The holy breathings of a devout soul, in meditations, contemplations, and prayers

SPIRITUAL MEDITATIONS , Being the Gifts and Dictates of GOD's SPIRIT ; OR , The Hearts Frame and Language , that desires to be made Spiritual , and to live spiritually .

1. O God my God , who art all things , and givest all things freely , willingly , abundantly , and continually , therefore of thee in Jesus Christ do I humbly ask all things .

2. Give me thy self , O God , and I will confess that I have all those things I ask .

3. For unless thou givest me thy self , I esteem that I have nothing , though thou keepest nothing else from me .

4. I know that there is no perfect perfection here , and therefore we cannot live without sin ; but O most gracious and most mercifull Father , lay them not to my charge , but bury them all , past , present , and to come , in the grave of my blessed Saviour and Redeemer , Jesus Christ .

5. I will ever seek thee , O God , whom my soul loveth , desire thee only , and lay hold and depend on thee alone .

6. Let , O God , the things of the world be unto me , as I was unto thee ( whilst I was in the world , out of thee ) even as a menstruous cloth , and filthy rags .

7. Thy mercies , O God , are the hid Treasures which my heart seeketh , and longeth to enjoy .

8. Thy love , O Christ , is much sweeter to my taste , than the hony-comb , and I desire it much more than gold , yea above all the worlds treasure , good , and glory .

9. I am sure I shall be able to rejoyce , in and under any , yea all afflictions , if thou dost not afflict me , O my God and my Father in Jesus Christ , with thy absence .

10. He is in heaven though on earth , that doth truly love thee , and only love thee ; and heaven is in him , because thy love is in him , because thou lovest him ; thy love , O God , being the Heaven of Heaven in Heaven , the best of Heaven .

11. Do unto me , O God , what thou wilt , and do but only tell me that thou wilt it .

12. Were I in hell for thy sake , that is , absent from thee , I could and would rejoyce , ●or it is my Heaven to please thee , my God , who hast and dost so much delight me .

13. Let me be but esteemed in thy eyes , Oh my Jesus , my sweet , my dear , and pre●ious dear delight , and I shall not value , ●ut contemn all the ill looks of all others eyes .

14. I had much rather be a Paul , a Job , or a Lazarus , than a Solomon ; be ignominious all my days and honour my God always , than be honourable all my days , and dishonour my God but one day .

15. Of all afflictions , O God my God , let not sin be my affliction , afflict me not with sin , for sin .

16. A wounded heart , a heart wounded with sin , who can bear ?

17. What burthen so intolerably heavy as the burthen of one sin only , if the Lord lift it not up with one of his fingers ?

18. I ask nothing in Heaven or Earth , but God in Christ .

19. God in Christ is all things ; for all things out of Christ are to me nothing , he is my joy and my Salvation .

20. I had much rather , methinks , be ever afflicted , than never afflicted ( whilst on earth . )

21. Though by thy free grace , O God , thou hast in love and mercy brought me home unto thee , yet thou hast used affliction as the means , therefore do I love and k 〈…〉 the Rod , because thou hast appointed it .

22. I love affliction , because it was the hand by which thou did'st , O God , lea● me out of affliction , that is out of sin .

23. I love affliction , because by it thou hast taught me to love thee , yea so to love thee , as I love nothing in comparison o● thee , but all things in subordination to thee

24. I love affliction , because in it I saw thee in me , and my self in thee .

25. I love affliction , because by it I saw that thou didst love me .

26. I love affliction , because it taught me to love thy Statutes , to choose them , imbrace them , and delight in them .

27. And I will love affliction , because it will keep me in the ways of thy Statutes .

28. I love afflictions , because they are lovely , and sent from thee the God of Love , to me in Love .

29. I love afflictions , because thou hast sanctified them to me , and me by them .

30. I love affliction , because since that I was deeply afflicted ( for sins ) I have not been afflicted with sins triumph , nor with reign .

31. I love afflictions , because thou hast made them , O God , unto me lovely .

32. I love afflictions , because thou hast ever sweetned them unto me by Sanctification .

33. I love afflictions , because by them ●hou hast taught me how to bear afflictions .

34. I love afflictions , because by them ●hou hast taught me how to afflict my self , ●hat is my flesh for sins afflictions .

35. O my God , give me what afflictions ●hou wilt , so by them thou suffer me not to ●fflict thee , who , I know , never took'st pleasure to afflict me .

36. If I had not known afflictions , me●hinks I had never sought to learn to know ●hee , nor thy knowledge .

37. If I had not been undone , I may justly ●ear I had been for ever undone .

38. Give me , O Lord , as many sanctified afflictions as thou pleasest , for then in the midst of them I am sure I shall please thee .

39. O Lord suffer not any affliction to afflict me with murmurings or repinings , which I am sure will afflict thee .

40. I desire ever to praise thee , O Lord , ●or that I never had affliction in the flesh , to ●y remembrance , but it brought me com●ort in the Spirit .

41. So that I may say ( through grace ) ●y afflictions have been my best and choicest ●enedictions .

42. So esteeming them , give me , O Lord , his grace , to esteem them as tokens and ●gns of grace .

43. O Lord make me ever thankfull f●● all these thy afflictions which deserve much thanks .

44. O Lord I heartily thank thee for th● thou hast made my heart such , as it do truly thank thee for them .

45. Give me grace , O Lord , to will th● Will , and to submit to all thy Wills will .

46. Ah Lord , give me grace to kno● thy Will , & a will to learn to know thy grac●

47. Thy glory is my glories end , th● end is my glories aim .

48. I desire no other honour , O Lord than to have the honour to be thy Servant

49. I will rejoyce in any Condition , s● may be in the Condition of thy Servant .

50. O Lord , I am willing to do any wo●● so it may be thy work .

51. Thy glory , O Lord , is my only lo●ing , my only joy , delight , desire , aim and en●

52. O Lord let me never be ashamed do thy work , though never so mean in eyes of Men , let it be always beautif● honourable and glorious to my eyes , he● will and affections .

53. Give me Christ , O God , on any ter● and conditions , and I will confess them be honourable terms , and conditions adv●tagious and glorious .

54. I had much rather haye Commun● with Christ ( in a Dungeon ) than be adorned and ever possess all Solomon's outward glory in a Palace .

55. Communion with Christ will , I am sure , make me content in all places and conditions .

56. In Christ , I am sure , there is fulness of joy , and all true peace and comfort , though without any of all the worlds comforts .

57. In Christ there is all pleasure , though in the World frowns , disgrace and displeasures .

58. In Christ there is true light , though in the World dark Dungeons .

59. Thy smiles , O Christ , my Christ , are my Heaven , and thy frowns let me never know , for I fear them as the worst of Hell .

60. Let me enjoy that Heaven , and I care not for all other Hells .

61. Ah sweet Jesus , let thy will be my will , that my will may be always according to thy will .

62. Let nothing , O Lord , satisfie me , but my assurance of being in thee , and thou in me .

63. Let me always , O Lord , meditate on thy love and mercies in loving me .

64. Ah suffer not any thing in this world of this world to content or delight me , unless thou be in it , my sweet Jesus .

65. O Lord grant that as often as I do sin , I may sigh and sorrow for sin , and earnestly desire to sin no more .

66. Grant that I may set all my affection● and love on thee ( my dear Saviour and Soveraign Lord , who art the Father's Glory the Heaven of Heaven in Heaven .

67. Grant , O Lord , who art my God and all my good , that in all Conditions may abundantly rejoyce with true contentment , and not at all to murmur or repine a● thy hand , though heavy on me .

68. Ah Lord be thou always all my thoughts , all my joy , and the only and al● the rejoycing of my heart .

69. Grant that I may always love thee O my Lord , more than my Life , yea tha● the life , that is , the Salvation of my Soul .

70. Grant , O Lord , that I may not so much , by much , labour for the joys o● Heaven to my self , as to do thy will or earth in love only to thy self .

71. Grant , O Lord , that all my solac● may be in uprightness of heart to serve thee

72. O Lord give me grace , that whilst am on Earth , I may labour to do thy will with my whole will , as it is done in Heaven

73. Grant , O Lord , that I may every day yea all the day long have Communion with thee the Spirit of Grace , my sole comforte● and only comfort .

74. Grant that I may will nothing but th● will , O thou my Father in Jesus Christ which art in Heaven .

75. I had rather have thy smiles in Hell , my sweet and dear Jesus , if it could be , ●en thy frowns in Heaven .

76. I had much rather , if it could be , be Hell and obey God , then in Heaven and against him .

77. O God , give me , I most humbly be●ech thee for Jesus Christ his sake , those ●ings , and those things only , both for soul ●d body , on earth , that may prepare me , ●d make me fittest for Heaven .

78. I had much rather choose death , ●en choose to sin .

79. Though I cannot live without sin ●re , yet whilst I live here , suffer me not , O ●od , at any time to consent unto sin .

80. I do believe that Christ Jesus is my Je●●s and my Christ , and that he makes inter●ssion for me every moment , and ever will , ●en to my very last moment .

81. I had much rather enjoy affliction ●ith enjoying thee , O my Saviour , then all ●anner of prosperity if thou do'st not pros●r it .

82. As long , O God , as thou givest me ●ead , water and grace , I will acknowledge ●t I have sufficient , meat , drink and ray●ent , yea that I fare deliciously , and am ●ayed more gloriously , then if I were with ●rple scarlet and fine linnen .

83. To do thy work , O God , is the wag● I desire , and which will and shall ever co●tent me .

84. Ah Lord , I praise thee for that tho● hast given me a heart to be willing to pa● from all things most willingly , so I migh● part from all sin also .

85. Dispose of all things as thou wilt , ● God , do but only leave me thy self in po●session .

86. All good thoughts come in love , ● God , from thee , to me , but woe me , m●serable me , for that all evil thoughts com● from my self in hatred to thee .

87. Good Lord , make my heart and a● my thoughts such , that I may be only suc● and always such as thou would'st have n● to be .

88. Do thou , O Christ , live and reign b● thy power and might in me , that the migh● power and reign of Sin may be cast out me .

89. Let not the things of the Worl● put thee , O Lord , out of my mind , nor s● out of my heart to abhor it .

90. Give me , O Lord , grace and pow● to Conquer and cast out all worldly lusts a● affections out of my heart , that there be place for thee , and thee only to dwell i● my sweet Jesus .

91. Grant , O Lord , that I may esteem the ●orlds gifts without thee , my S●viour , as ●e Devils gifts , that will destroy me .

92. Grant , O Lord , that I may ever be●eve and esteem my best duties and perfor●ances ( as from my self ) to deserve no●ing but shame and confusion , being but as ●lthy rags , and a menstrous cloath , and ●at I am less and less worth at the best , then ●e least of all thy mercies .

93. Nothing but thy blood , O Lord , can ●ash me , nothing but thy death could satis●ie for me , nothing but thy resurrection can ●aise me , and nothing but thy living , can ●hake me live .

94. Let thy blessed Ordinances , O Lord , be more delightfull to me then my meat and drink , and sweeter to my tast then the hony ●nd the hony-comb , let them much more please me then the pleasures of Egypt , which ●re but for a season .

95. I had much rather have nothing of ●he world , and hate it , then all the world ●nd love it .

96. I had rather be the poorest in the world , then the richest , as for my own good and profit alone .

97. I am more afraid of honour then of dishonour , of riches then of poverty , of high degree , then of low degree , of applause , then of contempt or scorn , of health the of sicknes● , and of my life then of my death yet I know that God is all , and in all these therefore I will fear neither , for I know tha● that which he giveth is the best , and I sha● profit best by it .

98. Ah that I had so much grace , as to b● always able to meditate on the love an● sweetness that is in my Saviour , I woul● not leave that blessed condition of Communion with him , ( one hour ) to gain all tha● the world hath to give .

99. Surely , If I could always think o● my Saviour , I would willingly always thin● on him , I would not only have him in a● my thoughts , but I would have him be a● my thoughts .

100. One moments Communion with th● Spirit of grace , were to be preferr'd incomparably above all the pleasures and sweets o● sin , though their end were not bitter , bu● sweet .

101. I would willingly lose all that ● have of the world , if so be I could lose the thoughts of it likewise .

102. I would much rather have not any thing of the world , and be not of the world , then have all it hath , and be of it .

103. I cannot be poorer then to have the world , and love it ; nor richer , then to be without the world , and hate it .

104. Though I cannot remember what I ●ould , yet I remember well , I never did , or I do not do what I would .

105. I had rather say nothing then my ●wn words , when I speak by Prayer , or any ●ther way unto God .

106. Oh blessed Spirit , Sanctifie my ●houghts and my words , when I take upon ●e to speak unto the People of God .

107. Oh sweet Jesus , present , I most humbly beseech thee , my prayers , and my self unto thy Father , that he may receive ●nd accept of both , through thy merits ●nd mediation .

108. O God , my God , give me grace so ●o live as I may be always ready , willing , ●nd rejoyce to dye ; let thy time be my time , whether it be sleeping or waking , on thy day , or on ours , whil'st I am doing thy work or mine own , thy time and thy will ●e done , O Lord , not mine .

109. O Lord let me never leave sighing ●or sin , till I leave sinning .

110. Let sin , O Lord , be much more bitter unto me after repentance , then it was sweet before repentance .

111. Let me , O Lord , esteem any death much sweeter , then the bitter life of any sin ▪ though it live but a moment in me .

112. Give me , O Lord , any afflicti● unless that which I cannot bear , ( sin . )

113. Let me live so long here , O Lor● till I am utterly dead to all sin , and sin de● to me , and then , Lord , take me to thy s● when thou wilt , that I may live for ever thee and with thee .

114. O Lord , though thou give me p●verty and Contempt with the grace of co●tent , I shall be as rich and as honourab● as I desire .

115. Take my thoughts , O Lord , fro● the World , and then take the world fro● me as soon as thou wilt .

116. Give me , O Lord , so much grace love thee , that it may extinguish all oth● loves that are in me .

117. Make me , O Lord , thy Servant , a● let me know it , and I will never desire , n● ask any other Honour or Condition .

118. I would much rather have Christ me , and doubt it , then not in me and b●lieve it , rather such true sorrow , then su● false joy .

119. If Christ were not in Heaven , would not desire to be there , my desi● should be , to be where Christ should be .

120. Let me so love thee , O Lord , as may always fear thee , and so fear thee , ● I may ever unfeignedly love thee , let the● ●wo graces be never sever'd from me , nor I ●rom them .

121. Let no sin keep me from thee , but ●et every , and all sins drive me unto thee ; for I know that thou art a God , pardoning all Sins and Blasphemies , all iniquities and transgressions of such as repent , and resolve to do so no more , and I know that thou art my God , and Father in Jesus Christ .

122. Love me then so , O Lord my God , I humbly beseech thee in Jesus Christ , as to keep me unspotted , that is from sinning against thee , either in thought , word or deed , wittingly , or willingly .

123. Let thy Mercies , O Lord , my Lord and my good God , so draw me , and thy Judgments so drive me , as I may never be at rest nor quiet , until I come to have quiet rest between thy breasts , my dear , my sweet and saving Jesus .

124. Let me , O Lord , so think on the world , as to hate it more and more , until thou givest me so much grace so to hate it , as to think on it no more .

125. Let me not , O Lord , live so long as to desire to be younger to live longer .

126. But let me rejoyce in my age , for that I am nearer the death of Sin , and the life of Eternal Glory .

127. Make me , O Lord , not only such as I desire to be , but such as thou woul● have me to be , which is , I trust , to be ● with thee and in thee .

128. I desire , O Lord , not only to what I would be , but what I should be .

129. It is in thee , O Lord , to give things , for thou art all things , therefore thee do I humbly beg all things .

130. Let me not live one moment long after I have done the work of my Genera● on , that is , not live for my self , but ● thee , O Lord .

131. Let my will , O Lord , be only to ● thy will , to will thy will , and to submit thy wills will .

132. Let me be wholly thine , holy thin● only thine , always thine , and ever thin● here in thy Kingdom of Grace , and herea●ter in thy Kingdom of Glory .

133. I had much rather have the punis●ment of Sin and not sin , then the evil Sin and no Punishment .

134. Ah how sweet is it to want th● worlds sweets , and in its want , to find n● want , but even in want most to abound .

235. O Lord , thou knowest I desire no so much the world , as to have my thought● and affections taken from the world .

136. Could Heaven and Eternal life b● purchased , for to choose and commit on● ●n willingly ) I would not purchase nor ●ave it on that condition , but rather de●end on the love and mercy of God , in Je●s Christ .

137. I am sure God is my God , because ●e hath given me a heart to fear him in love , ●nd to love him with fear and trembling , to ●ejoyce in his Statutes , to desire to do his ●ill universally , and to depend and trust ●n his sure mercies and faithfull promise in ●esus Christ .

138. I am sure God did ever love me , ●ecause I am sure he doth now love me , ●nd therefore I am sure he will ever love ●e , for where he once loveth , he ever lo●eth , and did ever love .

139. I am sure God loveth me because ●e hath given me a heart to hate all sin uni●ersally with a sincere and perfect hatred , ●oth in thought , word and deed .

140. I am sure God loveth me , because ●e hath given me true conviction , and sin●ere , sound and unfeigned repentance , from ●nd for all sin , esteeming all exceeding sin●ll , both the great and the small .

141. I am sure God loveth me , because ● delight in his ways , and for that all my ●ongings and desires are to do all his will .

142. I am sure God loveth me , because find his Yoak easie , and his burthen light .

143. I am sure God loveth me , becau● would not commit any Sin ( nor could I● willingly ) to get his love , if I doubted o●

144. I know , and am sure that God l●eth me , because that I do most heartily a● sincerely desire to love him , a thousa● thousand times more then my own self .

145. I know God loveth me , becaus● love him most for himself .

146. I know God loveth me , becaus● desire nothing so much , as to be his faithfu● humble and obedient Servant .

147. I know God loveth me , because love every man , especially such as I belie● love him , and because their conditions wh● ever they be , make none with me .

148. I know God loveth me , because love every mans Soul , prosperity and ha●piness , as my own , and their bodies mo●then my own .

149. I know God loveth me , becau● those that have been , and are still my En●mies , in the flesh , I love both in the fle● and spirit .

150. I know God loveth me , because do sincerely pray for the Souls and Bodi● of those whom I have cause to believe th● they hate me .

151. I know God loves me , because ● hate nothing , but what he hates , which is s●

152. I know God loves me , because he hath thus changed my heart , from hatred to love , and hath made me to hate what I loved , and to love what I hated .

153. I know God loves me , because I love all things for his Glory , all things in subordination to him , who is all things .

154. Ah sweet Jesus , give me so much love to love thee here on earth , as thou lovedst me when thou wert here , for I cannot ●elfe love thee enough , nor soon enough .

155. Ah that I had ever loved thee , and never loved sin .

156. Ah Lord , give me this great grace of love that I may forget all other love , forsake all other love , and hate all other love , that shall in the least hinder my love to thee or lessen my loving of thee , for my soul desireth only to love thee .

157. Thou only art lovely , Ah my sweet Jesus , and my only beloved .

158. O Lord my God , let my love to thee increase , as my life shall decrease .

159. And as I draw nearer to thee , let me , O Lord , find thee more lovely , and more and more to love me .

160. Let me so love thee , O Lord , my Lord , as I may love thee only , serve thee only , fear thee only , and b● delighted , r●vished , and comforted in and with thy love .

161. With thee , O Lord , I leave my s● as a token of my love , A● give me thin● and let us never change .

162. The love , O Lord , I have for thee● confess I had from thee , it being now in m● O let us both abide , and let me dwell thee .

163. Let it never be separated fro● thee nor me , but of two let us be made on● and never more be alone .

164. My whole desire , O Lord , is to ● thy will , it is to thee , and to remember th●

165. O Lord , lead me by thy holy an● blessed Spirit , that I may never be led astra●

166. Let me not , O Lord , do any thing b● my self , as for my self , but all things by th● self , and for thy self .

167. Be thou always with me , that I ma● never be without thee , O most holy an● blessed Spirit , my Sanctifier , that I may b● all ; and always sanctified .

168. Let me love thee , O Lord , more fo● thy Service sake , then for my Souls sake .

169. Let me desire and long for Heave● more to do thy will , then to have my will●

170. O Lord , if thou wert not in Heave● I would not desire Heaven , but my desir● should be , to be with thee .

171. O Lord , let the same desires be i● me whilst I am on earth , as shall be in me● when I am in Heaven .

172. The desire of my heart and soul , Lord , thou knowest is only to thee , and ● thee , and to be always guided by thee .

173. Increase this holy desire in me , O ●rd , until my soul and body shall be filled ●th thy blessed fulness .

174. O sweet Jesus , dwell in me ever , ●d go not out of me never , for when I ●ve thee , Lord , I have all that I desire ●d crave .

175. I am most willing and ready to ●se my life to preserve thee , O Lord , but ●t to preserve my life to lose thee .

176. O Lord , what thou hast given me , ●hich is all , take when thou wilt , and in ●hat manner thou wilt .

177. Make , O Lord , thine own Conditions ●ith me , I will make none with thee , but ● obey thee , and serve thee on thine own ●rms .

178. Teach me , O Lord , to know my ●lf as thou knowest me , and to hate my ●lf for Sin , as thou lovedst me when I was ● my Sin .

179. I desire to hate Sin as the Devil , to ●ar Sin as Hell , and to fly from Sin as from ●y wrath , O great God .

180. With thee I desire to leave and give ●y self , O sweet Jesus , receive me , and ac●ept of me .

181 O Lord go with me where I an● go , tha● I m●y be always with thee , n● from ●hee , nor do any thing without th●

182. O Lord , let me only do what t● consentest unto .

183. I fear Sin much more then the thor of Sin .

184. Sin is my worst , my greatest , my strongest Enemy .

185. Give me Grace and strength sweet Jesus , to conquer Sin , and I shall fear all other Enemies

186. Had I but one sin unforgiven , thou should'st , O Lord , make me my ● Judge , I should , and could not do ot● wise , then condemn my self for ever ● Hell .

187. I desire ever to magnifie , la● praise , and extol thy glorious name , O L● God , for making Jesus Christ my Judg● whom thou hast appointed also to be my 〈…〉 vocate .

188. Were I to choose , I would cho● no other for both .

189. For sure I am , I cannot lose ● cause , if he plead it , nor be condemn'd , judging me , who was judged and co●demn'd for me .

190. He dyed for me , and therefore shall not see that death .

191. He hath paid my ransome , and there●re I must be acquitted .

192. He hath suffered , and therefore I all ever raign .

193. He wore a Crown of Thorns , that might ever wear a Crown of an Eternal ●d incomprehensible weight of Glory .

194. He is risen and hath led Captivity ●aptive , that I might be delivered for ever ●t of all Captivity .

195. He is ascended up on high , and ●erefore I am sure he will lift me up unto ●m .

196. He is gone to prepare a place for ●e , therefore I am sure I shall be for ever ●ell plac'd .

197. He is sate down on the right hand ●f God , and hath convinc'd and conquer'd ●ll my accusers and enemies , therefore I ●hall in quiet rest , and perfect peace , sit ●own with him , and by him .

198. He hath all power and Authority ●iven him by God , therefore I am sure no ●ower shall or can hurt me .

199. He hath provided a place for all his Children and Servants , therefore I will not ●e afraid nor fear .

200. He hath promised , and he is faithfull , therefore I will believe and not doubt , but rejoyce .

201. O Lord , let me fear nothing but ● nor love nothing but thy ●ear

202. My love , O Lord , to thee , is su● thy love to me .

203. O Lord , put the vail of thy fea● fore my eyes , and my heart , that I ● not sin against thee by neither .

204. Ah Lord God , suffer me n● more to doubt of thy love , seeing thou ● so freely , and willingly given the Son of love , even thy dear , only , eldest , natu● and beloved Son , Jesus Christ , to dye me , and in my place and stead .

205. Ah sweet Jesus , Be thou pleased to take up thy aboad in my heart , and dwell there , as I may always find th● there , to comfort me , and to direct ● how to walk well pleasing unto thee ; ● me always hear thee , speaking to me , ho● I shall do every thing I take in hand to d● so that all my thoughts , words and deed may tend only to thy honour and glory , t● Credit of the Gospel , the good of other● and the eternal Salvation of mine own So●

206. Ah Lord , give me grace in all ●flictions , to consider that it 's much less the I deserve , and that thou mightest justly ha● sent them on me sooner .

207. Hell , O Lord , I confess is only m● desert , what less thou givest me , is mo● ●n I have or can deserve , and less punish●nt then the least of my Sins hath deserved .

208. Therefore in all Conditions I desire ●less thy name , and to praise thee , with a ●nkfull , contented and rejoycing heart .

209. Let , O Lord , all thy afflictions teach and tell me that thou art mindfull of ● , and that they are friendly , yea Father-Visitations , and Tokens of thy Fatherly ●e love in Jesus Christ .

210. O Lord , suffer me not to sell my ●tion in Heaven , for any Portion of earth , earth , the Honours , Riches , or Pleasures ●ereof .

211. Let even this Portion , thy service ●d work , O God , be preferred by me , and dearer to me then all things of this world .

212. A Christian once in Christ , united him , cannot be taken out of him , no more ●n the same water cast into the Sea can taken out again ; for he is become a part Christ , even as the drops that fall into ●e Sea , are forthwith a part thereof .

213. Seeing then thou hast made me one ●th thee , received me a little drop into ●y self the Ocean of Blessedness , and of goodness , happiness and felicity ; My ●eet Jesus , I am sure I shall never be sepa●ted from thee .

214. Let me , O God , so live the remainder . of all my life here on earth , as that ● mayest not be ashamed to be called my ● and to give me eternal life hereafter in ●ven .

215. O sweet , glorious and glorifie● sus , inhabiting Eternity from all Eter● look not on me as I am in my self ( wit● thee ) but as one in thee , even as a m●ber of thy blessed self .

216. Love me , O Lord God , ● thine own love , even with that love i● sus Christ , wherewith thou lovest thine ●

217. When , O Lord , I have thee ( th● alone ) I have what I desire , yea and all I desire ; for thou art all , and the only sire of all my desires .

218. Give me , O Lord , thy self , tho● without any thing else , and I will never thee any thing else .

219. But though thou dost , O God , ● me all things else , ( and not thy self ) I ● account it even as nothing .

220. Having thee alone ( My dear Je● I have all things , and having not the● have nothing that I truly love .

221. Give me then thy self , and ● shall content me , but unless thou dost ● me thy self , I am resolved never to be ●tented .

222. Give me then so thy self , O L● ●o art my Delight , as I may do all things ● thee , and nothing at all without thee .

223. Give me so thy blessed self , as I may ●ays enjoy thee , beholding thy glorious ●e , and the light of thy blessed Counte●ce , and may hear thy most sweet and ●mfortable voice , to comfort , revive , ●d refresh me .

224. Be thou , O Lord , mine all , and let ●e be thine all .

225. Though I much fear , and would ●t commit any sin , yet I am not at all a●id of all the Sins I have committed .

226. Though I know that God hates all ●s , yet I much rejoyce that I was made a ●ner .

227. Though I know that God justifies ●e ungodly , yet I would not be ungodly .

228. Though I know that grace doth a●ound more then sin , yet I would not sin ●at grace may abound .

229. Did I doubt of the pardon of my ●ns , to have their pardon , I would not ●hoose willingly to commit one sin .

230. Ah Lord , do not only pardon all ●y sins , but give me grace to sin no more .

231. Let me , O Lord , be ●s unwilling to ●ve in sin , as to dye in sin .

232. Let me fear as much the commit●ing of any sin , as the punishment of all my sins I have committed , fear sin before ●mitted , as the punishment after commi● yea fear sin more then the punishme● sin , choose the punishment and not sin , ●ther then sin , and have no punishment .

233. Let me hate sin most , because sin , and therefore most to be hated .

234. Let me hate sin , as much after ●doned , as before , and before commit● as after .

235. Let me , O Lord , hate sin , as t● lovest a sinner that would not sin .

236. Let me be , O Lord , as unwil● to commit sin , as thou art willing to par● them when committed .

237. Let me even be as unwilling● commit any sin , as thou , O Lord , ● willing to pardon all Sins .

238. Let me , O Lord , die to all ● that I may live to all grace .

239. Though , O Lord , I know t● thou pardonest all sins and transgressio● yet suffer me not willingly to choose , ● commit any sin , nor consent to any Tr●gression .

240. Let sin dye that grace may live , Let grace live , that sin may dye●

241. Let Sin dye in me , that thou ma●est , O Lord , live in me .

242. Let me dye to sin , that I may , Lord , live to thee .

●43 . Let me , O Lord , dye to Sin ( whilst ●e , that I may not dye in sin , ( when I am ● . )

●44 . Let me , O Lord , so dye here to ● that I may not dye hereafter for sin .

●45 . O Lord , let me so dye , as I may not ● Eternally .

●46 . Let sin , O Lord , be rooted out of ● that I may be rooted in thee , and ● in me , my sweet and saving Jesus .

●47 . Let me , O Lord , be so rooted in ● , as I may never be rooted out of thee .

●48 . Let me , Lord , take such deep root , That I may bring forth much fruit . ●49 . Let my Root be such in thee , That my fruit be much to me . Let my fruit be such to thee , That the Fruit be like the Tree .

●50 . Let , O Lord , my death to Sin appear , ●he appearance of the life of grace .

●51 . Let me , O Lord , so live , as I may ●er dye but to Sin .

●52 . Let me , O Lord , so live to thee ● , as I may ever live with thee , and in ● hereafter .

●53 . Were not thy work , O God , the ●rk of my Salvation , yet would I prefer it , ● do it , before that of my Salvation .

A Prayer .

AH most blessed , Incomprehensible and ●nal Lord God , Glorious in Hol● fearfull in Praises , doing wonders ; the ●vens are not pure in thy sight , and yet tho● graciously pleased in Jesus Christ to look d● and to dwell in poor Man , who is sinfull ● and Ashes ; thou livest only in the highest ●vens , and in the lowest hearts , the one is Kingdom of Glory , the other of thy Grace , ● Lord , make my heart so low in my own estee● it may be so high in thine , that thou may'st ● it thy delight to dwell in it for ever ; Ah ● when I consider all that thou hast done for ● and all that I have done against thee , I a● shamed and confusion seems to cover my fac● Vail , having , O Lord , transgrest all thy and just Laws , and broken wilfully , willi● knowingly and presumptuously all thy Di● Commandments from the first to the last , ● the greatest to the least , as well by Comm● as Omission , as well by Actual sin , as Orig● sin , knowingly as well as ignorantly , both ● fully and willingly on thy days , as well a● our days , in thy house as in other houses , in●ing thy work , as in doing my own work , in●ties , as well as out of duties ; praying sins , ● sins , meditating sins , Sermon sins and Sa●ent sins , so that my repentance must be re●ed off , and my Prayers Prayed against , e● my sighs and groans have need of tears ●ash them , and my very tears of doubled ● .

How , Lord , have I made thy holy things un● unto my self , and turned thy graces into ●tonness , and quencht the motions of thy ho●irit by wilfulness ! how , Lord , have I trea●d up wrath against the day of wrath unto my ● soul , and made thee a savour of death unto when thou comest as a Savour of life ! how ●e I , Lord , hated to be reformed , and turn●rom thee , when thou camest running towards in love and in mercy ! how have I cast thy ●ises behind my back , and trampled thy pre●s under my feet ! how many times have I ●ken my Promises , Vows , and Covenants ●e with thee in my straights ! with how much ●e eagerness and earnestness , have I served ● sinful Lusts ( then thee ) in thy services , my ●d Lord God! and how much more pains ●e I taken for earthly things then for hea●ly ! how much more delight some have these ●gs below , and the remembrance of them ●en unto me ) then the things above ! how ●ch sweeter hath sin been to me then grace , ●● how have I bent my will against thy great ●● holy will in all things ! how willingly and how fast , O Lord , did I run in the ways ●ternal destruction ! and how , good Lord , ● I vehemently delighted and laboured , to ● others to commit the same sins , and to d● same things ! how easily and how willingly ● believe the suggestions of the Devil , and ● what willingness have I left thy work , ● how often , good Lord , to do his , nay , w● is yet worse , how often have I tempted him tempter to tempt me unto sin , when I knew ● the wages of sin was death , even Temp● Spiritual and Eternal , for body and soul , d● my very utmost to destroy both !

But what , O Lord , are all these sins ▪ those I do not , to those I cannot remember , ● that both for greatness and multitude ; yea w● are all the sins I have committed , to th● would have committed , had'st not thou in l● and in mercy , O most gracious , loving , ● most mercifull Father , in Jesus Christ ● strained me ) and come in continually unto help and succour , even when I was altoget● helpless and succourless ! thou did'st , O Lo● own me when I would not own thee ; thou di● run after me when I did my utmost to run fr● thee ; thou did'st , O Lord , continue knocki● when I would not open to thee , and wert'st ●tented , such was thy endearing loving love ● to me , to stand at the door of my heart wi● out , untill thy locks were wet with the dew● ●aven , and when I was most pitiless , then ●'st thou most pity me , and took'st me from ● self , and out of the power of all my adver●ies , and did'st enter with forceable possession ●o my heart , there to lodge , sup and dwell ● ever , tho' thou foundest it to be more un●an then a dunghill : and is not this enough ●cause all the Creatures in Heaven and Earth ● stand amazed , and with wonder and a●ishment to admire the condescension of so great God as thou art ?

Ah Lord God , what could I more desire , nay ●at couldst thou do more for me then thou hast ●e , to bring me out of the death of sin to the ● of grace , out of the suburbs of Hell , into ● suburbs of Heaven ; methinks , Ah me ●ks , I may truely say , out of Hell it self , ● Heaven it self ; such a vast difference there ● such a blessed and glorious change there is ●eady , blessed and ever magnified , and prais●e thy ever blessed , great and most glori● name of Jehovah , my strength and my ●tion .

Thou hast not only , O Lord , delivered me ● of the pawes of that roaring Lyon ( the ●il ) who had almost devoured me , but hast ●en me of thine own power and strength , to ● come him , to trample him under my feet ; ● to despite him to his very face , thou hast ●vered unto me his falseness and malice and the wickedness and the deceitfulness of my ● deceitfull wicked heart th●● did thus be● me .

Ah Lord , what can I , such a poor wretc● I am render unto thee for all thy benefits , I a worm , and no man , the greatest , and ● chiefest of sinners , the very worst of the ● of men ; O Lord accept of what I have to g● thee , of these two poor mites my soul and b● true , O Lord , I confess and acknowledge ● they are not worthy to be put into thy ● Treasury , but if thou wilt be pleased to st● on them , the glorious Image of thy Son J● Christ , I am sure they will pass for our ●coyn in thy Heavenly Court , and thou ● own self wilt esteem them of thy peculiar T● sure : O Lord , set me as a seal upon thy ● and let thy love be setled upon mine , t● may be out of love with all , that I may be●ly in love with thee , and let all my men● and faoulties , be but as instruments to act holy and blessed motions .

Ah Lord God , good as great , and gre● good , when wilt thou by thine Almighty p●utterly destroy and root out all sin out of me , ● shall the time , O Lord , come , that it sha● Crucified unto me and I unto it , when shal● time come that I shall see it no more , when the time come that thou wilt , O Lord , giv● a finall Victory over it , and totally destr● ●hen , Lord , shall come that blessed day where● I shall not sin , when I shall put off sin as an ● garment , and never more put it on , when ● tears , fears , sighs and groans for sins , ●ll be expell'd and extinguished , when thou , O ●rd , my sweet and blessed Jesus , shalt only be ● all and my all .

But grant , good Lord , though sin be in my ●rt , that my heart be not in sin , and though ● rule over me as a Tyrant , let it , Ah let it ●ver raign in me a moment as a Soveraign , ●d though I cannot live without sin , yet , good ●rd , for thy goodness sake , let me live without ●senting unto , delighting in , or approving of ●y sin whatsoever , either in thought , word or ●d , but let there be always , and continually in ● , a heedfull , watchfull , carefull , circum●ct care ; though temptations fall on me , let ● not fall into temptation , but deliver me ●m all evill , O thou my Father which art in ●aven , and cause me to work out my Salva●n with fear and trembling , and to labour ●re and more to make my calling and election ●e , before I go hence , and be no more seen .

And knowing , Lord , that thou hast in the ●ndance of thy love and mercy ▪ provided for ● a Kingdom which cannot be shaken , let me ●ve grace in my heart to come before thee , and worship thee , the true God , w●●h reverence ●d godly fear , that I may always run and not grow weary , and walk and not faint , w● O Lord , all thy Laws of grace in my h● and thy Statutes of Love in my mind , by finger of thy holy and blessed Spirit , that I never go astray to the right hand of pleas● or to the left hand of profits ; wean me , O L● from the world , e're thou take me out of world , and whilst I do live in the world me be dead to it , and to all the things of which are the honours , riches and plea● thereof , the lust of the flesh , the lust of the and the pride of life , and give me those th● and those things only , which may make thine , and onely thine , that I may be al● thine , and ever thine .

Teach me , O Lord , to use the world ● I used it not , that I may not abuse it , my nor thee who hast given it me to use , but ● abuse , give me , O Lord , I humbly beseech in Jesus Christ , grace to be always min● of my last end , and of the reckoning th● must make before thee , the judge of He● and Earth , take away all my doubts , ● and cares , for the things of this life , that I cast all my care on thee , who carest for for the earth is thine , and the fulness t● of ; grant , O Lord , that I may know ho● want , and how to abound , and to be al● content in all conditions ; knowing that things shall be for my greatest good , and ●ugh affliction be in the night , yet joy shall me in the morning ; grant , O Lord , I beseech ●ee , that my last thoughts may be my best ●ughts , and my last days , O Lord , my best ●ys ; grant , O Lord , that I may be willing lose all to gain thee , and to esteem it no loss ●t great gain ; grant that I may be willing to ●crease , that thou maist , O Lord , increase , to ●nd and to be spent for thee and to follow ●ee the Lamb of Righteousness , wheresoever ●ou goest ; grant that I may be as willing to ●ear the Crown of Thorns , to obey thee here , the Crown of Glory to praise thee hereafter ; ●d grant , O Lord , that I may be as willing suffer for thy glory , as to raign with thee in ●ory , and that I may desire Heaven much ●ore for thee , then thee for Heaven .

Ah Lord , I could be content with Mary to ●t at thy feet , and to wash them with my tears , ●nd to stand behind thee , being altogether a●amed to come before thee , how willingly , ● Lord , how willingly do I with Jeremy wish , ●hat my head were a Fountain of water , that ●ine eyes might gush out Rivers of Tears ; and Ah that I could with David weep continually , with Magdalen abundantly , and with ●e●er bitterly , that I might give my soul no rest , ●ntill I come into thy blessed Arms , the bles●ed , joyfull , saving Ark of Rest , which shall ●or ever cause me to float and swim above all the storms and tempests of sin and Satan ; ● grant , O Lord , that having past the tim● my Pilgrimage here in thy fear , I may dye in favour ; unite me , O Lord , I most humbly seech thee , so nigh unto thy self , that I may made bone of thy bone , and flesh of thy fle● make me a member of thy Mysticall body h● that I may be for ever a member of thy g●rious body hereafter .

Ah Lord God in Jesus Christ , I beseech ● to sanctifie all afflictions and Temptations ● me , and lay no more upon me at any time in ●dy or mind , then thou shalt in thy goodn● and for thy glory inable me to bear ; and t● not thy holy and blessed spirit the Sanctifier ● the Comforter from me ; be thou my help want , my strength in weakness , my joy sorrow , my comfort in grief , my riches in verty , my palace in Prison , my home in ●nishment , my health in sickness , and my life death , let my blessedness in thee , O Lord , c●me to see my cursedness out of thee , let thy ●verflowing fulness cause me to see my emptin● thy beauty my ugly deformity , thy light darkness , thy glory my ignominy , thy riches ● poverty , thy obedience my disobedience , thy p●fection my imperfection , thy holiness my un●liness , thy glory my shame , thy wisdom my fo● thy strength my weakness , thy goodness ● badness , thy Heaven of happiness and blessedn● Hell of unhappiness , and wretchedness , thy things , my nothing .

Ah sweet Jesus , that camest down from Hea●n on Earth , to lift me up from Earth to Hea●n , thou took'st my nature on thee to make me ●taker of thine own holy blessed , and divine ●ture , thou becamest the Son of Man , to make ● the Son of God ; thou becam'st , O Lord , my ●ra , an Heir of Misery , to make me an Heir of ●ercy , yea Co-heir with thy self of Heavens ●eat glory and eternal Happiness , Felicity and ●lessedness , which is thy Father , Self and holy ●rit , three Persons but one God ; thou wert , sweet Jesus , Lamb of God , Son of God , ●ade a Curse , that I might be made a Blessing , ●ou wouldst dye once , that I might likewise dye ●t once , and then live with thee for ever and ●r ever ; thou didst , O King of Glory , wear a ●rown of Thorns , that I might wear a Crown ● Glory ; thou wert lifted up on the Cross to ●t me up unto thee , thine arms nayl'd abroad , ● shew how willing thou wert to embrace me , ●y feet nail'd together , to shew thy willing●ess never to go from me , thy head hang●g down to shew thy willingness to kiss me ●ith the kisses of thy mouth , of thy love for ●ver ; thy heart opened with a Spear , even to ●t me in there ; thus did'st thou shew by the Crown of Thorns on thy head , the height of thy love ; by the nayling of thy feet , the lei● of thy love ; by the spreading abroad of thy a● the breadth of thy love ; and by the openin● thy side , the shedding of thy hearts blood , depth of thy love . O blessed God , O most ●sed love , there is no God like unto thee , nor there ever love like unto this thy love ; ● did'st , O Christ , thou did'st , suffer thy Fa●● frowns , that I might have his smiles ; thou di● O Christ , thou did'st , drink up the dregs of Father's wrath , even Vinegar mingled ● Gall , that I might sweetly solace my self drinking to thee the bottomless bottom of endless love ; thou did'st , O Christ , my Savi● thou did'st , bear all my sins , that I might ●pear without sin ; thou didst , O Christ , my deemer , thou did'st shed all thy heart blood wash me from the filthiness of my own bl● and from the guilt of this thy blood-sheddi● thou hadst , O Christ , thou hadst , thy F● much more glorious than the Sun , defaced ● spittle , that mine might shine even as th● gloriously in glory , though not so gloriously gl●ous ; thou hadst , O Christ , thou hadst thy b● whipped , that by thy stripes I might be heal● thou wert , O Christ , thou wert thus woun● that by thy deadly wounds I might be ● Cured ; O love infinite and incomprehensible ●yond degree , an offended God dies , to set off●ing man free .

Ah Love that surpasseth all understanding , ah ●odness that surpasseth all love , that wert in love ●ercy and goodness pleased to do this for me , not ●hen I was a friend , but an enemy , not when I ●as in Covenant with thee , but when I was ●t of Covenant , not when I loved thee , but ●hen I hated thee , not when I was lovely , but ●veless , not when I was holy , but unholy , not ●hen I desired it , but when I desired it not , not for ●king it , but when I askt it not , not for having ●ne any thing for thee , but even then , when I ●d all that I could against thee , not when I ●as thy Servant , but a Servant of the Devils ; ●d all this , O God my God , that thou did●st , ●as not for thy advantage , but for mine , not ●r thy good , but for mine , not for thy honour , but ●r mine , not for thy glory , but to bring me to ●ory ; and all this thou did'st , looking for no●ing again ; thou lovest me only because thou ●ould'st love me : Ah height , length , depth , and ●eadth of love , that an offended God should ●e , and woe , and pray and pay , and promise , ●nd give , and dye , and live to reconcile , in●ch , honour , magnifie , and exalt , offending ●an , poor despicable man , vile , wretched , ●orthless man , nothing man , that can be fitly ●mpared to nothing , but to nothing less than ●e drop of a bucket , or the dust of the bal●ance .

O Lord , let these thy wonders of mercies , and wonderfull compassions , cause me ever to ad● and adore thy love and kindness , thy kind lo● thy goodness , and thy greatness , and to cry ● Lord , what is man , that thou art so min● of him , and the Son of man , that thou so gardest him , as to visit him , to magnifie h● to dwell in him , to delight in him , to m● him thy delight , to set thy heart upon him to him good , even according to all the good t● is in thy heart , having prepared for him Kingdom , which cannot be shaken , a King● of Glory , an eternal and incomprehen● weight of glory where is joy , all joy , unspe●able joy , and Rivers of pleasures for ever mo● where is no right , but all is day , yea the L● himself is the l●ght thereof , where is no gr●nor sorrow , nor care , nor fear , but all te● shall be wiped away , and there shall be no m● sorrow , nor sighing , but all joys , and sing● of praises and Hillelujahs with the Ang●ls ● Saints , beholding the Lord of glory , yea ● glory of the Lord , seeing him face to face he is , and knowing him as he is to be know there is no Canaanite in that Heavenly Countr● no Cain to kill , no Sodomite to vex , no Ishm●elite to scoff , no Esau to terrifie , no Shimei curse , no Herod to persecute , no Rabsheke● to rail , no Judas to betray , this Heaven is ●bove all Molestations , and perturbations , and ● for term of years , but for ever .

