shall speake & direct mee in all my doings , for I commit my selfe wholly into thy hands , yeelding my soule & body wholly vnto thy maiesty . Giue me O Lord that spirite of Humilitie , to the end I may serue thy congregation and children the better , and that my seruice may bee pleasant & acceptable in thy sight for thy names sake , and that thy maiesty may bee honoured & praised in me .

The fourteenth Chapter intreateth of the instruction which our Lorde did giue vnto Desire , for to rule and gouerne himselfe .

ARise , quoth the Lord to Desire and feare no more : and if thou hereafter wilt become a new man , & such a one as y● oughtest to bee , then I will remember no more the iniury which thou hast done me , and put out of my memorie all thy misdeedes & offences , wherewithall thou hast grieued me so oftentimes . But because thou inaiest amend and becom better , I wil teach thee foure words which will not profit thee a little , if thou doest remember and printest them in thy hart . Take these two , I , and thou , which are the two first : and the other two Slaue and King . And if thou canst rightly put these words in practise , they will bringe thee to great vertue & perfection , & defende thee against all thy naturall and vnbrideled affections , & cause thee to remaine and liue with euery man in peace & vnitie . I pray thee , my onely Lord , and Soueraigne , qd Desire , that it may please thee to shew vnto me , howe I might best exercise my self with these foure wordes ? Thou mayest refer all thy exercise to these words , for they contain in them a great and deepe knowledge , whereof one might write great volumes , and whereby without bookes one might likewise attain to great perfection , Therfore whensoeuer thou commest to speak with me , or goest about any thing which is commanded thee , & art altogether faint , cold , & vnwilling then perswade thy self , that I do speak to thee these words , I & Thou & no more : & thus forget al the world , & think that there is no body in the worlde , but I and Thou . The other two wordes , Slaue & King , shal serue thee , for to deale and frequent with them : first of all , in imagining that y● art Slaue vnto them all , and by these meanes thou shalt become humble and obedient . Secondly , that thou art thine owne King , & that I make all Kinges rich , & bestow vpon them pleasure & goods aboundantly . Let this instruction at this time suffice thee , and thus depart in peace .

Wherefore wilt thou O Lorde , that I should goe away , said Desire , because answered the Lord , thou shouldest not thinke that thou hast deserued it , and art worthy to remain alwaies with me but ouely as long as I think good , or whensoeuer I call or sende for thee , to the end thou becom not presumptuous or vaine-glorious . Therefore whensoeuer I will haue thee , I wil send for thee , yet before thou goeft hence , leaue thy hart with me , to the end in what place soeuer thou commest , that the chiefest & the best may still remam with me : I am herevnto willing my Lord qd Desire , I giue thee trancke and freely my whole hart . I am content answered the Lord , that now it remaine with me , but thinke not that thou canst doe it so oftentimes as thou wilt thy selfe , and besides I will neuer keep i● with me without the profite and furtherance to humilitie . But yet of one thing , which thou knowest not , I will admonish thee , which is , the more crosses , aduersities and miseries I lay vppon my seruantes , the wore ioy , conforte & blessednes I am minded and endeuour to bestow vpon them . But wilt thou leaue thy dogge Good will here to mee , for will may he remain here if thou commende him euery day vnto me , & do not thy selfe take him away from me . Wherefore qd Desire , is it necessarie to commende him euery day vnto thee , once would it not suffice ? No , answered the Lord , not because I should forget it , but because thou shouldst not come to forget mee , & that thou mightest alwaies haue occasion to haue mee in remembrance , to the end I may do thee good , and com to succor thee in time of thy trouble & necessity . For what doth it help or profite me , whether thou hast mee in minde or not ? I thanke thee my Lorde , qd Desire , that thou doest acquaint me before with thy wil and pleasure , wherby onely thou worliest and bringest to passe in vs all things , as if thou sholdest seeme to stand in need of vs , where it is onely but to our profite and saluation .

The fifteenth Chapter howe Desire did exercise him in these foure wordes , and what profite hee reaped thereby .

DEsire departed out of the Lordes chamber , leauinge : his hart behind him , and did finde to Desire God watching at the doore . What hast thou done so long within , qd to Desire God . Doest thou think that many wordes please the Lorde ? Sometimes thou shalt doe more with one word with him , then with a hundreth . Ah Syr , aunswered Desire , I thinke that I haue not beene long with him . Go within answered to desire God , seeing thou are nowe entertained here . I will go into my chamber , saide Desire . Go in the name of the Lord , quoth he . Desire dayly remembred the foure wordes , which the Lorde had giuen him , oftentimes repeating I , and Thou , Slaue , King , and sometimes did part , confounde , and mingle them together , but they fell alwaies right , for hee tooke the one and saide I , and then the other Slaue . Yet I speake right , quoth he , for I am for the loue of my Lorde a slaue . Sometimes hee tooke the other and saide , I King . I do not misse yet , for I am a king , said hee , being Gods seruante , for to serue him , is to commande , to gouerne , and to be a mighty Prince .

FINIS .