Ah most holy , most great , and most glorious ●ord God , bring me I most humbly beseech thee ● thine own good , due , and appointed time , ●at I may behold thy beauty , and thy glory , and ●e light of thy right blessed , and most blessed , ●nd glorious countenance , which may by the right aspect shining on me , cause me likewise to shine brighter than the Sun , and my ●ul and body together to be made perfect , pure , ●nd holy ; as thou , O God , art , though not so ●olily pure and perfect , and that both being ●nlightned with thy heavenly wisdom , may be ●ade to know the stability thereof , and be as●red of thine eternal and everlasting love , and ●iving in me for ever , and for ever .

Grant these things , O my God , and my Fa●her in Jesus Christ , and what ever else thou ●nowest to be needfull or expedient for me , both for soul and body , and all for the merits of thy Son and my Saviour , thy Christ , and my Jesus , for whom my Soul shall ever bless and praise ●hee , as the Lord my Righteousness , and to whom , with thy glorious Majesty , and holy spirit of grace , the Comforter , and the Sanctifier , be given by me , and by all thine , as all due is , and to none else , honour , glory , power , might , Majesty , dominion , and thanksgiving , now and for ever more , Amen .

1. Contentment though in Poverty , the best , the surest , and the greatest rich●

2. Let me not set thee a time , O ● God , but wait on thee for all things in ● time .

3. And when thy time shall come to s● me forth , let me run and not grow wea● and walk , and never faint .

4. Send me , O Lord , whither thou w● and to do what thou wilt , I am willing● go , and be , and do whatever thou s● command , though to spend , and to ● spent for thee .

5. And wheresoever , O Lord , thou sh● place me , I shall not account it my abid● place , no longer then it shall be thy pl●sure that I there abide .

6. Being with thee , my God , where e● it be , I shall be , I am sure , where I would ●

7. And being in thee , my Saviour , a● thou in me , my condition , I am sure , w● well please and content me , what ever be .

8. Ah Lord , who would , or who shou● desire to live here in the flesh , being he c● not live and not sin , it is not subject to th● Law , neither indeed can be .

9. And who would not , or should not ● willing to die , to kill sin , that sin mig● dye , and be destroyed for ever totally .

10. Yet I am content to live , though I do ● , thy grace , O my God , being sufficient ● me .

11. I had rather be on earth for thy sake , ●d to do thy will , than to be in Heaven , ● my own sake only , and only to have ●y own will .

12. For is it not to be in Heaven , even ● do thy will on earth , as it is done in ●eaven , it is a Heaven on this side Heaven , ● earthly Heaven , or a Heaven on earth , ●ich , good Lord , give and grant me , un●l thou givest me what thou hast promised ●e , which is thy blessed self in Heaven , who ●t the Heaven of Heaven in Heaven .

13. Where then soever , when , and how ●ng soever I live or die , I shall through thy ●od grace , live and die contented , and ●ost joyfully .

14. How willingly , how willingly Lord , ●ould I leave this world , and all the things ● it , if they were all mine , to live with ●ee , for I know thee , O Lord , I know ●ee , ( and for which I most heartily thank ●ee ) that thou art much better than all ●ings , yea all things compared to thee are ●thing , and all things out of thee , that is ●ithout thee , can be fitly compared to no●ing , but to nothing .

15. And yet , Lord , thou knowest how willing I am to live in this world , to for thee .

16. Thou knowest , O Lord , how i● more willing I am to dye then to live , ● yet , Lord , thou knowest how I striv● live , that I may not dye .

17. Give me grace , O my God , so live , as I may dye dayly , and to dye da● that I may ever live .

18. Let me so live as I may live ever . Let me so die , as that I die never Let me die but once , that I live for e● Let me die that once , that I die nev● 19. Come then , O Christ , and set me f● That I may go and live with thee : Then shalt thou be unto me gain , And free me from Eternal pain .

20. When I do any thing that is g● it is against the will of the flesh , and ● I do any thing that is evil , it is against will of the spirit .

21. To will good , is many times ● sent with me , but how to perform it , I k● not at any time , how , ( of my self ) but ● I know , that he that giveth grace to ● will also give grace to do , for both to ● and to do , is from the good will of Go●

22. When I do any thing that is go● that 's from the good Spirit of God in ● but when I do any thing that is evil , th● ●m the evil spirit of sin which is in me , ●d tyrannizeth over me .

23. All the will I have to good , is from ● good will , my good God , but all the ●l I have to evil , is from my own evil ●l .

24. Ah Lord , how hard do I find it to the ●sh to do what I should , nay what I ●uld ; and how easie , Ah Lord , how easie , ● do that which I should not , and would ●t !

25. Do thou therefore , O Lord , I most ●mbly beseech thee , work in me both to ●l and to do , according to thy good ●l and pleasure .

26. That as to please thee , O Lord , is ● desire of my will , yea my wills only ●sire , so not to please thee , my God , I ●d rather , yea much rather dye than will , ●th my will willingly .

27. Let thy holy will , O God , be my ●ole will , and thy whole will be made holy ●me , by doing it wholly and holily , by the ●werful assistance of thy holy Spirit .

28. To will thy will ( O God ) with my ●art , is thy will , O Lord , written by thy ●f in my heart .

29 Let then thy will be in my heart , ●t with my heart , I may bo●h will and ● thy good will , my good God .

30. When with my heart I think on th● Then from all sin my heart is free Let then my heart still think on th● That from all sin I may still flee● Lord , take my heart , and make it t● That to no sin , it may incline .

31. The best of our best is so bad our all is worth nothing at all .

32. If then our best good be so bad holy things so unholy ; Ah Lord , how holy is our unholiness , and how bad evil is our worst evil , the evil of our things .

33. It is not my studious care , bu● care , O Lord , of my study , that m● both my study and care prosperous advantageous .

34. It is from thee , O Lord my that I have all that I have , Ah give this mercy also , to be as willing to it thee back when thou wilt have it , was willing to receive it when thou g 〈…〉 it .

35. When man speaks to man , it take no effect , but when God speaks to ( whatever he speaks ) it shall take effe●●

36. Let , O Lord , thy speaking to and in me , be effectual for the be and not for the worse of my Soul savour of life unto life , and not of d● death , of life to my Soul , and of death ●y sins .

●7 . I had rather hear and learn one thing the wisdome of God , than a thou● thousand from the wisdome of men .

●8 . Let all thy truths in me , O God , be firmed to me , by the powerful wisdome working of thy holy Spirit .

●9 . God's voyce brings me always joy , comforts my sad heart ; but man's voice seth me alwaies grief , and saddens my ●ul heart .

●0 . I had rather be ever alone with God , ● want all other things , than be one day ●out him , to have and gain , and keep other things besides him .

●1 . For when God is in me then am I in ●ven , but when God is not in me , then I in Hell ; for thy presence to me , Lord , ●o me Heaven upon earth , and thy ab 〈…〉 ce , O Lord , Hell upon earth .

42. It is thy self , O Lord , thy blessed that I desire , and not the desires of other desires .

43. When I have thee , Lord , I have all desires , and yet when I have thee not , ●o not , because I cannot desire thee .

44. So impotent am I , as not able to ●l or desire my own good , so poor a ●etch , as not ( of my self ) ●o wish my self rich so much a slave , as to be content , yea willing and delight to , ever to be a slave , yea the worst of slaves , even to my own sinful lusts , although I know they will ( if lived in ) drown me for ever in the pit of Eternal destruction , from which , good Lord , ever deliver me as thou hast delivered me , keep me out as thou hast hitherto kept me out , and preserve me to my lives end , as thou hast preserved me from the beginning , that I may ever live to thee , for thee , and to praise thee ever , and for ever .

45. Thou hast in mercy , O God , my God , brought thy self , thy ever sweet , blessed , gracious , and most glorious self to me , ah bring my self in love , and obedience home unto thee .

46. My words , Ah my words , I know well , are but words , and the breathings of a sinfull man , but thy words , O my Lord , I well know also , that they are the breathings of a holy God .

47. Grant , O God , my God , that all my words may breath out sorrow for sin , and thy words breath in me the assurance of the pardon of sin .

48. For whose sins , O Lord , thou forgivest , thou also forgettest ; whom thou pardonest , thou wilt save : for where thou lovest , thou livest , and wilt , I am sure , ever live there in love .

49. To be taught by thee , O God of wisdom , is to be well taught , make me , O Lord , make me , I beseech thee , as willing to learn of thee , as thou art willing to teach me .

50. And give me grace , O God , to retain what I shall learn of thee , that I may forget what I have learnt of my self , and the world .

51. If Earth's sweets are so sweet to earthly minds , as they prefer it to the sweet of Heaven ; Ah how sweet are Heavens sweets to Heavenly minds , and how do they prefer it to all the sweets on earth .

52. How much sweeter , O my God , is the honey of thy word to the tast of my inward man , than the Hony-comb of the world to the tast of my outward man .

53. I had much rather say nothing then my own works , do nothing then my own words , and have nothing then all my own desires .

54. Ah Lord God , give me grace to live in Heaven whilst on earth , by doing thy will on Earth , as it is done in Heaven .

55. They are not the words of the mouth but of the heart , that are agreeable and well pleasing to thy heart , O my God , the searcher , the tryer , and the knower of all hearts .

56. He that hath his heart right , all things that he doth and doth not , are right dear , and precious in thy sight , and according to thy heart , O God , the giver and maker of all hearts .

57. When I sleep , O God , thou art still by me , And when I wake , I am still with thee : So that whether I sleep , or whether I wake , I am sure , O Lord , thou dost me never forsake .

58. To believe in God , is to know God , to know him is to love him , to love him is to fear him , and to fear him is to serve him , and to serve him is to obey him , and to obey him is to do his will , and to do his will is to give up our wills to his will , and to give up our wills to his will is to rejoyce in all things that he doth and wills , and to rejoyce in all things that he doth and wills is to have a heart according to his own heart .

59. It is not what I do , or can do , but what I would do , that best pleaseth thee , my God , who giveth both to will and to do .

60. O Lord , let not what , or any thing of that I do , please me , until I am sure that it please thee .

61. O Lord , suffer me not to seek my own delight , but let my delight be to delight thee , who art the delight of my soul , and in whom only my soul delighteth .

62. If thy back parts , O Lord , do so much rejoyce my heart here on earth , how shall thy face cause me to rejoyce in Heaven , where I shall see thee face to face , and know thee as thou art to be known !

63. And seeing it is my only grief on earth , that I have offended thee my God , by sin , it shall be my only joy in Heaven to praise thee , for that thou art not offended with me for my sins .

64. Give me , O my God , for Christ his sake , thy Kingdom and thy Glory , that I may give thee honour and glory , for ever , in thy Kingdom of glory .

65. And till that day shall be , give me grace , O my sweet and saving Jesus , so to watch and to wait , that when thy Kingdom shall come , I may rejoyce and say thy will , O Lord , be done , and so enter into the joy of my Lord , even into the Lord of my joy .

66. To do thy will , O God , is all the thoughts and desires of my heart and will , and in doing thy will , is all the joys , delights and ravishments of my willing heart , thus made willing through thine own good will .

67. I know well , that it 's thou in me , my dear and sweet Jesus , that causeth my desires to desire thee , and the heart of my soul , to hunger and thirst for thee , and also that giveth me boldness to speak unto thee .

68. O Lord , I desire nothing but what thou wilt , and all that thou wilt , I willingly would , and willingly would nothing but what thou wilt .

69. I had rather do thy will , O my God , on earth , for thy self , and thy sake , then be in Heaven for my own self , and my own sake , thy service is dearer to me then my soul .

70. I had much rather do the least work for God , then have the greatest good and benefit for my self .

71. Whatsoever , O Lord , thou wilt have me to be , do and suffer , that I willingly would be , and long to do and suffer , and to have , and no other .

72. Wilt thou , O Lord , have me poor , afflicted , persecuted , banisht , evil spoken of , tormented , tempted ; all these , Lord ; and what else thou wilt , so thou come with them , I shall rejoyce in them , and most willingly receive them .

73. It is not , Lord , what I desire only , bu● what thou hast ordained , that I only desire .

74. I know and am assured , that thou wilt , O Lord , sooner cast the earth into the Sea , and remove the Heavens , then take any of thy love from those whom thou lovest .

75. For seeing sin ( cannot ) nor shall not , separate us , Lord what shall , what can ?

76. It is fixt on thy own love , O Father , in Jesus Christ , thy Son most lovely , and therefore unchang●able , unmoveable .

77. It is from thy great Love , O my God , that I find thee lovely , but thy love is greater , for that I love thee , and yet more great that I love thee only , but more great then all , it is , that thou hast ever loved , and wilt ever love me .

78. Ah love that passeth all degree , the offended dyes to set the offenders free .

79. It is thy mercy , O God , that I am not past mercy , that I contemn not mercy , that I know mercy , that I value mercy , that I prize mercy , that I seek mercy , that I hope for mercy , am assured of mercy , and that I desire the same mercies for all others that are not past mercy .

80. To will thy will , O God , is to do thy will when we would as willingly do it , ( be it what it will ) as we will it .

81. To serve thee best and most , or to do thee , O God , most and best service , is in most submitting to thy will , be it what it will .

82. It is not the work of the hand , or of the head , but of the heart , that is according to thy heart , and most delighteth thy heart , O my God , the maker , and the giver of all good hearts .

83. To wait is better then to work , if thou shewest us not what work is thy work , and what work we shall do .

84. Let me not , O God , ever ask any other condition , than my present condition , and always submit to thy will in my condition , as often as thou shalt change my condition , and esteem every change the best change , yea and a changing for the best .

85. And let chearfulness witness my contentedness , and my contentedness be shown by my chearfulness .

86. Ah Lord , my Lord , if thou did'st not at times afflict me , how often should I , Ah how often should I afflict thee .

87. But I mightily desire to magnifie and praise thee , O my God , for that I find when affliction comes on me , thou comest with it , and dost always abundantly comfort me , yea my greatest comforts have been , when thou seemest as if thou would'st afflict me , that is even in affliction .

88. If affliction should go from me , I fear I should go from all good , which is from God .

89. Afflict me , O Lord , so much as thou wilt , and so often as thou pleasest , so that in it , I afflict not thee .

90. In affliction I fear , but out of affliction , Ah Lord , I confess I am careless , Ah too too careless .

91. Affliction makes me , O Lord , to run to thee , to cry aloud after thee , and to importune thee for thy presence , but out of affliction , I go softly , I speak softly , and know not how to beg with importunity .

92. If the outward Man receive such joy and delight in the Creature , and by conversing with them , Ah what joy , delight and ravishment doth the inward Man receive , having Communion with God , and enjoying his dear Creator .

93. If earth , and the things below , be able to satisfie any , surely , surely , Heaven , and the things above , shall be able , and will satisfie all , for every one there shall enjoy God , who is all , and in all .

94. Seeing Heaven on Earth is so sweet , Ah how sweet is Heaven in Heaven , or the Heaven of Heaven , which is our God .

94. And seeing Heavens joys are so great on earth , Ah how greatly great are they in Heaven .

96. Ah sweet , most ravishing sweet Jesus , let me enjoy them so here , that I may long to be dissolved , and to be in Heaven to enjoy them there , Ah to enjoy thee , thee , there .

97. Seeing one drop or ●ast of them is so delitious , Ah how deliciously , and delightfully are they fed , that feed on them continually , and shall feed on them for ever and ever .

98. Grant , O my God , that sins sweets , be to me bitter , and Heavens bitter , be to me sweet , and that I may always prefer Heavens bitterest , to sins sweetest , and never to find any sweet in the sweets of Sin .

99. I had rather see Christ with spiritual eyes , then in the flesh , with the eyes of the flesh , and to have him in my heart then in my arms .

100. Christ only can make us spiritually hungry , and he only can feed us with the bread of life , from him we have our spiritual thirsting , and he , he only can give us to drink of those living waters , the fountain of life , being in him only .

101. Were there as many worlds to be offered me , as there would be minutes from Eternity to Eternity , I would not , nay , praised be God , I could not , give my hope and my interest in my Jesus , to enjoy all their riches , honours and pleasures , unto all Eternity .

102. For by how much is he above all things , and more worth then all things , by so much , yea by so much more , do I value my interest in him above all things , for all things to God , can be fitly compared to nothing , but to nothing .

103. For God is all things , and I am sure of him , and therefore I have all things sure .

104. He that believes in Christ , loves him , and he that loves him , fears him , and he that fears him , obeys him , and he that loves , fears , obeys , and believes in him , must and will walk as he walked .

105. We can both will and do our own wills , which are evil , but we can neither will nor do thy will , O God , which is all and only good .

106. Give me then grace , O God , the God , and giver of all grace , to deny my own will , to hate and forsake my own will , that I wholly and perfectly do thy perfect and holy will .

107. Let me then , O God , my God , so will to do , as I may only do thy will , for my whole will is , that thy holy will be done on me , and in me , that I may do thy will here on earth , O thou my Father in Jesus Christ , which art in Heaven .

108. Give me then thy self , my sweet Jesus , that I may please thy self , for without thee , I shall be still my self , and displeasing still to thee .

109. For I am all evil , and thou , O God , art all good , I am all Hell , and thou art all Heaven , Ah thou my God , that can'st do all things , turn my evil unto good , that my Hell may be brought into thy Heaven .

110. Joy in fear , and by reason of fear , for every man hath a double fear , till he have perfect love , that casteth out all fear .

111. Fear causeth me to doubt ; and fear causeth me to believe , fear bringeth me grief , and fear bringeth me joy ; fear casteth me down to Hell , and fear raiseth me up to Heaven , fear causeth me to distrust , and fear causeth me to trust , fear affrights me with sadness , and fear comforts me with rejoycings , for if I did not fear , I might justly be afraid , if I did not fear the want of grace , I might justly fear I had no grace , if I did not fear falllng , I fear I should fall indeed ; But though through fear I am many times afraid , yet I would not be without fear , though I should be always afraid , for fear causeth me to put away fear , and not to fear fear , nor to be afraid of fear , through fear I trust , I believe , I rejoyce , and I hope I shall be for ever brought out , and freed from all fear .

112. Happy is the man that feareth always Prov. 28. 14.

113. Ah Lord , my God , that art most faithfull , and most true , make me , I most humbly beseech thee , in Jesus Christ , truly faithfull all my life , that I may be faithfull even unto the death , and then for ever to enjoy thy gracious promise of that Crown of life .

114. Make me faithfully obedient unto thee in all things , O Lord , all my life , that at death , I may receive thy faithfull promise of that Crown of glory and life , that I may ever live to glorifie thee , O Lord , of all glory , by an Eternal and Everlasting life .

115. Any thing of all that man can do , ( as man ) God will not accept , but all things that God doth man should accept , and likewise know and believe , that he doth all things , and therefore ought accept all things .

116. Man's best all , all mans best , is worse then all , but Gods least all , the least of God , is above all , and more worth then all .

117. When I have thee , my God , I have all , yea all that I would have ; But Ah , when I want thee , when I have thee not , when thou art absent , and seemest to be departed , or but estranged from me , I want all , am without all , and possess nothing , even nothing at all , though I have even all other possessions .

118. Let my all , O Lord , be all in thee , That thou may'st be all unto me .

119. I am much more offended , that I have offended my God , then I am afraid , that my God is offended with me .

120. I much more fear my sins to come , then my sins past , because my fear for my sins past , is already past , but my fear is always present , for my sins to come , yea it is my only fear , and that which affrights me only .

121. When I consider and ponder , on the much joy that I enjoy , to the little I deserve to enjoy , and yet that this much , is little , to that which I hope , and believe , I shall enjoy . Ah how my heart is filled and ravished with unspeakable joy .

122. All glory be given to thee , O God , the God and giver of all gifts , of all grace , and of all glory , Amen , Amen .

In Bourdeaux , Anno 1656.

O Lord God , I most humbly , and most heartily beg and beseech thee , be thou graciously pleased in love and in mercy , in and through Jesus Christ , to be with me thy poor and unworthy Servant , here in this place , where thou hast by thy Providence brought me at all times , as thou hast been with me in all other places , at other times , that thy power and thy might may be seen in me , and thy holy and blessed spirit , leading , guiding , governing and directing me in all things that I shall take in hand to do , that I may by grace walk upprightly in the midst of this crook●d , froward and perverse generation ; and that they seeing my good works , that is thou , O God , working in me , they may glorifie thy great and holy name , O thou my Father in Jesus Christ , which art in Heaven .

Ah Lord , suffer me not here following , to write my own words , but thine , not seek my self with selfish love , but thy self with true sincere unfeigned love to thy self , not mine honour , but thine honour , not my praise , but thy praise , not my glory but thy glory , my souls salvation , and the good , benefit and advantage of others : and all I beg , and what else thou knowest to be needfull for me , for Jesus Christ , my blessed , only , alone Saviour , and Mediator , and and Redeemers sake , Amen .

A Prayer .

O All holy , Almighty , Infinite and Incomprehensible , wise , glorious , gracious , good , mercifull , patient , sweet , lovely , loving and most blessed , and ever blessed Lord God , thou art not only holy , but holiness it self , not only wise , but wisdom it self , not only good , but goodness it self , not only mercifull but mercy it self , not only patient , but patience it self , not only sweet , but sweetness it self , not only love and loving , but love it self , not only strong , but strength it self , not only powerfull , but all power it self , not only great , but greatness it self , not only mighty , but Almighty , and might it self , not only blessed , but blessedness , all blessedness it self , not only happy , but possessing all happiness , making all happy that are happy , being happiness it self ; all good , O God , is in thee , and comes forth from thee , thou containest all things , being all things , all things being in thee , but art contained by none , thou art what thou wilt be , and therefore willest what thou wilt , it is thy honour and thy glory that thou art what thou art , all thy doings are wonderfull and like thy self , holy , just , and true , thou art all things , do'st all things , and givest all things , freely , willingly , abundantly and continually , never repenting , repining , nor upbraiding , glorious thou art in holiness , fearfull thou art in praises , doing wonders ; all thy works do praise thee , Ah let me thy unworthy ; unnatural disobedient , sinful and wretched Creature ( in my self ) out of thee , do the same , every moment , and all the moments of my life , by all my thoughts , words and actions , both at home and abroad , that thy power , O God , and thy might , even thine Almighty power , may be always seen in me , and shew forth to thy glory , that thou abidest and dwellest in me , so that all that shall behold me , may love thee , and long for thee , running after thee to obtain thee , and so by enjoying thee , may likewise praise thee .

O God , I know that thou do'st all that thou wilt , and willest all that thou dost , thou art as willing as able , and as able as willing , as great as good , and as good as great , nothing can hinder thee , nothing can deprive thee of being what thou art , for before any thing was , thou wert , all things have their all from thee , thou art the Alpha and the Omega , the beginning and the end , it is the greatest and the chiefest joy of all the Angels and Saints in Heaven and on Earth ; that thou art what thou art , and that they belong unto thee , and that thou art pleased to own them for thine own , thy glory is their glory , thine end their aim , thy will their wills , their chief desire to be is to please thee , O God , to please thee , and to adore thee , without thee we know we can do nothing , nor should be nothing , thou O Lord God , art our all , and our all , for all our springs are in thee , and from thee .

And now , O Lord God , I come at this time before thee to speak a word unto thee , but I find my self as unable as unfit , and as unfit , as unable , being empty of all good , and full fit , and ready , for any , or all evils , such , O Lord , thou knowest , is my wretched and miserable nature , averse unto all that is good , and prone unto all that is evil , but thou , O my God , in Jesus Christ , that art all good , and able to do all good , fill , O Lord , fill I humbly beseech thee , my empty heart , with thy self , even with thy fulness , that I may speak unto thee thine own words , and not mine own , for mine own words , would be but words , but meer words , but thy words , even thine , O God , are works , and work I know effectually : thou do'st not hear us for our words sake , because they are but the words of men , not for our works sake , because they are but mens works , nor for our own sake , because we have forsaken thee , but for thy great names sake , O Lord , which is thy self , and therefore for thine own sake thou hearest us .

Ah Lord God , let me then so hear thy voice as my soul may live , and so live as to praise thee , O Lord , is to live , yea to live in thee , to thee , and for thee , which to do , Ah Lord , thou knowest is the desire I have to live ; Ah great God , be thou then graciously pleased , in the abundance of thy great goodness , to speak a word in season , unto this dull , dead , senceless heart of mine , that I may be so ravisht therewith , as I may forthwith come out of my self , flye from my self , hate , loath , and abhor my self , in dust and ashes , cause me , O Lord , to consider my self as indeed I am , which is a little creeping clay , speaking earth , a worm , and no man , vile , sinfull , wretched , and abominable from the Crown of the head , to the sole of the foot , there is no whole part in me , I am more Leprous then Gehazy , much more unclean then was Mary Magdalen , more blind in soul then Bartemeus was in body , more lame to run after thee , O Lord , in thy ways , then was Mephibosheth in his feet , my soul runs with a greater flux of Sin , then was the Hemorish Issue , and more then thirty eight years , O Lord , thou knowest all these diseases have been upon me , Ah Lord , my Lord , and my God , be thou therefore pleased in love and mercy to look upon me with one of thine eyes , and heal me , and thou shalt do as great a work as in curing them all , I know , and am assured that thou hast so great a skill , that if thou wilt , thou canst with a word forgive the one , and heal the other .

Ah wonder of wonders ! yea too too wonderfull to believe , but by those whom thou dwellest in , that thou wilt dwell and delight to dwell in such a heart , but all such know , O Lord , through the power of thy goodness , and the working of thy holy spirit in their hearts , that nothing is hard for thee , O God , to do : but all things are as easie as possible , thou bringest light out of darkness , and turnest evil into good , with the word of thy mouth , for he is only worthy , whom thou in favour accountest worthy .

Seeing then , O Lord God , that it is thy good will and pleasure , to do so much for me as thou canst do , which is to give me thine own self , be thou , Ah be thou pleased in the riches of thy mercy and free grace , to accept of my self , not as a recompence , O Lord , for this thy great gift , but as an Acknowledgment , that I have received so great a gift from thee , and that therefore I am no longer , nor no more , mine own , nor any others either in Heaven or on Earth , but thine own , O Lord , and thine all , and I most humbly , and most unfeignedly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart in Jesus Christ , that it may so continue , and be , unto all Eternity , and that I may not henceforth , think , speak , or do , any thing by my self , from my self alone , without thee , O Lord , but that all my thoughts , words and actions , may be wholly guided and govern'd by thee , to do all things agreeable to thy holy will , and according to thine own heart , who art the heart of my heart , the life of my life , and the Soul of my Soul , for by thee only and all one , I live , move , and have my being .

Give me then grace , O Lord God , that I may so love thee , as to adore thee , so fear thee , as not offend thee , so delight in thee , as that thou m●yest be my only delight , so obey thee , as to be obedient unto the death , so honour thee , as to walk humbly before thee , and give up my self unto thee , let me so run after thee as to obtain thee , and get a blessing from thee , which may be a blessing unto me in life , in death , and after death , that by receiving from thee daily grace , I may give thee daily glory .

Ah Lord , thou knowest how my heart seeketh to find thee , that I may enjoy thee , who art , and who only art the joy and rejoycing of my heart , that I may love thee , fear thee , adore thee , praise thee , prize thee , and give my self unto thee , who hast given thy self for me , and to me , O Lord , thou art all things , and givest all things unto all Creatures , all things have their all from thee , who art all in all , in all things ; thou art , O Lord , brighter and much more glorious then the Sun , for the glorious brightness of the Sun , is from the brightenss of thy glory , the Heavens have their beauty from thy beautifulness , the Earth and the Sea , their plenty and fulness from thy plentiful fulness , all the Creatures have all their strength from thy strength , and man his power , might and wisdom to govern them , and all things under the Sun , from thine Almighty power and wisdom .

Ah most glorious Lord God , who art thus glorious to behold , how can I , Worm , behold thy glory , or thee , O Lord , the Lord of all glory , I confess and acknowledge , that I am not able of my self , to know my self , my vileness , wretchedness , emptiness and nothingness , how then , O Lord , am I able to know thee , or to consider thee as thou art in thy self , and how much thy goodness exceeds my badness , thy wisdom , my folly , thy strength my weakness , thy fulness my emptiness , thine Almightiness my nothingness , and yet how content am I , though nothing , or less worth then nothing , yea to be turned even into nothing for thy sake .

But seeing , O Lord , thou hast in thy great goodness , love and mercy , made me thine , make me now , O Lord , even what thou wilt , and sent me whether thou wilt , I am ready and willing to go , and be , and do and suffer , yea to spend , and to be spent for thee , for thou knowest , O Lord God , if I desire to live , it is to live to thee , in thee , and for thee , to praise thee , and for thy praise , for to praise thee is to live , and this to do only , is the only desire I have to live , for when I have thee , Lord , I have all that I desire and crave , thy presence being my Heaven on Earth , and thy absence my Hell ; having thee , O Lord , I have my all , but wanting thee , I want all that I would have , thou only art able to content , to satisfie , and to please me , but nothing but thee , nothing out of thee , nothing besides thee , O my God , yea all things besides thee , cannot give me any true pleasure , delight or contentment , O give me then so thy self , my sweet Jesus , as I may be always with thee , never without thee , that I may wholly give up my self unto thee , to be more holy like unto thee , that my heart may be according to thine own heart , and that thou may'st delight thine heart , O Lord , to set thine heart upon me , and to make me thy delight , thy joy and thy Crown of glory , and to love me , and to do me good , even with that goodness of heart , with thine own goodness , wherewith thou lovest thine own , that my will may in all things be conformable , and made subject to thy will , to will all that thou willest willingly , and to nill all that thou nillest with the same willing will .

And grant , O Lord , that mine eyes may be always open to behold thee , mine ears to hear thee , my mouth to praise thee , mine arms to imbrace thee , my feet to run after thee , and my heart heartily to love , honour , fear and adore thee , so that all my members and faculties , both in soul and body , may be as instruments only to act thy motions , that I may be out of love with all , that I may be only in love with thee , who art all love , and only lovely , my dear , my sweet and saving Saviour Jesus .

Ah Lord God , make me willing to give my self up unto the that did'st so willingly give up thy self for me , and to be made like unto me , that I might be made like unto thee , thou rejoyced'st , O Lord , to come down from Heaven on Earth , to lift me up from Earth into Heaven , to live a mortal life on Earth , that I might live an immortal life in Heaven , to dye on Earth , to free me from Eternal death , and to give me Eternal life ; thou wert , O Lord , made subject to all infirmities on Earth , to confirm and make me for ever free from them , in Heaven , seeing then thou wert , O Lord , willing to come to me in blood , even through thine own blood , to wash me out of my blood , and to make me for ever clean ; Ah Lord , wash not my hands and my feet only , but my head and my heart out also , even my bloody heart , that hath delighted so much , and so often , to make thy innocent heart to bleed , yea to shed the last drop of blood that was in thy heart .

Thou would'st , O Christ , thou would'st wear an ignominious Crown of Thornes here on earth , that I might wear a glorious Crown of Glory hereafter in Heaven ; thou would'st , O Christ , thou would'st be whip'd , that thy stripes might heal me ; thou would'st , thou would'st , O Christ , be bound to loose me , and set me free ; thou would'st O Christ , thou would'st be accurst , that I might be for ever blest ; thou would'st , O Christ , thou would'st have thine arms nail'd abroad , to shew the breadth of thy love , thy feet nail'd to shew the length of thy love , and thy head pierst with Thorns to shew the height of thy love , and thy heart opened with a spear to shew the depth of thy love ; Ah breadth , length , height and depth of love , that such a God would be thus wounded to heal such a man as I am , thus accurst to make me blest , thus bound to make me free , thus made an heir of misery , to make me an heir of mercy , thus to drink the dreggs of his Fathers Divine wrath , that I might for ever drink in the streams , and of the Ocean of his Divine love , Ah love beyond degree , an offended God thus dyes , to set offending men free .

And thus hath God , the Lord , my Lord , and my God , freed me from Eternal pains , and given me hopes here , and assurance hereafter of Eternal joys , he hath brought me out of the neither Hell , into the upper Heaven of grace here , which shall be glory hereafter , he hath freed , he hath freed me from Eternal death , and purchased for me Eternal life , he hath broken , he hath broken the chains of sin , by which Satan held me , and led me captive at his will , and doth lead me forth by and with the chains of his Eternal and everlasting love , enabling me through grace to do his own holy will .

And what , Lord , shall I render unto thee , for all these thy benefits , thou Lord , knowest my unabillity and my poverty , I am , I am I confess so poor , yea so despicably poor , O Lord , as I have nothing to pay thee , nor can pay thee nothing , but what thou shalt give me , give me then , O Lord , what thou wilt have me to give thee , give me , Oh give me I humbly beseech thee in Jesus Christ , love to love thee , fear to fear thee , faith to believe in thee , to depend on thee , and to rowl my self upon thee , hope to trust in thee , and joy to rejoyce in thee , with joy unspeakable ; Ah Lord God , give me thy self , yea all thy self , that I may give thee all my self , and though I do , I confess , already owe thee mine all , yet I would willingly owe thee yet more , and though I have nothing to pay thee , yet I desire , and heartily desire to owe the more , to be more indebted unto thee , for I delight to be thy great debtor , yea and would be thy greatest , and so I confess I should be , though thou shouldest neither give , nor forgive me any more , then thou hast already forgiven , and given me ; Ah Lord , I know , that for all thy gifts of grace , mercy , pardon and forgiveness , that thou expecteth only an acknowledgement , that I am thine all , and that I owe thee my self , and mine all , the freedom Lord , Ah Lord , the freedom , all the freedom , all the freedom that I desire , is to be thy Prisoner , never any man desired so much to be let out of Prison , as I do to be put in , never any slave desired so much to be free , as I doe to be bound unto thee , O God , my God , unto thee , unto thee my God , never any man desired so earnestly to pay his debts , as I desire to be further , and to be more indebted ; give me , O Lord , I beseech thee more and more , that I may every day , yea every moment of the day , all the days of my life , unto the very last moment of the last day of my life be receiving , that when this life is ended , I may live an Eternal life , to pay thee Eternally praise and thanksgiving .

Be thou then , Ah sweet Jesus , be thou always in me , that I may always be in thee stand by me continually , that I may always stand upright & walk uprightly , & never fall , go with me , that I may never go from thee , abide , O Lord , abide ever in me , that I may ever abide in thee , act in me , O Lord , act ever in me , that I may ever act for thee , speak , O Lord , speak continually in me , that I may continually speak for thee , work for me , O Lord , work always for me , that I may always work for thee , live in me , O Lord , live always in me , that I may always live to thee , and for thee , Ah Lord , do all for me , do all for me , that all that I shall henceforth always do , may be all for thee , that I may choose not my own will , but thy will may be my choice ; Ah Lord let me know thy blessed voice , that I may always answer thee at thy blessed call , whether it be by night or by day , as Samuel did , and say with him , and with his heart , speak Lord , for thy Servant heareth , and with holy David , for my heart is ready , and with heavenly Paul , what Lord , what wilt thou have me to do .

Write , O Lord , I humbly beseech , thy holy and divine laws of grace in my heart , that with my heart I may delight in them , and thy Statutes in my mind , that all , even all my mind may be still on them , that they may be a savour of life unto life to my soul , and of death unto death to my sins ; let thy Commandments , O Lord , be no more grievous unto me , but joyous , that I may ever find thy yoak easie and thy burthen light .

Let thy word , O God , feed me , yea let me feast on it as on marrow , and fatness , let it refresh and comfort my heart as with Wine on the Lees , yea as Wine well refined on the Lees ; let it be sweeter to my tast then honey , yea then the Hony-comb ; Ah Lord , let my heart be set on it , and much more delighted with it , then with gold , yea , then with much fine gold , or precious pearls , let it distill into my heart to ravish it ; Ah Lord , let it so ravish me , as all my sences may be filled and delighted with its sweetness : Let me , O Lord , hear it attentively , understandingly and feelingly , as thine own word , which thine own mouth hath spoken : that my mouth may be filled with thy praises , yea that I may trumpet them forth louldly and sweetly , let mine eyes always look upon thee , O Lord , from whence my salvation cometh , to behold thy beauty , thy glory , and thy blessedness , as in thy Sanctuary , that my feet may run in the ways of thy Commandments , and not grow weary , and walk , and not faint ; O Lord let me sit under the shadow of thy branches continually , for thy fruit is very pleasant unto my tast ; there is none in Heaven , O Lord , that my soul desireth as thee , nor in all the earth in comparison of thee ; Ah how doth my soul and my heart long to be where thou art , even where thou art , O God in Heaven thy dwelling place , glading and rejoycing the hearts of all those that behold thee , beholding the brightness , the sweetness , the loveliness , and the lovingness of thy most glorious , most beautiful , and most blessed countenance , which to see is life , yea , much better than life ; Ah Lord , bring me then home unto thee , even to my long desired home , that I may ever enjoy thee , and live in thee my joy , in whom my soul only delighteth to live , for with thee , I know is all joy , unspeakable joy , fulness of joy , and at thy right hand , O God , are pleasures for ever more , such as eye hath not seen , ear hath not heard , neither hath it ever entred into the heart of any man , at any time to conceive .

Ah Lord God , I well know and believe rejoycingly , that thou knowest all things , and therefore knowest well , how my heart and my soul panteth for thee , longeth for thee , coveteth for thee , and most ambitiously hungreth and thirsteth after thee , Ah Lord , when shall that blessed time be , and the day come , that I shall be altogether emptyed of my own emptyness , and filled with thy fulness , be stript of my own raggs , and cloathed with thy glorious robes , be found out of my self in thee , be made partaker of thine own Holy and Divine nature , which is perfection , and glory , in glory , yea perfect glory , then shall I be no more mine own , but thine own , yea thine all , so that all that I shall do , shall please thee well , and be right well pleassing unto thee , for then I shall no longer do the evil which I would not , and which I hate , but the good which I would , and which I love , yea the good , and all the good that thou , O God wilt , and which thou lovest ; it shall not then be present with me , only to will , but to do also , even all thy holy and whole , and perfect will , I shall then no longer desire to be stript of any thing that is in me , because , O God , my God , thou shalt be all in me , and only in me , then , and there , I shall no longer mourn for my unholiness , nor pray for more blessedness , but all tears , fears and cares , shall be all done away , my unworthiness here , shall through thy worthiness , O sweet Jesus , be accounted worthy , my unrighteousness , righteous , my disobedience , obedience , and my imperfection , perfect , full , and entire perfection , through that ever blessed , most blessed , and only , and all blessed perfection , that in the thee , who art God , blessed for ever and ever .

Ah , who would not then for a while feed on crums , that he may eat of this bread , and at last sup at this feast ; Ah , who would not , who would not be content to hunger a while , to be brought to this banquet of heavenly dainties ; who would not , Ah , who would not be content for a little space to sit grovelling on the ground , and be covered with dust and ashes , that he may at last sit at this Table ? who would not , Ah , who would not stay a while without with patience , being assured at last , yea , and ere long , to be brought in into the brides Chamber ? Ah , who would not , who would not be poor for a while to be made thus rich for ever ? Ah , who would not , who would not be content to be contemptible for a little space , to be thus honoured , and made truly honourable for ever ? Ah , who would not , who would not be right well content to be banisht for a while , to be thus brought home in triumph gloriously to abide in his Fathers house for ever ? who would not , Ah , who would not be well content , and rejoyce to be a stranger , and a Pilgrim for a little while in a strange land , to have such a possession for ever ? who would not , Ah , who is there that would not be in a storm for a while , to enjoy for ever such a calm ? who would not , who would not want the delicacies of Egypt for a while , to have the delicacies of Heaven for ever ? who would not , Ah , who is there that would not refuse to be called the Son of Pharaoh's Daughter for a while , to be the Son of the Eternal , living , loving , blessed God for ever , and for ever ? Ah , who would not , who would not willingly and cheerfully suffer with the Children of God for a while , for a little space , to raign with the Children of God for ever ? who would not , Ah , who would not willingly be cloathed with raggs for a while , to wear for ever such glorious robes ? who would not , Ah , who is he that would not be Crowned with Thorns for a moment , to be Crowned with such a Crown of glory for ever ? Ah , who would not , who would not bear the Cross here till death , that he may for ever wear the Crown of immortal life ? Ah , who would not , who would not suffer with Christ here , to raign with Christ for ever hereafter ? Ah , who would not , who would not be despised among men , to be cherished among Angels ? Ah , who would not , who would not suffer as Lazarus did , to raign as Lazarus doth ? Ah , who would not , who would not suffer as a member of Christs mystical body here , to be a member of his glorious body for ever hereafter ? Ah , who would not , who would not live the life of the righteous here , to live for ever and ever with the righteous hereafter , not in the bosome of Abraham , but in the bosome of Abraham's , Isaac's and Jacob's Gods ?

In the mean time , O Lord , give me grace , courage and strength , to run that good race , to fight that good fight , that thou hast set before me perseveringly unto the end , that I may as willingly wear the Crown of Thorns here for thy sake , as the Crown of glory hereafter for my own sake ; that I may be as willingly under temptation here , as to be freed from temptation hereafter ; that for thy sake , O Lord , I may as willingly be contemptible here , as honourable hereafter , that I may as willingly suffer , O Lord , for thee here , as raign with thee hereafter , and that in all sufferings my only joy may be , that I shall for ever enjoy thee .

But , Ah , Lord God , what am I , and what is there in me , and therefore what am I able to do for thee , or to render unto thee , for this thy love , which far surpasseth the love of Women , Men , or of Angels ? as there was never sorrow like to thy sorrow , so there was never love like to thy love : true it is , O Lord , for all this thy love , thou requirest nothing , but love again . Ah , how fain would I love thee , but I cannot as I would , how much less then is it , then I should ? when I would do good , evil is present , and I do the evil many times which I would not ; but do not , cannot do the good which I would ; to will is many times present , but how to perform I know not , but thanks be unto God , through our Lord Jesus Christ , though with my flesh I serve the law of sin , yet with my mind , I serve the law of God ; Grant then , O sweet Jesus , and give me grace , that I may love thee , as thou hast loved me , and do for thee , as thou hast done for me , and to this end make my heart upright before thee , even according to thine own heart , that it may no longer be mine own , but thine own , that I may be only thine , wholly thine , holy thine , always thine , and ever thine , that thou in me , and I in thee , may from sin be ever free .

Teach me , O Lord , so to number my days , that I may apply my heart unto Wisdom , that I may be always mindfull of my last end , and of the reckoning that I must then make before thee , the Judge of Heaven and Earth ; Ah Lord , suffer me not any longer to walk after the devices of mine own decitfull evil heart ; but grant , O God , by thy power I may have power to do , and walk uprightly before thee in all thy paths , and that I may never more swerve , nor turn aside out of the way of thy Commandments , either to the right hand of pleasures , or to the left hand of profits .

Give me grace , O Lord God , I most humbly beseech thee in Jesus Christ , to see mine own badness , and thy goodness ready , and willing to make me good , that I may see mine own emptiness , and thy fulness ready to fill me , mine own nakedness , and thy robes to cover and cloath me , mine own sinfulness , and thy righteousness to make me righteous , mine own cursedness , and thy blessedness to make me blessed , my own deformity and ugliness , and thy beautifulness to make me beautifull ; my own slavery , and thy freedom , and freeness to make me free , mine own unworthyness , and thy worthyness to make me worthy , mine own insufficiency , and thine al-sufficiency , mine own demerit , and thy merit , mine own disobedience , and thine obedience , mine own nothingness , yea , altogether nothing , and thine Almightiness , yea , altogether all things , for in thee are all things , from thee come all things , and by thee , O God , all things are and were created .

I do most unfeignedly confess , O Lord , that I am unable and unfit to speak unto thee , and as unworthy to hear thee speak unto me , for in me , that is in my flesh , there is no good : I am all evil , only evil , and continually evil , but in thee , O God , dwelleth all good , for thou art all good , only good , and continually dost good , without thee I can say nothing , think nothing , nor do nothing that is good ; suffer me not therefore , O Lord , I beseech thee , to speak in my own wisdom , for that would be but the wisdom of words ; but let me , O Lord , speak in thy wisdom , which will be the words of wisdom , and Wisdoms words : Let me not , O Lord , go forth in my own strength against any Temptation , for I am so weak , I should be overcome , and fall into any Temptation , but let thy strength , thy power , thy might and thy love , O Lord , be seen in my weakness , to strengthen me , and by thy power , powerfully working in me , I may overcome and trample under my feet , all the strength and power of all my adversaries and enemies , Devils lust , worlds lusts , and self-lusts .

Ah Lord God , suffer me not to go from thee , for thou hast the words of Eternal life , thou art the word , and the life , yea , Eternal life , he that hath thee , hath life , and shall not see death , nor tast of death , because he is past from death to life , but he that hath not thee , O Lord Christ , is dead already , because he liveth in sin , for he that liveth in sin , is dead , though he liveth .

Ah Lord , I confess that the Well of thy mercy is much deeper then Jacob's Well , and yet sure I am that such Children , yea such Infants as I am , can draw water from thence , even the water of life , even such water as giveth another life , a better life , which is an immortal and eternal life , a life that shall never see death , being hid with Christ in God .

Ah sweet Jesus , let me have thee in my heart , which is much better then to have thee as Simeon had in his arms , my arms might let thee fall out of them , but my heart cannot , I had rather , yea , much rather see thee with the eyes of true saving faith , then of sence , or with the eyes of the flesh : for thine enemies , O Lord , saw thee with fleshly eyes , and yet hated thee , spit on thee , reviled and mocked thee , whipped thee , persecuted thee , and crucified thee , bearing false witness against thee , and believed not in thee , notwithstanding all the miracles that thou did'st , but all those that see thee , O Lord , by the eyes of faith , will believe in thee , and say of thee , unto thee , as Thomas did , my Lord , and my God , they will so love thee , as they will Crucifie themselves and their bosom sins , hate themselves , and their own ways , persecute themselves , and crucifie all their own sinful fleshly , worldly , devilish lusts and affections , and live as new Creatures , in the world , as if they were not of the world , using the world , as if they used it not ; Ah happy , yea , thrice happy are they that are in such a case , for they have the Lord for their God .

Ah poor lost I , poor forgotten I , poor forsaken I , poor undone I , poor miserable I , poor nothing I , despicable poor I , until thou O my sweet Jesus did'st come to my help , to my succour , to find me , to save me , to comfort me , to inrich me , to deliver me , to set me free , and bring me out of the chains of sin , Hell , and death , by which I was held , and led Captive , and did'st most graciously bring me into thy self , and gavest me thy self , and loved'st me as thy self , doing for me , O God , what thou could'st do , making me like thy self .

Ah Lord God , thou knowest all things , I well know , thou knowest my heart , and what more can my heart say unto thee , thou only , O Lord , art the searcher , the tryer , and the knower of all hearts , thou knowest , O Lord , I know well that thou knowest , how much my heart rejoyceth , because thou knowest it , O Lord , I most humbly beg and beseech the in Jesus Christ , to search and try me , even all the Corners and Crannies of my heart , and what evil is still in me , O Lord , I humbly intreat thee to destroy , with an utter and total destruction , that it may be said of it , it is not ; Let sin , O Lord , as the House of Saul , grow every day weaker and weaker , and grace as the house of David , every day stronger and stronger ; O Lord perfect that good work of grace , which thou hast in the abundance of thy love begun in me , until thou hast in love made it , and brought me into perfect glory ; and all this I beg of thee , O Father , in Jesus Christ , and what else thou knowest to be needful or expedient for me , both for Soul and Body , in life , in death , and after death ; for Christ I shall ever bless thee , and to him , with thy glorious Majesty , and holy Spirit of grace the comforter , and sanctifier , do I render from the bottom of my heart unfeignedly , as all due is , and unto none else , honour , glory , power , might , Majesty , dominion , and thanksgiving , now , henceforth , and for evermore , Amen .

1. If our comfort and joy be so great to enjoy the Company of one imperfect Saint on Earth , Ah how great shall our joy and comfort be , to enjoy for ever that innumerable Company of perfected Saints in Heaven , but how much more , and more great shall our joy be , and to our eternal comfort , to enjoy God the Father , Son and Holy Ghost , that made them thus perfect , and Saints !

2. If we rejoyce so much here on earth to see one , or some few friends in the flesh that we think love God ; Ah how shall we rejoyce when in Heaven , to see so many Millions of Millions in the body and Spirit , whom we shall know indeed , that they love him in deed , and in death ?

3. If men then on earth delight our senses , Ah how shall God in Heaven with delight ravish our hearts ?

4. Ah Lord , let me then still so have thee within me , though on earth , that I may say with Jacob , I have all .

5. If men on earth be able to give great gifts , and their gifts be so greatly esteemed ( though but earth ) Ah , how greatly should we esteem that great gift of that great God , when he gives us himself , who is as good as great , and as great as good .

6. If earthly joys do then sometimes rejoyce a Heavenly heart ; Ah Lord , how shall , and how doth that heart rejoyce , when it is filled with heavenly joys , yea , when he shall be involv'd , taken in , and swallowed up , into the joys of Heaven .

7. And if momentany and earthly joys can give us joy any moment , surely Eternal Heavenly joys shall make us to rejoyce evermore .

8. And if hope fill us with joy unspeakable , surely fruition shall make us flow over with fulness .

9. And if the thoughts of what we know not , satisfie us so much , surely when we shall know them , to be sure , we shall be fully satisfied .

10. And if faith in believing be so great , as it brings Salvation , Ah how great shall that Salvation be , when it shall be above , and beyond , that is , more than faith !

11. And if to do the will of God on earth imperfectly , delight the Soul so much , that there 's no delight to him like it , he prefers it above his daily food , and all other delights in the flesh ; Ah what delight shall that soul have in Heaven , where he shall always , and perfectly do his whole and holy perfect will !

12. And if God be so well pleased with us here , for our weak and imperfect desires after grace , Ah how well pleased will he be with us , when he shall have made our imperfect grace , full , and perfect Glory !

13. And if God delight so much in us whilst we are here below imperfect and sinners , Ah how much and how greatly will he delight in us above , when he shall have made us holy , and perfect Saints !

14. And if our joys be so great to see God here , and his Glory darkly as in a glass , with fleshly eyes , Ah how great shall our joy be , to see him gloriously , and all his glory in Heaven , face to face , with spiritual eyes , yea with the eyes of his own Holy Spirit !

15. And if our Joys be so great to hear of him here , with the hearing of the ears , Ah how great shall they be to be with him hereafter , and to hear himself , with an understanding heart ?

16. And if then our Joys be so great , to enjoy him here on earth , and but in part , imperfectly , Ah how great shall our joys and delights be , to enjoy him in Heaven , not in part , but in perfection , perfectly , fully , wholly , and holy as he is !

17. And if our Joys be so great here on earth , in the midst of fears , Ah how great shall they be in Heaven ? where we need fear no fears , for that there are no fears there to fear .

18. And if our Joys be here on earth so great , though surrounded with many sorrows , Ah how great shall they be in Heaven , when and where all sorrows shall be all done away , and turned into fulness of Joy !

19. And if our Joys be so great among so many displeasing displeasures , even here ●n earth , Ah how great shall they be in Heaven , when and where all displeasures shall all be done away , and our pleasures be for evermore !

20. Ah fill me then , O my good God , with thy blessed most blessed self , and thy Joys alone , that in thee only I may rejoyce .

21. If the nether Springs on Earth be so sweet , Ah how delicious and sweet , yea sweetly delicious , O God , are the upper Springs of Heaven in Heaven .

22. If thy left-hand mercies O God , be so delightful , and do so much delight and please us , Ah how much more shall those of thy right-hand delight us with pleasure .

23. If his foot-stool favours be so great , and we esteem our selves greatly favoured by them , to have them . Ah how great in favour , yea what great favorites shall we be , when we shall enjoy in Heaven the favours of his Throne , and sit on Thrones by him .

24. If to see a glimpse of his glory , beauty , and brightness here on earth , do so ravish us with delight , joy , and admiration , so as we could and would always be content to behold it ; Ah how then shall our hearts be ravisht , with that ravishing fulness of his bright beautifull glory , when we shall in Heaven behold all his glory , as he is in his Kingdom of glory , with all his glorious Saints and Angels ; from whose beautiful brightness and glory they have all their glorious brightness and beauty , and are made thus gloriously beautiful with surpassing beauty and glory ; being in all things made like unto him .

25. If then his glory be so sweet in the bud , what is it in the branch ; but Ah then , how much greater and sweeter is the Tree that hath so many branches !

26. If then so great and sweet on earth , Ah how greatly great and sweet in Heaven !

27. And if our delights be so great in seeking thee , O God , here below on earth , Ah how incomprehenslbly great shall they and will they be , when we shall have found thee where thou art above in Heaven !

28. And seeing , O God , thou givest us such wages her whilst we offend thee , Ah how great shall they be , yea what is there but thou wilt give us , when we shall offend thee no more , but always please thee .

29. And seeing our Heaven is so sweet on earth , or our earthly Heaven so sweet , which is but to see thy back part by Faith darkly as in a glass , Ah how sweet , yea how much sweeter shall our heavenly Heaven be , or our Heaven in Heaven , which is to know thee , as thou art , O God , to be known , and see thee clearly and plainly even face to face .

30. And seeing thy love , O God , is so great to us here , as it constraineth us to love thee , Ah how great shall it be to us there , when without constraint , our greatest joy and pleasure shall be , to adore , and love thee !

31. Ah Lord God , that knowest my heart , thou knowest that all the desires of my heart , yea that the soul of my soul , and the heart of my heart desires to love thee only , and to serve thee with all my whole heart .

32. If thy name , O Lord , be so great , and fearful , unto those that know thee , and that know that thou lovest them , Ah how fearfully great , and greatly fearful , shall it be unto those that know thee not , but yet know thy greatness , and how greatly thou hatest them !

33. All Glory , only Glory , and continually Glory , be given unto God , the God and giver of all gifts , grace , and Glory .

A Prayer .

THe Scope , Sum , Contents , and my intent , in this following Prayer , is , to beseech the Lord to be always graciously present with me , to watch over me , and to give me in Jesus Christ , and for his sake , merits and worthiness , his own holy and blessed Spirit , to lead , direct , guide and govern me in all things that I shall take in hand to do , to change my old heart , and give me a New , that I may glorifie him by a holy life , and conversation all the rest of my days ; and especially , in this place , where I have so much , so often , and so grievously sinned against his great and holy name , and walkt contrary unto him , serving the Devil , and obeying his lusts , worlds lusts , and self lusts , casting his holy and divine Commandments behind my back , and trampling his Precepts under my feet , and that he would be pleased with me , to bring home all his Elect suddenly , into his Kingdom of grace here , and of glory hereafter , that his whole and holy will may be done by us here on earth , as it is done in Heaven , until he shall be pleased through the infiniteness and incomprehensibleness of the riches of his free grace , love , and mercy in Jesus Christ to bring us into the Holy of Holies , the Heaven of Heavens , even into his blessed self , there for ever and for ever , to sing that ever blessed ditty , sweet , Angelical , and Eternal Song of Hallelujah , of Praise , Thanksgiving , and Glory , unto his ever blessed , most great , gracious , and glorious name . So be it , Lord , So be it .

O Lord God of Heaven and Earth , most high , most great , and most glorious , the Creator , Preserver , and Governor of all things , who hast created all things by the word of thy power , by thee only they are , and were created , thou willest all that thou dost , and dost all that thou wilt ; thou , O God , that art the only God , for there is none else , there is none besides thee , the God of Abraham , of Isaac , and of Jacob , that wast with the Children of Israel in Egypt , and on the Red Sea , with Moses in the Wilderness , with Joseph in Prison , with Daniel in the Lyons den , with the three Children in the fiery Furnace , and with Abraham in a strange Land ; be with me also , O God , in Jesus Christ , be with me also thy poor unworthy Creature and servant in this strange Land , sinful place , and Nation , whither thou hast by thine accustomed good and gracious Protection , and Providence , again called and brought me ; Ah let not , O Lord , my former , many , frequent , great , and grievous sins ( committed here in this place chiefly ) be brought to thy mind , or had in remembrance of thee any more , and so cause thee to hide thy glorious face and presence from me , and take away thine Holy Spirit , and give me up to a Spirit of delusion , and to mine own hearts lusts and affections , which I take to be , O Lord , the sorest and the greatest of thy Judgments upon earth in this life ; but rather , Ah rather , O Lord , shew forth thy goodness , and thy compassion unto me , miserable sinner , vile wretch , sinful abominable dust and ashes , a worm and no man , yea the very worst of the worst of men .

O Lord , I most humbly beseech thee in Jesus Christ , and for his sake alone , to pass by and forgive all my former iniquities , transgressions , blasphemies and sins , by nayling them to his Cross , who was crucified for them , that they might not crucifie me , by burying them in his grave , who died for them , that they might not put me to death , and was buried , that they might never rise in Judgment against me , to terrifie me here in this life , or to condemn me in the life to come .

Ah my good Lord God , for thy great goodness sake , grant , that here , where I have so much , so often , and so frequently disowned thee , and blasphemed thee , I may own thee and praise thee , and thou own me for thine own , that here where I have so much and so often dishonoured thee by my wicked , devilish and sinful life , serving and even giving my self up to serve Devils lusts , Worlds lusts , and self lusts , I may honour thee , by despising , and trampling them under my feet , and serving thee in thy ways of holiness and righteousness , all the days of my life , that here , here , O Lord , where I have despised thee , I may adore thee , that here , O Lord , even here , where I have walked so contrary unto thee , I may henceforth walk well pleasing before thee , that here , here , O Lord , where I have hated thee , I may henceforth and for ever shew forth my love to thee , and for thee , that here even here , O Lord , where I have so much and so often grieved thee , I may take heed and carefully endeavour to glad thee , by all things that I do , speak , or think , that here , even here , O Lord God , where I have caused thee to mourn , I may cause thee mightily to rejoyce , that here , even here , O Lord my God , where I have so often and so cruelly crucified thee , I may without remorse or compassion , crucifie all those sinful lusts and affections that did it , that here , even here , O Lord , where I have so much and so often put thee to open shame , by my sinful , filthy , abominable , devilsh life and conversation , I may openly , frequently , and mightily , applaud , praise , and glorifie thy holy , holy , most holy name , that here , O Lord , even here , where I have done so much , yea all that I could against thee , I may with all my power , might , strength , heart , will and affections , do all , even all that I can for thee , that here , even here , O Lord , where I have in all things , at all times , and in all places , deserted , dishonoured , and disobeyed thee , Ah Lord , my Lord now , and my God , grant I most humbly and unfeignedly beseech thee , that I may in all things , at all times , and in all places and companies , serve , honour and obey thee , by night and by day , sleeping and waking , on thy days , O Lord , and on our days , in thy house , O Lord , and in all other houses , at thy Table , O Lord , and at all other Tables , in and by all my thoughts , words and actions . Grant , O Lord , that here where sin hath so much abounded , grace may much more abound , and grant I also most humbly beseech thee in Jesus Christ , that those that have seen me grow up in all sin , may see sin destroyed in me with an utter and total destruction , and separation , and my growth i● all grace may appear . Grant , O Lord , that those that have been tempted by me , and sinned by my example , may by my example flie sin , and sins Temptations , and be brought home with me unto thee , to serve thee , and that here where I have served Satan , and been an instrument in his work . Grant , O Lord , I besech thee , that I may despight him to his face , and by thine Almighty power , I may trample all his powerful temptations under my feet , shewing forth , O Lord , that thy Kingdom , power and glory is in my heart , by my doing thy will here on earth as it is done in Heaven , by crucifying and mortifying all sinful lusts and affections , the lust of the eye , the lust of the flesh , and the pride of life , for he that is born of God , must and will overcome the world , and depart from all iniquity .

Grant , O my God , in Jesus Christ , that here where I have been a member of Satan , I may be a member of Christ my Saviour , bone of his bone , and flesh of his flesh , a member of his mystical body of grace here , and of his glorious body , in glory hereafter ; that here , even here , O Lord , where I have been a Son of Satan , a Child of wrath , I may be an adopted Son and Child of God , an heir of Heaven , and Co-heir with Jesus Chsist , of that Kingdom , life and glory , which he hath provided and prepared for the Saints in life , where , their God will not ( I trust ) be ashamed to be called my God , nor their Father to be called my Father .

Inflame , O Lord , my heart with hearty and sincere zeal in thy service , that I may not do thy work faintingly , droopingly , drousily , nor negligently ; but faithfully , circumspectly , willingly , cheerfully , obediently , and perseveringly unto the end of my days , that thou , O Lord , my Lord , and my God , mayest be at all times , in all places , and above all things , my joy , my Crown of joy , and my rejoycing , my ultimate end , aim , and desire , my supream , soveraign , principal , chief , and superiour good , my lot , my portion , and mine inheritance for ever .

And to this end , suffer me not , O Lord , I humbly beseech thee , to walk in my old ways and paths of sin , but in thine , O Lord God of holiness and righteousness , not according to mine own sinful and deceitful heart , which is all evil , only evil , and continually evil , but , O God , according to thine heart , which is all good , only good , and continually good , that thou mayest so delight me , that all my delight may so delight thee , and make thee , O Lord God , my only delight , love me , O Lord , in Jesus Christ , that I may love thee , honour me , that I may honour thee , magnifie me , that I may magnifie thee , live in me , that I may live in thee , do all for me , that I may do all , and be all for thee , that I may not henceforth , O Lord , speak mine own words , but thine , not think my own thoughts , but thine , not do mine own works , but thine .

Ah Lord , for Jesus Christ his sake , I humbly beseech thee , suffer me not to be led into any temptation , so as to prevail over me , but though temptations fall on me , I may not fall into them , though sin do remain in my heart , my heart may not remain in sin , deliver , O Lord , from all evil , for thine is the Kingdom , the power , and the glory , O thou my Father in Jesus Christ , which art in Heaven .

Be a wall of fire and of water round about me , O my God , continually , to keep and preserve me from all mine Enemies and Adversaries , the Devil , the World , and the Flesh ; be , O Lord , a City of refuge unto me , that I may ever hide my self in thee , for then I shall be safe and sure to be free from all danger , be thou , mine all , for all my springs are in thee and from thee .

But what is man that he should be clean , and the Son of man that is born of a woman , that he should be righteous ? Behold he putteth no trust in his Saints , and the Heavens are not clean in his sight , how much more abominable , and filthy is man , that drinketh up iniquity , as the Oxe drinketh up water , and rusheth into sin , as the horse rusheth into the battel ? But , ah my God , how much more wretched am I , how much more unclean , filthy , and abominable am I , than any that was ever born of a woman , I that have delighted in sin , as the Drunkard in wine , as the wanton in his mate , how have I chosen sin , prized sin , imbraced sin , coveted sinning , and sought it as for hid Treasures ? it hath been sweet to my tast , as the hony and the hony Comb , but , O Lord , I know , and am assured , that with thee there is mercy , O teach thou me to fear thee .

For thou art , O Lord , become my Portion , and thou hast made me thine inheritance for ever , I prize thee , O Lord , much above gold , and the most precious pearls , thy Countenance is most amiable ; Ah how delightful are thy ways , and how pleasant a thing it is , O Lord , to walk in the paths of thy Commandments , and to keep thy Statutes : these things , O Lord , thou knowest are only desirable unto my soul , and it longeth only to be found in thee . Who , Lord , who can , or is able to express , the ravishments of that heart that possesseth thee ; who , Lord , who is able to express the joy of him that enjoyeth thee ? Ah how doth he , as it were , run over with fulness of blessings that is filled with thee , even with thy blessed self , who art the Fountain , the Ocean & the Original of all blessedness , felicity and happiness ? Ah Lord , how truly may he say that hath thee , as Jacob did , that he hath all , though he should want all other things ? he that hath thee , hath all things in the want of all things , and he that wants thee , wants all things , even in the possession of all things : for what , O Lord , what are all things without thee , and what doth he , Ah what can he want that hath thee , who art all things , yea much better than all things ? for he that hath thee hath life , yea , Eternal life , and is past from death , death hath no more dominion over him ; but he that hath thee not , is dead , though he liveth ; for he that is in thee , O Lord , is from all sin free , he that is born of thee , O God , sinneth not , sin hath no more dominion over him , because thy seed of holiness , which is sanctifica●ion , remaineth in him , such a one hath overcome the world , and that wicked One , with all the Powers of the Kingdom of Darkness , Sin , Hell , Death and the Devil , he that is in Christ , is Crucified to the world , and the world unto him , he is departed from all iniquity , he hath Crucified the flesh with the lusts and affections thereof , he maketh no longer provision for the flesh to satisfie its Lusts , for such , they know that his Servants they are whom they obey , whether of sin unto death , or of Obedience unto Righteousness .

Ah blessed , ever blessed , and only blessed and happy condition , to be thus born again of God , and to sin no more , to be a member of Christs mystical body , bone of his bone , and flesh of his flesh , such shall be as assuredly Members of his glorious Body , for they that are betroth'd unto him here by grace shall be hereafter married unto him in glory .

Ah Lord God , I am sure thou knowest my heart , and that though it is not what it would be , or should be , yet thou hast ( for which I desire ever to praise thee ) in grace and mercy , made it such , as it heartily desireth and longeth to be what it should be : but , O Lord , I know , that here is no perfection , and that therefore it cannot be here ; Ah Lord , I most humbly beseech thee in Jesus Christ , in thine own good , due and appointed time , bring me home to that long wished for , and blessed home , that I may be ever blessed in thee , and with thee , who art God blessed for ever , and ever .

Ah Lord my Lord , thou knowest how willing I am to leave all for thee , lose all to enioy thee , trample all under my feet , and hate all for thy sake , yea , spend and be spent for thee , and to follow thee the Lamb of Righteousness in all places whither thou wilt go , even as a chast Wife giveth her self unto her Husband , and delighteth to love , honour and obey him , and longeth for his presence , when he is absent , that she may lye in his bosome , and be imbraced in his arms , esteeming all things toys , and trash , to his love ; even so , Lord , thou knowest that my heart desireth and longeth to be espoused unto thee in Heaven , made one with thee , knit and glued unto thee , that I may be thine for ever , and be imbraced in thine arms , and lye in thy bosome , living as thine , and thine only , unspotted and unblameable , holy , O Lord , as thou art holy .

Heaven , O Lord , is Heaven , because it is holy , yea , because thou art there that art holiness therefore , yea , therefore is Heaven Heaven , and Heaven holy , and such a holy Heaven as it is : to those that are there , a thousand years seem but as one day , so sweet is its enjoyment , and one day seems as a thousand years , so great is their comfort of enjoyment ; and therefore , O Lord , and to praise thee , do I long to be dissolved from this body of sin which is death , that I may live in thee , and with thee in holiness , which is Eternal life ; for this , O Lord , thou hast taught me to know , and therefore my soul rejoyceth , that holiness is the only felicity and chief happiness in Heaven , for that makes us only like unto thee , who art the Heaven of Heaven in Heaven .

Grant therefore , O my God , in Christ , and for his sake , that I may , whilst here below in the flesh on earth , seek after , labour for , and endeavour to obtain that measure and degree of holiness , that my earthly Heaven may be a Heaven in part , though not a perfect Heaven , and that I may from day to day , grow and increase , from one degree of grace unto another , until I come to enjoy that measure and fulness , that thou hast , O Lord my God , in the infiniteness and eternity of thy love , goodness and mercy , through thy free grace in Jesus Christ , reserved , provided and appointed for me , out of thine own abundant and overflowing fulness , for with thee is fulness of joy , and at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore .

Ah Lord , for thy Mercies sake bring me unto that fulness , that I may for ever rejoyce in that joy which bringeth such peace as passeth all understanding , which eye hath not seen , ear hath not heard , neither hath it ever entred into the heart of man to conceive ; Ah Lord , bring me into that Heaven , and in the mean time let Heaven be in me , for holiness is Heaven , and Heaven is holiness , therefore the more holiness is in us , the more Heaven is in us , yea , the happiness in Heaven , which is God himself , Father , Son and Holy Ghost , three persons , but one God .

Grant , O Lord , I most humbly beseech thee , that I may do the work of my generation and lawfull calling , prudently , wisely , justly and uprightly , faithfully , obedientl● , circumspectly , cheerfully , willingly and perseveringly , both before thee , O God , and before all men , giving every man his due , and doing unto all men as I would they should do unto me , without respect of persons , and let me always value and esteem these things below , as low things , as temporal inferior good things , as common mercies , of the left-hand of the foot-stool , the nether Springs , even such , O Lord , as thou givest unto all , even unto the evil and wicked , as well as unto the good and righteous , as thou makest the Sun to shine , and the rain to fall , alike on all , it being no Token either of thy Hatred , or of thy Love .

Let me therefore , O Lord , have power through grace , to use them as if I used them not , and to live in this World , as if I were not of this World , making no provision for the flesh to satisfie the lusts thereof , but that I may overcome the World , by despising of it . And give me not the things of the World , O Lord , I beseech thee , till thou hast given me a heart , to use them according to thine own heart , even as liketh thee best ; and grant , O Lord , that I may be always as willing to leave them , as to receive them , and to give them back unto thee when thou pleasest , and in thine own way , as thine , O Lord , and not as mine , blessing thee for the leaving them with me any time , but most especially for the well using of them during that time , considering that their well using will turn to my Eternal profit , and their abusing of them to my Eternal loss : Ah Lord , let the eyes of my understanding be enlightned , and always open , to see the many perils and dangers in possessing them , as well as their nothingness , whilst I shall possess them , and that worldly bliss consists more in possessing of little void of fears , than of much subject unto danger , and that it 's much the sweeter condition , to want the Worlds sweetness than to have them , if in their want we find no want , and to esteem always that best which God giveth , because he having promised will make it work for the best . Come on me then what will come , I doubt not , Lord , but I shall find it as I have hitherto found it , to be for my good , and coming from a God of Love to me in love , and therefore , O Lord , I will love both thee and it , and esteem every change the best change , yea and a changing for the best , and if at any time my condition should not please the flesh , sure I am it will always please the Spirit , if it please not at any time the outward , it will always please the inward man , if it please not the old man without , it will please the new man within ; for , Lord , thou knowest , if my condition should at any time displease me , and I could change it , yet I would not , if by so doing I should displease thee ; for thou knowest I desire to please thee , not my self , the Spirit , not the flesh , the inward not the outward Man , the New not the Old Man , for I would not have what I would , but , O Lord , that only that thou wilt , be it what ever it will , deny me not , O Lord , I most humbly , most earnestly and most unfeignedly beg , and beseech th●e , in Jesus Christ , for thine own dear and holy names sake , deny me not this one thing , whatever it cost me , but let my life , and my death , my place of abode , and condition be such as may , O Lord , bring thee most glory , as may glorifie thee most , O God of all Power and Glory .

And that seeing I served thee not , O God , my Creator , in the days of my youth , grant I beseech thee , that I may serve thee freely , cheerfully , willingly and joyfully , all the rest of my days , unto the very last hour of my life , that I may henceforth live the life of the righteous , and that my last end may be like his . Ah Lord , let all the rest of my life to come be so spent , as it may witness a continual sorrow for my life past , that having lived here in thy fear , I may dye , O Lord , my God in thy favour , that having lived here the life of Grace , I may ever hereafter live with thee , O my sweet Jesus , the life of Glory , in thy Kingdom of Glory , with the Father and the Holy Spirit .

O Lord , that tryest the heart and searchest the Reins ! thou knowest all my thoughts , as well as ponderest all my actions , and therefore thou knowest how much my heart rejoyceth , because that thou thus knowest it , and because thou hast made it such as it is ; not that it is , O Lord , as it would or should be , but because it willingly would be what it should be ; and that it would do , and be as wilingly any thing that it wills , as it wills it : So it be , O Lord God , according to thy most holy , righteous , good & blessed will .

And now , O Lord God Almighty , Maker , Giver and Preserver of all things ; I most humbly beseech thee to hear me in Jesus Christ , for all Kingdoms , Nations and People in general , and in particular , over the face of the whole earth ; gather O Lord in much mercy , gather thine Elect together from all the ●nds and corners of the World ; Jew and Gentile , Turk and Infidel , bond and free , male and female , young and old , rich and poor : Ah Lord be thou pleased , in the greatness of thy compassions , to pour out thy Holy Spirit upon all flesh , and to write thy holy Laws of Grace in their hearts , and thy Statutes of fear in their minds , by the finger of thine Holy Spirit , that every one may know who is the Lord , and the power of his might , that all flesh may be converted and brought home unto thee , that their souls may live and not dye eternally .

Remember , O Lord God , thine antient Covenant with Abraham thy Friend , and pity our elder sister the Jews ; suffer them not , Ah Lord ! suffer them not longer to wander as Sheep without a Shepherd , but bring them home , Ah Lord , bring them home to thy fold and to thy flock , and be thou the Shepherd and life of their Souls ; Open , O Lord , the eyes of their understanding , that they may know thee the true God , and Jesus Christ , whom thou hast sent , that they may behold him whom they have crucified by their sins , and may mourn as one mourneth for his only son , and be in bitterness as for a first-born ; have they stumbled that they should fall ? ( God forbid ) but rather through their fall Salvation is come unto the Gentiles , for to provoke them unto jealousie ; Now if the fall of them be the riches of the World , and their diminishing the riches of the Gentiles : how much more , O Lord , their fulness ; and if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the World , what shall the receiving of them be , but life from the dead ? for if the first fruit be holy , the lump is also holy ; and if the root be holy , so are the branches ; because of unbelief they were broken off ; and if they abide not still in unbelief , hast thou not promised , O God , to graft them in again ? and seeing thou wert , O Lord , pleased to grast us into the good Olive-tree , that were wild by nature ; Ah when , Ah Lord , when wilt thou graft in again these into their own Olive-tree , which be the natural branches ? for blindness is happened to Israel , until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in , and so all Israel shall be saved ; as concerning the Gospel , they are Enemies for our sakes ; but as touching the Election , they are beloved for the Fathers sake ; for the gifts and calling of God are without repentance . Bring in then , O Lord , bring in then the fulness of us the Gentiles , that the number of thine Elect may be accomplished , and that Man of Sin destroyed , with an utter , total and eternal destruction .

Break , O Lord , the Power of the Turk , and all thy Churches adversaries ; destroy the pride of Rome , and root out Antichrist , O Lord , I beseech thee , out of all our hearts ; and permit not that any of thy children be led away by Errors , Heresies , Sects , or any false worship ; but let thy Word , O Lord , and Gospel be preached and taught throughout the whole Earth , in purity and sincerity , as thy Word , and with the powerfull assistance of thine own Holy Spirit ; Ah Lord , cause it to work efficaciously on the hearts of all hearers , that they may hear it with fear and trembling , even as thine own Word , and by it be convinc'd of sin , of righteousness , and of Judgment : and to this end , O Lord God , be thou pleased to give a double portion of thy Holy Spirit unto all the Ministers thereof , that they may preach it in the power of the Holy Ghost , not fearing the face of Men being confidently assured , that their work and labour shall not be in vain in the Lord .

Ah Lord , in much mercy propagate thy Gospel where it is planted , and be thou pleased to plant it where it is not ; and send forth faithfull Labourers into thy Vineyard and Harvest ; for thou knowest , O Lord God , that the Harvest is great , but the Labourers are few . Ah Lord , suffer not , I most humbly beseech thee in Jesus Christ , that the wild Boar of the Wood pluck up the Roots , nor the little Foxes to cut off the branches ; but blast , O Lord , all the designs and machinations , that are any where hatching against thy Church and People , and bring them to nought , and cause their Enemies , which are thy Enemies , to fall into the Pits and Snares which they have laid for them : do good , O Lord , to thy Sion , and build up the Walls of thy Jerusalem ; do thine own work in thine own good , due , and appointed time , and let thine own arm , O Lord , bring us Salvation .

In a more particular and most special manner , O Lord , I humbly beseech thee in Jesus Christ , be mindfull , and have mercy upon the Land of my Nativity ; Pardon , O Lord , the Nation and particular sins thereof past , present , and to come , of Magistrates , Ministers and People ; our sins , O Lord , of blood , our sins of unthankfulness , ingratitude and rebellion against thee our God ; our sins of covetousness , which is Idolatry ; our sins of Pride and Hypocrisie ; of self-love , and hatred of our brethren ; our sins of gluttony and drunkenness ; of uncleanness , of malice , wrath and revenge ; our sins of prophanation , and persecution ; our sins of blasphemy and toleration , against thy self , O God , and Christ ; against thy holy Law and Gospel ; O God , that art the Judge of Heaven and of Earth , pardon , O Lord , pardon , I humbly beseech thee in Jesus Christ , England's sins , for they are great , and enter into a Covenant with them , and be thou their God , and make them thy people , that they may serve thee for ever , and for ever ; and thou mayest henceforth delight in them , to live amongst them , and never more to be wroth with them . Settle , O Lord , I beseech thee , a faithfull Magistracy over us ; Judges as at the first , and Counsellours as in the beginning , that Justice may run down our streets as a mighty River , and righteousness as a great stream ; that the cause of the Poor , the Widow , and the Orphan may be heard , and Justice done without respect of Persons ; that there be no crys in our Land , nor no complaining in our streets ; Give , O Lord , boldness , zeal , courage and faithfulness unto all the Ministers thereof , that they may not seek the praise of Men , but the praise , honour and glory of thee our God , and that they may be ready and willing to lay down their lives for the truth , and be faithfull unto the death , choosing rather , much rather , affliction and persecution for thy sake and the Gospels , than to dwell in the Tabernacles of the wicked , and to serve the lusts of Men. And to this end , O Lord God , give them I humbly pray thee a double Portion of thy holy Spirit , which thou gavest unto thy faithful Servant Elias , to lead , guide , govern , and direct them , in the ways of all truth and righteousness , that they may not at all fear him , which can only kill the body , but him ( which is thy self ) O Lord , who having killed the body , canst cast the Soul into Hell ; O Lord , open their eyes that they may see thee and thy strength and power on their side , and therefore may not fear the power nor the policy of their Enemies , how great soever it be to the eyes of Men , for they are but men , meer Men , whose breath is in their Nostrils , a little creeping clay , speaking earth , Worms of six foot long , whose hearts thou turnest as the rivers of Waters , and changest them as thou pleasest , and that nothing is , or can be done by them , but what thou pleasest , and sufferest to be done . Cause them , and all thy people to know , that having thee on their side , and for them , they need not fear who be against them , for none ever fought against thy power and prospered ; and that though thou dost usually use means , yet thou canst , O God , we know , ( if thou so pleasest ) do thy work without means , yea and against means , and that there is no means so contemptible but thou canst , O God , our God , make effectual , even to the pulling down of strong holds , as thou did'st the Walls of Jericho , at the noise of Rams Horns ; it is as easie with thee to do what thou willest , as to will it , all things are as easie as possible ; let us not then , O God , fear any power , no nor all powers , having thee the Lord for our God , before whom all the Nations of the earth , are as the drop of a bucket , and as the dust of the ballance . Thou holdest , O God , the Ocean in the hollow of thine hand , and the earth is upheld , and standeth fast by the power of thy might ; give us then , O Lord God , such fear as may cause us to love thee , and such love as may cast out and destroy all fear , for thou only , who art God only , art to be feared only .

Ah Lord , look down graciously , and in mercy , upon poor afflicted Scotland and Ireland , stir up thy self , and come and save them , even now , now , when there is no help for them nigh at hand ; O Lord , be thou their help , and help thou them , and give them grace to put their trust in thee , that thou mayest be their help and deliverer : of three Nations make us , O Lord , one people , that we may be knit together with the bonds of love and unity , serving thee , O Lord , with a perfect heart in holiness and righteousness , all the days of our lives . And though , O Lord , thou hast delivered them into our hands , and given us power over them ; Ah Lord , suffer us not to do other unto them , than we would they should do unto us , and that we lay not on them too heavy burthens to bear .

Bless , O Lord , I beseech thee , all my kindred and acquaintance in the flesh . Ah Lord , I know that thou knowest all their soul and body cases ; Ah be thou pleased in Jesus Christ , to come into their help , and give them deliverance : make , O Lord , make their hearts below their conditions , and then make their conditions what thou wilt , lay no more , O Lord , on them , than thou shall be pleased to enable them to bear , and then lay on them what thou wilt ; Ah Lord , cause every thing to work together for their good , let them always see and acknowledge , that thou punishest them far less than their iniquities deserve , and that all afflictions whatsoever come from thee , but the procuring cause is in themselves : make them , O Lord , as willing to wear the Cross here , as the Crown hereafter , to suffer for thee here , as to reign with thee hereafter . And though , O Lord , they be poor in the world , let them be rich in grace ; though they be contemptible in the world , let them be honourable in thy sight ; be thou , O Lord , their Portion , and make them thine inheritance : and grant , O Lord , I beseech thee , that their last days may be their best days , and their last thoughts their best thoughts , that they may be thy faithfull , humble and obedient Servants , unto their lives end ; living the lives of the Righteous , that they may be like them both in death , and after death . Be thou with them , O Lord , in all places , and at all times , that they may always sit under the shadow of thy wings , and that the fruit of thy word may be pleasant unto the tast of their souls ; let them through grace delight to walk in the ways of thy Statutes , and let thy Commandments be their daily talk ; suffer them not , O Lord , to go astray from thee , either after the pleasures or profits of the world , but inable them all through grace to walk uprightly and circumspectly before thee unto their lives end .

Be mindfull and mercifull , O Lord , unto all the Sons and Daughters of affliction wheresoever dispers'd , wheresoever scattered on the face of the whole earth ; bring home , O Lord , all that are banisht , deliver all Captives , and set free all Prisoners , that every one may sit under his Vine , and rejoyce under his Fig-Tree , eating in peace the fruits of their labours ; visit , O Lord , the sick , comfort the comfortless , bind up the broken heart , heal the wounded heart , give life to the dead heart give the grace of faith unto the doubting heart , and of hope unto the despairing heart , speak peace , O Lord , unto the disconsolated and afflicted heart , give understanding , memory , sense and reason unto the distracted heart , and those amongst them , whom thou dost intend , O Lord , and hast appointed to take unto thy self , let them see thine arms of love , in mercy , open and ready to receive them ; let them hear , O Lord , thy sweet and comfortable voyce , speaking peace unto their Souls , and saying , Sons and Daughters , be of good cheer , your sins are forgiven you ; wash them , O Lord , with thy most dear , and most pretious blood , and sanctifie them with thy holy spirit of grace , that they may appear spotless and unblameable before thee , whiter than Snow , purer than Wool , finer than Gold , and brighter than the Sun , and make them , O Lord , more than Conquerours : and those , O Lord , whom thou dost intend to restore unto their former health and strength , give them grace to lead new lives and to become new Creatures , that others seeing their good works , may glorifie thee , O God , our Heavenly Father , in Jesus Christ .

Ah Lord God , look with much mercy I humbly beseech thee , upon all those every where , that suffer for the Peace of a good Conscience , because they will not sin against thy truth ; keep them , O Lord , as the Apple of thine eye , that nothing come nigh to hurt them , nor to affright them ; let them depend on thy mercies , fear thy judgments , and lay hold on thy gracious promises , give them , O Lord , courage and strength to fight that good fight , and to run that good race that thou hast set before them , that they may be always-willing and ready to give up their lives unto the death , and then from thee , O Lord , they may receive the Crown of Eternal life .

And those , O Lord , that suffer for an evil Conscience , because they have sinned against thy truth , let them not always mourn as men and women without hope , but pour down , O Lord , in much love and mercy pour down thy holy and blessed spirit the Comforter , into their hearts , that may speak peace unto their Souls ; even that peace that passeth all understanding ; let not the Mountains of their sins , O Lord , nor the Rocks of unbelief hinder thy mercies from coming down out of Heaven into their Hearts , nor their Prayers from ascending up unto thee by faith ; but cause them , O Lord , to know , that thou art a God , pardoning all Iniquities , Transgressions , and sins ; yea , all Blasphemies wherewith they have blasphemed : Ah Lord , shew them the light of thy gracious and glorious Countenance , and lead them in the way everlasting , that they may never more swerve nor go astray from thy Divine and Holy Commandments .

Bless , O Lord , all that are travelling by Sea , or by Land , and bring them to their Ports and Places in safety , defend them from all Pirats and Robbers that seek to do them hurt or wrong , and from all other perils and dangers , pitch thy tents , O Lord , round about them , and keep them even as thou keepest thine own .

And lastly , O Lord , I most humbly and heartily beg and beseech thee in Jesus Christ , to pardon and forgive all mine Enemies , all the world over ; love them , O Lord , that hate me , bless them that curse me , do good to them that seek to do me evil , forget and forgive all that they have done or would have done against me , and change their hearts from evil unto good , that they may no longer walk after the deceitfulness of their own evil Hearts , but may do all things for the time to come in truth and sincerity , according to thine own heart , O Lord God , that thou mayest own them for thy own , and give them hearts , O Lord , to forgive me whom I have wronged , whether it have been in thought , word or deed , either unto high or low , rich or poor , young or old , and grant , O Lord , that I may fear and do so no more , but as thou hast been unto me a sin-pardoning God , so I beseech thee be unto me a sin-preventing God , that I may not as the Dog , return to his Vomit , nor as the Sow to her wallowing in the mire again , but that I may always henceforth set thee , O Lord , before mine eyes , and be attent unto the motions of thy holy spirit , and never to forget thy exceeding bountifull and mercifull dealings towards me , and that love in Jesus Christ , wherewith thou hast loved me , and that I may remember that it is impossible for those who were once enlightned , and have tasted of the Heavenly gift , and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost , and have tasted the good word of God , and the Powers of the World to come , if they shall fall away , to renew them again unto Repentance , seeing they Crucifie to themselves the Son of God afresh , and put him to open shame ; for if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth , there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin , but a certain fearfull looking for of Judgment , and fiery indignation , which shall devour the adversaries ; for having , Lord , by thy grace and mercy escaped the pollutions of the world , through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ , grant that I may not again be intangled therein , and overcome , and so my latter end prove worse , if worse it can be , than was my beginning ; Ah Lord God ( should such be my case ) which God forbid , it would be much better for me that I had never known the way of Righteousness , than after the knowledge of it , to turn from thy holy Commandments delivered unto me .

Ah Lord God , my Lord , and my God , in Jesus Christ , thou knowest my weakness , frailty and impotency , that I cannot of my self , as of my self , think a good thought , that I am prone to all evil , and averse to all good , to will indeed is many times present , but how to perform I know not ; there is still , O Lord God , a law in my members warring against the law of my mind , and leading me Captive into the law of sin ; Ah Lord , when , when , O Lord , when , shall that time come , and that blessed , most blessed , and glorious day dawn and appear in my heart , that the root and branch of sin be totally rooted up , and utterly destroyed , and grace confirmed , and grow up more and more , until I come to be a perfect man in Christ Jesus , that I may still more and more hate the evil which I do , and love the good which I do not and cannot do : that it may be no longer I that sin , but sin that dwelleth in me , and that by the assistance of thy grace and holy Spirit , I may walk well pleasing before thee , doing thy work and thy will here on earth , as it is done in Heaven , living the life of grace here , and of glory hereafter , the life of the Righteous , that I may dye their death ; Ah Lord , give thy self to me , that I may give my self to thee , live in me , that I may live to thee , owne me for thine own , that I may owne thee for mine all , give me , Ah give me , O Lord , much grace , that I may give thee much glory , daily grace , that I may give thee daily glory , continually grace , that I may give thee continually glory , that I may be all thine , O Lord , only thine , always thine , and ever thine , and all this I most humbly and unfeignedly beg of thee , and whatever else thou knowest to be needfull or expedient for me , both for my soul and body , for the name , and for the worthiness of Jesus Christ , thy Son and my Saviour , to whom , with thy Glorious Majesty , and Holy Spirit of Grace , do I render and give with my whole heart , as all due is , and unto none else , Honour , Glory , Power , Might , Majesty , Dominion and Thanksgiving , now , henceforth , and for evermore , Amen , Amen .

34. If the love of Creatures be so lovely unto us , and we esteem and love them most for their love ; and this their love doth many times sweetly satisfie and ravish our senses : But how then are our hearts set on fire with Love , when we have within us , the fiery hot burning Love of a Loving God ; yea , of a God of Love , whose Love is so lovely , as it knits our hearts in Love unto him , and our greatest Love unto him is , from his own Love , because he hath so loved us , as to give us hearts to love him , even according to his own heart .

35. If our Joy be , according to the measure of Love which we enjoy from the Creature whom we most love ; Ah how great , yea , incomprehensibly great shall our joy be , when we shall know and feel , that we are beloved above measure by the Creator , who maketh the Creature thus lovely , and giveth him Love thus to love him .

36. If our Love many times be so great unto the Creature for the Creature , that we do not , and it seems to us that we cannot love him so much as we would , and do desire to do , and we crave and desire chiefly his Love , that we may yet love him more , and this from and because we love him so much , and for that our senses can be only satisfied with his Love , and by loving of him ; for we love him most for his Love , and his Love doth cause us to love him more , whom we love so much , yea whom we love most .

37. But Ah how great then , yea how wonderfully great is the love , O Lord , of thy Children and Servants unto thee , when they know that they are beloved by thee , whom they most love , and must love most ( for thy Love ) thy Love being most worth , worth most , and therefore do they despise all Love and things lovely in the Creature , to purchase thy Love , O God , who art the Creator of all Love , and things lovely ; they love thy Love most , O God , because they know and feel that thy Love only , causeth them to love thee more , whom notwithstanding they do already love most , and for that nothing but thy Love , can satisfie them with sufficient love , to love thee sufficiently ; for to love thee is to live , and they could not live if it were not for thy Love , and therefore are they ready and willing always to dye for thy Love , and to witness and shew forth their love , with which they love thee .

38. If then the love of the Creature be so great for the Creator , that it is more , above and beyond any love in the Creature , for the Creature , yea it is so great , as it cannot be uttered , it being and proceeding from the Creator's own Love , that the Creature hath this love , and that he loveth thus his Creator .

36. But Ah then , how incomprehensible and great is the love of the Creator , for , and unto us his Creatures ? in that he giveth us so much of his love , ( as to love him ) and such condescension is in him , as he delighteth to be beloved by them , who out of his love do so much hate him , and love only what he hateth ; alas , alas , what can we , poor we , say of him , whom we know not , but by himself , and from himself , and love not , but from his love ; Let us then , Ah let us then admire , and in humility ever adore this his love , with which he hath so loved us , as to make us like himself , in love , which is to be all love , loving others as our selves ; for even as his love only causeth him to love us , so likewise doth this his love in us , cause us thus to love him , and thus to love one another with the same loving love , and all that we may be all one and the same , in love , in him , to him , and for him , who is the love of our love , the cause of our loves love , the subject of our love , the object of our love , which we only desire to love , and the joy of this our joyous love , and the aim of our end , and the end of our aim , is , to live and love unto the end , in this loving love ; that is that our love may never know end , as his never knew no beginning , nor never shall know end , and this is , and such is the great love of our God , yea the incomprehensible love with which he loveth us , being such , and so great , as we cannot comprehend its greatness ; it cannot enter into us , therefore we shall enter into it , neither can we sufficiently express ours for him , which flows only from his , from himself , who is only and alone in himself , perfect love , and he alone can only create and give perfect love , to love perfectly ; none but himself , from himself , of himself , can then thus love perfectly , or give perfect love , to love perfectly thus .

40. It is then thy love in me , O Lord my God , that causeth me to love thee .

41. Inflame then my cold , benumm'd , icy , frozen heart , with the fiery hot burning flames of this thy burning hot love , O my God , that my heart may continually as Moses's bush , and the Seraphims , still flamingly burn , but never consume ; for it is by this , and from this divine fire that cometh from thy holy Altar , O Lord , that my soul liveth , and out of it it cannot .

42. Let me then , O Lord , ever burn , That I may ever live ; for why ? Ah if I should not still burn thus ; I am sure I should eft soon dye .

43. Ah Lord my God , and my Father in Jesus Christ , I desire to praise thee ever , for that thou hast not only forgiven me all , but given me all , thou hast not only given me a pardon for all my Iniquities and Transgressions , and forgiven all my sins , but hast also forgotten that ever I sinned .

44. Thou hast not only given me such a pardon , as never to remember my sins any more , but with the pardon thou hast , O Lord , given me thy love , and thy self , so as I shall ever live in thy self , to love thy self ever , and to offend thee never .

45. Thy love , O my God , and heavenly Father , is far greater unto me , than David's was for his beloved Son Absolom , though he loved him better than his life , and willingly would have died for him ; yet when he forgave him his murder , he would not have him to see his face in Jerusalem . But thy pardon , O King of Kings , is with such abundance of love , that thou hast been pleased , in love to come down thy self from thy Throne , and thy dwelling place in thy heavenly Jerusalem , unto me , on this earthly Geshur , to shew me thy most amiable , most glorious and most blessed face , and to cause the light of thy Countenance to shine upon me , that I might not be afflicted , because thou knowest right well , that it were much better for me that thou shouldest take my life from me , than hide thy face from me ; for what were or would be my life unto me , if I did not ( O my Father ) see thy face in Jesus Christ ; yea thou knowest that my life is nothing unto me , if I see not always thy face , for thy presence is my Heaven on Earth , and thy absence my Hell .

46. Ah what love is this , O my God! wherewith thou hast and dost love me , to pardon such a rebellious murderer as I am ; not for slaying an incestuous Amnon , but an innocent Jesus , the Son of thy love , thine eldest only Son , in whom thy Soul delighted only .

47. Thy Love , O God , my God , is such , that thou hast not banisht me , but brought me back , and though I did flye from thee , yet thou thy self didst in love run after me , and broughtest me back , yea such is thy love , that thou hast not unthroned me , but inthroned me , and made me not only an heir , but coheir with thy Natural only Son and my Saviour , not only of a Crown and Kingdom , honourable and glorious , but of a Kingdom and Crown of honour and glory , and not for a mortal life of time , but for an immortal life , out of time , for ever and for ever .

48. Ah Lord God , how didst thou love me when thou didst deliver me , take me off , and free me , from my own love , from loving my self with self-love , that is , loving my self more than thee , and wert p●eased in love , and out of the abundance of thy love , which is incomprehensible , and unconceivable , to cause me to choose thy , love , to prize thy love , to desire thy love , and to rejoyce in thy love , esteeming nothing else lovely , or desirable .

49. They that love as they ought to love , that is True love in loving God , or loving God truly . rightly , and truly love God , first , and most , he is their ultimate end , the end of all their aim , and the aim of all their end , is to love him ; they love him for all that is in him , for that they know that he is all holy , all just , and all good , and they love him chiefly , that is , most of all , because he is God , that is , because he is what he is , even such a God , as he is ; they adore his greatness , as his goodness , and fear his goodness , as his greatness ; they prize his mercy at the highest value , and value his Justice at the highest price ; they admire the knowledge of his Wisdom , and as much the Wisdom of his knowledge ; they stand amazed at his might , and are confounded at his power ; alike they wonder at his highly lowness , and lowly highness ; that God would be made man , and that a man should be still God ; they are ashamed for that he would be like them , and they abhor themselves , that they are ( notwithstanding ) so unlike him , they therefore long for holiness , knowing that it is the greatest and chiefest happiness , it making them like unto him , holy as he is holy , pure as he is pure , and perfect as he is perfect , though not so perfectly , or purely holy .

50. All such as love God thus , love themselves ( for True love in loving ones self or loving ones elf truly . him ) that is , would himself , for himself , his love to love him , his fear to fear him , his honour to honour him , his knowledge to know him , his wisdom to please him , his goodness to be good , his justice to be just , his holiness to be holy , his greatness greatly to exalt his power , and his might to be mighty in power for him , his mercy to be mercifull , as he is mercifull , for being by him Created for himself , unto good works , they would that all their works were good , and all for him , to live to him , in him , and for him , for ever and for ever : thus if they love themselves , 't is for him , it is to be his and to do his will on earth ( whilst on earth ) as they shall in Heaven , when in Heaven .

51. And all such , are all True love inloving ones Neighbour , or loving ones Neighbour truly . full of true love for all their Neighbours ; and their Neighbours are all Men , far and near , Jew and Gentile , bond and free , all have their love , they love all , their condition makes no condition with them , they desire , and seek , and pray for their happiness , as for their own , they mourn for them many times , when they do not mourn for themselves , yea they weep much and often in secret , for their secret as well as for their open sins , they are ashamed on their behalf , because they choose not the way of life but still walk , walk on still in the ways of death , they have no Enemies , but all are their friends , their dear and beloved , yea dearly beloved friends , such as hate them , they love ; such as curse them , they bless ; such as speak evil of them , they pray for , and that God would lay none of their sins to their charge , they account happiness to them , even as their own happiness , and rejoyce with them when they do rejoyce , yea , they would many times willingly and cheerfully part with their joys , their best joys , even their spiritual joys , for their sakes , that they might enjoy them , they would be content , to be as it were in darkness , sorrow and sadness , that they might be in the light , see the light , and rejoyce in the light of God's Countenance , they would that they did enjoy these joys here , to be brought home by any means , to enjoy them for ever hereafter , for those that love God whom they never saw , must do , and can do no other , than love their brethren whom they see daily ; and those likewise whom they never saw , because they are also their brethren .

52. Such as love not God rightly ( which is to love him False love to God , or loving God falsly . as God ) love him for the Loaves , not for his love , for themselves , not for himself , for themselves alone , or chiefly , and not chiefly , which is alone for himself , they love him because they have need of him , his love is lovely , not because it is in him , or because it is his love , and for that it makes him thus lovely , as to be only lovely and desirable , but they love his love , because it is in him for them , they love him for Heaven , much more than Heaven for him , they do not love him because he hath so loved them , as to make them lovely , and forgiving them of his own love , to love him in and with true love , 't is not love that they truly love , or value , as it is love , but as it is profitable , a love bringing profit , it frees from pain , and gives ease , it keeps from poverty and maketh rich , because it delivers from dishonour and disgrace , and graceth them , and brings them much honour , because it lifts them up above others , and for that others are set below them , they are the head , and others are but the feet , and because they have power over them , and they obey their power , going where ever they bid them , coming when ever they call them , and do what ever , and all that they command them ; if God continue to give them thus his gifts , and all that their hearts desire , they will prize his love , and desire his love , and choose his love , and delight in his love , and love his love , yea , and serve him for his love ; but it is with an eye-service , having an eye to this recompence of reward in the flesh , and for the sake of the flesh ; they love not God as he is God , and because he is God , all good and only good , but because he is a God tha● doth them this good , which he so much loveth , liketh , prizeth , chooseth , and prayeth for , were he not thus good unto him , he would not think him good , nor believe him to be good , thus are they fleshly , carnal , loving the things of the flesh , the things they see and enjoy , and not the things which they see not , nor cannot see , which they enjoy not , nor cannot be here enjoyed , but should hope for ; 't is not a Heaven in Heaven , nor a Heaven coming down from Heaven , but a Heaven on earth , an earthly Heaven , yea , a Heaven of earth , that they desire , choose and pray for , and would that it were ever , yea , ever and for ever their Heaven , thus 't is not God that they love , because he is God , but 't is themselves , themselves they love as God , chiefly , most of all , beyond all things , and above all things , and therefore they love not God at all , because they love him not as God , who is the supream , chief Soveraign superiour , and only good , happiness , felicity , peace , rest , riches , honour , pleasure , joy and blessedness .

53. This is false Love ( though it be for our selves ) False love to ones self , or loving ones self falsly . when we love our Selves only , that is chiefly for our selves , for our own sakes , such desire Heavens joys to enjoy them , because they are the greatest joys , 't is not Heaven for God , but God for Heaven , that they would , and that they mind , they love the wages , but not the work , the Crown , but not the Cross , to reign with Christ , and as Christ doth , but not to suffer with Christ , and as Christ did , to wear his Crown of Glory , but not his Crown of Thorns , to live as he doth , but not as he did , to be his Servant in Heaven , but not his Disciple on Earth , to have the recompence of Reward there , as a good and faithfull Servant , but not to serve him here , as a Son or a Servant , they would willingly have their own will done , both on Earth and in Heaven , but not his on Earth , no not for Heaven ; they would believe in him , but not suffer for him , they would live with him there , but not dye with him here , they fly many times from sin , because of the pain , woe , grief and torment it will bring , they fly from the punishment , not from the sin , they hate not sin , as it is sin , and because it is Sin , for many times they love the sin , which they commit not , which they dare not commit ; and so they many times do good , but not because it is good , and for that it is the Command of God , their delight is not to him , nor his ways , nor to the keeping of his Commandments , but their delight is ●o delight themselves , the end of all their aim , and the aim of all their end is to please themselves ; and therefore if at any time they do good , it is to do good to themselves , 't is not for God's sake , nor for goodness sake , but for their own sakes , for many times they do what they would not do , and seem to love what they do not love , and to hate what they do not hate , they prefer the flesh , to please the flesh , and to enjoy fleshly pleasures , before the pleasing of God , and the enjoying of God , and spiritual pleasures , they prefer Communion with the Creature , before Communion with the Creator , and their own low base ends , before his high , holy , great and glorious ends , how dully , droopingly , faintly , feebly , coldly and sluggishly do they go about Gods work , and service , any thing that concerns his honour and glory , what icy , frozen , benumm'd , dead hearts have they thereunto , though in the doing of all this , it is to do for themselves , to work for themselves , and to serve themselves , but how , Ah how jollily , cheerfully , lively , nimbly , quickly , ardently and hotly do they go about the things that no whit at all concerns God , but themselves , how stoutly , strongly and vigorously , do they wrestle for the world and the things of the world , and to have a blessing of increase on their works , and labour for the flesh , but how ? ah how faintly , cowardly and feebly do they wrestle with God in duties , in prayer , meditation , hearing and reading the word of God , as if they would not that blessing , or at least cared not for it , thus God's work , and Soul work is to them of little concernment , and when they do mind the Soul and Heaven , it is because of its happiness , they then seek God for Heavens sake , but never Heaven ▪ for God's sake , and even then when the Lord sends a fair wind , with the breath and spirit of his grace into their hearts , to hasten them forward , to their place of rest , and to make them to sail over the floods and tempests of tentations , and waves of opposition , yet then , Ah then , so selfish , fond , stupid and ignorant are they , as they hoyse up all the Sayls they can , to go against this sweet , new , fresh gale ; they row and tug and toyl to go back from their Port , from their Haven & Harbour , which is so near them , desiring not to come so soon to their journeys end , they desire not so soon to end their journeying , travel , and pains in the flesh , they prefer this travel and toyl , and care , before that peace and rest , and ease and joy , and though this all , all this , be but vanity , and brings nothing but vexation of Spirit , yet so contrary , are they to God and his ways , that they will none of them , as long as they can these , they gladly and willingly will put off that day , for this , nay though God do at times shew some of them Heaven , as he did Paul , and they behold things utterable , and , with Peter , see the glory of the Lord , which is unconcivable ; yet these foresights , and fore-tasts , being taken from them , or they from it : Ah how soon do they forget that ever they saw any such thing , how soon , how gladly , willingly , and cheerfully , do they return to Egypt , the place of their Captivity , and joyfully and heartily feed on the Garlick and Onions , yea on the husks that Swines feed on , so much love they have to themselves , as they forget God , and that they were Created for him , and unto good works to please and serve him , such then as thus love , or love thus , are self-lovers only , or chiefly , and therefore not right or true lovers , because they love not God rightly , therefore not truly , for he is to be beloved first of all , most of all , beyond and above all , he being our only , chief , supream , Soveraign , superiour , and best good , all good being in him , and flows only from him he containing all , and being contained by none .

54. But as for me , O Lord , as for me , I know , O Lord , I know , that there is none in Heaven but thee , nor in all the earth in comparison of thee , a Door-keeper , O Lord , a Door-keeper in thy House , do I much prefer , choose and embrace , rather than to dwell in Tents or Tabernacles with the wicked , with those that know thee not , and that fear thee not , I much rather , Ah Lord thou knowest , that I had much rather be afflicted , and choose and prefer banishment , poverty , contempt , disgrace , imprisonment and death for thy sake , and the Gospels , as thy Servant , rather , yea much rather than to enjoy all these pleasures in the flesh , these fleshly pleasures , with the wicked : any life , O Lord , and any death , yea that life , and that death , in that place and condition , as may bring thee most glory , do I most humbly and unfeignedly beg , in Jesus Christ , and for his sake ; Ah Lord God , I hast me unto thee , I desire to flye into thee , and to be found ever in thee , yea though thou shouldest make all my life , as Paul's and Peter's were , when they saw and enjoyed in part , those blessed joys prepared and laid up for the blessed , yea though I could always see Heaven open , as Stephen , and thou , O Lord , my Jesus , and my Christ , standing at the right hand of God , should not , would not my heart , heartily say with Simeon , Lord now let thy servant depart in peace , for mine eyes have seen thy great Salvation ; would it not cry out , none but Christ , none but Christ , and come , Lord Jesus ; Ah come quickly , and take me to thee , to be ever with thee ; for though to me to live were Christ , yet to dye would be great gain .

55. Such and all such love falsly , as love their Neighbours False love to our Neighbour , or loving our Neighbour falsly . for themselves only , for the good they do them , and for the benefit and advantage alone , which they receive from them , were it not for this good , they would not care for them , nor think of them , nor pray for them , nor wish or desire any blessing on them , if they do at any time do them any good , it is for the good that thereby they hope will accrue to themselves , either of praise or profit , otherwaies they would rather , yea much rather , their loss than their gain , their dishonour than their honour ; and they would delight more , much more , to hear an evil than a good report of them , and were it not that they want them , or may want them , that they stand them in stead , they would rather , yea much rather dis-serve them , than serve them , hurt them than do them good ; and though with their mouths they bless them , yet in their hearts they curse them , envying the very happiness , that they pray for ( on their behalf ) they love them for their gifts , not their gifts for them ; yea they love their gifts , but not the givers of the gifts ; they love their gifts , not because it comes from their love , but because they are lovely , that is , because they stand them in stead , they have need of them , they should be in want , if they did want them , if they had them not , they do not praise God on their behalf , and pray for a double blessing on them , for this their blessing of them ; if they wish or desire an increase of their substance ; and a blessing on their labours , it is because they hope they will increase in doing them good , in giving to them of their substance , a blessing of their labours , a part and portion of their profits ; and if they do not do so , such will curse and not bless , and would if they could , take from them all that they have , or seem to have ; for their love is self-love , love only to themselves , for themselves , therefore false love , loving falsly .

56. I had much rather have no portion in the World , than have the World for my portion .

57. For I am sure the World never did , nor never will make any rich , and as sure that it hath , and will make many , Ah too too many poor .

58. For many that have had , and yet shall have , great Portions of this Worlds good , have , nor shall have none of the good of Heaven for their Portion : it 's hard for a rich man here to be rich there .

59. And many that have no Portion in this World , of this World , have God , and shall have God for their sure and everlasting Portion in the World to come .

60. Ah happy , yea thrice happy man , that hath such a Portion there , though he have none here , what ever be his condition , he is in a blessed condition , for he shall be ever blessed , blessed for ever and ever .

61. But Ah miserable man , who art only miserable , that hath no Portion there , what ever Portion he hath here , yea though he abound in Corn and Wine and Oyl , and all this Worlds good and glory .

62. Give me , Ah Lord , give me any Portion in Heaven , though but to be a door-keeper ; if I may but see thy face , and hear thy Voice , I care not , though it be with the loss of all Portions here , both of riches , honours and pleasures .

63. If thou givest me here , O Lord , but food and rayment , how mean soever it be , I will be content therewith , and heartily thank thee , and if thou givest me none , I will thank thee for the time past , and believe I shall want none for the time to come , and that shall content me .

64. Ah if the want of the World be so sweet when in its want we find no want , how sweet then , yea how much sweeter is Heavens fulness ? where is all fulness of all things , and therefore no want at all of any thing .

65. Ah how much better is it , and how much greater gain , to lose this Worlds all , and gain Heaven , then to gain this Worlds all , and lose our part of Heaven , which is Heavens all , yea all Heaven .

66. The Worlds loss with Heavens gain , I shall not account any loss , but all gain , yea the greatest gain I can get ; but Heavens loss , with all this Worlds gain , I shall not account any gain , but a great loss , yea the greatest that I could , or can sustain .

67. He that loseth Heaven loseth all , but he that gets only this Worlds all , gets nothing , even nothing at all .

68. I will and always will account all losses gain ( to win Christ ) and all gain losses if I lose Christ .

69. Let Christ then be my gain , and I care not what losses I sustain .

70. For this Worlds felicity is certain but a moment , but the felicity or infelicity of the World to come , is not uncertain any moment , but certainly good or bad from the first to the last moment , which last moment will be always alike , as far off , as it was the very first moment , being ever , ever .

71. Give me then , Ah Lord God , that endless good , felicity and happiness , which is like thy self , shall never change but endure for ever , and not that which is like my self , subject every moment to all change .

72. Ah Lord , thou knowest I would willingly , most willingly change thus , my life for death , and then my death for life .

73. That is my life of Sin , for a death to sin , to put all sin to death , and then death , for eternal life with Christ , who is my life .

74. Thou knowest , O Lord also that I would willingly dye to live , and live to dye .

75. That is to dye to sin , and live to grace , live in all grace and dye to all sin , that to me to live may be Christ , but to dye gain , yea that my life may be hid with Christ in God .

76. I would willingly , O Lord , have thee mine all , that I may give thee mine all , and reserve from thee nothing at all .

77. All Lord , All , I most willingly and unfeignedly give thee , Ah that thou wouldest receive all , and refuse nothing at all .

78. For all , Lord , that 's mine is thine , that is , all that is good ; for the bad I renounce , and give back also to him that gave it .

79. All the World is nothing , being all perishable , therefore can be to nothing compared , but to nothing .

80. Ah what a pity is it , that any man should be so sickle , as to love such fickle things , as are these below , which to day are , and to morrow are not .

81. For is any thing lesser , worser or lighter than vanity ; if any thing be , or can be , or if this Worlds things be any thing , it is it , which is so much vanity , and so full of vanity , and therefore the more , the lesser worth , the worser , and the lighter , be all nothing , but all vanity .

82. The more there is of a bad thing , the worser , and the lesser too , is the thing , ( that is to goodness . )

83. Well therefore may it be said of the best of this Worlds , of this Worlds best , as the old Woman said unto her daughter , arise , Daughter Vanity , and come to thy daughter Vanity , for thy daughter Vanity hath another daughter of Vanity .

84. Ah fruitful , but cursed fruitfull Womb , that brings forth so much cursed fruit , full of Vanity .

85. How much better were it , that thou wert barren , than thus to bear .

86. Vanity is in the getting , Vanity is in the keeping , Vanity is in the spending , and there is Vanity for the most part , in giving of this Worlds Vanity ; So that all in this World , even all this World , is Vanity , yea all Vanity and Vexation of Spirit .

87. Ah vain foolish man that labourest so hard , that hazardest so much , for that which at the best is so vain , being so full of Vanity , and , which is worse , vexation of spirit .

88. If then its best be so bad , what is its worst ? if it s all be worth nothing at all , why wilt thou then be such a fool ? as to labour for that which is not , and to spend thy time , thy dear , most dear , and most precious time , for that which will not , for that which cannot profit thee .

89. Let then , Ah let then the morrow care for it self , care thou , O man , Oh careless man for thy self , that is , for thy better self , which will make thee ever happy , or else thy carelessness , ever miserable , miserable for ever .

90. Be not , Ah be not so careless , to put off thy care till to morrow , seeing there is a change every moment ; but fear still , Ah fear thou still , that change which a day may bring forth .

91. Let the World take its own , make sure what is thine own , ( if thou wilt so have it ) which is Christ Jesus , and all his merits , and say truly and boldly , I will have none but Christ ; I care for none but Christ , nor to know nothing but Christ and him crucified ; be then contented if thou hast him , and be not contented what ever thou hast , if thou hast him not .

92. For all other things give discontent . and bring with them Vexation of Spirit ; but he gives alone all true contentment , and brings with him the peace of the Spirit .

93. If then our peace in believing bring so great joy , that it passeth all understanding ; Ah how great shall our peace and joy be , when it shall be above believing , that is , when we shall possess the God and giver of all peace , who is our rest and peace , yea our peaceable rest , and he will augment our understanding as much as our peace , and yet our peace shall surpass ours , and all others understanding .

94. And if our joy be so great when we believe the certainty thereof , Ah how great in possession , when we shall know certainly with the most certain and sure knowledge of God , that it shall be ever most surely sure , and certain .

95. If then these things below be able to satisfie any , a moment , surely the things above , ( above all things ) shall be able , and will ever , ever will satisfie all , for all there , shall enjoy all God , who hath all things , and is all things , and more than all things , and he giveth himself unto all , being all in all , and over all , and above and more than all .

96. Ah Lord God , the searcher , the trier and knower of all hearts ; thou knowest , O Lord , thou knowest my heart , and therefore knowest right well , what my heart heartily , chiefly and principally desireth , above , beyond and more than all things , which is thy dear , thy sweet , and pretious , most pretious , sweet and dear self . Ah let me so have thee , as never to be without thee , and I will never more ask any thing more of thee ; fill me , Ah fill me so with thy blessed fulness , as that I may never more be emptied of thee , but may continually receive from thee grace for grace , daily grace to give thee daily glory , much grace to give thee much glory , continually grace to give thee continually glory Give , Ah Lord , give so thy self to me , as I may ever give my self to thee , to be all thine , always thine , only thine , and ever thine ; Enter , Ah Lord , be thou pleased so to enter into me , as I may enter into thee , my Joy , O my Lord , even into th●e , who art the Lord of my Joy , espouse me , Ah espouse me here , O Lord , by grace , that I may be hereafter for ever married with thee , unto thee , in glory : Raign , rule , bless , guide , govern , direct , protect , preserve and defend me from all evils , perils and dangers , that I may enjoy those blessed , great , gracious , holy and glorious promises , which thou hast been pleased from time to time to make unto me , that I may live and living dye , that I may dye and dying ever live , to the praise , honour and glory of thine ever blessed , Eternal , most holy and most great , most sacred and most glorious name , so be it , Lord , so be it .

97. Heaven is Heaven , because it is holy , yea because , O Lord God , thou art there that art holiness , therefore is Heaven Heaven and Heaven holy , yea such a holy , and therefore blessed Heaven as it is , so as to those that are there , a thousand years seem but as one day , so greatly sweet is its enjoyment , and one day seems as a thousand years , so great is their joy in its enjoyment , and holiness is the chief joy , felicity and happiness in Heaven , because it makes them all like unto thy self ; O all Heavenly God , who art the Heaven of Heaven in Heaven , being the holiness of Heaven , and therefore Heavens chief joy , felicity and happiness .

98. If earths sweets are so sweet to earthly hearts , as they desire nothing but earth , that is the things on earth ; Ah how sweet then are Heavens sweets to a Heavenly heart , and how shall , Ah how shall Heaven ravish their hearts with joy and contentment , when that their hearts , souls and bodies shall be in Heaven , and all filled with Heaven , that is with all holiness and blessedness , even with God himself , the ever blessed and holy God , then shall they be all holy , all Heavenly , yea all , a holy Heaven , being holy as God is holy , but not so holy .

99. If earth then , or earthly things on earth , be able to satisfie any on earth , surely Heaven , and the things in Heaven , shall be able and will satisfie all in Heaven , for that all there shall enjoy all that is there , even all God , Father , Son and Holy Ghost , who is all , and in all .

100. And therefore by how much God is above all things , and more worth than all things , by so much , yea so much more , do I value my interest in him above all things ; for having him sure , I have all things sure , I am sure .

101. Ah when I enjoy that true joy , of enjoying that true Communion with the true God , though here on earth , me thinks I am not on earth , but in Heaven , and yet I know all this is but an earthly Heaven , ( though a Heaven . )

102. But how then , Ah how then doth my heart rejoyce with joy unspeakable , knowing that the time will come , and is ever near at hand , when I shall ever enjoy Heavens true joys , which is God himself , the joy of all joys , yea all joys that are true .

103. O Lord , thou knowest that the Heaven which my soul desireth on earth , is , to do thy whole , holy , and blessed will on earth , as it is done in Heaven .

104. I desire to live , O God , and give my heart unto thee , That hast in love and mercy , given thine own unto me .

105. Ah Lord my God , let me so hear thy blessed , most blessed voyce , that my soul may live , and so live , as to praise thee : for to praise thee is to live , yea to live in thee and for thee , which to do , is the desire I have to live .

106. Give me then power , O God , that hast all power in thy self , that I may fight powerfully , against all my powerfull Enemies , and by the power of thy might , which is an Almighty power , I may tread and trample all their powers under my feet .

107. Give me , O Lord , give me such fear as may cause me to love thee , and such love as to fear thee , and to cast out all fear .

108. Meditation is the heart of the heart , the soul of the soul , which is the strength and life of all devotion .

109. When in meditation God hath spoken peace unto thy soul . Ah then , do thou by thanksgiving ( with thy heart ) praise , laud and him extol .

110. He that will have Heaven on earth , must meditate on Earth of Heaven .

111. To have God abide with us , we must by meditation abide with him .

112. To have God live in us , we must with full purpose of heart , and endeavours of life , live to him .

113. To have God dwell in us , we must open our affections , which is the door of our hearts , to let him into our hearts , and continually feast him with true and unfeigned love , loving none but him , in comparison of him .

114. To have God love us , we must love him , that is , make him our choice , above and beyond all other things , choosing him for our chief , and superiour good , that is beyond , above and more , than all other things , he must have all our hearts , that is , our hearts more than all other things .

115. To have God delight in us , our Delight , End and Aim must be to delight him , that is , by walking well-pleasing unto him all the days of our whole lives , as Christ did , yesterday , to day , and for ever .

116. To have God direct us how we shall walk , we must be carefull and heedfull to walk as he doth , and shall direct us .

117. To have God preserve us , we must believe in him , trust on him , depend and rowle our selves upon him .

118. To have God maintain us , we must cast all our care upon him , for the earth is his , and the fulness thereof .

119. To have God sustain us , and be our help , we must hope only in him , for he will fail us never , and not put any trust in Princes , or in the Sons of Men , for in them there is no help , their breath goeth forth , they return to the earth , in that very day his thoughts perish .

120. To have God be all ours , we must be all his , that is , in thought , word and deed , and not think our own thoughts , or speak our own words , nor do our own works , but do all to the praise of his holy , holy , holy name .

121. He that would live with the Lord in Heaven , must live to the Lord on earth .

122. He that would have the Lord , to be his Lord , and his God , must serve , honour and obey him as his Lord , and fear , worship and adore him as his God .

123. He that would reign with the Lord Christ in Heaven , must be contented to be arraigned for him as he was for us on earth .

124. He that would sit with him there in glory above , must be content to sit with him , that is as he did , in contempt here below .

125. He that would rejoyce with him there , must be contented to sigh , and grieve and weep and mourn as he did here .

126. He that would have all things with him there , must be content , ( if he will so have it ) to have , as he had , nothing here .

127. He that would be received by God his Father there , as by his Father , must do his will , as Christ did here , that is as his Son .

128. He that would wear an incorruptible Crown of glory , for ever there , must be content , if he will so have it , to wear a Crown of Thorns , as he did here .

129. He that would have an Eternal weight of glory there , must be content , and rejoyce under Eternal ignominy here .

130. He that would have all things with others there , must be willing to do all things for others here .

131. He that would have Christ for his Jesus there , to save him , must believe in him as his Jesus Christ here , that is , as the way , the truth , and the life , unto . Eternal life .

132. He that would have him there his advocate , to plead his sinfull , bad case , must here plead for , and in behalf of his blessed good case .

133. He that would have him as a judge to acquit him there , must judge and condemn himself here .

134. And he that would not be condemn'd with the world there , must not with the world , and as the world doth live here .

135. And he that would not be cast out with Reprobates there , must have no Communication or Conversation with them here .

136. And he that would not be of the number of the Devils Goats there , must come unto Christ's flock , and be of his Fold , and of his Sheep here .

137. And he that would live with the Righteous there , must labour after Holiness and Righteousness here .

138. And he that would be sure to dye their death , to put it out of all doubt , must live their life .

139. And he that would enter into his Masters and Lords joy there , must be the joy of his Lord and Master here , that is his well-doing , good and faithfull Servant .

140. Seeing then that these things , O Lord , shall surely be , make me , through grace , such a Person as I ought to be .

141. Now seeing that holiness is Heaven , and Heaven is holiness , Ah Lord , make me all holy , that I may be all Heavenly ; let holiness always dwell within me , that Heaven may be always within me , and that I may be always in Heaven .

142. And seeing , O Lord , that our desire chiefly to be in Heaven , is to be free from all sin , and to be holy as thou art holy ; Ah let me labour for , and long after holiness on earth , yea , and to be so holy , that though I am on earth , I may be also in Heaven , and Heaven in me .

143. And seeing that the more holy we are , the more heavenly we are , and the more like unto thee , O most heavenly , and most holy Lord God , that is throughout holy , in Spirit , Soul and Body , grant that though I am here below on earth ( and earth ) I may in holiness be like unto thee above , who art in Heaven , and art Heaven .

144. Ah Lord God , that hast fitted and prepared Heaven for me , prepare me for it , that I may enjoy thee all , who art my all , and my only Joy .

145. And seeing none shall enjoy thee in Heaven , but those that enjoy thee on Earth , Ah Lord , let me so enjoy thee here , that I may long to be dissolved , for ever to enjoy thee there , yet not for mine own sake only , but for thine own sake ( good Lord. )

146. Ah Lord , let my joy be so full of thee here on Earth , as I may always long to be filled with thy fulness of joy in Heaven , and to enjoy fully those pleasures that are there at thy right hand , and shall endure for ever more .

147. Yet , O Lord , I humbly beseech thee in Jesus Christ , to make me still patient to wait , untill my blessed change shall come , and that I may always say , thine , O Lord , thine , and not my will be done .

148. Ah come Lord Jesus , come when thou wilt , and as thou wilt , either at midnight , or at the Cock crowing ; for though I do long for thy coming to take me hence unto thy self , yet I would rather , O Lord , thou knowest , that I had rather abide here , to do thy will , and for thy sake on earth , than to leave thy will undone , and to be in Heaven for my own sake .

149. Ah Lord , my Lord , and my God , I confess , that thou hast in the abundance of thy goodness , love , and mercy , done so much for me , in bringing me out of Hell , and assuring me of Heaven , that even all that I can imagine to do , to lose , or to suffer , is so little , so too too little , as I could wish , yea and do wish , that I could do more , and suffer more , to witness that my little will is great ( or desires ) and would be great willingly .

150. Ah Lord , I know , and am well assured , that thy goodness is so great , and thy greatness so good , for the sake of my soul , that my soul longeth to be great in goodness , to do great good things , for thy great goodness sake .

151. Ah Lord God , seeing what thou hast done for me , is to assure me of thine Eternal Love and Mercy in Jesus Christ , give me I beseech thee , grace , that I may not turn thy gifts of grace into wantonness ; but for this thy Love , wherewith thou hast loved me , grant that it may be a strong and firm obligation unto me , to depend upon thy Love , and to be assured that thou wilt continue to do as thou hast begun , that is , continually continue to love me .

152. For seeing none but thy self , O Lord , could do the things that thou hast done ; that is , to love me , such a loveless , yea vile wretch ( as I am in my self ) I will therefore be bold to say , surely the Lord will ever love me , because he doth thus love me , and hath ever loved me thus .

153. Ah suffer me not then , O Lord God , holy , just and true , to depart from thee , by setting up any other God in my heart , or my heart to love , choose , or esteem any other good , than thy self , who art only good , all good , and able only , to do me all good , and to make me to do all good .

154. Ah Lord God , in thine own good time , accomplish and finish the good which thou hast begun to work in me , by causing me to depart from all evil .

155. And suffer me not , I humbly beseech thee , for thine own great , holy and dear name sake , to go astray from those holy , holy , holy ways , which thou hast set before me , and written with the finger of thine own Spirit on my heart .

156. But grant , O Lord , that my Soul may continually be ravisht with the pleasantness of them , and to delight to sit always under the shadow of thy branches , for thou knowest , O Lord , thou right well knowest , how sweet and delightful the fruit of thy Word , and the knowledge of thy ways ▪ is to the tast of my Soul .

157. And therefore , and to praise thee , doth my Soul long to come into thy house , to behold thy beauty and thy glory , as in thy Sanctuary , and to hide my self under the shadow of thy wings , that no evil may come nigh me to hurt me .

158. Ah Lord , thou that hast wrought in me holy desires to do thy whole and holy will , give me grace to teach and instruct others , and to tell them how willing thou art , to teach all sinners to come out of their sins , and to direct them how to walk well pleasing unto thee , and to lead them by the hand , that they slip not .

159. Ah Lord , suffer me not to do as do the men of the World , to labour to heap up , and gather these things that profit not , and to leave behind me , much of these low earthly outward things , that endure but for a season ; but let me rather cast off these garments bespottted in the flesh , and follow thee naked , and gather up and distribute those true and heavenly riches , which shall make the Soul glad and rich , and honourable for ever , that my heirs may be heirs of Heaven , and not of Earth .

160. Ah Lord , Let all the Worlds all be all unto me , as I was unto thee , when in it and of it ( even as a menstruous cloth ) and my all not worth any thing at all .

161. Ah Lord , suffer me not to mind earth any more with an earthly but with a heavenly mind , and that my heart may be always there where my true , only , and everlasting treasure is ; and that I may live in the World , as if I were not of the World , and use these things below , as low things , even as if I used them not .

162. Ah Lord , suffer me not to mind these things my self , which I teach , and labour to have others forget , and not to mind , and so save them , but perish my self .

163. Ah Lord , full of grace , give me grace to shew forth unto all , that all my covetings , ambition , and longings are for the things above , and not for these things here below , and that these things here , are fit , and only fit , for such as have their hearts , and affections here .

164. Ah Lord , sure , yea most sure it is , that those that are risen with thee , will seek the things that are above , even where thou sittest at the right hand of God , and that those that do it not , are not yet risen , but lye dead in the grave of their sins .

165. Ah Lord , suffer not the World to deceive any , that their Souls may not be deceived , and they perish for ever in their sins .

166. But bring them all home , Ah Lord , bring them all home , unto thy self , and betroth them all to thy self here by grace , that thou dost intend to marry unto thy self hereafter in glory .

167. Ah Lord , I confess it is not my study , nor my care , nor yet my careful study , nor my studious care , that teacheth me wisdom , so as to know thee , or to learn what thou knowest ; but it is thy self , O Lord , it is thy self , that givest me that wisdom to know thy self , and learning to know what thou knowest ; for who but thy self hath that wisdom to know thy self , or learning in himself , from himself , to learn what thou , O Lord God , knowest .

168. Ah teach me then so , O my good God , that art Israel's teacher , that I may tell henceforth , Devil , World and Flesh , that I will no more be taught by them , nor follow their teachings .

169. I know , O Lord , I know that the teachings of men , no nor all mens teachings , are not able to teach me to know any good , but I know that thy teachings , O God , are able to teach me all good , and how to do all good .

170. I will rejoyce therefore in what my God can do , because he can , and therefore I know assuredly that he will do all the things for me that shall be for my good .

171. And therefore I will not fear what men can do against me , no nor Devils neither , for they all can do nothing at all , that can hurt me .

172. But all my fear shall always be to fear thee , O Lord , who art my Lord , and my fear ; for to fear thee truly , bringeth me true joy , yea unspeakable joy .

173. For to fear thee , as we ought to fear thee , is to keep thy Commandments ; to keep thy Commandments with fear , is the whole duty of man .

174. Ah Lord God , I know , that thou dost not hear us for our words sake , because they are but the words of men , nor for our work sake , because they are but mens works , nor for our own sake , because we have forsaken thee , but for thy great names sake , which is thy self , and therefore for thine own sake , O Lord , I know that thou dost only hear us .

175. Ah Lord , my Lord , my God , and my all and my only good , Let me always so speak unto thee , by thee , as thou mayest always hear me , and so hear thee , as I may always love and fear thee , yea make thee all my fear and my love .

176. The Spirit of the Lord , or the fruits of the Lord's Spirit , is , love , joy , peace , long-suffering , gentleness , goodness , faith , meekness , temperance , lowliness of mind , humble , patient , bountiful and rich in good works ; forgiving and forgetting all injuries and wrongs , beareth reproaches and scandals rejoycingly , doth hurt nor violence to no man , escheweth all evil , and followeth hard after all good , with full purpose of heart , and endeavours of life ; serving the Lord , constantly , frequently , circumspectly , obediently , willingly , chearfully , rejoycingly and preseveringly ; hath peace with all men , loveth all men , with brotherly kindness , and doth all good possible to all men , especially unto those that are of the household of Faith .

177. He that hath the Spirit of the Lord , he is faithful and valiant for the Lord , fighting his battels , couragiously , cheerfully , gladly , rejoycingly and preseveringly unto his lives end , he doth not his work negligently , nor slothfully , but diligently and willingly ; for his work is his delight , his meat and drink , yea his Heaven on Earth , is , to do his Lords will on Earth as it is done in Heaven , he desireth no other wages for his work , than his work , he would continually do his work , for his works sake , for his yoak is easie to him , and his burthen light .

178. He that hath the Spirit of the Lord abiding in him , he is no tale-bearer , tatler , or busie body ; he medleth not in other mens matters , condemneth no man , hateth no man , wrongeth no man , doth violence to no man , speaketh evil of no man , thinketh evil of no man , but always worst of himself .

179. He that dwelleth with God's Spirit dwelleth quietly , and peaceably , because all things are to him all alike , for he knoweth that all things come from God , his God ; that his Providence ordereth all things , and therefore he knoweth that all things shall always work altogether for his good , yea his very sins , which God hateth , and only hateth , and which he himself hateth above all things , and more than all things ; yet these are not for his worse , but for his better , and for the increase of his joy , comfort and rejoycing , in the Lord , who bringeth him out of darkness into light , and turneth his evil into good ; for God is now become his God and his Father , and loveth him as his Son , and therefore will not see his iniquities , nor transgressions , but passeth by all his sins , looking on him not as a pardoned sinner , but as a son that never sinned , God seeth his best , but will not see his worst , his good but not his evil , his love to him and for him , but not his hatred against him : God so delighteth in him , that all that he doth , and doth not , delighteth him ; because he knoweth the thoughts of his heart , and desires of his Soul towards him , and for him ; therefore he esteemeth , taketh and accepteth , of what he would do , as if he did what he should do .

180. He that hath the Spirit of God in him , is made holy , he sinneth no more , he is sanctified throughout , in Spirit , Soul and Body , his Heart , Will and Affections serve the Lord , always ; though with his flesh he serves the Law of sin , yet with his mind he serves the Law of God ; he hateth all the evil which he doth , and loveth all the good which he doth not ; so as sin , yea all sin is become unto him so exceeding sinfull , as he would not sin , either in thought , word or deed , to have grace abound in him , no nor glory neither ; it is no longer therefore he that sinneth , but sin that dwelleth in him , for he hateth all sin with a perfect hatred , and he so loveth holiness and righteousness , as he longeth after it , he seeketh for it as for silver , and searcheth for it as for hid treasures , it is become his whole and only end and aim , he hath no other ambition , he coveteth nothing else , he desireth much grace , that he may give God much glory , daily grace , that he may give him daily glory , continually grace , that he may give him continually glory .

181. He that hath this Spirit of God in him is led in the ways of all truth and holiness , which is everlasting life and happiness ; and he hath overcome the World , and that wicked one , he is departed from all iniquity , in thought , word and deed ; he hath crucified the world , with all its lusts and affections , and the world is crucified unto him , he seeketh no longer to please the flesh by satisfying the lusts and affections thereof ; he serveth not God , for the loaves only , but he seeketh more after Heaven for God , than God for Heaven , for to honour , obey , please and serve him , is Heaven to him .

182. This Spirit helpeth his infirmities , teacheth him heavenly Wisdom , so as to know what the mind and will of God is , and to discern the great mysteries of his Salvation , and to know God in the Spirit .

183. This Spirit assureth him of his Eternal Election , being the Divine and Eternal purpose of God : by Jesus Christ we have an access by one Spirit unto the Father .

184. This Spirit witnesseth unto him that hath it , his effectual Calling , his Adoption , Justification , Sanctification and Glorification ; and makes him to cry Abba , Father , and to come boldly unto his glorious Throne of grace , and gracious Throne of glory ; and to say with Thomas , my Lord , and my God ; and with Paul , I know whom I have believed , and whom I love , and therefore saith boldly as Peter ; Lord thou knowest that I love thee .

185. This spirit of God leads him by the hand and directs him how he shall walk , and tells him what he shall do , and suffers him not to go aside , either to the right hand , or to the left , of honours , riches or pleasures ; it makes him to esteem all these things below , as earthly , low things , even as nothing , for the whole world is much too little for him , is not enough to satisfie , please or content him , for he looks on its all , even as nothing at all , as dirt , dung and dross , he is content in all Estates and Conditions ; for he knows both how to want and how to abound , and with St. Paul to say , as sorrowfull , yet always rejoycing , as poor , yet making many rich , as having nothing , yet possessing all things ; for Christ is his exceeding gain , his Heavenly riches , his true treasure , he hath now learnt to know Christ , and him Crucified , and therefore rejoyceth only in the Cross of Christ , and saith , I have none in Heaven but thee , nor in all the earth in comparison of thee , Christ is now only his all , and his all to him to live is Christ , he mindeth none but Christ , nor nothing but Christ , and what he hath done for him ; he so loveth and delighteth in him , as he is become all his talk all day long , and his meditations and songs in the night , if he sleeps ; yet he talks with him , so that sleeping as well as waking , he desires to have him in his thoughts , and never to have his thoughts off from him , and his sleep he accounts not sweet , if he have had no Conversation with him by Communication ; and as soon as he is awake , he is before his eyes , and he presently recollects , and recounts his mercies , and delighteth in that he oweth him more and more : for though he oweth him so much , yet he longs to owe him as much more , and though he cannot pay him any thing , yet he is not ashamed every moment to ask him all things , and nothing less than all things , which is himself , will content him , and though he have his word and promise for it , yet he will have his seal also , and when he hath both sign and seal , yet he must have it daily , yea hourly , yea as it were every moment if he could ; and though he accounts that he hath nothing so sure , yet he would always have him assure him of it , not that he doubts at all of his word or promise , but that he might always bear in mind this his sweet and gratious promise , to sweeten all other sowers of afflictions and temptations , and to imbitter all other worldly and fleshly sweets ; he is so wedded unto him , as he is never at rest nor ease , if he do not always behold him , if he do not always smile upon him , if he do not still speak peace unto him , if he do not in all places cause the light of his blessed Countenance to shine upon him , he is so in love with him , and so loveth him , as if he could , he would willingly think of no other , speak of no other , nor act for no other , he would most willingly spend his all ; and be all spent for him , and follow him wheresoever he goeth , though it were to be banisht , imprisoned , and made the poorest , vilest , and contemptiblest of men , yea though it should bring sickness , and death ; he is much grieved for that he hath so little to lose for him , he accounts his life and all not any thing at all , not worth the offering unto such a God as he is ; that hath done so much as he hath done for him ; Ah when he afresh considers hereof , how afresh doth his grief and sorrow begin , and most because he cannot grieve and sorrow as he would ; he is so wounded afresh , with his new old love , or his old new love , as now he finds nothing lovely in himself , to witness his love unto him : he cannot do for him the half that he would do , and Ah how is he troubled that he doth , and is able to do so little for him that he loveth so much ; Ah how willing is he , and how willingly would he do his whole and holy will here on earth , as it is done in Heaven , and would be as willingly Sanctified as Glorified , this his imperfection causeth him to long for perfection , and this his holiness in part to long to be dissolved , to enjoy for ever perfect holiness ; but though he be thus tossed on the restless waves of tentation , tryal and affliction , this spirit of God that dwelleth and abideth in him , assureth him , that all these things are tokens of Gods love , and come from him in love , and therefore he is content , for that he knows that his Lord and Master Christ Jesus is touched with the feeling of his infirmities , and was in all points like unto him , yet without sin .

186. This spirit comforts him when he is comfortless , and binds up his broken heart , heals his wounded heart , visits his sick heart , gives feeling to his senceless heart , life to his dead heart , faith to his doubting heart , hope to his despairing heart , speaks peace to his disconsolated and afflicted heart , and gives understanding , sence , memory , and reason unto his distracted heart .

187. He that hath this spirit , he is grieved to see Christ dishonoured by any , and to see him blasphemed and evill spoken of , is to throw durt and dung in his face ; mens dishonest and filthy lives and conversation , make his soul to melt , his heart to quake , his ears to tingle , and to gnash his teeth for grief , he goeth mourning all the day long , and lamenteth with a most b●tt●r lamentation , to hear the mockings of God and his Word , because this is to Crucifie his Jesus afresh , and to put him again to open shame .

188. For he that hath this spirit rejoyceth to hear the name of God , and of Christ magnified , and praised , to hear him well spoken of , causeth his heart to leap within him , as the Babe did in Elizabeths Womb , for he loves those that love him , and honours those that honour him , and such only he accounteth his Father and Mother , his Brothers and Sisters , that do the will of God his Father , which is in Heaven ; for he esteemeth only the true Christian to be wise , and rich and honourable , though otherwise he be poor and vile , and contemptible in the eyes and esteem of men ; his very heart and soul cleaves unto these as the heart of Jonathan did unto David , for ,

189. He that hath this spirit of God dwelling in him , dwelleth in love ; and God , the God of love in him : he loves the souls of all men as his own soul , whether they be relations or strangers , he prays for them in secret , and exhorts them in publick , yea he weeps bitterly for all such as are not yet brought home to Christ , but especially for such as he seeth are dead in their sins , as have eyes but see not , ears but hear not , feet but walk not , hands but handle not , mouths but tast not ; for all such as walk after the flesh , and do the works of the flesh : for with his will he would that none did go to Hell , and that the Kingdom of Satan were not so populous , and that he had not so many faithful Servants , which are so faithless to Jesus Christ , and to their own poor souls ; he would that all would believe and receive Christ , that they might be all saved , because he knoweth that many are interessed in every souls Salvation , both in Heaven and on Earth .

190. This spirit opens Heavens Gates , and leads the soul into the Inner Courts , and carries him up into the Brides Chamber , and feasts him in his Banquettjng house , and fills and solaces his heart , not with the delicacies of Egypt , nor with the Milk and Hony of Canaan ; but with those sweet , rich , delitious and pretious , most pretious delicacies that are in that Heavenly Jerusalem , the City of the living God , where the spirit of all just men are made perfect , they are fed continually with that rich dish of assurance , and have the fore-tasts of those Eternal joys , which is that blessed rest prepared for the people of God .

191. And thus this spirit causeth those in whom it dwelleth , to rejoyce evermore , and again I say to rejoyce , for can any man in whom this Spirit dwelleth , who is the Sanctifier , and the Comforter , and sent us from Heaven by our blessed Saviour ; ( be afflicted ) can any mourn whilst the Bridegroom is with them ? Ah no , surely no , for he comes with healing in his wings , he bringeth , Ah he bringeth the glad tydings of peace and salvation to all Souls where it cometh to abide , and thus are all the Sons of God led by his Spirit , comforted by his Spirit , ravisht with his Spirit , taught by his Spirit , feasted by his Spirit , brought home unto him by his Spirit , and made one with him by his Spirit , for we have all access unto the Father through the same Spirit ; let this then teach us all that are acquainted with the work of this Spirit , not to quench its motions , not to afflict or grieve this holy Spirit of Blessedness but be always ready and willing to receive him , and entertain him , for if we delight in him , and to abide with him , he will delight in us , and delight to abide in us , for he will not break the bruised reed , nor quench the smoking flax , but wheresoever there is the true sincere and unfeigned desires of grace , he will give grace according to these desires , for he will never leave us comfortless , but will come unto us , and where he hath begun his work , he will as assuredly finish it , he will never leave nor forsake us , if we do not leave nor forsake him , but will make our weak and imperfect grace , strong and perfect glory , for he knoweth all our desires , and the thoughts and imaginations of our hearts are not hid from him , but are always open and naked before him , and he delighted most to feed us , when we are most thirsty , and to cloath us most richly , when we are naked , and to give us the greatest treasure when we are poorest , and to visit us when we are most sick for his absence , and to comfort us when we are most disconsolated and afflicted , and when we cast our selves down , then doth he delight to raise us up to the highest , and when we think our selves worst , then doth he esteem us at the best , and after our mourning , causeth us to rejoyce , and wipes away all tears from our eyes .

192. Thus is this Spirit unto us all things , who bringeth us much more joy , than we are able to ask , than we are able to think , it convinceth our hearts of Sin , of Righteousness , and of Judgment .

193. This Spirit giveth wisdome to the simple , and teacheth the ignorant knowledg , and causeth him to understand ; so as Babes and Sucklings shew forth his mighty praises , for he revealeth unto them , what he hideth from the wise and mighty men of the earth , and maketh appear plain that their wisdom is but meer foolishness , their strength , weakness , and their honours , but as a leaf which the wind driveth to and fro : as he was made of nothing , so in a moment he turns to nothing , their breath goeth forth , they return to the earth , in that very day his thoughts perish , he is as the grass of the earth , and as the flower of the field , which to day is , and to morrow is not , he is so perishable as he can be compared to nothing , but to nothing .

194. This Spirit sheweth us , that those things which we see not , and cannot see , be unto us , as if they were ; and those things which we see , are , as if they were not , because we value them not , but as Pilgrims and strangers , we seek a Country , an habitation not made with hands , Eternal in the Heavens .

195. This Spirit openeth unto our sence , reason , and understanding , that which no man can shut , and shutteth that which no man can open ; this Spirit declareth unto us , what the mind and will of God is for our good : and worketh in us a holy conformity in all our minds , wills and affections , to be carefully studious , and studiously careful , to walk in all well pleasing before him , it maketh us to press forward to comprehend , that for which we are also comprehended of Christ Jesus our Lord ; it worketh in us a fear that increaseth our love , and such love as casteth out all fear , it maketh us to do , all that we do ( for him ) and not for our selves , loving him much more for himself , than for our own selves ; and more for his glory than for our own glory ; if such long to be with him , it is to do him more , and better service ; for here we can know but in part , and do but in part , but there we shall know him as he is to be known , and do for him all things , which were fore-ordained and appointed by him , before that we were , and that is , to possess him wholly , and holy as he is , that is , as much as is possible for us Creatures .

196. This Spirit warmeth our hearts so with his divine Love , and maketh us partakers of his divine nature , that daily we grow more and more conformable , and like unto him , and to comprehend , and know , more and more , what is the length , the breadth , the height of the depth of his love , to his Children and Servants , and to be such , as eye hath not seen , ear hath not heard , neither hath it entred into the heart of any man to conceive rightly , the things that God hath prepared for those that love him .

197. The Spirit causeth them , where it dwelleth , to feel what they cannot comprehend , nor express ; and it so filleth their hearts with such joy in believing , that there is no joy like unto it ; this is that true bread of life , that feedeth them unto eternal life , this is that true water of life , that causeth us never more to thirst , with fear or doubtings ; this is that Rock flowing with hony , that reviveth the fainting Spirits of every true Jonathan that tasts it with the mouth of Faith , yea this is that Heavenly Mannah , and bread of Angels , and Saints , on which they feed and are satisfied in Heaven ; these are the Royal Robes , which Jesus Christ our Bridegroom arrayeth us with , even his own Righteousness , and true holiness : this filleth our lamps , with that burning oyl of assurance , that we shall be admitted unto that marriage Feast , and Supper of the Lamb ; this gives them all to know that their names are written in the Book of life , and that their lives are hid with Christ in God . So that when he shall appear at his second and sudden coming , they shall also appear with him in glory ; this causeth them to hear his most sweet , and blessed voice , Come ye blessed of my Father , inherit the Kingdom prepared for you , before the foundation of the World was laid ; this assureth them that God is , and will be their Portion for ever ; this causeth them to know , that they shall all sit down with Abraham , Isaac , and Jacob ; and that God will not be ashamed , to be called their God , and to own them for his own , even for his Sons and Daughters in Jesus Christ ; this is that new name , which they all know that have it , and this is that which fills them with true love to adore all his Attributes of Justice , as well as of mercy ; and for that there is a Hell for the wicked , as a Heaven for the righteous ; for their greatest joy , and glory is , for that he is , what he is , and for that he doth what he doth ; for all things that please him please them , his honour is their honour , and his glory their glory , and therefore they delight to bless , and praise , and laud , and extol , and magnifie his holy name , and this causeth them so earnestly to beseech , and beg , and pray Souls to come to Christ , and to wash and bath themselves in this fountain of his blood , which is always open for sin , and for uncleanness ; this maketh them to prize it above all works , knowing that it is the work of the Lord , and that in it he is well pleased , and that many are losers in the loss of a Soul , and that great is the joy in Heaven at the conversion of a sinner ; this makes them to feel what they speak , and to speak what they feel ; this makes them so willing to spend and to be spent , and to follow the Lamb of righteousness wheresoever he goeth , and to go and do , and suffer quietly , willingly , joyfully , chearfully and patiently , all that is commanded them : always saying , O Lord , send me ; and as Samuel , speak Lord , for thy Servant heareth ; and with David , My heart is ready , and with Paul , Lord what wilt thou have me to do , take all my worldly , and fleshly honours , pleasures and delights , make me if thou wilt , as poor , and as contemptible , as thou thy self wast when thou wert here on earth , I am content ; what thou wilt and only what thou wilt , and all that thou wilt , O Lord , is the desires , covetings , longings , and ambition of my heart , and Soul , for I have , nor would have no other will , than thy will , and to do thy holy , whole and blessed will here on earth as it is done in Heaven ; for this , O Lord , thou knowest is the Heaven that my Soul desireth to have on earth : I shall rejoyce to be banisht , to be trampled on , to be a gazing , and a mocking stock , to be derided and scoffed at ; any thing , Lord , let me be , and suffer , in spirit , soul , and body , so I may but bring home poor Souls , that they may not go unto that place of torment , but be received by thee into thy mansion of glory , to sing for ever Halleluiahs , of praise , honour , and glory , unto thy most holy and most glorious name , with all that numberless number of Angels and Saints , and with the Spirits of just men made perfect ; Ah who would not lose a member of his own body , yea though it were all his members , as the blessed Martyrs did , to make up a member of Christs body ? for who would not have his Kingdom increase , and Satans decrease ? who would not fight for Christ against all his Enemies , and adversaries , knowing that they are already conquered and made his foot-stool ? who would not labour to undeceive poor silly Souls , that go on so fast , and run so swift in the ways of Eternal destruction , and whose feet make hast to death , and who drink up iniquity as it were water , and rush into all evil , as the horse rusheth into the battle , and that rise early , and go to bed late , that they may yet sin the more , and notwithstanding they commit not half the evil that they would , they are thus ensnared to their own hurt ; Ah who would not labour to free such poor creatures , as are slaves , and drudges , and serve such a Master as gives such wages , as is Hell , death and destruction , eternally , both for body and soul ! Ah who is not an Orator fit enough , to set forth the ugliness and filthiness of sin , which thus defileth the heart , in which God so much delighteth , and desireth to dwell ; and which depraves them of his most blessed and most glorious Image , and makes them the Image of the Devil ; instead of being a member of Christ , it makes them a member of Satan ; instead of being a Child of God and an Heir of Heaven , yea Co-heir with Jesus Christ , it makes them a Child of Wrath , an Heir of Hell , and Co-heir with the Devil and his Angels , of Gods eternal and unplacable wrath and vengeance , which shall ever burn them , but never consume them ; for God himself will laugh at their great calamity , and mock when their fear cometh ! Ah who would not rejoyce to do such a work , as to hinder poor Souls from having such a portion as this , and bring them home to Jesus Christ , who is the great Doctor , who will give them this his Holy Spirit to teach them , lead them , direct them , and instruct them , in those things which belong to their eternal peace and Salvation , which is in all truth , and holiness .

198. Thus are all those in whom this Spirit of God dwelleth , made partakers of his own holy , and divine nature , to love the brethren , even with this true , sincere , and free love , that they may for ever and ever enjoy that true and free Love of God , which shall make them for ever free , from all miseries and pains , and of all pleasures and joys , enjoying him , who enjoyeth all things in himself , from himself , with whom is all joy , unspeakable joy , fulness of joy , and at whose right hand are pleasures for evermore .

199. Thus blessed , and for ever blessed are all those , that have this blessed Spirit of God for their Portion on Earth , which shall lead them as the Sons of God , unto God their Father and their Portion in Heaven , who is the Portion , the Father and the everlasting Rest of all the blessed .

200. Ah blessed condition , to be thus blessed by the Spirit of God , yea by the God of all Spirits ; having hearts so full of true love and charity , as to long , labour , and desire , to have all others thus blessed with themselves , and as themselves ; that are so full of the Love of God , as to love all others as they love themselves , and would have all beloved by him ! Ah holy Father , increase this thy love in the hearts of all thy Children and Servants here on earth , that we may together go hand in hand , witnessing that the love wherewith we love one another is from thy Love , and that we live in thee and thou in us , who art all Love , even the God of Love , and that it is from thy Love , and the living of thy holy and blessed Spirit in us , that we thus love , or love thus .

201. Ah Lord God , for thine own great , glorious and holy names sake , take not this thy Holy Spirit the Comforter from me , but let it ever abide and dwell in me , that I may always go forth before thee rejoycing , as the Bride rejoyceth in her Bridegroom : for thou , O Lord , knowest my many weaknesses and imperfections , and that I cannot do any thing well pleasing unto thee , without the assistance of this thy Holy Spirit , for that my heart is all evil , only evil , and continually evil ; leave me therefore , O Lord , this thine holy and blessed Spirit the Sanctifier , and the Comforter that I may be ever led in the ways of all truth and holyness , which may conduct me unto thy dwelling place , which is all peace , rest , holiness , blessedness , and eternal life , and happyness .

202. Here followeth a short Admonition , Exhortation , or advice , unto all careless sinners , that prize not this life or living of Gods holy Spirit in them ; that they would no longer quench its motions , but come out of their sins , and taste and see how gracious the Lord is .

203. Ah poor , most poor , and most miserable man , for thou , thou only art truly miserably poor that art Christless , though thou aboundest in Corn , Wine , and Oyl , though thou farest delicately every day , and art arraied with Purple , Scarlet and fine linnen , though thou feedest on the delicacies of Egypt , and enjoyest all this Worlds good ; the honours , riches , and pleasures thereof , though thou lyest on the beds of Ivory , and hast thy Palaces bedeckt with the Gold of Ophir , and the precious Pearls and Diamonds of the Orient ; though Princes should be thy Servants , and Kings Daughters thy Maidens , yet remember for all this , thou shalt dye , and come to Judgment , thine honour and thy riches shall not save thee , but in the day of thy distress they shall take themselves wings and fly away from thee , miserable comforters are all such comforts ! Ah put not , put not thy trust then on such things as in a moment , ere thou art aware , shall be taken from thee , or thou from them .

204. Awake , awake , from the dead thou careless man , why sleepest thou ? arise and Christ shall give thee light and life ; why , Ah why wilt thou be so obstinate , as thus wittingly , knowingly , and wilfully , to neglect so great Salvation , and be thus idle all the day long ? dost thou not know that the night is coming wherein no man shall work , and the day when thou shalt say , thou hast no pleasure in them ! Remember , Ah remember , thou that sleepest in security , that drinkest in iniquity as water , and vanity as with cart-ropes , that sayest to thy Soul eat , drink , and take thy fill of pleasures , and to morrow shall be as this day ! Ah thou fool , when wilt thou be wise , may not thy Soul this night be taken from thee , whose then shall those things be ? and what , Ah what shall become of all those thy vain pleasures and delights , thou canst not carry any of them with thee , but as thou camest into the World naked , so thou shalt naked return ; from earth thou cam'st , and to earth thou shalt again return ; thine honour shall not go down into the Pit with thee , nor thy mony neither .

205. Deceive not then , Ah deceive not then thy self any longer , with those vain things , which are not , that is , they are not , what they seem to be , what they promise to be , nor what we take them to be ! Serve no longer , Ah be thou perswaded to serve no longer , Devils lusts , Worlds lusts , or self lusts ; but serve , Ah serve the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth , with full purpose of heart , and endeavours of life , that he may be still , and still , unto thee , thy God , and thy guide , thy Sun , and thy Shield , thy peace , and thy portion , in the land of the living . Neglect , Ah neglect no longer , nor put off no longer , so sweet , so certain , and so great Salvation , as those that are with God enjoy .

206. Cast not , Ah cast not his holy and divine Commandments behind thy back any more , and trample not his precepts under thy feet , and turn not his grace of love and mercy into wantonness ; Quench not , Ah quench not the motions of his holy spirit , by which thou art sealed unto the day of redemption , but open quickly , yea set quickly wide open the door of thy heart , and let him in , lest he depart from thee , and swear in his wrath , that thou shalt never enter into his rest , and say unto thee as he did unto Jerusalem , seeing that thou wouldst not be gathered unto me , all my mercies shall be for ever hid from thine eyes : and seeing that he would not that I should reign over him , come slay him before me ; Ah who then , who then shall be able to deliver thee from the wrath of the Lamb , who is the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah , he will tear , he will tear thee in pieces in his anger , and break thee even as a Potters Vessel is broken ; for none shall be able to deliver thee out of his hands , nay all shall be against thee , good and bad , Angels , Saints , and sinners ; vea thine own self , shall have indignation against thy self , thine own eyes shall look evilly on thee , thine own hands shall tear thee in pieces , thine own , thine own feet shall carry thee to the place of execution , thine own , thine own Conscience , shall accuse and condemn thee , and justifie Gods Righteous dealing towards thee , thus , thus , shalt thou be there forsaken of all , if thou dost here forsake God , and refuse to be led , guided , and directed by his holy Spirit , who is only able to keep thee safe from all evil , and to do thee all , all good .

207. O man , man , Reader , whoever thou art , I pray thee , I pray thee as the Prophet did , and say unto thee in his words , O earth , earth , earth , return , return unto the Lord thy God , and thou shalt find mercy , his hand is not shortned , his ear is not dull of hearing , he is the same , yesterday , to day , and for ever , it is thy sins , thy sins , and only thy sins , that separate between thee and thy God ; leave , Ah leave then but thy sins , and return unto the Lord , and thou shalt find mercy , and to our God , who is full of Compassion . Ah tast , tast , and see how good the Lord is , and how gracious he will be unto thee , if thou wilt leave and forsake thy filthy , filthy sins : though thou hast played the Prodigal , and spent the stock of his Grace on Harlots and Strangers , in a far Country : yet , Ah yet if thou wilt but return ; whilst he seeth thee yet afar off , he will run towards thee to meet thee , and fall on thy neck and kiss thee , and kill for thee the fatted Calf , and array thee with the best white Robes , even with the Royal and most glorious Robes of his own , only , natural Son , and thine Eldest Brother , Christ Jesus , he will delight in thee , yea set his heart upon thee to do thee good , and bring thee home to himself , and give thee himself for thy Portion , and make thee his own inheritance for ever .

208. But I am perswaded , that thou art fully perswaded , that there is not so much sweetness in Jesus Christ as in the World , nor his paths are not so pleasant and delightful as the ways of sin , and therefore thou makest the World thy God , and thy Christ , and lovest it as thou should'st love God and Christ , well , the world , and sin , and its good and pleasures thou knowest well ; I desire only this one thing of thee , that thou would'st labour to know Christ as well as thou knowest the world and sin , serve him as many years as thou hast served them , and if thou dost not find more sweet , more beauty , more pleasantness , more delight , more profit , more advantage and more honour than in the world , and sin , return then to thine old Masters again , and serve them ; but I promise and assure thee , and will freely pawn thee my soul for surety , that thou shalt gain more by serving Christ one year , if that thou dost it as thou oughtest , than by serving the world and sin all the days of thy lif 〈…〉 and if thou dost repent of thy bargain , I will confess that I do deserve thy curses , and not thy prayers ; thou shalt find , thou shalt find that his ways are not strowed with Thorns and Thistles , as thou supposest , but with Odoriferous Roses , and sweet perfumes , as thou supposest not ; keep , Ah keep faithfully thy Covenant with God , and he will give thee much more than thou art able to ask , than thou art able to think .

209. Consider the service thou shalt do for God , thou shalt by thy life ( if Godly ) perhaps bring home many to him , for thy Companions heretofore in sin , will have more regard to thee , than unto others of the Godly , and will now conclude , that surely , Gods ways are the most pleasant and delightsome , seeing thou preferrest them , and choosest , and esteemest , and praisest them above and more , and beyond all the wayes of sin ; and this may cause them ( perhaps ) to make a tryal , which if they do , there is hopes , for God will not be wanting on his part , to shew them mercy , if they desire it , and seek it faithfully , with all their hearts .

210. If thou wilt then witness thy living , and being risen with Christ , seek the things that are above , where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God , set your affections on things above , not on things on the earth , let your hearts be where your treasure is , for ye are dead , and your life is hid with Christ in God ; put off , Ah put off the old man with all his deeds , and put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge , and after the Image of him that Created him , and as the Elect of God , put on bowels of mercies , kindness , humbleness of mind , meekness , longsuffering , forbearing one another , and forgiving one another , if any man hath a quarrel against any , even as Christ forgave you , so also do ye , and above all these things put on Charity , which is the bond of perfectness , and let the peace of God rule in your hearts , to the which also ye are called in one body , and be ye thankful , let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly , in all wisdom , teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms , and Hymns , and spiritual Songs , singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord , and whatsoever ye do in word and deed , do all in the name of the Lord Jesus , giving thanks to God and the Father by him : so then when Christ who is our life shall appear , then shall ye also appear with him in glory .

211. These are , and I trust through Gods free grace in Jesus Christ , shall ever be the longings and desires of the soul of my soul , and the heart of my heart , for all you that shall read it , and for all the Israel of our God ; and I hope , and shall pray the Lord , in the infiniteness of his goodness to supply all my defects with the teachings and comforts of his own spirit , who is the only teacher , guider , leader and Comforter ; Ah seek him then whil'st he may be found , and God I hope will give him thee .

212. Now the peace of God which passeth all understanding , keep your hearts and minds in the knowledg and love of God , and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord , and the blessing of God Almighty , the Father , the Son and the Holy Ghost , be with you , and dwell in your hearts abundantly , to the praise and glory of his holy name , the good of others , and the comfort of your own Souls ; Now henceforth and for ever more , Amen .

213. I had much rather be the poorest in the World , even a Job , or a Lazarus , O Lord , for thy sake , than the richest of the World , yea than to have all the World for my own sake .

214. For I have all that I would have , when I have all that thou , O Lord , my God , wilt have me to have .

215. I esteem all even as nothing at all , if it come not , O Lord , from thee ( all . )

216. Alas , alas , what and how much nothing is this Worlds all , if we have not Christs all , that is all Christ .

217. Let me then , O my sweet Jesus , have all that thou hast , and I will not care whether I have any thing at all , of all that the World hath .

218. He that hath Christ for his Christ , is heir of all things , and sure of all things , but he that hath him not , is heir of nothing , but what is worth nothing , and can be fitly compared to nothing , but to nothing , and therefore all that he is sure of , is surely nothing , but a very nothing .

219. For what man hath to day , to morrow flies away .

220. Ah Lord , my Lord , give me I most humbly beseech thee , that which will endure for ever , and not that which perisheth ever .

221. That , O Lord , that , which cannot be destroyed , and not that , O Lord , not that which will destroy me , unless it be destroyed by thee .

222. Give me first , O Lord , give me first , a heart according to thine own heart , and then I am sure I shall use the World , not as I would , but as thou wilt .

223. Were I as certain to go to Hell , ( which God forbid ) as I am certain ( through the merits of Jesus Christ ) to go to Heaven , I would whil'st I should be on earth , walk in the ways to Heaven , and never go out of them , till God had cast me into Hell .

224. O Lord , that knowest all things , thou knowest , O Lord God , thou knowest , how I love thy Laws , and how I delight to walk in thy ways ; and to keep thy Commandments with my whole heart faithfully , thou knowest , O Lord , is all the delight and joy of my heart , yea my hearts only joy and delight .

225. Blessed be God , though I have many years tasted , fed on , and lived in the pleasures of sin , and but few years in the sweet delights and pleasures of grace , yet I am well content , and willing to lose , to cast off , and utterly , and for ever to forsake all sins sweets , for graces bitter , all sins robes , for graces raggs , and all sins pleasures and honours for Christs dishonour , for I am now henceforth resolved to be Christs Servant ever , and sins never . Ah never , never .

226. Blessings are in the Prov. 30. 6. Add thou not unto his words , lest he reprove thee , and thou be found a lyar . mouth , and they proceed from the heart of him that feareth the Lord .

227. But curses come from him that knoweth him not .

228. He that is wise in his own conceit is a Fool.

229. The Righteous man blesseth , and is never weary of so doing , but the wicked curseth , and is always empty as Hell .

230. Shame shall fall on him that wisheth mischief to his Neighbour without a cause .

231. But glory and honour shall be the portion of him that loveth him .

232. If thine Enemy sin , rebuke him , but let not thy countenance go along with him .

233. He that feareth the Lord , no evil shall befall him , for he is kept safe .

234. Wisdome , glory , and honour is the portion of him that waiteth at his Gates .

235. Behold him that loveth the Lord , and thou shalt see all his works to prosper .

236. Regard not the evil of affliction on him that submitteth himself thereunto , for it shall prove the joy of his heart .

237. Gladness is always i● the heart of him that loveth Righteousness , because he feareth always .

238. As hony is to the tast , so is holiness to him that loveth Righteousness

239. Dwell in peace , and Gods love shall abide with thee .

240. Be watchful over all thy ways , so shall all thy doings prosper .

241. Glad the heart of the Mourner , and thou shalt anoynt him with sweet Oyl .

242. Rejoyce thou in the day of affliction , and let thy heart be merry , for the Lord hath heard thy vows .

243. Give thy self up to learn his Wisdome , and refuse not his teachings when they come upon thee .

244. Bind them upon thy shoulders , lean upon them with thy whole might , and they shall support thee .

245. Grieve not the spirit of thy God , who delighteth in thee .

246. Give thy heart to know him , so shalt thou be filled with his praises .

247. Learn his ways , and go not out of his paths , for he delighteth to delight thee .

248. Ah love him with thy whole heart and mind , that all thy days may be the days of joy and gladness .

249. Where ever the Lord is , there is bountifulness and peace that passeth all understanding .

250. Lean upon him , and he shall support thee , give up all thine all , that is thy care unto him , and he shall provide for thee things that shall never fail .

251. He that hath him , hath life , and shall never see death .

252. Wilt thou be merry , give him thine heart , let him direct it , and follow him wheresoever he leadeth thee .

253. His ways are ways of pleasure , and his paths bring home to live with himself .

254. Joy is in his Gates , and no mourners come nigh him .

255. He filleth the empty , he watereth the dry and thirsty ground , there is no want where he reigneth .

256. Rejoyce then in the day of thy trouble , and let thy heart be merry , for he heareth all thy groanings , and will compassionate thy bewailings .

257. Let him alone , strive not , for all thy doings without him are as the puff of a wind which is not seen .

258. He that submitteth to his ways , shall find his doings advantagious , for he knoweth of what we are made , and all things that come from him bring joy , where he is the giver .

259. His mercies are as the Sun , they dispel the Clouds of afflictions , and warm the heart with the fire of love .

260. He can do what he listeth , there is none can hold his strong arm , but all must bend when he commands .

261. Trust then in the Lord , who is thy strength , and in the holy one of Israel , who hath given himself to thee , and for thee , he will provide for thee , he will satisfie all the desires of thy soul , and cause thy heart mightily to rejoyce in his goodness , and to triumph in all , and over all things that come upon thee , for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it , and he will do it , according to the former promises of his holy Spirit made unto thee , in the day of thy straights and wants .

262. Praise thou the Lord , for great is his goodness towards thee , and his loving kindness hath no end .

263. This is thy Portion from the Almighty , Amen , Amen .

264. Praise his holy name , live for ever in his love , dwell in peace .

265. O Lord , I know that thou hearest not my Prayers for their worthiness , but they are worthy because thou hearest them .

266. I am not worthy for any worthiness that is in me , but for thy worthiness , O my Jesus , and my good God , that flows from thy exceeding bounty into me .

267. I know that thou dost not love me , O Lord , for any loveliness that is in me , or because I love thee , but I , love thee ; O my Lord , who art my God , because thou knowest me .

268. And because that thou dost love me now , I know that thou did'st love me ever , and therefore wilt love me ever , even unto the end , and yet I know well that there is , nor shall be no end of thy love , it is endless for ever , and for ever .

269. Thy love , O Lord , I know is like thy self , nay thy love is thy self , for thou art not only a loving God , but a God of love , and therefore thy love is as thy self , had never beginning , nor shall never have end .

270. Ah blessed love that is thus durable , and unchangable , and happy , yea thrice happy , he that is thus beloved , being sure to be beloved ever thus .

271. If a man or woman in the flesh , hath unspeakable joy , pleasure and delight , to be divorc'd from one which they hate , beyond , and more than any thing , and are instead thereof , marryed unto one which they dearly love , yea which they love more dearly than any thing in the flesh .

272. Ah what joyes , Ah what delights and ravishing pleasures shall they have , and have all they that shall be , and are divorc'd from their old Husbands ( sin ) whom they hate as the Devil , and fear , and fly from , as from Hell , and are marryed unto their new , new beloved Husband ( Christ Jesus ) whom they love above , and more than all things , as their lives , as their souls , yea as their Heaven ; for he is the life of their life , the soul of their soul , and the Heaven of their Heaven , being their soul and bodies Eternal Everlasting rest , peace , portion , happiness , felicity , and blessedness in Heaven : for ,

273. There are no joys like to spiritual joys , nor sorrow like to the spiritual mans sorrow , when he mourns under that intolerable burthen of sin , for a wounded Conscience who can bear ?

274. The unregenerate man cannot love sin , and hate grace , as the regenerate man loves grace and hates sin , for he hath the love of God in him , his Image of holiness and righteousness is renewed in him day by day , he loves all his gifts and graces with his own love , perfectly , and so he hates all and every sin in thought , word and deed , which is in sincerity .

275. The fleshly Voluptuous man cannot love the pleasures of the flesh , as the spiritual man prizeth , and loves , and delights , and rejoyceth in the pleasures of the spirit .

276. The Wicked cannot hate the Righteous , and the just , so much , as the just and the Righteous love the wicked , though they detest , abhor , and hate all their sins , for they know that a Saul to day , may be a Paul to morrow , &c. They cannot see the inside of any , nor know their hearts , therefore they judge none but themselves , knowing with what measure they mete , it shall be measured to them again , they also call to mind and remember what they were themselves in time past , how they lived after the flesh , and minded the things of the flesh , &c. And that where sin hath abounded , gra●● shall much more abound , that 't is by free grace that we are saved , Eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord , and we are all unprofitable servants , when we have done all .

277. Sin then is opposite , capital , and grand Enemy to holiness , as hatred is to love , as darkness is to light , as Hell is to Heaven , as the Devil is to God .

278. See then and consider how they are opposite , and take notice of their contrary workings , and in the end , how , and by what means it is , that the good destroys the evil , and is the Conquerour , and the greatest .

279. Sin is Eternal darkness and death , Holiness is Eternal light , and life ; sin shuts Heavens Gates , and sets wide open Hells ; Holiness shuts the Gates of Hell , a●d sets wide open those of Heaven ; sin wounds , holiness heals ; sin casts down to Hell , holiness raiseth up to Heaven , sin kills , holiness causeth to live , the sinner hates God , and all good , and most of all God , because he is good , and because he is God , yea because he is such a holy God as he is , and he would that he were not , that sin might be , and might be free ; but the Saint or Regenerate loves all good , and hates all evil , and loves most of all God , because he is God , a holy and a just God , all good , yea because he is such a God as he is , and as well for that he punisheth sin with Eternal death , as because he rewardeth holiness with Eternal life , after he hath given it with his free grace of his free will , sin shall be ever in Hell , as well as holiness for ever in Heaven , the sinner in Hell shall be despighted , because he lives to sin and cannot dye , nor fly from sin , and because that God lives and thus punisheth him ( with life ) and will not suffer death to have power over him , he sees death to fly from him , yea so far as it will never be nearer him than it is , so that he shall ever live thus ; the Saints rejoyce to live , because they live in God , and for God ; a Saint loves God , because he hath thus rewarded him , by making him to live such a life as this , that is to his praise , and because God was ever thus , and shall be thus ever , he knoweth he shall be ever so also , death is fled from him , and shall be never nearer him than it is , he knoweth he shall ever live thus , that is be thus ever with God , in God , and see him , and know him , as he is to be known and seen , which is to possess him for ever , and for ever .

280. Thus then holiness , and sin are Opposites , and Enemies , but holiness destroys sin , as light doth darkness ; this eternal darkness of sin , must vanish , when this eternal everlasting light of holiness doth appear , thus is it conquered and overcome , because holiness is from God , and sin from the Devil , holiness from the Creator , sin from the Creature , holiness had never beginning nor shall never have end ; sin had a beginning , and therefore not from the beginning ; the Devil then brought sin into the World , but God who is holiness , was so before time , before that ever the World , or the Devil was ; sin then is the lesser being from the Creature , the worser being from the Devil , holiness the greater , being from the Creator , the better being and proceeding from him that is all good , and giveth all good to all , to make them good all , yea all good as himself , for all the good that is in all the Creatures , in Heaven , and o● earth , is from his good , he filleth them all , but emptyeth not himself at all , he is still the same , still full , yea so full still , as he overfloweth still into them from his own fullness , and they though filled full , yet do they still receive from his fulness , without having in them any emptiness , being always full from the very beginning that they are with him , and yet are they continually receiving , as if they were as well emptyed , as filled ; thus doth our good , gracious , loving and merciful God satisfie us , and resatiate us every moment , giving us what we ask not , what we want not , what we know not , and though he doth thus increase his blessings by blessing us , yet doth he not suffer them to decrease in us when given us , but we retain all , hold fast all , keep all , rejoyce in all , and give him glory for all , which is what he only requires ; for this his continually giving of us all , even to give him continually for ever and ever , all glory , for his thus ever and for ever giving us all grace , perfect grace and glory , yea fulness of all perfect grace and glory .

281. As on Earth we delight to have much , so nothing more delights God than that we crave much , the more we ask , the more we are sure to have , and therefore doth he bid us to open our mouths wide , and then he promiseth to fill them , and the wider they are , the sooner they shall be filled ; his ways , nor his thoughts , are not as ours , he is never weary giving , nor repenteth , importunate beggars are best welcome , and those that are not satisfied with a little , he takes pleasure to give them much ; our dissatisfaction herein is his satisfaction ; our covetings cause his liberality , with our ambition to have all , and to be denyed nothing at all , he is right well pleased , and by thus exalting him as our chief and only good , doth he exalt us , and set us on such high mountains , that we can even see not only such glory as is the glory of this World , and the old Jerusalem , but that of his Kingdom of Grace here , and Glory hereafter , the New Jerusalem , the City of our God , where he is sitting on his Throne of Majesty and great Glory , unvailing himself as it were , that we may behold him , and his unapproachable , transcendent , bright , glorious light of Glory .

282. I would be willingly barren , even of all Spiritual comforts , if thereby I might be made more able to bear fruit , to God , and for God , I would have no comfort nor delight , if thereby as it were , I could and did more delight and comfort my God , that is , I would rather Joy God , than enjoy God , by knowing or feeling ; not that I could be content to know that I were without him , that he were not my God , God forbid ; but I prefer him much before my own chief good of Joy , his glory being my only , yea all my Glory .

283. I would rather yea much rather , do God's work here , and have no wages , than have wages here , and do no work .

284. I had rather , yea much rather , whilst here , be always working , than always receiving wages ; for this life of time , I know , is appointed for our working time , and our hereafter life of time , for our time of receiving wages .

285. I would whilst here , be willing to spend all my time , to do all good ; for I know , that all my hereafter time , shall be spent in receiving all good .

286. I would willingly , most willingly , work Gods work always while here , for that , Ah for that blessed wages , which I know I shall receive from him for ever hereafter , which is such , and so great , as eye hath not seen , ear hath not heard , neither hath it ever entred into the heart of man at any time to conceive : I know that I shall enter not only into the joy of my Lord , but also into the Lord of my joy .

287. It is wag●s great enough , and good enough to be always doing thy great good work , O Great God .

288. I would willingly , Ah most willingly , serve the Lord most , and best of all men , If I could , and yet I desire as much , and as willingly would , that every man might serve him more , and please him better .

289. Ah what delight is it to that soul , that delights his God , what joy doth it bring to that heart , that joyeth his God ( that is ) to rejoyce always in him , for God much delighteth in those , yea most of all , that make him their only delight .

290. Ah Lord , how unpleasant are all other pleasures , to those that flow from thee , how empty , Ah how empty is all other fulness , what poverty , Ah how beggarly a thing is all other riches , and how little , Ah how little joy doth that Soul take in all other things , that knoweth thee , and the Ocean of joy , yea fulness of joy and blessedness that is , O Lord , in thee , and prepared by thee to rejoyce them , that thus wait at thy gates , and are hungar-starved for want of it .

291. Who can , Ah who can measure the Heavens , span the Earth , empty the Sea , count the Stars , and the sands of the Sea-shore , ( if not ) who then ca● rightly speak of , or tell the mercies of our God , who delighteth in mercy , yea whose mercies are far above all these , and all other his works ?

292. How willingly , Ah how willingly would I forget my self , to mind only my God , and to do all his mind , to fulfill all his will , and to rejoyce in all his doings , I would love my self , my own self no more , but only my God , my God only and ever adore , I would willingly deny my self , that is my flesh , all pleasures , to please him , that hath rivers of pleasures provided to please , fill , and satisfie me with , even such as flow from his own right hand .

293. Ah Lord God , how much better is it to see thy sweet , thy blessed , and most amiable face in thine Ordinances , and in duties , than the face of the most gloriou● Angel in glory .

294. Yea Lord , yea , thy back parts here I much prefer to see and behold than all their faces .

295. Surely a day , yea one hour of a day is to be preferred ( of communion with thee ) before the enjoyment of all things out of thee , all our days .

296. For in thee , O Lord , in thee , is all things , but out of thee is nothing desirable .

297. All sweets but thine are bitter .

298. But , O Lord , how savoury , yea how pleasant and sweet , are thy bitter , when thou seasonest them with grace .

299. Thy Voyce rejoyceth , O Lord , more that Soul to whom it speaketh peace , than all the joyes of the World can to any man , if he did always and ever enjoy all their sweets , and never enjoy any of their bitter .

300. Above all things , and more than all things , my soul desireth thee , O Lord God , who art the Lord of all things .

301. Loving of God , is knowing of him ; fearing of him is adoring of him ; choosing him , shews a delight in him ; running after him , is prizing of him ; seeking of him , shews our longing desire for him ; to hunger and thirst for him , is embracing of him , with eager covetings ; to serve him is to honour him ; to rejoyce in him is to glorifie him ; to praise him is to magnifie him , and to worship him is to exalt him .

302. It is better and more profitable many times to be silent than to speak , for the eagerness of our desires to speak , takes away and hinders us from comprehending what we do hear , so as we consider not what is spoken ( so much ) as what we desire and would speak .

303. But , Ah how much better is it to hear the Spirit of God speak to our hearts , than the spirit of man to our ears , or our selves to our selves , to consult with the spirit , and to talk with the spirit , than with the flesh , either our own or others , though they have the Letter , yea and the spirit too .

304. For what we hear from God in the Spirit by meditation , is usually engraven and written as it were with the pen of a diamond , on and in the heart , by the finger of God ; but the words of men , are even as man , whose breath is in his nostrils , soon blown out , soon put out , emptyed , and brings forth nothing , comes to nothing ( being a part ) of that whole man ( nothing ) nothing man .

305. Ah Lord God , thou knowest how willingly I would be deaf , and not hear any of mans words , so I could , or were always to hear thee , and dumb to , and not able to speak to man , so I might , and were fit and able always to speak to thee , I would willingly be blind to all things , and see nothing of all the things out of thee , so I could always , Ah so I could alwayes see thee , I would willingly most willingly lose all things , to have all thee , or to be all thine , enjoy nothing at all , but thee O God in Christ , but thee , but thee , for enjoying thee I shall be compleat , and enjoy all things , for thou art all things desirable , yea thou only art all my desires , being all things .

306. The greatest work we can do for God , I conceive is , to destroy sin , and to endeavour to extinguish it , and root it out of the greatest sinners , is the greatest work , as it is the greater glory to God , speaking as men , to forgive many sins , and great ones , than few , and small ones , and when we are most tempted , or enticed , then to labour most to overcome them , in our selves , and in others ; Ah then , then , the work is great and well wrought , and be sure great shall be thy recompence of reward , if thou so livest , and actest , thine own heart is not able to conceive , be thou what thou wilt , how great thy wages shall be , even here .

307. But in Heaven we shall be filled with all joy , unspeakable joy , fulness of joy , and have no desire for any other , for any more , than those which we shall enjoy , and yet I conceive that every moment it shall increase , by and from the reflections on Gods most glorious and holy attributes , the Soul being not able to comprehend them all at once , and yet she shall never at any time desire more , nor conceive that more is or can be than she enjoyeth , we shall be always so full of all , being filled with God , who is all , and therefore we cannot be capable of emptiness , or of any want , and so by consequence of no desire , such is the Souls blessedness , but how much more , thou only , O God , who art not only wise , talk with the spirit , than with the flesh , either our own or others , though they have the Letter , yea and the spirit too .

307. But in Heaven we shall be filled with all joy , unspeakable joy , fulness of joy , and have no desire for any other , for any more , than those which we shall enjoy , and yet I conceive that every moment it shall increase , by and from the reflections on Gods most glorious and holy attributes , the Soul being not able to comprehend them all at once , and yet she shall never at any time desire more , nor conceive that more is or can be than she enjoyeth , we shall be always so full of all , being filled with God , who is all , and therefore we cannot be capable of emptiness , or of any want , and so by consequence of no desire , such is the Souls blessedness , but how much more , thou only , O God , who art not only wise , but Wisdom it self knowest , and none else doth , or can , being not able to comprehend thee , to receive thee , or to know thee , as thou truly art , being an invisible and incomprehensible Ocean , and Fountain of all good , blessedness , felicity , peace , rest , joy , eternity , and eternal happiness , thou only , O God , comprehendest all things , and hast all things in thy self , from thy self , thy self only , being all things , and yet both much more , and much above all things .

308. I would much rather think on nothing , than on any thing out of , or besides God .

309. To think on nothing me thinks are good thoughts , in comparison of any other thing , out of God , and besides God .

310. Ah how sweet are those sweets , not to think , that is , to resolve and intend never to tast more , of the bitter sweets of sin .

311. Ah how sweet a thing is it not to sin , though a man do else nothing , or nothing else , but to keep his thoughts from sin .

312. Sinful thoughts are harsh , and hard thoughts , and cannot be savoured or digested , but by those that live in sin , and sin in them .

313. Feed me , O Lord , feed me continually with the breathings of thy Holy spirit , which is the true bread and water of life , the heavenly Mannah which the Angels still feed on with joy and delight and are never weary , the blessed solace themselves with , but do not surfeit , the Saints here below continually hunger , thirst , gape , pant , and long after , and cannot with any other thing or things , subject , or object , be fully satisfied .

314. To fare delitiously every day , is to feed on , and fill our hearts , thoughts , and affections , with the Love and kindness , or the loving kindness , of God in Christ .

315. To be arrayed gorgeously , and gloriously , is to be arrayed , with humble and low thoughts of our selves , esteeming our own righteousness , unrighteousness , and our very best bad enough to condemn us into Hell for ever , but to have high heavenly thoughts of the righteousness and merits of Jesus Christ , and that through his holiness , worthiness , and perfect obedience , we shall be made perfectly holy , and eternally happy .

316. To be right Honourable , and truly Honoured , is to be Gods children and servants , sons and daughters to him who is King of kings , and Lord of lords .

317. To have all things , is to have Jesus Christ , for Jesus and for our Christ , get him ▪ Oh get him , and I am sure thou wilt hereunto set thy seal .

318. Wilt thou live happy ? live to him , and for him only .

319. Wilt thou dye willingly , dye first to sin .

220. Wilt thou live eternally ? live so then here as Christ thy head and thy husband lived when he was in the flesh , doing always the will of God , his heavenly Father .

321. Wilt thou always be comforted and rejoyce ? make thy peace with thy God , and labour to maintain it .

322. For fear , or favour , to gain , or lose , what thou hast , or mayest hope to have , have a special care , and resolve , that thou consent not unto , connive at , or love the least , or sweetest sin .

323. And if unhappily at any time thou dost fall , lie not , Ah beware thou lye not willingly in it , but rise quickly , and come out of it , by true , sincere , unfeigned repentance , and wash and bathe thy self in tears of sorrow , grief , and lamentation ; but still hope and trust in the Lord , for he will fail thee never .

In Bourdeaux , Anno 1657.

1. ALL they that live holily live in God , and God that is all holiness lives in them , they dwell in him , and he in them , as sin is Hell , is Devil , is both torment and tormentor , so holiness is Heaven , is God , is both Comfort , and Comforter .

2. All that is good , is from God who is all good , only good , ever was , and ever shall be , all goodness is from his goodness , yea from his overflowing fulness of goodness they are thus filled with all good .

3. And as light brings out of darkness , dispels it , vanquisheth and overcomes it ; so Gods Love which is holiness , delivers us from all sin , dispels , conquers and overcomes it , brings us , Ah brings us for ever out of this Hell ( sin ) into this ( Heaven holiness ) or Heavenly holiness .

4. Love from God is made perfect , that is sincere , and this Love casteth out and overcomes all fear , causeth true filial fear , which flows from true sincere Love , yea from this Love , which is from Gods fear , or the fear of God , which is his Love .

5. Ah Lord , I most humbly beseech thee in Jesus Christ , and for his sake , never to take thy holy spirit from me , who is my light , my life , my joy , my rejoycing , my strength , my hope , my faith , my confidence , and my assured assurance .

6. Thou teachest me , O Lord , all that I know , and thou knowest well that I desire to know nothing but that , and what thou wilt , and dost intend to teach me .

7. For to know any other thing , yea to know all other things , is even to know nothing , to this one thing , of knowing thee , and Jesus Christ , whom thou hast sent , to know him not only to be a Jesus and a Christ , but our Christ , and our Jesus in the Mystery , not in the History , in the spirit , not in the letter , not from notions , but from motions , living , walking , raigning , ruling , overcoming , bringing under , making subject , willingly , cheerfully , constantly , continually , throughly , seriously , faithfully , ardently , gladly , and perseveringly at all times , and in all places and things .

8. Ah how great a folly , yea what greater folly is there , than the wisdom of men , and to learn only that which man can teach .

9. What , Ah what are all his words , but meer words , froth , scum , a scummy froth that is as soon dead as born , short lived , quickly made , and quickly unmade , and its making is its destruction , it grows and withers together in growing , it is even as its maker , and it shews its maker ( man ) to be like it , that is a windy puff , as the puff of the wind , man , nothing man , but vanity , which is in it self worse than if it were not , than if it were nothing .

10. Mans greatness , power , strength , honour , beauty , wisdom , prudence , policy , what is it , but as himself , a vanishing vapour , having nothing certain , but that all he hath is uncertain , what ever he hath to day , of riches , honours , or pleasures , to morrow all may say him nay , and take themselves wings and flye away , and he himself ( as the rich glutton ) goe where he shall ever stay , and ever weep and wail this his very day , the day that ever these , or this was his .

11. Ah how much nothing then , is all things out of him , that is all things , even our God , the God and giver of all things .

12. Yet Lord I am content , and willing to , not to be any thing , yea to be any thing for thy sake .

13. O my soul , I charge thee henceforth , never to be afraid to lose what thou hast committed and given unto the Lord to keep for thee , fear not then neither to lose any thing that he hath given thee , and keeps for thee , which is thy faith , thy fear , thy love , thy joy , thy hope , thy peace , thy comfort , and thine assurance .

14. Fear not to lose thy confidence , obedience nor perseverance , for he that hath given thee this thine all , will so preserve and keep thee , that thou shalt never fall .

15. Speaking without feeling , is even as dry bones that have no tast , relish , nor moisture , that cannot nourish , nor do not any whit satisfie or please the spiritual appetite .

16. Me thinks to speak , not what a man feels , or not to feel what he speaks , is as if he did not speak at all , nay me thinks he should not speak it , for it is words only , only meer woords ; true , we shall be judged and condemned too for words , but sure I am , it must be works , not words shall justifie us , by faith we are saved ; now faith without works is dead , 't is not the knowing Servants , but the doing ones that shall receive the recompence of reward , and enter into the joy of their Lord , and ever possess the Lord of their joy , knowers and not doers shall be beaten with many stripes , blessed are they that have seen , and have believed , but more blessed are they that have not seen , and yet have believed .

17. The just shall live by saith , not the faith of words , ●o say only I believe in the Son of God , in Jesus Christ whom he hath sent , but of works , to shew that he did believe , by doing the works were Commanded him to do , which is to fear God , and keep his Commandments .

18. But to feel what a maa speaks , and to speak that only which he feels , is not words only , but works also , yea the work of Gods spirit , for its the spirits work thus to work , to work his will and his work on our hearts , and to cause us to feel , that is to know , that he works for us , and in us , and will never leave thus working , till he hath wrought out our Salvation , that is , till he hath sanctified us throughout in spirit , soul and body , and prepared and fitted us for Heaven , as Heaven is fitted and prepared for us .

19. Ah how great a folly is it to prize any other wisdom , or to account any other thing wisdom , then this one thing , feelingly to know , and to know feelingly in truth , and sincerity , that Jesus is the Christ , our Christ and our Jesus , to anoynt us , and to sanctifie and save us , to be unto us Wisdom , Righteousness , Justification and Redemption .

20. O my soul , my soul , fry from all other knowledge that hinders this , as from madness and folly , as from mad folly , and foolish madness , brutishness and stupidity , and chuse to learn , and learn to chuse this one thing needfull , that is to know Jesus Christ , and him Crucified for thee , for thee my soul and body in thy place and stead , not with the knowledge of the letter , but of the spirit , for thus to know him is life , yea life Eternal , Eternal and Everlasting life .

21. How willing , Ah how willing is that soul that receives any thing from God , to lay it out for him , that is , to give it unto others ; he would indeed be always receiving , and God and his own heart only knows how willing he is to be always giving , even as if he desired and begged for others , and not for himself , and as it 's freely given him , so doth he freely , or would if he could freely give it unto others ; he will not , Ah he will not , he cannot consent to napkin it up , or hide it , he would be thus rich , and wise , and honourable , but it is to do good works , as it were to make others such , when others are what they should be , he praiseth God much on their behalf , and rejoyceth with unspeakable joy , for the glory of God is his only rejoycing , he minds in some manner , yea and often too , more others welfare than his own , because it seems to him that he cannot alone do what he would have done for his God ; therefore as soon as he receives this Heavenly treasure , he desires to shew himself to be the Treasurer of Heaven , to distribute it unto those that want , that lack it , that are hunger starved , and when he meets with such , and perceives and finds that they feed heartily , and savour it , Ah how doth he bless God for thus blessing him , and them , for thus using him as an instrument , as his hand , and mouth , as it were to give unto them , and to help their infirmities ; but he gives it not as his own , but as his Masters goods , for he chargeth them strictly to account themselves Debtors to his Lord , not to him , for he always to all , acknowledgeth to have nothing but what he hath received ; he will by no means hide his light under a bushel , but puts it on a Candlestick that it may be seen , his only ambition is so to traffick with it , that it may redound to his Masters profit and advantage ( that being ) he is certain he shall ever have a well being , that is , be received into , and ever to abide in the joy of his Lord , yea into the Lord of his joy .

22. Ah Lord , empty my self of my self ; my heart of my own heart , my affections of my own affections , my thoughts of all my own thoughts , that I may be filled with thee , who fillest all Creatures with all the good things they enjoy ; ●e thou , O Lord , be thou all my all , all my honour , wisedom , strength , riches , pleasures , life , contentment , and happy days ; for even then when I have all things , and have thee not , thou knowest , O Lord , that I have nothing , for that I esteem them all , even nothing at all ; but when I have thee , Ah when I have thee , I have all things that I would have , that my soul desireth , or can ask , or crave .

23. Give me but thy self , O Lord , O Lord , give me but thy self , and then give me what thou wilt to do , to be , or to suffer for thee ; I accept , Ah I most willingly accept of it , and promise for ever obedience unto it .

24. Though I am unable , unfit , and cannot do what I would do , yet most willingly I would , and most unfainedly I do desire to do what I should do .

25. O Lord , I know that thou knowest all things , and therefore I know that thou knowest how willingly I would , and how much I desire to give thee all my life , all my labour , and all my love .

26. For there is no other thing lovely , or deserves to have our loves , but that one thing , thy Love , O God , O God thy Love , thy Love .

27. Ah what is all mans teachings , and mans doings to that , O God , which by thy Spirit thou teachest us to know , and inablest us to do .

28. If it be so sweet , Ah if it be so sweet a thing to think of God and his ways here on earth in the flesh , so that all earthly sweets or earths sweets are made bitter by it , unsavory , and unwholsome ; Ah how wholsome , savory and sweet is it to walk , O Lord , in all thy ways , to do all thy will , and to enjoy thy self , all as thou art in Heaven , where thinking thoughts , hoping desires , and believing joys , shall be turned into possessing truths , even true possession of all that ever we believed , desired , hoped or thought on , yea it shall far surpass all the imaginations of our hearts , of our desires , or hopes , being infinite and incomprehensible , as well as Everlasting and Eternal .

29. And when , O God , thou hast thus filled us here , thou dost at times seem to us to be as the ebbing Sea , go back again ; but that we may not remain comfortless , thou comest again unto us , into us , even as the flood , yea as the full Sea , to shew us , witness to us , and assure us , that there is no want , decrease nor deminishing in thee , but that thou art still the same , full of bounty , goodness , love , and willingness , to do us all good , much above what we can ask , or think .

30. There is , Ah there is a most blessed Heaven to be had on this side Heaven , even whilst we are on earth , which is an assurance certain , or a certain and a sure assurance , of that Heaven of Heaven in Heaven , and this some have always within them , at all times and places , they enjoy this unspeakable joy , but more fully , sweetly , and particularly , at some times , when they have a near Converse and Communion with God , then are they as it were wrapt up in God , and cloathed with him , and filled with him , and made meet and fitted by him , then Ah then do they sing new songs of deliverance , rejoycing with unspeakable joy , that they are thus made free .

31. That high Heaven above , is to be had here below , and we have it , when though we are high in God , yet we are low in our selves , though we have our hearts high , living in that Heaven above , above all things here below , yet our affections , esteem and desire are all always weak , dull , and low , to all these things here below , yea much lower than the lowest of things .

32. Ah did but our hearts well consider what is in Gods heart to give us , and to do for us , surely we should and we would do no other thing than wait upon him continually , to hear what he would say unto us , and do for us , which would bring us more joy , joy us more than our hearts are able to hold , than we are any of us able to think , or to conceive .

33. O Lord , thou knowest that I would not have all that I would have , but the heart of my desires , yea the desires of my heart are to have only , only to have that which is in thy heart to have me to have .

34. Let , O Lord , I humbly beseech thee , my thoughts , heart and affections , be always loaden with the loaves of thy love .

35. Let my soul always be resatiated with thy love and kindness , even with thy loving kindness , O Lord .

36. O God in Jesus Christ , let thy former mercies always glad my heart , when it shall either droop or faint , I most humbly beseech thee .

37. Let me not , Ah let me not wander from thee , nor thy precepts , O Lord , who keepest this close unto me .

38. Let thy Commandments be as a Chain of Gold about my neck , and as Bracelets of Pearls on my arms .

39. Let , O Lord God , thy whole Law , which is holy , be written on my heart with the finger of thy holy and blessed Spirit , and grant through thy grace , love and mercy in Jesus Christ , that I may never depart from them , but always and ever delight in them , much more than on my daily food , which thou hast appointed and ordained to feed this temporal life .

40. Let thy word , O God , be as , yea be the hony comb , to the spiritual taste of my Soul , and resatiate and solace it as with marrow and fatness , and comfort and glad it , as wine on the Lees , yea as wine well refined on the Lees.

41. Ah Lord God , cause my soul always feelingly and rejoycingly to say , I have none in Heaven but thee , nor on all the earth in comparison of thee , my Jesus , and my Christ , and let the Corn , Wine , and Oyl , which are the riches , honours , and pleasures of the World , be as durt , dung , and dross in comparison of it .

42. Ah Lord God , what is man , sinful man , wretched , blind , despicable poor man , that thou art thus mindful of him , and the Son of man that thou should'st thus regard him , delight in him , and set thy heart upon him , to do him good , yea to do him all the good that is in thy heart , and to make him , that is his heart , according to thine own heart .

43. Ah wonder of wonders , that such a God should thus condescend to love such a man , nothing man , man that is nothing , but evil , all evil , yea and continually all evil , for there is none good , but thee , O God , O none , no not one .

44. Bow down , O Lord , bow down my heart unto the obedience of thy Laws , and lift it up to rejoyce in the obedience of thy Commandments , to keep them , and do them , for in the keeping of them there is life , yea eternal and everlasting life .

45. Banish , O Lord , I most humbly and earnestly beseech thee , out of my heart , and thoughts , the love , and the liking ; unto any other Love , besides thee and thy Love .

46. And grant that with the heart of my heart , I may serve thee in truth of heart unfeignedly all the days and moments of my life , that I may long after no other thing , and that thy fear may be my dayly food .

47. Ah Lord , I humbly beseech thee to give out thy self unto me , that I may give up my self unto thee .

48. Give , O Lord , give thy self unto me , that I may for ever give my self to thee , to live ever to thee , and for thee , as I desire ever to live in thee , and with thee .

49. Thou knowest , O Lord my God , that I desire not what I do desire , unless it be conformable to thy desires ; so that my desires are not mine , but thine , not mine own , but thine own , yea thine all , all thine .

50. I would not have , O Lord God , thou knowest right well what I would have , but what I should , that what thou wilt have me to have , what thou hast appointed me to have , Ah let me have that only , that all , all that .

51. I know that all that thou givest us , whether graces or gifts , thou wilt have an account of , we shall account with thee for .

52. Ah let me no longer , nor no more have this woe and grief of heart , to have received much and done little , and to ask much for my self , but to do little , Ah little for thee .

53. Suffer me not , O Lord , never to think or do that in secret , which I would not , which I should not do openly , and let me , O Lord , Ah let me much more fear thine all seeing eyes , than all the seeing eyes of Angels and men .

54. How we are to desire and believe that we receive the Lord , in the Sacrament of his blessed Supper , and the assurance thereof , to our Souls , to comfort glad and rejoyce them .

55. Ah Lord God , as for me , as for me , Ah Lord God , the food my Soul desireth at thy Table , and Supper , that which resatiateth , feedeth , filleth , and refresheth it , is the sweet breath , and most divine , and delitious breathings of thy divine and most holy Spirit into my heart , and soul , and all the affections and faculties thereof , to warm and heat them ; to ascertain and assure my heart of thy Love and living in it , which thou dost , O Lord , by sanctifying it , the will , the mind , the memory , the desires , and all the affections and faculties thereof , and by making it , and them more , not only to desire , but to perceive , see , feel and certainly to know its growth , and growing more and more , in conformity and likeness to thee , O God , in Christ , by loving , delighting , choosing , imbracing and rejoycing , in thy Laws , ways , word , will and Commandments ; I do not , blessed , O Lord , be thy name , as do the Papists , suppose , or believe , that I eat thy flesh and drink thy blood , as thou wert when thou wert here on Earth , in the flesh , on the Cross ; for I know that the Spirit must be fed with spiritual food spiritually , the food of the body cannot resatiate , or satisfie the Soul , and that Soul that hath thus tasted , and fed on thee Spiritually , will assuredly hunger for this blessed heavenly food , of thy holy , heavenly , blessed , most blessed Spirit , even for the breathings of this thy Spirit , for the joys and ravishments which they enjoy that enjoy , and are filled with this Spirit ; for the peace , tranquillity , serenity and comfort of thy Spirit , for the life and living of thy Spirit , to please , delight , fill full , satisfie , and resatiate the appetite of the Soul , even as the body hungreth and desireth , rejoyceth and delighteth in food to please its fleshly appetite , what if we could or did , O Lord , eat thy very body and blood , that would not fill or feed our Souls , which are not fed with meat and drink corporally , but spiritually , and what matters it , O Lord , as for me , I care not what I eat or drink , as to the outward man , so I may eat and drink by faith in the Spirit , and my inward man may be filled with the Spirit , whether the body live or dye , as for the bodies sake , I care not though the body be hunger starved , it shall , for , sure I am , it will , be well content , if the Spirit be thus fed , and filled with the presence , breathings , and Communion of thy Spirit , 't is not , Ah Lord , 't is not , thou well knowest , the Quails and Mannah from Heaven , nor thy body and blood , corporally , but spiritually , that my Soul longeth for , and my heart desireth and panteth after , so that it even fainteth for lack of it , Ah give me that or else I dye , I dye indeed , corporally , spiritually , and eternally , from which deaths , O Lord , by thine own death , I trust , I hope , I believe and am confidently assured , that thou hast delivered me , and wilt deliver me , by giving me this Heavenly food of thy holy Spirit , to live in thee , for thee and to thee , here by grace and hereafter in glory , this is my belief , O Lord increase my Faith , strengthen it , and comfort it more and more , by thine own Spirits living , raigning and ruling in my heart , by causing it willingly , cheerfully and perseveringly , to walk in thy ways , doing thy will , with sincerity , integrity and uprightness , in thought , word and deed , both towards thee , and towards all men , for ever , and for ever .

56. He that maketh wagers , usually coveteth , if not always , therefore surely it's best to forbear .

57. Ah Lord , keep me from coveting any other thing than thy self , and thy holy and blessed Spirit , to teach me , lead me , direct me , guide and govern me , my heart and affections , to walk in all thy holy ways , and to keep all thy Commandments all my days .

58. For worldly covetings after the things of this World , keep our thoughts , hearts , memories and affections , from seeking ( with coveting desires ) the things of Heaven , or Heavenly things .

59. Let me covet thee , O Lord , ever , ever , But all things , or any thing out of thee never .

60. Let my love be to love thee , my delight to delight thee , my care , O Lord , let it be to please thee , my groanings to go after thee in thy ways , and let all my joys be to rejoyce in thee and thy praise , and to praise thee , O Lord , my Lord , always .

61. Ah suffer me not in other to spend my days , But thus uprightly to walk in all thy ways .

62. Covetings for the World , makes the affections of the heart to affect the World ; but covetings for and after Heaven , makes the heart and all the affections thereof , to affect Heaven , and the things in Heaven , with a heavenly heart .

63. Covetings for the World , makes the heart earthly ; but covetings for Heaven , makes the heart heavenly .

64. Covetings after God , makes the heart God-like , according to his heart ; covetings after any thing out of God , or besides God , makes the heart ungodly , that is ungodlike , and contrary to his heart .

65. Covetings after the flesh , makes the heart fleshly ; or a heart in the flesh ; Covetings after the Spirit , makes the heart spiritual , yea a heart living in God's Spirit .

66. I suppose that if a man love at times unlawfully , lusting after strange flesh , only with the flesh ; that is , desires and would their Loves with the flesh , but not with the will and mind , which is the heart , though the flesh saith yea , and yields , if the Spirit saith nay and yields not , and doth much more ardently and vehemently desire , and would not their Loves , then the flesh doth and would their Loves , and the Spirit , that is their inward man , would much rather have the hatred , than their loves , and hath sincere hatred and dislike to this Love by the flesh , faithfully , truly , ardently and continually ; it is not he that sins , but Sin that dwelleth in him ; for though with his flesh he serve the Law of sin , please the flesh , yet he hates , detests and abhors the evil which he doth , and with his mind he serves the Law of God , God's Law is written in his heart , and remains engraven still in the inner man , on all his affections .

67. As to me , I willingly , most willingly would , if it might be , love none but my God alone .

68. True , Lord , true it is , the outward man , that is the flesh , desireth and delighteth in the things of the flesh , because it is fleshly ; as the inner man , the heart of the Soul , and the Soul of the heart , and all the faculties thereof , delighteth and rejoyceth in the things of the Spirit , because it is spiritual .

69. I have no Heaven here , Lord , because my Heaven is in thee ; and yet I have a Heaven , Lord , here , because thou that art Heaven , art here , and in me .

70. Above all keepings , keep , O Lord , O Lord , keep my heart , my poor heart from sin , from choosing , delighting , approving , countenancing , or maintaining Sin .

71. But this is not all , no Lord no , thou knowest , it 's to be thy servant , to work thy work , to do thy will ; not for my self , as for thy self ; not for my praise , applause or honour , but for thine ; for I could not be satisfied , though I had all I would have , unless I do all that for which thou hast created me , and appointed me to do .

72. 'T is not , Ah 't is not , the Corn , Wine and Oyl of the World , the honurs , riches , and pleasures thereof ; 't is not the hony of Earth , but Heavens hony , that my Soul desireth to tast and ever to feed upon .

73. If I had and were ever sure to have , all the satisfaction that ever Creature had , and I had thee not , O my God , for my Portion , as I firmly believe I have , I should and would account my self , of all men on Earth the most miserable .

74. I would not give the part and Portion , that I have at present in my God , for all this Worlds good , for all its honours , riches , and pleasures .

75. Ah Lord ! how much nothing doth all things seem to be , when compared to thee .

76. Faith , hope , and love in thee , and for thee , O Lord , is more worth than all things else that can be given , that is not of thee .

77. Who is able or can express the satisfactions of that Soul , unto whom thou hast given Love , cordial , faithful , sincere and persevering Love , to love thee .

78. Ah how sweet a thing is it to serve the Lord ? Ah how pleasant and delightsome , to walk always in all his ways , and to do his will willingly .

79. Ah Lord my only grief and trouble is , because I keep not thy Laws , and for that I have not regard to thy Commandments , as I would .

80. Ah that I were even as a barren wilderness to bear no fruit for my self , and as a dry Spring to give no refreshment to my self , to my own self , that is my flesh ! Ah that I were as it were , liveless , and loveless , to my self , that I might only live to love and adore thee , my God , my God .

81. What is my life , or my self , if it be not spent for thee , and what are all my daies ? if I walk not only , and altogether , that is , always in all thy ways .

82. Were it not , and would it not be much better for me , that I were not , and that I never had been ? if I be not , O Lord thine , and if I live not to thee , and for thee , to thy praise , and for thine honour and glory .

83. Beautiful are all thy ways , O God , they are most , yea they are only desireable .

84. He that walketh in them without wavering , turning aside , or going astray , shall assuredly at last come to his journeys end , to his long home , to that harbour and haven of rest , happiness , eternal felicity and blessedness .

85. To think on any thing out of , or besides God , brings no true solace , joy , savour or content .

86. But to think on him as we ought , how easily and quietly doth it dispel all other thoughts , making us to see them as they are naked , empty , nothing .

87. Thoughts on God fill the soul with joy , delight , and pleasure , above , and , as it were , even beyond end and measure .

88. Good thoughts if they did no other good than keep out evil thoughts , were they , are they not to be accounted , prized , and valued as a great good ?

89. Thy presence , O Lord , at all times filleth me with all delights and pleasures , and thy absence emptieth me even of all .

90. When I have thee , O Lord , I have all I would have : Ah , but when I want thee , I want all , even all that my soul desireth , that it doth love or crave .

91. As I have , and according as I have thee , O Lord God , so are my joys , and according as I want thee so are my sorrows and grief .

92. Thy drawing near doth not only comfort me and satisfie me , but also ravish me : But at thy departure or absence , ah Lord , thou knowest , thou knowest , how my heart quaketh , trembleth , and is full of doubts , cares and fears .

93. I cannot , O Lord , thou knowest I cannot live without the presence of thy holy Spirit , who is my only comfort or comforter , for when I want thee , O Lord , I want all good things , yea , I account nothing good .

94. It is not the world that I long for , or care for ; it is not , O Lord , the nether , but the upper springs ; not the left-hand mercies , but the right-hand ; not the footstool , but the Throne favours , that I esteem favours and mercies indeed .

95. O Lord , my Lord and my God , do thou , I beseech thee , so possess my heart , that I may only be possest with thee .

96. O Lord , be thou pleased so to live in me , that I may only and always live to thee and for thee .

97. Give , O Lord , give so thy self to me , as I may give my self to thee .

98. When I want thee , my God , who art my all , and my only good , I want all , even all ; But when I have thee , O Lord , thou knowest my heart saith , it hath all , it hath all , it hath all I would have , all that it doth think on , or desire , or crave .

99. How much nothing , O Lord , is all other things to thee . And how much above all things , O Lord , art thou to me ?

100. Give me then thy self , O Lord , my Lord , and I will always chearfully say , I have all , and that I desire nothing else at all ; but unless thou dost , O Lord my God , give me thy self , thy only and thy very very self , thou knowest that all things seem to me , and are esteemed by me , even as nothing , as dirt , as dung , as dross .

101. Thou knowest , O God , my God , that I cannot live without thee , and I desire only to live , to live in thee , to thee , and for thee .

102. Ah that I were dead to all things , and all things dead to me , that I might only be alive to thee .

103. Oh that all things would take themselves wings and fly from me , that I might not be kept back from flying up to thee , my God , my God .

104. In thee , O Lord , there is true rest , a rest of peace in truth ; but out of thee , O God , there is no rest for the soal of the foot of my soul .

105. I cannot rest but on thy breast , I cannot live but in thy Love , I cannot walk but in thy way , I cannot joy but in thy day . I cannot run but unto thee , I cannot see but only thee ; I cannot joy but in thy love , I am not well but when above . O God , my God , take me to thee , That no other I ever see ; For seeing thee I see that all , That ever was and ever shall ; That glorious Sun that blessed light , That shews to go by day and night ; That giveth all things unto all That ever were and ever shall . To thee , O God , and thy Great Name , Be ever praise , laud , and great fame ; From this time forth for ever more , Thy self , thy love , I will adore .

106. How sweet , O God , Oh God how sweet are thy Sweets ?

107. Oh happy condition to enjoy thee , O God , whatever my condition be .

108. O Heavenly heart that is always in Heaven , meditating on thee , God , the Heaven of Heaven , in Heaven .

109. Oh happy he that hath always Heaven in his mind ; that minds only Heaven , and the things that are in Heaven .

110. Such , Ah such a heart , O Lord , who art the Lord of Heaven and Earth , give me , that my heart may be according to thine own heart ; yea , that my heart may be in thine , and thine in mine , that thou mayest , O Lord God , so empty thy self into me , that I may for ever and for ever be emptied into thee , and filled by thee , with thee .

111. O Ocean of all goodness , continue to shower into me the abundant showers , yea floods of thine infinite good , even as thou hast heretofore , many , many , ah many times done , that I may rejoyce and be glad in them , as well when I have them not , and feel them not , as when I feel I have them .

112. Ah Lord , my Soveraign Lord and God , my Superior and Supream good , the good that is only able to glad me , and to make me rejoyce ; fill me , Ah fill me , O Lord , with these goods , and good things that flow out continually from thee that I may see thy goodness , thy beauty and thy glory , as in thy Sanctuary .

113. Ah the true satisfactory soul-ravishing Joys to enjoy thee , O God , and those Joys that thou givest ; away , away far from me all earthly Joys , earths Joys , for ye are but earth , and therefore no Joys , but even false Joys , and foolish , yea , very foolish toyes .

114. O my soul , my soul , awake , awake , and see them , their deformity , their ugliness , their dung , and dunghil likeness to those savory , sweet , pleasant , and delightsome pleasures that thou givest out of the Garden , the Orchard , and the Fountain of pleasures that are in thy Palaces .

115. Ah how doth that heart leap and rejoyce when it enjoys thee , O God , wholly , when it enjoys thee only ; how willing , ah how willing is it to be divorced , separated , and banished from all things , whatever , that are out of thee , and besides thee ,

116. And how unwilling is it , ah how unwilling that the World , and the things of the World , should have again re-entrance there , where thou , Lord , hast been , for it cooleth that warmth , it freezeth that beat , it quencheth that fire , it puts out those flames that did so warm , heat , burn and flame in the heart , that is now ( as the fire under ashes ) and as the flame in the smoak , it is not discernable .

117. How , ah how is the heart , by the World , and the things of the World , carted , as it were , away , and drawn by great force from thee O God , and thy good : From feasting at thy Table of dainties , to take and taste , and feed on those dirtie , hoggish , brutish , earthly husks , or earths husks , which cannot solace nor satisfie it for a moment with any true delight of taste , or enjoyment .

118. How lazie , sluggish , cold , faint , feeble , and weary is the heart when it is taken off from enjoying thee , O God , who art its all , even all its Joy .

119. When it must , ah when it must again leave Heaven ( as it were ) and the delicacies thereof , of liberty , freedom , peace , rest , joy , riches , honours and pleasures , and come down from thence , and dig and delve , hew wood and draw water , be a slave , as it were , to its worst and most cruell Enemy , at least not to be altogether free , and therefore unquiet , restless , sad , poor , contemptible , and full of grief .

120. How doth , ah how doth that heart that truly enjoys thee , O God , with Jacob , say truly , feelingly , knowingly and certainly , that it hath all , even all honours , riches and pleasures , that are to be had on earth , or in Heaven ?

121. How , ah how do such spurn away , kick at and fly from all other things , as if they had poyson in the head , and a sting in the tayl , even as from monsters that have no mercy ?

122. Such , ah such a heart cannot , no , no , it cannot satisfie it self with these satisfying satisfactions , unless he be , ah unless he be always , as it were , drowned in them , and swallowed up into them ; and because he cannot contain them , therefore , ah therefore he desires to be contained by them .

123. How willingly , ah how willingly would such a one be poor in the world to have and possess these ? Ah these true , indeed , true riches , and to live ever in disgrace to be thus graced , and to be made lower than the lowest of men : To be thus high and lifted up above all these high low things here below , how willingly , ah how willingly would he still live in contempt , and be flouted , derided , scorned and sco●t at among and by men , to be thus honoured by God , and honourable among the blessed ; How willingly , ah how willingly would he be ever banished from earths home , to be thus brought home to enjoy what is at home in Heaven , and to feed on the unpleasant , sowre bitters of losses , crosses and afflictions ; to drink only of these sweet pleasant streams , and rivers of pleasures that flow continually and abundantly from Gods right hand .

124. This , Ah this is to be brought out of Egypt , and over the red Sea , and from his weary and long journeying in the wilderness , to inherit a quiet and peaceable possession , in that true Heavenly Celestial Canaan , flowing always with Milk and Honey : for here , even here in the flesh , on earth , he enjoys such and so many joyes , as far exceed all that ever he did , or could ask , that ever he did or could think .

125. Ah Lord , rich in mercy , love , bounty , and great in goodness ; above , Ah much , much above all that can be conceived or spoken , by Men or Angels ; set before me , Ah set before me always on the one hand my unkindness , my sins , my blackness , soulness , uncleanness , ugliness and deformity , as I am in my self , from my self , that I may loath , detest , and abhor them , and my self for them , and because of them , that I may be driven , drawn , and whipt away from them , to thee , to hate them to love thee , to detest them to adore thee : and on the other hand , O God , my God , I may always openly , and plainly see thy love and kindness , yea loving kindness , mercy , goodness , gentleness , patience , and forbearance , that thereby and therewith , I may be enticed , allured , tyed , knit , glued , fastned , swallowed up , and involv'd in thee O God , my God , so as I may never more be divorc'd , parted or separated from thee , nor thy ways , but may long for to enjoy thy most sweet and only sweet , and soul satisfying presence , and Communion all my days ; for without thee , and out of thee , all things are even nothing , but with thee , enjoying thee , we have all things , and want nothing , and do care for nothing else , nor ask , nor desire nothing , Ah nothing else , nay cannot think of any thing else .

126. Bless , Ah bless me then , O Lord , my Lord , and my God , who art the God and Father of Abraham , of Isaac , of Jacob , and of all the blessed , who blessest all that are blessed , bless , O Lord , bless I most humbly beseech thee in Jesus Christ all my weak , frail , and unworthy prayers , praises , desires and actions , make them a blessing so unto me , as that thou mayest delight to bless me more and more , not for the satisfying of the flesh , but of the spirit , not of the body only , but of the soul also , not only the outward , but the inward , Ah the inward , the inward man : let me be so blessed in soul and body , as that both soul and body may ever bless and praise thee , in life , in death , and after death , Amen , Amen .

127. Ah Lord , let me always live in thee , move by thee , and have all my being from thee , that is , be all , always , in all places and things for thee .

128. Let , Ah let the world , and the things of the world seem to be as they are , Vanity and Vexation of spirit unto me .

129. Let me delight in thee , O God , only in thee alone .

130. Let me always so live , as I may always be ready to dye , that whensoever I dye , I may be sure always to live , that is to live Eternally .

131. In Heaven , O Lord , where thou dost raign , Where is no grief , no loss , but gain .

132. When that the heart is , as it were in God , or God in the heart , so that the mind doth only mind him . Ah how unwilling is it to mind the world , or any thing in the world of the world , and how willing , Ah how willing to unmind it altogether , and to forget it for ever , even for ever , and for ever , how sweetly , Ah how sweetly doth it pass the time away , when all its faculties are imployed and feasted in the contemplation of God , his love , goodness , greatness , mercy , truth , wisdom and Eternity ; how willingly , Ah how willingly doth it shake off , put away , divorce , and separate it self from all things of these things here below , and doth the soul of the heart rejoyce , when it is not molested with perturbations , it doth at such a time as this forget these low things ; even all these high things here below , as if he had never thought on them , as if they were not , nor had never been .

133. Ah how is the heart at rest , and quiet , how calm , how peaceable , how joyful , I know not how it is , to set it forth as then it is , when it is with God , in God , me thinks I know not where it is , nor what it doth enjoy , such is its blessed and blest condition , as I know not , nor am not able to set down what condition it is , nor how blessed , it is so blessed , I know not what to call it , nor how to set it forth in that loveliness , in that blessedness that then it is blessed with ; if it then see any Object out of God , besides God , it sees it not ; if it hear any voyce , or words , it hears it not ; if it speaks ( yet as it were ) it speaks not ; if it walk it seems to its self as if it walk not , as if it moved not ; if it stands still , it seems not to know it , for even all its sences and faculties are so much taken up and imployed , as it well knows not , or as it were , cannot express about what it is imployed , at least how it is imployed , nor what it doth enjoy , such and so great are its joys .

134. And when , Ah when it must leave this sweet study , this Heavenly work , this blessed imployment , this profitable traffick , this honourable business , this glorious company , these great joyes , these pleasant pleasures , and soul-satisfying satisfactions , and converse again with the men of the world ; how , Ah how irksome , displeasant , uncouth , troublesome , yea noysome and burdensome is every other thing , every other word , every other business , every other matter , or concernment of what concernment soever it be ; never , Ah never any loss seemed to him so great , never any man to his esteem , and seeming , fell from such a high condition , to such a low condition ; how willingly , Ah how willingly would he have his body in any Condition , so that his mind were always imployed in minding this blessed and Heavenly , most Heavenly , and most blessed Condition ; Ah what words , what thoughts , what desires , Ah what gaspings , gapings , longings , hungrings and thirstings at sometimes ; and then presently , Ah presently how is he filled and satisfied , and yet knows not as it were with what , nor how , and this he calls a new birth , and a new birth indeed it is , for he is then all new , and made another man , within and without , for he is in some measure as it were like God , holy as he is holy , and pure as he is pure , for in sincerity he desires and aimes at holiness and purity , even at pure holiness , and to be without spot and wrinkle , unblameable , his life is as it were even hid with Christ in God , Christ is his life ; all his life , is to live in him , with him , for him and unto him ; it s the end of his aim , and the aim of all his end to be his , only his , none but his , always his , that he may be ever his , even and for ever to live that life , and dye that death as may bring him most glory , as may glorifie him most .

In Bourdeaux , Anno 1658.

1. WE may enjoy the world , and all the things of the world , but we must not , Ah we must not joy in them so , as to make them our joy : use them we may , but abuse them in the use of them not , we may not ; we may possess them , but must not , Ah we must not suffer them to possess us ; esteem them good we may , but our least good , we must not , Ah not our best good , not our chief , supream , soveraign and only good : for that is God only , only God , who is all good , and all good only , in Heaven nor earth there is none besides him .

2. Seeking as well as finding , knocking as well as opening , asking as well as giving , is Gods free gift , for he freely giveth all things unto all that ask aright by faith in Jesus Christ , and no good thing will he with-hold from those that love him , that love his fear , and fear his love .

3. What is Hell , but thy absence , O Lord , the absence of thy love , and our living in , and continuing in sin .

4. And what , O Lord , and what is Heaven , but thy love and thy presence , O God , the continual and everlasting enjoying of thy ever blessed and loving presence , and our liberty and freedom from sin , to sin no more , but to praise thee ever and for ever , and thee only , O God , and thee only adore .

5. Grant me , O Lord God , this one thing , this one thing only , to enjoy thee , and that I may always make thee my only joy , and to sin no more willingly , with my will , either in thought , word or deed , but to live the life of the righteous , to and for , thine honour , praise and glory .

6. Whose sins the Lord forgives , he forgets , whom he hath pardoned he will save , where he loves , he lives , and will ever live there in love ; those that are beloved , shall be ever his beloved , for he hath loved them ever , and will love them ever .

7. The fire of Gods Love are the fiery flames , in which all his children desire to live , for out of them they cannot live ; life is to them death , yea much worse than any death , and any death they would willingly , Ah most willingly choose to live this life .

8. Our fitting here for Heaven by sanctification , which is holiness , is an evident , sure , and certain token , and sign that Heaven is fitted and prepared for us ; for as without holiness no man shall see God , so being made holy , he shall be sure to see God ; that is , to possess him , who is Heaven , eternal life and happiness ; where holiness is , there God is , he dwelleth and maketh his continual abode , where holiness abideth and dwelleth .

9. O God my God , from whom every good and perfect gift doth come , give , O give I most humbly beseech thee , in Jesus Christ , unto me , a holy heart , according to thine own heart , that it may be thine , and that thou mayest delight in it to make it thy delight , and be pleased to live in it here , until thou shalt bring me to live with thee , and in thee , and to thee , and for thee , for ever , and ever .

10. What a stinking Carrion is man ? Ah what a most deformable thing is man ? when God is not with him nor in him , so much an Enemy he is to himself , that he always labours to destroy himself , and to all others that he rejoyceth to kill those for whom Christ died to give life , even eternal life .

11. Ah Lord , thou knowest that my Love ( through thy Love ) is such unto the brethren , that I even many times wish and desire I could empty my self , that is , what of God is in me , into them , that they might be so filled with him , as to know him , love him , fear him , choose him , prize him , and ioy and rejoyce in him , and seek him and his presence , with eagerness , hungring and thirsting , pantings , gapings and groanings , and never let him be at rest , until he hath assured them , that he is theirs and they are his .

12. Gods blessed , gratious and most glorious presence , or Communion with him , is our Vintage , our Harvest , our nuptial feast , our Canaan , flowing with milk and honey , our Garden of Spices , where we sit under the shadow of his wings , and his fruit is pleasant to our tast , he is all our good things , and our good things always and only , all our springs are in him and from him .

13. Ah what true joy , and what great joy , hath that Soul that enjoys God truly , knowingly , and feelingly , that saith , I know that he is mine , and I am his .

14. He must needs be always full of Joy , that is filled with the Joy of the Holy Ghost .

15. Such , Ah such , receive Christ willingly and cheerfully at all times , as Zacheus did , and for his sake , are content to part with all to the poor , and to become poor , vile and contemptible , &c. and with blessed Simeon , they imbrace him with their whole heart , as their Salvation , and with Jacob say , knowingly , that they have all ; and that they care for nothing else at all ; for indeed they have all they would have , that they even can desire and crave , for he is their well being , their entire satisfaction , and full and whole contentment , their joy being full , when they thus enjoy him .

16. Ah Souls labour to live to Christ , for if ye live for him , and to him , then , Ah then ye live in him , and then ye live indeed , your lives are hid with Christ in God , and when he shall appear at his second and sudden coming in Glory , ye shall also appear with him .

17. No man is so willing , or can be , to receive Christ , as he is to give himself , witness his life , and his death , and his now living , continually making intercession for us ; See John 15 , 16 , and 17. Chapters , none is , or can be so hungry , but he is able , and many times doth , suddenly resatiate him ; none is , or can be so empty , or hunger-starved , but he is able , will , and many times suddenly doth , fill with unspeakable joy and rejoycing .

18. Give , O Lord , give so thy self to me , as I may be ever emptyed of my self , and filled only with thee , with thy blessed , most blessed self ; that I may , O Lord , be blessed in life , in death , and after death , and all I beg , in and through Jesus Christ , my blessed , only Saviour and Redeemer .

19. God gives not only space to repent , 〈◊〉 grace to repent .

20. Repentance is from God , not from man , man of himself can do nothing that is good , no not of himself , as of himself , think a good thought , all our sufficiency is from Gods all-sufficiency .

21. Sin betrays us , deceives See here the ugliness , baseness , and vileness of sin . us , beguiles us , undoes us , wounds us , stabbs us , poysons us , kills us , hells us , damns us , devils us ; of God-like , it makes us Devil-like , like the very Devil ; yea to be as it were , a Devil , to love sin as he loves it , to favour it , to plead for it , to lye in its behalf , to swear falsly , that its falsity is truth , that its ugliness is beautifulness , that its deformity is fairness , that its blackness is whiteness , that its bitter is sweet , that its hatred is love , that its wiles , and deceits , are truth and uprightness , that its poverty is riches , that its contempt is honourable , that its ignominy is glorious , and that its Hell is Heaven , the best Heaven , yea the only Heaven , that there is no other Heaven desirable , to be desired , loved , chosen , embraced , or sought for ; Sin Metamorphoseth the heart , and makes it like the Devils heart , unclean , unholy , filthy , abominable , detestable , tempting others to sin , and delighting and rejoycing , when through their temptation they are overcome , and made like them , to like , love , cherish , and take pleasure in sin , and go willingly along with them , to commit all manner of sin , uncleanness , and filthiness , with hungring , thirsting and greediness ; sin shews it self to be what it is not , contrary to what it is , as light is to darkness ; for it says it is good , yea and the best good , the chiefest good , the only good , the superior and the soveraign good , that there is none like it , none so good , when indeed and in truth , it is nothing but evil , all evil , the worst evil , yea the only and all the evil , and basest evil , only to be detested , hated , abhorred , abominated and destroyed , sin allures and overcomes , but by shewing out , and putting forth false Colours , not its own , its food starves the Soul , its riches impoverisheth it , its robes shew plainly the souls nakedness , its beautifulness and gloriousness shew the souls deformity , vileness and baseness , wretchedness and unworthiness ; sin is the only Hell , which racks , tears , rends , and strikes through the soul with a fiery poysoned dart , that makes the wound uncurable , only the blood of God ( man ) ( man God ) can cure it , can heal this deadly ; otherwise uncurable , wound ; sin is that intolerable burthen that presseth down into that nethermost Hell , that casteth into that Lake burning with fire and brimstone , unquenchable ; sin is fewel to that fire , so as it cannot be put out ; sin keeps alive that worm that ever gnaws and will never dye , but causeth the soul thus to live in torments , tormented eternally .

22. O God , my God , heal me , help me , succor me , comfort me , sanctifie me , and save me , that I may appear before thee , and in thy sight , spotless and unblameable , without wrinkle , beautiful and comely through thine own comely , transcendent , beautiful beautifulness , that I may , O God in Christ , comprehend that I am comprehended by thee , that thou livest in me , and I in thee , that thou art mine , and I am thine , that I may ▪ Ah that I may henceforth , and for ev 〈…〉 in thy love , love and adore thy love , and give thee , O God , and give thee all my love , and my all , for this thy love ( through grace ) thy most gracious and free gift , in thus accounting , and making me lovely .

23. He that lives in Christ is a new Creature , and he that is a new Creature lives in Christ .

24. All old things are past away , and behold all things are become new .

25. His life is new , for he now loves all truth , because his love is true .

26. If he thinks or doth any evil , it is not what he would , but that which he would not , either do or think .

27. The law of God is so written in his heart , that with his whole heart , he desires to keep his whole law .

28. His joys are so great , and his rejoycings so many , that they make him even to suppose that he is in Heaven , and to believe that Heaven is in him .

29. He feels Gods loves to be so true , and so truly nigh him , as he values all love besides , not worth the loving nor the thinking .

30. His soul is so carried away aloft on this high Tide on this full Sea , that he swims with ease , pleasure , delight , joy , and full contentment , against all the streams and strong current of the worlds affections , and the fleshes delights and desires .

31. Though they were but a moment before so violent and strong , that they carried him down , even head long , which scared and affrighted him so , as if the time of deliverance had been far off ; he durst not , Ah he durst not , presume to imagine that such a calm was so nigh at hand ; sinful fleshly motions and affections , did in a manner delight him , that he even did as it were allow its raign ( and permit ) at least would almost have conniv'd and wink'd at the beginnings of evil , though he well , Ah though he well and clearly foresaw the Consequences to be very great , and greatly dangerous .

32. But on a sudden , Ah on a sudden , how did , Ah how did all these tentations vanish away , how slighted , Ah how much slighted , how trampled on , Ah how much trampled on , how cast aside , Ah how cast aside , how trampled and trodden under feet , how soon , Ah how soon was the memory thereof forgotten ; and how sweet , Ah how sweet was its forgetfulness , delightful its divorce , and joyful its destruction .

33. And how willing , Ah how willing , O Lord God , thou only knowest , that soul is , that thus possesseth thee , and is possest by thee to live , Ah ever to live in this possession , and to be for ever and thus ever possest by thee .

34. The worlds chief joys are then but meer and foolish toyes ; he would not , no nor cannot give a look on them , they are so barren , so unfruitful , so empty , so sottish , so brutish to such an enlightned understanding , that he cares not to understand , nor consider what they are .

35. Ah how , how doth he wish it might be ever thus with him , and that he might be thus ever , senceless and dead to the worlds all , and account all i●s all , always nothing at all , nay make no account of it , no not so much as think of it .

36. When that the soul is , Ah when that the soul is thus wrapt up in Gods love , when she is thus emptied as it were into him , and filled with him , how is she , Ah how is she at rest and ease , how calm , how tranquil , how quiet , how rich , how honourable , and how refresht and delighted , how hath she , Ah how hath she all her desires , and doth not , nor cannot desire more ; Ah what peace , what felicity , and what praises , and giving of thanks , how doth she , Ah how doth she forget the evil that is past , and rejoyceth in the good that is present .

37. How is the world , and the things of the world cast out of doors , and how , Ah how are the doors of all his affections opened , to let in his God to enjoy him , and to make him his all , and his only joy .

38. Ah my God , goe on , goe on my God , my God , to Conquer , Triumph , and prevail over all the lusts and affections which are yet within me , unsubdued , uncast out , unthrone them , O Lord , unthrone them , and trample them all , O Lord , all , both the great and the small under thy feet , in the greatness of thy wrath and fury , that they may be utterly destroyed , and never more come near me to hurt me , or destroy my poor soul , who cleaves to thee , who sticks fast to thee , who desires to hold thee , and never , Ah never to let thee go ; Ah that I could , that I could thus live with thee , and in thee ever , and depart from thee never , O Lord , never , never , see Psal. 28.

39. Great is the goodness of the Lord , to those that fear his name : And to all those that keep his laws , and delight in the same : For they shall see him with great joy , and shall his honour speak : Their joy shall be to laud his name , and he shall make them great . 40. Oh give your selves to me , saith he : and I will be your guide : And you shall in my Laws remain , for I will you delight : To walk in them you shall have hearts : for all your joy shall be , To live to praise my holy name , the Lord of Hosts ( saith he . ) 41. Go forth with joy , both ev'ning and morn : and let your praise redound : Oh clap your hands and greatly joy , for that you have him found : For having him , you have that all , that mighty all always : There is none else deserves like fame , as his Eternal praise . 42. O come into his Courts always : and therein rest you still : Be glad and mightily rejoyce , when that you do his will : To do thy will is all my joy , and all that I desire : Ah give me grace to do it still , and nothing else require .

43. Ah great God , how great is thy love , and how lovely , Ah how lovely is thy greatness .

44. What have I , Ah Lord my God , what have I , when I have thee not ? and what have I not , when O Lord God , I have thee ?

45. How low , Ah how low are all these high things here below , to those high , most high and glorious things of Heaven which the soul enjoys even here on earth , in the flesh , when that it hath Communion with God , and enjoys him in the Spirit .

46. Of what , and how little account and esteem , doth he account and esteem of all Companies , of Friends , Children , Father , Mother , or the Wife of his bosome , when he can , or may enjoy the company of his God , he will not , nor cannot then consent to converse with flesh and blood , when he may , when he can by the spirit , through the spirit speak to God , and hear him answer him . Ah how the soul at such time is satisfied , delighted , ravished , filled and comforted ; how quiet , how peaceable , how willing , chearful and glad to obey all his will .

47. And how detestable , hateful , loathsome , ugly , filthy and abominable , ( at such times especially ) are all lusts , all affections , worldly and fleshly , are all sins , of any rank , though never so little , though never so sweet , near or dear , he hates all , both the great and the small .

48. When that a soul enjoys that blessed blessedness of Communion with God , it will not , Ah it will not have Communion , fellowship , or converse with any other Creature or thing , he will not mind any thing else , nor suffer any thing else to come into his mind .

49. He is then so stuft , as it were , and so full , filled with God , and the joys of his grace , that he is divorced , emptied , and outed ( as it were ) of all other things , yea , all things are so much out of him , that is , out of his heart , out of his mind , out of his memory , out of his affections , his desires , his will , his love , or his liking , that his joy is augmented greatly that they are so outed of him , for then only he saith : Now I have what I would have , yea , all that ever I did desire or crave , for my God is to me all things , and much better than all other things .

50. Ah , Lord , bury me , I most humbly beseech thee , thus in thy self , that I may be dead to all other things , to all things out of thee , and besides thee ; let me , Ah let me so possess thee , and be possest so by thee , as I may only and always mind thee , and have thee only and always in my mind . Let love to all the pleasures of the flesh , though lawful , be low , poor , icy , cold , and frozen to me , that I may flee from them all to be heated by the fire of thy love , to live in those blessed Sacred flames , which is the life I desire to live , for out of them I cannot live as I would ; life is to me death , and death would be a sweet life , delivering me from many deaths .

51. Suffer me not , Ah suffer me not , O Lord , to love any thing else , how lovely or lawful soever it may be , if it hinder or lessen never so little my loving of thee , but bet me only choose , prize , esteem , and delight in thy love , and to walk worthy of it , by all well-pleasing , rejoycing , to do thy holy will with my whole heart , mind , and will .

52. Such , and so great is thy love and thy goodness , O Lord , that thou delightest to make us good , and then delightest in our goodness ; thou delightest to give us grace , and then delightest in our graces ; thou delightest to make us holy , and then delightest in our holiness ; thou delightest to make us perfect , and then thou delightest in our perfection ; thou delightest to make us obedient , and then thou delightest in our obedience ; thou delightest to make us lovely , and then thou takest delight in our loveliness ; thou delightest , Ah thou delightest to make us such as thou wouldst have us to be , and then thou takest great delight in the work of thine hands , even in thine own handy-work .

53. Ah our great , most great God , how greatly great is thy greatness ! How greatly good is thy goodness ! how greatly true is thy truth ! how greatly just is thy Justice ! how greatly mighty is thy might ! how greatly lovely is thy love ! how greatly beautiful is thy beautiful countenance ! how greatly , Ah how greatly sweet are all thy Sweets ! how greatly delightful are all thy delights ! how pleasant , Ah how pleasant are all thy pleasant things ! with thee , O God , is fulness of all joy , unspeakable joy , and from thy right hand flow pleasures for evermore .

54. Ah the joys , the joys even in this worlds joys , when God is in them , and comes with them , and when in that , therein alone , we take and make all our joy .

55. God many times is so gracious , as he takes us napping , that is , gives us grace when we sought it not ; yea , gives us himself , many times , when we seek him not , when we think not of him .

56. How doth he many times measure out unto us , and shower down upon us such measure of mercy , even when we never measured the sweetness , nor the greatness of what we received , much less of that which we did not , of that which we could not expect .

57. Ah how much above all things is our God even in the want of all things , of all this worlds all ! that soul , Ah that soul that hath him , finds not , nor cannot find any want at all .

58. But wanting , Ah wanting him , in the midst of all we have nothing , even nothing at all , but want all , even all , in the very enjoyment of all this worlds all .

59. O God , our God , thou fillest us many times so full that we even flow over with thy fulness , even then , many times , when we see our selves , find , feel , and know our selves most empty , and many times thou causest us to bear and bring forth most fruit , even then when we think and see our selves most barren ; we have thee , O God , we have thee many times most when we think that we have thee least , and thou art nighest us when we think , Ah when we think that thou art farthest off from us , such a good God is our God .

60. How much better is it to be a Lazarus , to beg at a Dives's door , than be a Dives , and suffer a Lazarus to beg at our doors , and not to give him of our goods .

61. How much better is it to have nothing at ●ll of this worlds all , then to have this worlds all , and give of it , Ah and to give of it unto others nothing at all .

62. How much better is it to feed on thee , O God , and to have nothing else to feed on , than to feed on all things else , and not to taste of thee , of thine own sweet , blessed , most blessed , and most sweet self , O God in Christ , who art the souls only food by faith .

63. Having thee , O God , we are soon filled , yea , feasted and solaced with all delicious dainties : but feeding on all other things , and not tasting , O God , of thy pleasant things , they have all no taste at all .

64. O God , thou know'st I would most willingly be , Ah most willingly I would be a child , yea , a very fool in wisdom for the world , or of worldly wisdom , for to get or keep earthly things , to be an old man in Christ , to learn , know , feel , and keep spiritual things . Ah if I could always walk , talk , and live in the Spirit , and obey the Spirit , I would account all other joys and wisdom very toyes , and meer foolishness .

65. To forget all things out of God , and besides God , and to mind him so , as to have nothing else in my mind , this , Ah this is my longing desire , and I trust it will continue in me through grace , and augment untill I have all I would have , which is my Christ , my Christ , who is my God .

66. Take all this worlds all , ye men of the world , give me my God , my God , and I will never ask yours , your God : But yet I would that ye had mine , that my God were your God ; that my Portion were all your Portion also , and that we might be ever brethren .

67. Let me , Ah let me be blind ( as it were ) to see beauty in no beauty out of thee , O Christ , dumb to hear no voice but thine , Ah the still sweet voice of thy Spirit , and senseless to feel no pleasure , but in those things , O God , as are pleasing , pretious , and dear in thy sight ; lame , so as I may not walk after any other thing but thee my God , my God , so that I may be only thine , and none but thine , at all times , and in all places , companies and things .

68. He that hath not tasted of the sweetness of God , even of those sweet sweets that God giveth to Souls , knoweth it not , and therefore desireth it not ; but Ah , he that feedeth on them , and hath been resatiated with them , he finds no sweets like them ; nay all other pleasant things , unpleasant , and all other sweets bitter in comparison of these his sweet , most pleasant sweets .

69. Being with God , having God , enjoying God and Communion with him , a dungeon is to him a Palace , bread and water is good cheer , to lye on the ground ; the earth his bed , the heavens his canopy , and the trees root his pillow , is as a bed of down , as curtains of gold , and a pillow of wooll ; nay in flames of fire , or on a rack , he can lye softly , and sing sweetly , so he do but hear the still sweet voice of God speaking peace to his Soul , and bidding it to be of good cheer .

70. There is no company like to no company , to be alone with God , with God alone ; if ever it be satisfied , it is then satisfied , to speak with him , to him , and to hear God answer him by his Spirit in love ; Ah the lovely discourse , converse , delight and joy , which makes a man not to know where he is , nor whether he be in the flesh or Spirit , he is at such times so spiritual .

71. Who can , Ah who can tell , or set forth , nay meditate what , how good , great , loving , gracious , merciful , beautiful and abundant is the loving kindness , the kind Love of God to his children and servants ? or set forth the sweetness and greatness of his gifts of Grace .

72. He ravisheth them , he filleth them , he feedeth them , he cloatheth them , he solaceth them , he enricheth them , he giveth them such pleasures , and joyes as eye hath not seen , as ear hath not heard , nor as no heart can conceive ; this honour doth the Lord to those whom he loveth , to all his Saints .

73. He maketh them to triumph in , and over all adversity and prosperity ; in sickness and in health , in places and conditions ; he is always nigh at hand to those that unfeignedly love him , and fear him , and that tremble at his Word .

74. He causeth his goodness to pass before them , and proclaimeth ( as with an audible voice ) that he will be ever and for ever their God , and their Guide , their Sun , and their Shield , their Peace , and their everlasting Portion ; that he will never leave them nor forsake them , but always and ever own them for his own , and so stand by them , and live and dwell in them ; that no evil shall come nigh them to hurt them , or to do them the least harm , but every thing shall always work together for his own glory and their everlasting good .

75. Thus they that honour him he will honour , they that flye to him shall find succour and help , and be brought out of all dangers , for his own mouth hath spoken it , which is to me much more by much , than ten thousand thousand witnesses .

76. Ah Lord , I most humbly beseech thee , keep me so close unto thee , as I may always touch thee , feel thee , hear thee , so as I may know thee by thy name , that is by thy doings , by thy gracious , most gracious dealings , by thy wonderful , by thy most wonderful gracious actings in my Soul , and heart , and mind , and will , and affections , that it may be all thine , and only thine , that thou may'st not only , O God , be in all my thoughts always , but always all my thoughts , desires , love , liking and longing .

77. Fill me , O Lord , fill me with love to thy Laws , that I may delight in them , yea make the keeping of them my whole and chief delight .

78. Fill me , O God , with thine own goodness , that I may be good , with thine own Justice that I may be just , with thine own righteousness that I may be righteous , with thine own mercy that I may be merciful , with thine own truth , that I may be truely true , with thine own Love , that I may be lovely loving thee in truth , with thine own fear to fear thee , with thine own Faith to believe in thee , and to lay fast hold upon thee , with thine own beauty , O Lord , to make me comely and beautiful , with thine own gloriousness , to make me glorious , with thine own transcendent shining faithfulness , that I may be faithful unto thy holy Laws all my whole life .

79. Thou hast , O God , thou hast , for which I shall never cease to laud and praise thee , promised to keep me by thine own power through Faith unto salvation , therefore I will not be afraid nor fear any power , no nor all powers whatever , whether of sin , men or Devils ; for I know that they are all weak , and that thou art strong , they are the conquered , thou O Lord , thou art the Conquerour , they are all subdued , and thou hast , O Lord , subdued them , they are brought under , and thou rulest over them , they are thy foot-stool , and thou tramplest upon them , all their all to thee , O great God , is nothing even nothing at all , all the Nations of the Earth , are as the drop of a bucket , and as the dust of the ballance in thy sight , with the breath of thy nostrils thou art able to consume them , and turn them to their first substance ( dust ) therefore , O Lord my Lord , I will depend and rely on thee , that thou wilt do for thy servant this good , that is so great , even to make , preserve and keep me faithful unto the death , and then , O Lord , then , in the greatness of thy eternal and everlasting goodness wilt give me for ever the Crown of eternal life .

80. How small a thing , how poor a thing , and how low a thing , is and are all things ? if God be not in them , and come not with them .

81. What is it to have all things out of God , and besides God ? that is , not to have him with them , in them , who is all good , and only able to make all things good unto us .

82 How poor and low are all these high things here below , the riches of the World , the honours of the World , and the pleasures of the World , to enjoy all their pleasures and their joys ; how foolish is it ? and Ah what toys , considering their fickleness , shortness , and uncertainty ; for what is green , desirable and flourishing , to day , is to morrow perhaps , withered , dry , loathsome , and all its beauty past away ; for who can say of any thing , or of himself , it shall be to morrow as it is this day ?

83. The wicked shall not live out half his days , and how long soever he live , they will not be half the days he would live , though God should lengthen them as he did Hezekiah's , for ten years , nay for a hundred , nay make his days as Methusalem's , all such a time would be but a moment , to eternity ; but to live in the Love and favour of God a man shall dye never , but death shall make him live for ever and for ever .

84. What a poor , yea despicable poor small thing are Kingdoms , Crowns and Scepters , and what else , as humane Learning , the wisdom of men , mans wisdom ; yea though a man could know more than Adam , or Solomon knew , though he could know all things that are , and that perfectly too , that are out of God , and besides God , what , Ah what were all this learning , knowledge , or wisdom , but folly , meer foolishness , in comparison of the knowledge of the Spirit , Spiritual knowledge , to know in Spirit and in Truth , Jesus Christ , and him crucified , to be our Christ and our Jesus ; Paul accounted all other wisdom folly to this , and so blessed be our God do I ; he desired to know no other thing , but only this one thing , no more do I ; Let all other knowledge in me perish , so this augment and continue , I shall not , I am sure , grieve , be sad , repine , nor sorrowful for its loss , come when it will come , and Ah that it were come , if God so would .

85. Thy Love , O God , O God , thy Love , thy Love , is the Heaven of Heaven in Heaven , there can be nothing more lovely or desirable , either there or here ; Let me , O Lord , I beseech thee never leave sighing after it , longing for it , nor desiring to enjoy it , untill I do enjoy it with thy self in thy self , by possessing thy blessed most blessed self , O sweet Jesus , who art all blessings , and all blessedness .

86. One look of Love from Christ , will make a man willingly and cheerfullly , to cast aside , to cast away , all things that hinder his loving of him , though never so lovely , or lawful , near , or dear unto him ; for his Love will constrain , only to love him again .

87. But how then , Ah how then doth , and will that Soul love him , that seeth and knoweth always , that he is beloved by him , he is fed with his Love , yea continually feasted with his Love , he is cloathed with his Love , all his garments are Love , his treasure is his Love , his honour is his Love , and his Love is all his pleasure and his delight , he sees his Love in all things that he sees , that he enjoys , he is continually with him , and this his sweet , amiable and blessed presence of Love , his most loving presence , he cannot be without , when he hath him not thus nigh him , he seems to want all things , and when he hath him thus , he hath all things , and wants nothing .

88. Such a Soul rowleth , dependeth , and always rejoyceth , his heart is only made glad by his delightful approaches , and indwellings ; so as he esteemeth no life like to this life , of living in him , to him , and sor him ; and when , Ah when all other Subjects , and Objects how loving , or lawful soever at other times , are outed of his mind , memory , heart and affections ; how glad is he ? how doth he rejoyce , and leap and skip , and sing for joy , that he is with him alone ? that he enjoyeth him only , that nothing hinders , nor molests their sweet Intercourse , their sweet Imbraces , their mutual Delight , Joy and Love .

89. Love cannot endure to be molested , when it hath what it would have , there is none so rich , so happy , so honourable as he , that is thus loved by God , and lives always in his love , and is by him , from his love , made to walk worthy of his love ; for such is Gods love , that he accepteth the willing will that is in us , for the working deed , when that it is upright , true , real and sincere .

90. On Christ , the King of love , the soveraign tye and chain of love , thy love is so lovely , so shining , so transpiercing , so bright , so burning , so conquering , so consuming that all other loves are consum'd at the very approach of thy love ; at thy coming they fly away , they are not heeded , minded , remembred , nor thought on any more , nay to forget them all what ever they be , bringeth joy , even such joy as is unspeakable , for then the soul and body , and all the faculties and members thereof are filled with thee , and thy joys which are such as no tongue can tell , nor no heart conceive , thou dost so much excel , O Lord , thou dost so much excel , as thus to enjoy thee , Oh thou our Soveraign , best , and superiour good : the soul answereth ; Ah let it thus be ever with me , let me be thus ever with thee , O Christ , with thee , with thee , let me , Ah let me never go from thee , be absent from thee , for there is nothing in Heaven that I desire like unto thee , or in all the Earth in comparison of thee , make me but as one of thy hired Servants , that I may always hear thee , see thee , and abide in thy blessed , most blessed presence , for in thy presence is always all joy , unspeakable joy , yea fulness of all joy that is unspeakable , and from thy right hand flow continually all pleasures for evermore .

91. Thus is the soul wrapt up in Christ that enjoys him , he asks , he seeks , esteems , prises , nor desires no other joys , no other Heaven , no other happiness , no other blessedness , than thus always to enjoy him , he is at rest , at ease , he hath all that he would have , that he can ask or crave , yea much above all that ever he did ask or think , so much is Christ above all things , and more than all things to them , and to all them , in whom he liveth in love , and loveth to live , and the soul breatheth out for more of his love , that it may love him more and more .

92. Look , O man , into this Glass , and thou shalt plainly A spiritual soul Looking-glass , or a glass to see the soul , whether it be Spiritual or Carnal . see thy inner man , the heart of thy soul , or the soul of thy heart , whether it be or not a heart according to Gods heart , or a heart according to thine own heart and the Devils , thou shalt plainly see whether thou art Carnal or Spiritual , dead in sin , or alive by grace , a faithful Servant of Jesus Christ , or a slave to thine own vile , base lusts and affections , of sin and Satan , whether thou art a Member of Christs Mystical body betrothed unto him by grace , or still a Member of Satans vile body , made one with him by sin , whether or no thou hast the divine nature in thee , or still remainest in thine own fleshly , sinful , wretched nature , and this thou mayest easily see and know by examining of thine affections , what thou lovest most , prizest , choosest , delightest in , thinkest on , and esteemest most , what is most the end of thy aim , and the aim of thy end , after what thou most runnest , pantest , breathest , gapest , hungrest , and thirstest after , what is most in thy thoughts , yea what thou makest thy thoughts most , what are thy inward longings , if thou choosest all his ways , freely and universally , the hard and rough , to the flesh , as well as the easie pleasant and deligthful , and that with pleasure and delight , and rejoycest to walk in them , and to make them , and to make them thy delight , if his yoke be to thee easie , and his burthen light , if it be thy meat and drink to do all his whole and holy will on earth , as it is done in Heaven ; if it be the Heaven that thou desirest on this side Heaven , thy earthly Heaven , thy Heaven on earth , to do his whole and holy will on earth , as it is done in Heaven ; Consider ,

93. Art thou born again , not in the flesh , but in the spirit , that is transformed , changed , and made a new Creature throughout in spirit , soul and body , in thought , word and deed , are all old things put away , wholly and totally , cheerfully and willingly , with consent , delight , applause , joy , rejoycing and thanksgiving , and are all things become new ; hast thou a new mind , new heart , new desires , new endeavours , new will and affections , at all times , in all places , companys and things , throughly , seriously , circumspectly , faithfully , sincerely , ardently , continually and universally , that is prevailingly against all sinful fleshly desires , lusts and affections , dost thou find all evil inclinations mortified , have they all received a deadly wound , do they all stink in thy Nostrils , as they do in Gods , and are they all loathsome unto thee , as they are unto him , and detested by thee , with thy whole heart as by God , that is in truth and sincerity of heart , and as well , and as much secret , airy , vain foolish thoughts , that disturb thy peace , and thy Communion with God , as open sins ; so that Gods nature , divine Image and resemblance is most of all dear , pretiou● , and delightful unto thee , and thou labourest with tooth and nail to preserve it , with a continual , heedful , watchful , careful care ; so that to do good is habitual in thee , yea as it were natural , it is all thy delight , joy , rejoycing , end , and aim : dost thou heartily hate all the former evil that was in thy heart , loathing , detesting , and abhoring the sins of thy life heretofore , thy heretofore sins , are all their sweets become to thy tast bitter as gall and wormwood , are all their pleasures , altogether unsavory , unpleasant , and so loathsome , as thy very heart riseth against them , and loatheth the very thoughts of them , do they appear unto thee all , both the great and the small in their own black colours , filthy and ugly hue ; is there no one lull'd in thy bosome , hugg'd in thine arms , embraced in thine heart , pleasant in thine eye , sweet to thy tast , or winkt or connived at , as a small one , or but as one , as a dear one , even near and dear as a right eye , or a right hand , but are they all , both great and small , known or unknown , secret as well as open , like unto thee , exceeding , yea above measure loathsome and sinful ; dost thou watch against them always , and not suffer any one when he peeps in , to come in ; dost thou fly from them all , as thou would'st do from the Devil , from Hell , and from the greatest of Gods Judgment , and Eternal wrath , are they to thee as a Hell , yea as the worst of Hell in Hell , dost thou feel the burthen of but one sin , though not committed altogether willingly , or with delight , to be heavier than the whole earth , and had'st rather have all the Rocks and Mountains in the whole world to fall on thee , to lye upon thee , than one willing sin committed to lye upon thee ; and is sin thus hated , loathed , detested , and abhorred by thee , because it is sin , because it is a breach of Gods holy Laws , and divine Commandments , which are altogether all holy , just , and good , because they disturb thy peace and thy communion with God , and are contrary to thy nature in truth , as to Gods nature , and because they make thee to lose thine image and likeness of God and Christ , and converse with the Spirit of grace , who is thy sole and souls comfort and comforter , and for that they make thee vile in Gods eyes , and disobedient unto him for whom thou art and wert created , and for whom , and unto whom thou desirest to live , to love , to fear , to honour , and to obey for ever , and for ever .

94. Art thou conformable to Christ thy head , thy husband , thy Lord , and thy King ? Doth he wholly raign and rule in thy heart , with consent , applause , delight , joy and rejoycing , and in , and over all the faculties of thy soul , and members of thy body ? Art thou holy as he is holy , pure as he is pure , and perfect as he is perfect , that is , sincere in truth , truly sincere in all thy actions and affections ? Art thou within as thou seemest to be without , and dost thou labour much more to be approved , applauded , esteemed and honoured by God , and in his sight , than by men and in their sight ? Dost thou stick only to him , cleave to him , and hold him fast , with true , faithful , sincere , ardent , continual , and loving embraces , and choosest him only for thy choice , for thy chief Superiour , best and soveraign good , for thy Heaven , for thy happiness , and for thy felicity , peace , rest and blessedness ? Is there nothing in Heaven so dear and pretious unto thee as is thy God , thy Christ , nor in all the earth in comparison of him ? Dost thou much more love Heaven for God than God for Heaven .

95. Is Jesus Christ become to thee so great gain , as for his sake thou carest not what loss thou dost sustain , Temporal or Spiritual , so that thou mayest live the life of the righteous , to his praise , honour and glory ? Thou carest not what be thy condition , nor where thy place of abode be , nor with whom , nor what be thy life , nor what thy death be , though poor , hunger-starved , full of scabs , botches and sores , from the crown of the head to the soal of the foot , like unto Job , or Lazarus , so as there be no whole place in thee , and though thou shouldst be ( as they were ) defamed , vilified , condemned , cast out , scoffed at , mocked , lye in the dust , on a dunghil , be fed with the dogs , yea , refused what is given them , even the very Crums that fall under other mens Tables , yea , though thou shouldest be banished , imprisoned , persecuted , scourged , whipped , tormented , rackt , torn by wild horses , consumed by fire , or drown'd in the depth of the Sea .

96. Canst thou choose any of all these , yea , all these , and all other afflictions whatsoever , willingly , chearfully and joyfully , for Christs sake , and the Gospels , rather than deny thy faith , thy hope , thy love ; rather than commit any sin , rather than do the least evil with consent , approbation , liking , or choice ? Is Christ better to thee than all things ? Canst thou truly , cordially and sincerely say , that thou hast nothing so dear and near to thee as Christs Honour , Crown and Glory is : And whatever be thy Portion here below of these high low things , thou canst willingly with all thy heart and will go from them all , or be content that all things be taken from thee , Houses , Lands , Goods , Kindred , Friends , Father , Mother , Wife , Children , and what else , desiring much rather by much to hold fast thine integrity , with the loss of all these , than hold fast these and lose thy love , thy light , thy life , which is thy Jesus .

97. Wouldst thou much rather chose affliction , any affliction , yea , all afflictions , Temporal and Spiritual , on body and soul , as the children of God , rather than commit the pleasures of sin for a season , rather than in the least displease thy Christ , thy Jesus , thy God , thy good , thy Saviour and thy Redeemer for a moment ; much rather by much suffer the afflictions due to sin , than sin and suffer no affliction ; for surely a Saints greatest affliction is sin , sin is the very worst of Hell to him that makes God his best Heaven , the Heaven of Heaven in Heaven .

98. Dost thou feel thy heart heartily to long for the knowledge of God and all his ways , to love , fear , serve , honour and obey him ? And dost thou find that all that thou dost is nothing to what thou would'st , and desirest and longest to do ? Thy very best is too too bad , thy most holy things are too too unholy , and all thine all even nothing at all ; thou art altogether ashamed of thy self that thou art what thou art , and abhorrest thy self in dust and ashes , accounting thy self ( as thou art in thy self ) the vilest of Creatures , the greatest of sinners , and the very worst of the worst of men .

99. And this causeth in thee sorrow , shame , grief and astonishment , wondring that such a God should love such a man , such a worm , such a wretch , such a miscreant , such a dog , such a sinnner , yea , such a devil as thou art in thy self ? Dost thou thus condemn thy self , loath and abhor thy self , and art thus truly angry with thy self , and ashamed of thy self , and of all thy doings , and marvellest how thou canst find acceptance at such a glorious Throne of grace , and gracious Throne of Glory ; and that God hath had so long patience , and that he did not cut thee off long ago ; and give thee thy portion with thy brethren in Iniquity , Whoremongers , Drunkards , Prophaners of the Sabbath , with the Covetous , Proud , Boasters , Malicious , Raylers , False accusers , &c. even with the devil and his angels ; and that thou dost esteem it a Heaven that thou art not now in Hell , giving continual Glory to God in Christ that thou wert not consumed and cut off long ago ; and that he hath not given only space to repent , but also grace to repent , from all and every sin in thought , word and deed , even with repentance unto life , never to be repented of .

100. And if thus thou art in sincere truth , I say , if in truth and sincerity these , or the like , be thy desires , endeavours , life and living , end and aim , habitually , continually and universally , then art thou what thou shouldst be , and what God would have thee to be , assure thy self thy heart is upright , clean , pure , holy and perfect , even according to Gods own holy heart ; thou art a man in Christ , a member of Christ , and surely , surely Christ will assuredly own thee for his own , and always love thee , and live in thee even as he doth in his own , as he doth to those in whom he liveth , and whom he loveth , and thy life shall henceforth be hid with Christ in God , so that when he shall appear at his second and sudden coming in glory , thou shalt also appear with him , to his eternal glory and thine everlasting comfort , joy and eternal salvation .

101. And therefore , O man of God , child of God , son of God , and servant of the eternal and ever living God , chear up thy self , and rejoyce , yea , I say , evermore rejoyce , for God is thy God , and thy Father , thy Portion , thy Lot , and thine Inheritance ; thou art surely his , and he is as surely thine , and Christ Jesus will be also thine all , all thine , the way , the truth , and the life to bring thee unto , and give the possession of eternal life , life eternal , which he hath prepared for thee by his death , and is preparing thee for it by his life , for he lives to make continual intercession for thee ; the holy Spirit of grace , the Sanctifier and the Comforter is thine , he will guide thee , lead thee , direct thee , keep thee , and preserve thee unto the end , even in the ways of all holiness and righteousness , of peace , joy , comfort and consolation , which are the foretasts and fore-sights of eternal life and salvation , the very beginnings of the beatifical Vision of glory in glory , and of those ravishing joys and pleasures prepared and laid up for the Just , before the beginning of the world was , which are such as eye hath not seen , as ear hath not heard , neither hath it ever entred into the heart of any man at any time to conceive , being much , ah much above all that we can ask or think , for there we shall ever possess and enjoy all joys , unspeakable joys , yea , fulness of all joys and pleasures for evermore , even God himself , Father , Son and Holy Ghost , who is all in all , and in all the blessed , to him alone be eternally given all Honour , Glory , Power , Might , Majesty , Dominion and Thanksgiving , now , and for ever and ever , Amen , Amen .

102. None but the true children of God can truly love Gods children , they that are his , will love those that are his , chiefly and most because they are his , and those most that appear to be his most , and those dearliest that are his dearest .

103. I will much more , more by much rejoyce in an obedient heart , to submit unto , and to do the whole and holy will of God in all cases , conditions and places , than to enjoy the wisdom of Solomon , and all the honours , riches , delights and pleasures of the whole world .

104. Ah Lord , let my heart never be at rest until I find that it doth most willingly , freely , joyfully , and choosingly submit , and acquiesce unto all that God will , be it what it will , and to say of all things , and in all conditions , so would I have it .

105. There is surely nothing so delightful unto the heart of a true Christian , as to do the whole will of God holily and heartily , as to please him by a sincere , hearty and cheerful obedience universally .

106. Ah the joys , the joys , the true joys , the great joys , yea , the unspeakable joys , the peace the peace , the comfort the comfort , the solace , and the rest and quiet that is in the heart of him that feareth always ( from love ) for it destroys all servile fear , and causeth such joy and gladness as passeth all understanding .

107. What , ah what honour is there like that , as truly and sincerely to honour God! What pleasure , ah what pleasure like that as always to please God! What joy , ah what joy , like that as always to enjoy God! What happiness , ah what happiness like that , comparable to that , as to know him to be ours , and we to be his ! What peace , ah what peace like that , as when we know our peace to be made with the God of peace , through and by Jesus Christ the King and Prince of peace , witnessed unto us by the continual indwelling in us of the Spirit of peace , the Sanctifier of our souls , and the Comforter of our hearts ? Ah what comfort , what comfort like unto that , as to find our selves in God , and that great good God to be in us ! What , ah what so sweet , as to feed continually on these true heavenly sweets here on earth , which are the very sweets of Heaven , in Heaven .

108. I do now wonder that any man hath , or can have any peace a moment , that hath not his peace made sure , or a sure peace made with God .

109. All other quiet , ah how unquiet will it prove in the end , that is not founded or grounded on this sure foundation , or ground of Gods love in Jesus Christ .

110. I wonder , Ah I wonder , men are not as it were continually torn in pieces , with sears , and cares , till all these sears are taken away by a lively living Faith , and their whole cares cast on Christ .

111. I wonder , Ah I wonder , that terrors do not always terrifie them , that Hells torments do not affright and amaze them , until that they have a sure and certain confidence , that Christ hath redeem'd them from it .

112. I wonder , yea I much wonder that any man can call any thing else a good thing , but only this one thing that is so good , even Christ's goodness , and that he is mine , and that I am his , even bone of his bone , and flesh of his flesh , and that I am sure , he hath so loved me as to give himself for me , to dye in my place and stead ; So that I am now reconciled thereby unto God , who is become my Father and my God .

113. I wonder , Ah I much wonder now , that any man can desire to live any other life , or dye any other death , than to God , and for God .

114. I wonder now , yea I now do very much wonder , that all men do not seek this one thing necessary , so necessary , to give up themselves , even all their all unto God , by good works and a holy life , to live to him only by whom they only live , and for whom only , they are and were created .

115. I wonder , Ah I wonder now , that any other life can give , or should give us any , or the least pleasure ; for thus to live in , for , and to God , is only to live : and he that thus lives , lives only , and none but such do live ; for those , and all those that live not unto God , are dead , though they be alive , yea though they do live .

116. The worst of men , and all men , and at all times , wish to dye the death of the righteous , as Balaam did ; but few , Ah few , sincerely desire to live the life of the righteous : for if they would they might , and be assured to their eternal and everlasting joy , that if they did so live , they should so dye , and then so live with God , and in God eternally .

117. Ah let us then not only desire , but also earnestly labour , and endeavour so to live in this life , as we would live in the after life , when this life shall be no more ; and to hate sin , and love righteousness now , as those do , and shall then , and as we shall likewise , if we live in God with them ; and he that so loves and hates here , shall ever live in Love for ever hereafter .

118. Let us love the Lord heartily in all things and for all things , knowing assuredly , that all things that he doth unto us , are in Love .

119. Therefore if the Lord strike me , I will rejoyce in it , because it is his hand doth it ; yea I will therefore mightily rejoyce .

120. What ever the Lord doth unto me , I will rejoyce mightily in it , because he doth it , and because he doth it unto me , therefore I know it is best for me , and I know that his end in it , is , to make me to rejoyce .

121. Strike then , O Lord , strike , strike and spare not , either on my body , or Soul , goods , or good name , when thou wilt , where thou wilt , and in what manner soever thou wilt , I am ready , most ready , and most willing to praise thee , to laud , extol , and magnifie thee , and to declare that so I would have it , yea that I would only have it so ; for thou knowest , O Lord , my heart , and therefore that with my heart I heartily desire to be , and have , what thou wilt have me to have and to be , thy will , O God , thy good will , and not mine , let be always done , in me , and upon me .

122. I desire to live in God only , that I may only live to and for his glory .

123. To glorifie God , is true glory , the glory only which is true .

124. To possess God is true riches , the riches only which is true .

125. To get God is to get all ; for all things else are nothing , nothing , yea nothing at all .

126. To be with God is to be free ; for all things , Lord , are still in thee .

127. Thou art that all , that only all , that ever was , and ever shall .

128. I have nothing wherein to boast , but in the Love and Mercies of my God , and of his Mercies and Love I am resolved ever to boast .

129. He that possesseth God , possesseth all things that he would possess , and careth not , nor asketh not , nor regardeth not any other possessions .

130. He that feareth God rightly , feareth no other fears , how dreadful or fearful soever they be , no not his many great fearful sins , nor death the King of terrors and fears .

131. He that enjoyeth God , hath all the joyes he would enjoy , or can desire to have ; for to him , God is much more by much than all , and above all things that can be enjoyed .

132. He that loveth God truly and rightly , hath all that he loveth , because he loveth nothing like him , or in comparison o● him , either in Heaven above , or on the Earth beneath .

133. He that pleaseth God by walking wellpleasing before him , hath , and he can desire no other pleasures , for to keep his Laws is all his delight , and the only thing that bringeth joy to his heart , and that feasteth his Soul , with marrow and fatness , yea with all pleasant things .

134. He that thus giveth up himself to God , and acknowledgeth him for his all , shall have of him ( here ) as well as hereafter , much , I say much above all that he is able to ask or think .

135. He that only willeth Gods will , hath always his own will at all times , in all places and conditions .

136. He that giveth himself to God , may be sure that God hath given himself unto him more sure , and therefore all that God hath is his .

137. He that would no other good but God , hath God , and therefore all good ; for he that hath God sure , hath all things else sure he may be sure , for in him are all things , and from him come all things , therefore to him alone , and unto none else be only all honour , and all glory for ever and for ever .

138. Ah what a blessed , yea most blessed Heaven is it to walk in the ways of God , which will assuredly lead us , and bring us to the Heaven of Heaven in Heaven .

139. To possess God , we must dispossess our selves of our selves .

140. To be filled with God , we must empty our selves of our whole selves .

141. To have God , we must hate our selves , that is all , even all , that is not of God .

142. To see God , we must put out our own eyes , and not see with them , but with his eye only , only with his .

143. To feel God , he must be in us , and we must be in him .

144. To know God , we must first know our selves , as we are in our selves , then , Ah then shall we have our eyes opened to see him , and know him as he is to be known and seen , which is by faith from love .

145. To hear God , we must resolve to be obedient unto him , then shall we surely hear his sweet still voice , even of his own spirit within us , saying , Son be of good chear , thy sins are forgiven thee , I am thy God , and I will be thy God and thy guide , for ever and for ever .

146. To fear God , is to walk uprightly in all his ways , esteeming them all holy , just and good .

147. How , Ah how doth the heart of a Child of God open and shut , pant and gape , hunger and thirst , grieve and groan after the goodness of God , which is after his likeness , to be like him ; for it cannot else be satisfied , no not with all things , not with Heavens all , or that is on the earth , for God only is all his good .

148. I had much rather by much , have the grace to please God , than the grace of spiritual comfort ; rather have the grace of Sanctification , than of Consolation .

149. Let me get and keep my God with the loss of all , and I will account it no loss , I say no loss at all .

150. The world s all is nothing , I say nothing at all , to God our all , who is only all , even all only that is , or can be desired .

151. Surely , surely , the very soul of Religion is to serve God sincerely , and heartily with our whole hearts and souls .

152. For a little , Ah for a very little which we give to God , he giveth much to us , let us not be niggards then , if we will , or desire to have him bountifull unto us , and recompence our little with his much , our small with his all .

153. No man , surely no man ever lost or repented for giving too much to God , or for doing too much for him , for every mite we rightly give , a Talent at least we shall receive , thus to love and fear the Lord in truth , is true wisdom .

154. Ah the happiness , the unspeakable great and true happiness to possess God , and to be possest by him ; if then so great here , Ah how great shall it be , and will it be hereafter , if the beginning here bring such unspeakable joys , how unspeakable will they be when begun there , where we know they will never pass away , or have an end .

155. I had much rather by much , have God with me and in me , and feel it , and know it , and have nothing else , than to have him and not feel him , and have all that my heart doth or can else desire .

156. When , Ah when I am in his presence , I am so satisfied to the full , that I ask after no other satisfaction , all other things are not regarded , no nor thought on , but thought altogether unworthy to be thought on , or in the least regarded .

157. Possess then , Ah possess then , O God , my God , who art all my good , my whole heart , mind , thoughts and affections , that I may be all thine , and none but thine , always thine , and ever thine , even wholly thine , until that thou hast made me such as thou wilt have me to be , which is holy as thou art holy , pure and perfect as thou , O God , art , even in all things , in some measure like unto thee , so be it , O Lord God , so be it , Amen , and Amen .

In Bourdeaux , Anno 1659.

1. IF thou art , O God , my God , I am sure thou wilt be my guide , and if thou art my guide , O God , I am sure thou art my God .

2. If , O God , thou goest with me , I am sure that all will go well with me ; but if thou goest not with me , I am sure that what ever I do will be ill with me , and for me .

3. If thou art mine , O God , if thou art mine , I am sure I am and shall be ever thine ; but if thou art not mine , so sure , even so sure it is that I am not thine .

4. If I have thee , O God , for my God , I have all I need to have , but if I have thee not , I have nothing , ( thou knowest ) of all that I desire and crave .

5. Let me then so find thee , that I may feel thee in me , and feeling ▪ may rejoyce with that unspeakable joy , which they only feel and find , that have found thee and fed on thee .

6. Let all things else what ever they be , pass away , do but thou , O God , with thine own spirit abide in me , I say ever abide in me ; and I shall I am sure rejoyce and be glad that they be all banisht what ever they be , and that it be said of them all they are not , they are not at all .

7. Let me then , O God my God , so have thee , possess thee , find , feel , and enjoy thee , that my heart may be always upright before thee , and transform'd , and conform'd like unto thee , even according to thine own heart , holy , pure , perfect , spotless and unblameable , that thou mayest henceforth and for ever , always and ever , own me for thine own .

8. I love truth in all things , it is only truth that makes all things unto me lovely ; for where truth is , there we may safely and truly say that God is , for God is truth .

9. Let , O God , always truth abide in me , and I in truth .

10. Truth is my joy , truth is my delight , truth is my food , truth is my life , truth is to me a continual feast of myrrh , mirth and gladness ; truth always gladdeth my heart , and makes it to rebound upward , to skip and leap as a Kid on the Mountains , and as a Lamb on the Hills .

11. Truth is to me as a pretious Oyntment , an eye salve , it is a healing and a comforting to me always .

12. Truth brings down ( as it were ) Heaven unto me , and carrys me up again into it .

13. Truth speaks loud in the ears of my soul , and fills it with joy , and continual and abundant rejoycings .

14. Truth warmeth my heart at all times , keepeth the fire of love , joy and peace alive that it never goeth out .

15. Truth is a Balm to heal all sores , to fill up all scarrs , to make us without blemish , fair and beautifull .

16. Truth never grows old , but is always young , strong and tender , it keeps us fast to him , and him fast to us , whom only we desire to hold fast , and never to let go .

17. Truth hath power to weaken all that is amiss in us , to bring it under until it be conquered finally , and destroyed totally .

18. Truth inflames our hearts , that they are as a fire newly kindled , which cannot easily be quenched .

19. Truth aboundeth over all , and makes us to abound likewise , so that we know both how to want and how to abound .

20. Truth inableth to go beyond all things , for truth bringeth us home to possess all things , even to possess God , the God and giver of all things , who is truth .

21. By truth we are inabled to lead new lives , and to have holy affections frequent in us , our hearts being set on earth .

22. Truth is lovely , amiable , beautiful , desirable , as the finest gold that cannot be finer .

23. Truth maketh us ( unlovely ) lovely , beautiful , bright , shining , transparent and glorious , being a beam , a spark , a coal , a little light of that great light , in whom we are comprehended , but cannot , Ah cannot comprehend , for he is altogether incomprehensible .

24. Truth makes us always lovely , fair and beautiful in his eyes , who can behold no falsity , no evil .

25. Truth is that mantle to cover our many infirmities , and to make us that with boldness we may approach that glorious Sun , and not be burnt , that glorious day , and partake of its glory , that will cloud and eclipse the errours that are yet in us , and make us to feel and to know that we are bound up in this blessed mantle with his hand that will take care over us and for us , that no evil any more hurt us .

26. Ah God , the God of truth , and my God , let this truth of thine never depart from me , nor I from it ; let me shine in it more and more , that I may be resplendent and glorious , always shining in thy sight , that thou mayest delight to look upon me , to love me , and to honour me , making me thy delight , in and through the Son of thy love , and the Saviour and Redeemer of my soul , Jesus Christ the Righteous ; let my heart be always a heart of truth , a true heart of truth , serving thee unfeignedly , and doing always all that I do in truth , from love .

27. When God is present , there is present all good , for all good is in God , and from him proceedeth nothing but good , he being the best , the chief and the only good .

28. Accordingly as we enjoy God , our joys abound , increase or decrease .

29. When we possess him , whatever other things we possess , we possess them not , whatever else we hear , we hear not , whatever else we see we see not , whatever else we be , we are as if we were not , he being the souls all , even all that it wills , would , love , or desires , the soul is so glued to him , that it cannot be taken off by any thing that is either in heaven above , or on earth below .

30. Who can , ah who can recount , express , tell , or set forth the gracious , magnificent , transcendent , bountiful bountifulness of our God in Jesus Christ ; its height is too high , its breadth is too broad , its length is too long , and its depth is too deep . As it is only his own Spirit that can tell what is in his mind for our good , so it is only they , they only that possess his Spirit that can comprehend in some measure the sweet Sweets that he gives , that he pours and showres down into the hearts of his beloved ones .

31. The joys of heaven are far above , Unto all those that truly love , Than all else be , that we do know , That we taste , that we feel , that we see . 32. Go on , go on , O God , go on , To give me thy beloved Son , Let him be mine , let me be his , For he 's my joy , my peace , and bliss . 33. Let me in him , and he in me Be alwaye seen to live and be , Then when this all shall pass away , My soul with him shall ever stay .

34. It is unto thee , O Christ , that I come to have of thy self , thy self .

35. Let the world and devil use all their skill . I am sure my God will be with me still .

36. I am sure that God will fit and prepare me for all trials and afflictions whatsoever , either before or in the trial of affliction .

37. Ah Lord , I beseech thee give me this grace , that I may desire grace , pray for grace , and prize grace here on earth , as I do and shall do glory hereafter in heaven , for I know that he that hath not grace here , shall not have glory hereafter ; and the more grace here , the more glory hereafter .

38. If then I live the life of grace here , I am as sure I shall live the life of glory hereafter .

39. Methinks it is much too low a thing for a Christian to desire any thing , either here or hereafter for himself alone . If I desire any thing here , methinks it is chiefly for others , most of all for others to refesh and comfort them . I desire to have , that I may have to give ; as for my self , any condition , I praise God , would now fully please me , would now fully content me ; yea , I am fully perswaded that any bitter , yea , all bitters would be to me sweet : in poverty , I should find riches , in banishment liberty , in dishonour honour , in contempt applause , in being despised rejoyce ; and though I had nothing , yet methinks I should enjoy all things .

40. My God knows how much I desire heaven , but more for his sake than for my own sake , he knoweth , that knoweth all the secrets of my heart , that with my heart and soul I love him more ( much by much ) than my self . I am so unlovely to my self , that I cannot , that I dare not love my self but in subordination to him , and for him , that I may praise him , that I may prize him , that I may fear him , that I may love him , ah that I may love him , obey him , and adore him .

41. To love God I am unfit , I am unworthy , because I cannot , ah because I cannot love him as I would , as I should . Indeed , if thus it were possible for me to love him , ah how would I delight even in my own love , and love my self , if that I had such a heart according to his heart , to love him only with my whole heart , even with a holy heart .

42. But I find my heart so dull , so dead , so cold , so benumm'd , so Icy and Frozen , that there is not that heat left within me ( of love ) as I would , as I desire , and as I should have for my God , for my good , for my heaven , for my bliss , for my rest , for my peace , and for my only joy , all which is my God .

43. Ah my Love , thou art altogether un●ovely , because thou dost not , and because thou canst not love as thou shouldst what thou shouldst love , and because thou lovest so much too much what thou shouldst not love ( thy self ) thy unlovely loveless self .

44. Ah Lord , my Lord , it is thee , it is thee that my Soul with all my heart would love , and would if it could love none else , love none besides , in comparison of thee ; and thou knowest , O Lord my God , I desire sincerely , and would be filled with this grace of Love ; bu● for thee alone , alone for thee , for thee , my God , my God , who art to me only lovely ; let I beseech thee all other love that is disordinate decrease , that loving these less , I may love thee more ; love thee so as thou requirest and deservest , that is , above all things in heaven above , or on earth below .

45. I know , O Lord , that thou art with me of a truth , because thy truth is with me , that is , in me of a very truth .

46. Love from God fills our hearts with sincere and true love for God , or God's love to us fills us with love for him , his love sweetly constraineth us .

47. Ah how light , how light is that heart that is emptied of all sin , being unburdened of that intolerable burthen ; for if a wounded heart cannot be born , ah then when such a heart is made whole , it must needs bring ease , refreshing , comfort and unspeakable joy .

48. When God is in the heart it may be seen in the face , and perceived by the words that come out of the mouth ; such a lustre is on the whole Man , both within and without , when the presence of God by his Spirit is within , he is surely beautifull in the eyes of all beholders that delight and desire to behold the face of God in Jesus Christ , the very Majesty of God ( in some sort ) is on such a Soul , and through the glorious light of Christ's gracious face his face doth shine in the sight of God , and all good men .

49. I will make no condition with thee , O God , but only this , that is , to love thee only in all conditions as my God , and my only good .

50. Ah Lord , I most unfeignedly and humbly beseech thee let me never taste of this bitter bitter , that is , to find any sin sweet .

51. But let all sin , even all , oh all , Be unto me as wormwoed and gall .

52. Ah Lord , I humbly beseech thee never suffer the remembrance of the former pleasures of sin to please me , but let their remembrance be altogether displeasing , hatefull and detestable , and to be delivered from them ; let it be unto me as the deliverance from Death , and from Hell .

53. Let the fire of thy grace quench totally the heat and fire of all and every lust , sinfull and disordinate affection , that I may henceforth burn only in the fire of Love to . thy Laws .

54. The true Life of God in a Christian is most of all and plainliest seen by his hatred to all evil and sin , and by his unfeigned , sincere , ardent , and continual Love to all that is good ; he loves all that is good in all , to see it though afar off , to hear it spoken of by any whatsoever ; but to find it in himself most of all joys and satisfies him ; to see any evil committed , or to hear any evil spoken by any , troubles and afflicts him ; such is his Antipathy against it , that he will not give it the least healing , or parley , no nor cast the least glance of an eye to favour it , it is abominable to him in thought , word , and deed , and in all its circumstances , even in all . And as well hath the whole man all the faculties of the Soul , hatred to the least circumstance of all ill , as well as to the greatest ; but the degree and measure , is according to the measure and degree , or nature of the ill , but it 's alike hated ( sincerely ) as well the very least as the very greatest of all . And in the same manner and measure is his unfeigned Love to all that is good ; he thanks , and praiseth and prizeth God , for good thoughts , as heartily and sincerely , as for good words , or actions , because he as plainly seeth the true Love of God in the very least particular , as in the very greatest . And 't is the Love of God , which is his presence in Love , that makes his Soul to leap within him , with joy . When that the Soul sees his God , it sees all his good , his Heaven , his Bliss , his Peace , his Love , his Joy , his Rest , his whole and only Delight , Contentment and Comfort ; But in the most good he sees him most , and therefore desireth to do the most good that ever was done , or is possible to be done , and therein he is best pleased , because that pleaseth his God best , and to please him is his only pleasure , all his pleasure , joy and delight only ; it is his Heaven , and therefore he makes it his only happiness .

55. Ah God my God , and my only good , let it be I most humbly and unfeignedly beseech thee in Jesus Christ , always thus with me , that my soul may be satisfied , may be solaced , may be refresht and comforted , by thy living in me , and by my living always in thee , and unto thee , to thine eternal honour , praise and glory , for thine own glorious and holy names sake , give me this grace , that I may live this life here on Earth , until I come to live that life , that I shall after this is ended , live with thee in Heaven . So be it , Lord , So be it . Amen . Amen .

56. Ah how happy , thrice happy are we , Who both tast , know , feel , find savour , & see That thou livest in us , and that we live in thee .

57. Empty me , O Lord , of all , even of all , that I may be fit to receive , and be filled with thy fulness , even with thy blessed most blessed self , the Ocean and Sea of all goodness .

58. As long as we are full , or in part filled with world , flesh , or self , so much less room there is for God ; for when a Vessel is full , it can receive nothing , and according to the measure it 's empty , it is capable to receive .

59. How then , Ah how then should we labour to empty our hearts of all that is not of God , that we may be filled only with God , with God only , and always be thus empty , that we may be thus always filled ; for it 's clear according to the measure we are empty , we are capable to receive , and we shall receive from God , of his blessed fulness , of unspeakable joys and pleasure , if we are willing and labour earnestly and sincerely to empty our selves of our selves , and of all fleshly worldly pleasures and joys , which are but meer fancies , vanities , fooleries and toyes .

60. Ah Lord God , the Fountain and the Ocean , that can never be emptied , empty I most humbly and unfeignedly beseech thee , in the name and for the merits of thy Son and my Saviour Jesus Christ , my heart of all things , even of all , what ever it be that is not according to thy heart , that is not of thee , that I may pant and gape , hunger and thirst , long and desire , to be filled with thee alone , alone with thee , with thee , who art only desirable , and to be desired only ; grant that all the Worlds all , may be more and more unto me nothing , even nothing at all , that thou mayest be all mine , and I all thine , that I may love all things out of thee less , and less dayly , and thee , O God , more and more , untill I so love thee as it may not be possible for me to love thee more , that my Love may cause me so to sink into thee , as I may see my self in thee and thee in me , yea that I may be so swallowed up into thee , that I may not be mine but thine , not mine own at all , but thine own all , even all thine . Now henceforth , and for ever more . So be it Lord , So be it , Amen , Amen .

61. The greatest gift that God can give us , is himself by Christ , and then Faith to believe it ; a heart to love him and rejoyce in it , and to praise him continually for it .

62. And this will work in us unfeigned sincere ardent true Love , which will cast out all fear of doubting , and work in us a true fear , not to offend or grieve him any more , seeing he hath given us himself , to make us his for ever and for ever .

63. The greatest gift that God gives man here on Earth , is , to ascertain and assure him , by his own Spirit , that he hath and will give him himself , for ever hereafter , to behold his face in Heaven , and that we are his , and shall be his for ever .

64. Ah Lord God , I beseech thee augment and increase my Faith , that it may remove the mountains of my sins altogether out of my sight , that they may never shadow thy graces in me any more ; but that I may always say , as now thine own Spirit in me causeth me to say sweetly , and boldly , that thou art mine , and I am thine , that so I may in all needs , wants , crosses , and afflictions whatsover ( say ) I have enough , I shall not want , I cannot be poor , because the Lord is my God , and my Portion , for ever and for ever .

65. Ah Lord God , let me feel anew an● afresh dayly , what I have felt of thy Lov● and kindness in truth , and know more an● more clearly that thou art mine and tha● I am thine ; let me be still constantl● assured that thou art my Lord and my God and that thou wilt never leave me nor for● sake me , but wilt live in me for ever and so ever .

66. Let all doubts and fears be scattered that Satan may never gather them togethe● to molest or trouble me , that my joy may be full , that I may always joy , in this thy so great Salvation , and be made glad by th● light of thy countenance shining upon me ▪ which is better much by much , and chea●eth more than any wine .

67. It is a most sweet thing to live fre● from all sin .

68. To see our selves as we are in our selves , and as we are in Christ ; in our selves black , ugly , deformed , loathsome , filthy and abominable ; but in Christ comely , fair beautiful , white , clean , pure , bright , delightful and spotless ; to see our selves in our selves darkness , black , thick horrible darkness ; but in Christ transparent , transcendent bright light ; to see our selves in our weak , but in Christ strong : to see our selves in our selves barren , but in Christ fruitfull ; to see our selves in our selves very foolishness , but in Christ true Wisdom ; to see our selves in our selves loveless , but in Christ lovely ; to see our selves in our selves nothing , but in Christ all things ; to see our selves in our selves sinners , miserable sinners , members of Satan , heirs of Hell and eternal damnation , but in Christ , Ah in Christ our Christ , without sin , as if we had never sinned , as members of his own glorious body , and coheirs with him of Eternal Life and Glory ; thus Faith doth cause us to see our selves , when our eyes are opened .

69. I had much rather by much , have Obedience than any grace of comfort or assurance ; I had rather much by much be wholly obedient and want assurance , than have assurance , and fail in any point of obedience .

70. Ah God my God , and my only good , give this grace that I may be wholly obedient unto all thy holy Laws and Divine Commandments ; for as thou lookest on it as the best of Sacrifices , so my Soul rejoyceth more in it , than in all graces ; for methinks it comprehends all graces to be obedient from true sincere unfeigned Love Such a one would be wholly holy , do thy whole and holy will always ; for such a Soul makes the keeping of thy Commandments the only joy of his heart , and the solace of his Soul .

71. What , Ah what a sweet most sweet condition is it to live in God only , and to see our selves in him ; for then the heart desires nothing else , nor the mind minds nothing else , nor the will chuse any thing else , nor the affections love any thing else , nor the Soul cares for any thing else , nay it rejoyceth for that it is thus divorc'd from all things else , and Ah , how it chuseth and desireth thus to be ever , to be ever thus , to joy only in God , and to make God only his joy .

72. The Heart and Soul is then to the World , and to all the things of the World , as a man asleep , he values no more Crowns , Scepters nor Kingdoms , wisdom , strength , beauty , riches , honours or pleasures , than a stock or a stone doth , or can do ; he is so sensless , so benum'd , frozen , icy and cold , that he hath no sense or feeling , he is caught up above all these high things here below , and when he doth return to consider them ▪ Ah how low , vain and foolish , doth he account them , nay he maketh not any account of them at all , either great or small .

73. He weeps to see that he hath esteemed them as he hath , and laughs at their folly that do chuse them for their choice , best soveraign and chief good .

74. A Soul in such a condition saith , what have I any more to do with such Idols ; Ah that I could , saith such a Soul , ever enjoy my God so , as that all things out of him and besides him , might give me no joy .

75. Such a Soul saith , when , and whilst I have the best good , the soveraign good , take the other he that will ; I would , Ah I would with my whole heart give all to any , so I could give the thoughts of it likewise , that it might never more come into my thoughts , but that I might be so swallowed up in God , as he might only contain me , and be all my all .

76. What hath the King more than the Beggar , or what is he more ? when he is asleep ( as to enjoyment ) the Beggar then wants nothing of what his heart desireth , and the King possesseth nothing then , of all that he possesseth , according to the desires of his heart , they are then alike , frustrate of all things , and possess nothing .

77. Even so it is with the Soul , nay with the whole man , when he is drawn in , drowned , buried , or swallowed up in God , he is asleep , yea dead to all things out of God , and besides God , and saith , what are all these outward , glorious , beautifull Objects , to those which I did enjoy in God ? Ah if I could , if I could always possess these , what would I care for them ? they are to me at such times even as if they were not , in comparison of what they are at other times . I can and do now heartily laugh them to scorn , and have them in contempt and derision , my God , my God , is so good , he is so good and so delightfull , as he is now become my whole and my sole delight .

78. Ah if it could be ever thus with me , I am sure I should never want any of these things that the flesh craves , not bread to feed me , not drink to refresh me , not cloaths to cover me , having and possessing the things above , and could they , Ah and could they always be possest , I think none but mad men and fools , will dare say , that we want any of the things below , though we should want them all . As to me , I am sure I should not find any want , if I could be always , as I have been sometimes .

79. But , O Lord , I praise thee , O Lord I mightily prize and praise thee , that I am content with thy will , that is , yet to live in this Bacca , in this Wilderness , and in this Valley of Tears as long as thou wilt ; yea , I am so content , that I pray heartily with my whole heart , Let thy will be done on me wholly as thou wilt , and not as I will or would , I desire to be only , only to be what thou wilt have me to be , thine , O Lord , thine , and not my will be done , until thy Kingdom come , Amen , Amen . So be it , Lord , so be it . Amen , Amen .

80. To have all things and not to have God sure , is to have nothing sure ; to possess all things and not to possess God , is to possess nothing ; all things besides God are vanity , foolishness , nothingness , will flye from us and leave us for ever , even then , and when we have most need of help , succour and defence , but God will leave us never . If we be his , he will surely stand by us , def●nd us , assist us , and give us all that we shall stand in need of , yea , much above what we can ask or think .

81. The very least mercy or blessing , either on body or soul , which I have received from God , deserves much more praise , by much , than I am able to give unto God though I should continually praise him , and live continually to his praise : for what am I , poor despicable I , that I should receive any thing from the hand of God! But ah how much less then from the heart of God ( in love . )

82. I know , O Lord God , that thou hast regard to my feebleness , to make me strong ; to my poverty , despicable poverty , to make me rich for ever ; to my nakedness , to cover me with thy most glorious Robes ; to my emptiness , to fill me with thy blessed most blessed self ; to my uncleanness and filthiness , to wash me white and to make me clean ; to my uncomliness , to make me comly ; to my ugliness , to make me lovely ; to my wretchedness and misery , to make me honourable and blessed ; and to my nothingness , to give me all things for ever and for ever . So be it Lord , so be it .

83. Who can , ah who can measure the earth , fathom the sea , and cōunt the stars in heaven , and yet how much more unable and hard is it to measure , to comprehend , and understand the height , the depth , the length , and the breadth of the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord .

84. His goodness is as his greatness , incomprehensibly great .

85. Thy presence , O God , thy presence , makes all things that are bitter , sweet ; and thy absence makes all sweet things bitter .

86. O God , thou givest such gifts to men , that they can see even here in the flesh ( by the eye of faith ) that which thou hast prepared for them in heaven , that Christ and all his graces and righteousness is theirs , that heaven and eternal life and glory is theirs for ever and for ever , that their sins are all pardoned and done away as if they had never been ; they see all that is to come as if it were already come unto them ; they have already ( as it were ) what they shall have hereafter , even all those joyes , riches and pleasures that are in God , and therefore they rejoyce even here with unspeakable joy .

87. Faith causeth us to read in that Book that is sealed up ( our names written there ) and our sins blotted out ; Faith carries us often up into Heaven , even whilst we are here on Earth ; thus Faith can , and thus Faith doth , do all things .

88. Heaven is Heaven , O God , because thou raignest See here in some little measure what Heaven is , and what Hell is . there , and Hell is Hell , because thou raignest not there ; Heaven is all good , because that thou , O God , that art all good dwellest there , and givest out continually of thy goodness to make them all good ( and like thy self ) that are there ; Hell is all evil , because that thou , O God , that art all good art not there , for Hell would not be Hell if thou wert there , O God , ( in love ; ) it is thy presence that maketh Heaven Heaven , and it is thy absence that Hell is Hell ; Heaven is filled with thy smiles , therefore it is Heaven , Hell is filled with thy frown : and therefore , ah therefore it is Hell , Heaven is filled with thy love , and therefore it is lovely , Hell is filled with thy hatred , and therefore it is hateful ; Heaven is free of and from all sin , and therefore it is Heaven , Hell is full of all sin , and therefore , ah therefore it is Hell ; Heaven possesseth , O God , the light , that glorious light of thy most glorious countenance , and therefore it is such a most glorious light as cannot be comprehended with darkness ; but Hell is altogether dispossess'd of thee , O God , who art this light of Heaven , and therefore it is all darkness , even black thick darkness ; Heaven hath always thee , O God , who art not only holy , but holiness , who art not only wise , but wisdom it self , who art not only powerful , but power it self , who hast not only all things , but art all things , and therefore Heaven is such a Heaven as it is , but Hell hath thee not , wherefore it is all sinful , wretched , and miserable ; Heaven is Heaven in Heaven , yea , such a blessed Heaven as it is , because thou hast , O God , blessed it , and Hell is cursed , yea , cursed as it is , because thou hast cursed it from thine eternal ever blessed presence ; They are blessed , and shall be ever blessed that are in Heaven , because they shall ever live with thee , and possess thee , O God , the God and giver of all blessedness , and they are cursed , and shall be ever cursed that are in Hell , because they live not in thee , possess thee not , and are not possessed by thee .

89. Ah Lord God that art this Heavenly Heaven , this light ; this glory , this transcendant incomprehensible , glorious light , this blessedness , this full , whole , entire , compleat , and perfect blessedness of all the blessed in glory , this holiness , this love , this most lovely holiness : Give me , I most humbly beseech thee , and unto all thine , such a measure of thine infinite grace , that we may ( even here ) sink into thee , and be swallowed up by thee , receiving continually grace for grace , and be always altogether fully filled with thy blessed fulness , and be for ever separated and divorced from and out of all things that is not of thee , that we may henceforth lead such holy lives in all our doings , dealings and conversations , so that after this life ended , we may with thee , and in thee , O God , our only good , live that everlasting life of peace , rest , joy , solace , and full contentment that shall never , ah that shall never know end ; So be it , O Lord God Almighty , so be it , Amen and Amen .

90. Ah Lord , give me this grace to hate sin , all sin , though there were no punishment due unto it , and sincerely to love vertue and grace , though there were no reward for it ; hate the one , because it is hateful in it self , and love the other , because it is in it self lovely .

91. O Lord , let my love be true for thee , as thine is , I am sure , for me .

92. Let my love , O Lord , be hot for thee , as I am sure thine is for me .

93. Let my love be strong for thee , as I am sure thine is , O Lord , for me .

94. Let my love be sincere for thee , as thine is O my Lord , I am sure , for me .

95. Let my love be continual , O Lord God , for thee , as I am sure thine is , and shall be for ever for me .

96. All the things out of God , and besides God , are to a true believer but as husks , but as the shell , but as dry bones , &c. But all things in God are the pith without the husk , are the kernel out of the shell , are as marrow out of the bone ; they are truly savory and sweet , much more desirable and to be desired than gold , yea , than much fine gold , and the most pretious pearls .

97. He tha● is in God , and finds God in him , that is , the life of Christ within him , Christ , which is holiness , to be writ on his heart , esteemeth himself rich in the greatest poverty ; for he knoweth that all things are his , he still carrieth about with him that unspeakable treasure , that unpusible treasure , that will make him truly rich , wise and honourable to all Eternity , and with this riches he maketh many rich ; though such a one be despised , he mocketh at their laughter and mockings ; and sincerely desires and wisheth that they had changed their estates for such an estate as will make them surely and truly for ever rich .

98. He that possesseth the riches of God his spirit , esteemeth the wisdom of the wise ( according to the flesh ) that is humane fleshly wisdom , to be but meer foolishness , the treasures of the world , though it were even all this worlds treasure , to be but meer trash , and all its honours and pleasures to be but meer emptiness , shadows , outsides , nothing , and can be all fitly compared to nothing , but to nothing .

99. Let me have thee , O God , always , and I will always say as Jacob did when he had thee ; I have all , and I am sure I shall never lack any thing at all , for this life or the life to come , for thou art , O God , more than all , that is either in Heaven above or on Earth below .

100. He that possesseth God thus , hath in some measure Gods likeness , which is holiness within and without , and that bringeth true contentment , and he that is truly contented , wanteth nothing , but possesseth much more by much , than he , ( which if it could be ) should possess all the whole world , its riches , honours and pleasures : thus the man that liveth in God , knoweth , findeth and feeleth , and therefore rejoyceth with unspeakable joy , and this his joy , as no man knoweth , so no man can take it from him , it is the gift of God , yea it is the gift ( God . )

101. What , Ah what heart is able to conceive , or tongue express the joys , Ah the joys , the joys that he enjoyes , that thus enjoys God , how , how , Ah how doth he rejoyce and triumph , having got such a Victory , having got such a Crown of glory , such a glorious , most glorious Crown put on his head , much finer than the finest gold , and brighter than the clearest Pearl or Diamond : thus faith makes such souls triumph without controul , they are so fully filled with those rivers of pleasures that flow from Gods own right hand .

102. Thou art , O God , thou art , and there is none else , none besides thee , God blessed for ever , give me I most humbly beseech thee , if it be agreeable unto thee , those joys continually , that I may , Ah that I may continually fear thee , that I may continually love thee , that I may continually serve thee , and more and more , O Lord , much by much , give up my self , spirit , soul and body unto thee , to worship and to adore thee , the greatness of thy goodness , and the goodness of thy greatness , which is so incomprehensible and without end ; Ah Lord , I leave my self with thee , leave thou thy self with me ; I desire ( thou knowest ) never to go from thee , go not then I beseech thee from me , but let me be all thine , and always thine , from this time forth and for ever more , Amen , So be it , Lord , so be it , Amen , Amen .

103. The glory of my glory is , that thou hast O God created me for thine own self , for thine own glory .

104. Swallow me up so in thy self , that all things out of thee and besides thee ( O God ) who art my best good , may be swallowed up , that is consumed , that all mine may be all thine , and thee and thine mine .

105. I would much rather by much , that God should keep from me the greatest comforts , than not to see and know my failings and fallings .

106. Ah Lord , the sight and knowledge of my failings and fallings , causeth thee to have thoughts of good for me to send me comfort , by restoring me to thy wonted favour , and by giving me repenting grace , pardoning grace , and preserving grace .

107. By seeing my failings and my fallings thou pitiest me , O Lord , because I am in so pitifull a case .

108. Ah Lord , let thine eyes be always open , and watch thou over me , to see me , in what case or condition soever I be .

109. I was indeed , I confess , heretofore ashamed and afraid that thou should'st and did'st see me and know me , I was so vile and filthy , and finding no true love in me for thee , I thought , O Lord , that thou had'st none in thee for me , but that thou did'st hate me , because indeed I was altogether hateful . But now I know ( and for which I heartily and sincerely desire ever to praise thee ) that thine anger is turned away , and that thine hand is stretched out still over me , to preserve , protect , defend , maintain , and to do me good .

110. So that what I thought was my ill , I now know is my greatest good ; that thou seest me ( O God ) that thou always seest me , and I would not but that thou did'st always see me , as well when I am in my sins , in my worst case and condition , as when at the very best , because at the very best thou canst see ( I acknowledge and sincerely confess ) nothing in me , that thou should'st do any good to me or for me , so bad is my very best , so empty nothing and vile is all mine all . And knowing thee now , O Lord God , by thine own sweet name of love and mercy , I am not ( I praise thee ) at all afraid ; that thou see in me all my sins ( past ) because thou hast given me a free pardon for them ( present sins ) because having pardoned those , I am as sure that thou wilt pardon these , neither am I afraid of my sins to come , because I know that thou art never weary of doing good , and that thou never slumbrest nor sleepest , but always watchest over me . Wherefore , O Lord , seeing that thou art become my Lord , and my God , I now most humbly beseech thee to look on me at all times , in all places and things , what ever my failings or my fallings be , to recover me , and comfort me as thou did'st Peter ; for I know , and firmly through grace believe , that what thou wert , thou art , and wilt be ever unto me a sin pardoning God , a God pardoning all my sins whatsoever : And seeing O God , my God , that thou art such a God as thou art , give me grace , that whatever I do , I may do it to thy Glory , for thy glory , and never more , Ah never more willingly , wittingly , or knowingly sin against thee , in thought , word or deed , but freely and cheerfully depart henceforth from all iniquity , with my whole heart and soul , even from all both the great and the small , that I may be ever thine , and all thine , from this time forth and for evermore , Amen .

111. Thus the Lord brings good out of evil , sweet out of bitter , and gives us ( as at this time , unto my poor Soul ) new tokens , pledges , and assurances of his old love .

112. Ah Lord , let this thy Love and Kindness , even thy most loving and kind Love , be always had in remembrance of me and cause me to cling to thee , to cleave to thee , to hold thee fast , and never to let thee go , and let me always say , the Lord be praised , the Lord be praised always .

113. Ah Lord , seeing I have so deeply and so sweetly drank of and at this Well of Consolation , let it be in me ever a Well of Living Water , that may never grow dry , that I may always suck at this breast , to refresh my Soul , when I am a thirst .

114. I sincerely confess and profess , were I to spend all my days to praise thee , that the time would be too too short much by much , to shew forth thy loving kindness , and thy Love wherewith thou hast loved me . And therefore my soul praiseth thee ' and rejoyceth , for that there shall be no end of that time which thou hast , O God , appointed , wherein I shall speak of and sing thy praises ; it shall be World without end , that I shall praise thee , O God , the God of my Salvation , and my God .

115. O God , let this mercy be always as fire to heat me , as food to feed me , as drink to refresh me , as wine to comfort me , as cloaths to cloth me , as riches of all sorts to enrich me ; let it be to me always all things . Let it not lose its worth nor tast by lying , but let it be always as the Honey-comb , dropping honey to revive and comfort and strengthen me , and that I never forget what a God thou art , and that thou changest not thou art still the same God , blessed for ever and for ever .

116. Ah Lord , let me never forget these thy mercies , but through grace and the presence of thy holy Spirit , walk worthy of them unto all eternity , through the worthiness , merits and obedience of Jesus Christ , thy only Son , and my alone Saviour and Redeemers sake , Amen .

117. Many times God is so good and gracious , so mercifull and loving unto us , that then , even then , when we fear we shall see his frowns , that he will frown on us when we come before him , He , to our great astonishment and admiration smiles on us : When we fear that he will strike us with the Rod of his Anger , he embraceth and kisseth us with the kisses of exceeding transcendent Love , when we fear he will be absent , he is then many times most sweetly present , surpassing much by much , all sweets conceivable , as he was at this time to me ; which Ah that I could always bear in mind , that I might henceforth and for ever live as I should live , to his honour and for his glory only .

118. Thus is our God good , that he bringeth us good when we fear evil , and sometimes sheweth us that his goodness is so great towards us , for us , that he mindeth not our evil .

119. Surely when we mind it much , and afflict our selves , and are heartily ashamed and confounded , by reason of our weaknesses , failings , and imperfections , he sheweth that he will not punish us , when we do as it were thus freely and severely punish our selves ; he knoweth of what we are made , and that we are but dust , and yet he delighteth that we love him , fear him , prise him , praise him and believe him , and make him and his Love all our delight and joy .

120. Ah Lord , suffer me never more to requite this thy exceeding great kindness , with the least , or any unkindness ; but that I may henceforth walk before thee circumspectly and wisely , with a heedfull , watchfull , carefull care , doing always thy will , with my whole heart , mind and will .

121. When a Soul sees himself free from the Love , liking , or allowing of any sin , it sees its self in God , and how it is made partaker of the Divine Nature , that it is a little spark or beam of that glorious Light , which is pure , transparent , bright and clear , and having no mixture , nor no cloud ; for sin only brings darkness in the Soul , sin only is the cloud which eclipses the Light of this glorious Sun ; sin only darkens and weakens our sight , and our knowledge , and hinders us that we do not , nor cannot see our selves as we are in God ; but when that sin is done away totally , that is all Love , liking and allowance ; then are the eyes of our understanding opened , and all darkness is swallowed up , done away , and wholly and totally consumed , and we are swallowed up into this Divine Light , by which we are made to see and know our selves as we are in God , a part ( as it were ) of this Light , even this Light it self in some measure , it is so in us , and we are so in it ; we see our selves clear and free from all fears and cares , being delivered from them , and having obtained the fulness of knowledge desired , or desirable ; that is , that we are partakers of him that is all purity , all light , all wisdom , all serenity , peace , contentedness and rest , all passions ceasing of desiring more , for all the desires are satisfied , having this knowledge , to see our selves and know our selves to be with him , and in him , which to know , to behold , is to partake of , and this is Eternal Life in us .

122. But when the mind of man ( I mean only his thoughts ) is on any sin , though never so small , or never so li●●le , if in the least measure consented unto , it robs him at that time , of all his happiness , his sight is darkned , his eyes are so dim , that he cannot look up , sin is so heavy , so devilish , that it presseth the Soul downward , to Hell , to the Devil , which plainly shews its Center , whence it is , and what it is , for the time that it is thus liked , or loved , or but connived at , it metamorphoses the Soul , and makes it instead of being God-like , Spiritual , Knowledge , Light , Purity , Serenity , Peace , Rest , Comfort , Joy , and full contentedness , to be in some measure , Devil-like , darkness ; fear , shame , horror , confusion , condomnation , accusation , hanging yea falling , always downward , and not able in the least measure to look upward , or to hope , or to think , or to believe , this is the nature of sin , and of the man that is in sin , to be heavy , dull , faint , coward , swallowing down , and giving it self up unto all fears , horribly ashamed and confounded , being darkness , even black thick darkness , darkness it self , and miserable ignorance , which I take to be the greatest and sorest evil of all , to be deprived of this Heavenly flower , of this Heavens beauty , of knowledge , to see and know our blessed estates , of being in God , and Gods being in us , which is perfect , full , whole , and entire blessedness , therefore the contrary ( ignorance , ) black thick ignorance , must needs be the contrary , the puddle , the filth , and excrement of Hell , in it self ( as it were ) entire , full , whole , compleat , and perfect cursedness and misery .

123. Ah Lord God , how great , how transcendent , magnificent , wonderfully , exceeding and unspeakably great is thy bountiful goodness , in giving and forgiving what thou givest , and forgivest , especially unto me , despicable , poor , vile me , the first , chiefest , and greatest of all sinners , and the very worst of the worst of all men : how , Ah how my Soul doth desire unfeignedly at this time to prize and praise thee , I know that thou knowest . And Ah that I could tell and shew forth how and what thou hast at this very time done for me , in opening mine eyes to see and know , and comprehend in some measure , and understand , what it is to be in thee , to partake of thee , and to be swallowed up into thee , and in a little ( though very little dark measure ) to know thee , but clearly to see , feel and know , that I am comprehended of thee , that is , that thou art mine , and that I am thine ; Ah Lord , suffer not I beseech thee , that the ignorance which I am sure that sin brings with it , take away from me this glorious portion of knowledge , to know and feel , and see my self in thee , and that thou art and all thine , mine : Ah Lord , let this light of thine , which is thy self , always shine in me , that by it I may be kept from the black thick darkness , of sin , ignorance and errour , and that I may not hence forth walk in those ways which lead unto such deep destruction , as to eclipse , weaken , darken , much less put out or destroy this glorious beam of thy most glorious light , which through thy free , most free grace and mercy in Jesus Christ , thou hast at this time caused so brightly , clearly , transparently , and fully to shine upon me : Ah Lord , let this glorious Light of thine always continue in me , that I may always see my self in thee , and thee in me , and know thee to be mine , and that I am thine , that thereby I may be inabled to tell of , and to set forth thy praises and that thou art such a God as thou art , and to be desired and sought after only , being only the desirable and the desired . And grant that the remembrance of this thy Love and gracious dealing with me at this time , may never be forgotten by me nor slip out of my mind , but that I may always have it in remembrance , that it may be as a strong Tower and Bulwark against all and every temptation , that shall at any time fall upon me , and that hereby I may be made more and more able , to resist every lust and sin , whether in thought , word or deed , to hate it , and fly from it , as the greatest of all evils ; as the fire of Hell , and the worm of Conscience , esteeming it the very worst of the worst of the Devil . Let it I most humbly beseech thee , O our Father in Jesus Christ , strengthen and augment my resolution and hatred against all and every sin , as well against the least of all , as the very greatest of all ; that I may more and more see all sin to be exceeding sinful ; the bane , ruine , destruction , and destroyer of all good , blessedness and happiness . Ah Lord , hear me , and answer me , in Jesus Christ , and continue thus graciously to go along with me , to be always by me , and to watch over me , that no evil at any time , either in thought , word or deed overtake me , or come nigh me to hurt me , to the end I may walk before thee with a perfect and upright heart , doing always all that is right in thy sight , that thou mayest , O Lord , more and more delight in me ( the work of thy hand , and in some measure I hope , trust , and believe in Jesus Christ ) the joy of thy heart , and that thou wilt graciously own me for thine own , and never be ashamed to be called my God ; for Christ my Soul doth and shall always bless thee , and to him , with thine own most glorious Majesty , and Holy Spirit of Grace , the Sanctifier and Comforter , be always and eternally given , Honour , Gloey , Power , Might , Majesty , Dominion and Thanksgiving , for ever , and for ever Amen .

124. God he waiteth to be gracious to bring deliverance to his children and servants , as they wait for the grace of deliverance .

125. Thus is our God , good , gracious and merciful , sympathizing with us , in our afflictions , as well as in our comforts .

126. Thus is our God a most gracious God . The God of all grace , and Father of all mercies , always doing good , never weary , repenting , or standing still

127. His fountain of Love , favour , grace and mercy , is not only always open for us , but always running over , flowing out to run into us , he is abundant in loving kindness ; yea his delight is to be always doing good , he would that we would always ask , that he might always give .

128. It is not possible , but impossible , to be weary speaking unto God , when that we have his Spirit , or to be weary hearing of him speak to us , by the same Spirit .

129. His words are as the droppings of honey , the sweet of all sweets , sweeter much by much than the honey or the honey-comb .

130. The Soul of a right Christian , of a true Believer , doth not , nor cannot desire more favour than to be admitted to speak freely unto God , being fitted by him , and taught by his Spirit what to speak ; for then he is sure to hear him , to speak to him again an answer of peace .

131. If it be so delightfull a thing to us here in the flesh ( whilst we are as it were so far from him ) or at least seeing him far off , so darkly , his back parts only . Ah how comforting , how solacing , how transforming ? to see his transcendent glorious face , as he is to be seen , and to hear his sweet and sacred voice audibly , that we are his , and that he is ours . And when he shall have cloathed us with his own likeness , and have made us in some small measure glorious as he is glorious ; for we shall then shine in the glory of our head Christ Jesus , putting on his glory .

132. Ah Lord God , be good unto me , and grant that through thine infinite fulness and goodness , I may fill others that are empty with these thine overflowings , wherewith thou hast filled me , that I may feed them with this bread , and with those dainties , wherewith thou hast been pleased so graciously and plentifully to feed me , and that I may by communication , inrich them with this same impuissable treasure , wherewith thou hast now and heretofore enriched my Soul .

133. Let me have nothing , Ah Lord , let me have nothing for my self alone , but let me be always ready and willing , to give unto others , whatsoever it be that thou shall give to me , to carry to them forthwith whatever thou thy self shalt bring me , to make them partakers of all whatsoever thou shalt make me at any time , yea ( the best of times ) partaker of , that thou givest it unto me when alone , yet grant , O God , 〈…〉 may esteem it as a common gift , that is , to make it common , by giving it freely , liberally and cheerfully , not repugningly , repiningly or repentingly , as thine , O Lord , as thine , that we may altogether go hand in hand , speaking thy praises and telling of all what ever thou doest for our Souls .

134. Whatever God gives his Children , what condition soever he brings them into , it is intended by him for their advantage and good , therefore they should always re●oyce for all things ; for high degree and ●ow degree , for health and sickness , for ap●lause and for contempt and scorn , and not ●o do as many do , endeavour to turn what God intends for their comforts into sorrow●g , cares and heaviness , and say that they ●re not fit for comforts and joys , as if God ●new not what were fit or fittest for them . How is it to be pitied and lamented , and God knows how I pity them and lament for ●em , that thus turn his good into evil , even ● themselves and their very Souls ; that is , ●ey labour with might and main , what in ●em lies , to turn his comforts into discom●rts , his peace into war , his smiles into ●wns , his joys into sorrowing ; to change ●s intendments for their good ( as much as ● them lyeth ) unto their own hurt , should ●e not be glad when we see and plainly perceive , that he intends to glad us , and rejoyce when that he intends to fill our cup full of joy , shall we say , Ah God forbid , shew me not Heaven yet , give me not ● foretast or a foresight of it yet ; leave m● thus alone , and come not , O God , so nigh m● with thy comforts , for thy smiles and thy most lovely and gracious presence overcom● me . I would rather thy absence , and th● frowns , for a little space . What , shall w● be sorry for that God is so good unto us and say , that he doth us too much good how dare any man choose any condition f● himself ? how dare any man presume ● think , that he knoweth what condition best for him , and be so bold as to say , that contrary condition to that which Gods giv● him and sends him would be better for him as if God knew not when best to fill us wi● joys and when with sorrows ; and when ● take the one and the other from us . If ● sends me always joys , I will always rejoyc● and if he fill me always with sighing a● sorrows , I am sure he will fit me for th● condition also ; and also in it to make me ● rejoyce : Let the Lord do unto me alwa● what seemeth him good , what he will , ● what I will ; his will not mine be done , n● henceforth and for evermore , Amen .

135. Deal with me , O God , the God of my Salvation as thou pleasest , let the Issue of all things be as thou wilt , only give me grace in all things to walk uprightly before thee .

136. If we have , O God , so much cause to serve thee for what we have already received , how much more for that , O Lord , which thou hast promised , and which we know thou wilt surely give us .

137. Ah Lord , let me cling to thee as a sucking Child doth to the breast , for 't is from thee that I can only suck the milk of consolation , nourishment , strength and comfort .

138. ‛ T is thee in us , and us , O Lord , in thee . That doth from all sin ever make us free .

139. O Lord , the Heaven of Heaven doth not contain thee only , but thou livest also in the lowest hearts of thy Children , as well as in the highest Heavens with thy Servants , Abraham , Isaac and Jacob.

140. O Lord , thou knowest that I am content and willing too , to lose much ( as to my self ) that I may be able to give a little unto others .

141. I would rather write a little for others sakes , then hear much for my own sake only .

142. This loss I have often had , and yet I desire rather much by much , to be always a loser than a gainer , being more others ( for the most part ) than mine own , for in some measure , and for which I desire Eternally to praise thy name , I have what I would have , and I am sure I shall never lose it .

143. Ah how glad am I when I can glad others , thou , O Lord , knowest the great joys I have , when thou art pleased to use me as a means to make others to rejoyce .

144. When , O Lord , thou fillest me , and then emptiest me ( as it were ) into others , I account it not emptying but overflowing .

145. So that by my loss others might but gain , I care not what loss soever I sustain .

146. When , O Lord , thou speakest to the heart , thou preparest , that is , makest the heart fit , to speak fitly and preparedly to thee .

147. Thy tongue , even thine , O Lord , maketh our hearts and our hands , as the pen of a ready writer , always ready to speak or to write .

148. Thy graces , O Lord , many times flow into our Souls as the full Sea with a high Tide , loftily and sweetly .

149. But Ah , how is the soul beneap'd and muddy , having no pleasantness , when the Tide of thy presence is gone out .

150. Return , O Lord , return , return unto me to fill me , that I may ( at least ) be as often filled with thine overflowings , as emptied of them by mine own out-goings .

151. Ah that I had thee so , O Lord , as I might always have thee , possess thee so , as I might always joy in these sweet , pleasant and delightfull enjoyments of thy blessed , most blessed presence , which only comforts and contents me .

152. Thy presence , O God , thy presence , thy presence is much more esteemed by me by much , than life , and sweeter ten thousand times ten thousand , than the Honey-comb of any pleasure , more desirable than the finest Gold or most precious Pearls , and to be preferr'd above many Rivers of Wine and Oyl .

153. Heap upon me , O Lord , I beseech thee , heaps upon heaps of these thy favours , and cause these thine overflowings to cover the banks of my barrenness and filthiness , that I may be comely and pleasant in thy sight and esteem .

154. Fill me , O Lord , I beseech thee so full , as that I never grow empty again of thy grace and goodness , of obedience and love .

155. Warm me so that I never grow cold again , but let this heat of the fire of thy love , burn and consume all the cold Winter frost of the weeds and roots of sin and Corruption , that my soul may be as a pleasant garden for thee , O Lord , my King , and my God to take pleasure in .

156. Thou hast , O God , thou hast , thou hast , in a very great measure , Turn'd the Mountains of my sins , into a Valley of pleasure .

157. God is my God , and therefore he will be my God always ; so whatever temptations fall on me , I will not fear them , for God who is my God , is stronger than all , and his love is above all , either in Heaven above , or on Earth , or Hell below .

158. He that truly loves all good , must truly hate all evil , for love to good produceth always in all , hatred to evil , for there is a contrary to every thing , as light is contrary to darkness , therefore loving the one ( good , ) we must and can do no other than hate the other which is the contrary , ( evil . )

159. Having our eyes opened , our understandings enlightned , we then see sin in its colours , as it is in it self sinful , and therefore we must hate it , and we can then do no other but hate it , with a perfect , which is sincere hatred , not only leave all sin , but heartily , unfeignedly , sincerely , and with our whole hearts , hate all sin , and loath all sin , being changed and brought out of darkness , which is from sin , into the marvelous light of the knowledge of the love of God , we cannot , being cloathed with his nature , loving what he loves ( Holiness and Righteousness , but hate what he hates , which is all sin and wickedness , having put Christ Jesus on , we must put the other off , the world , flesh , and Devil , and all their works , sticking to Christ , and holding him fast , we must and will , and can do no other still , than let go our hold to all things out of him and besides him ; for according as our love is to the one , so our hatred will be , nay is to the other , they being contraries and opposite one unto another .

160. He that truly loves the ways of God , which is Righteousness , must , doth , and can do no other than hate the ways of the Devil , which is sin , we cannot serve two such Masters , it is impossible to love two such Contraries .

161. By our true , sincere , and unfeigned hatred to the one , we may see and be sure of our unfeigned , sincere , and true love to the other , and if we thus love truly all good , we love God truly , which ought and should assure us that we are beloved of God , yea that we are his beloved , through Jesus Christ the truly beloved , whom he doth and ever will love truly , and us in him , for his love is not yea and nay unto us , but yea , and in Christ yea and Amen .

162. He that hath thee , O God , hath all , and therefore he that wants thee wants all , though he wants nothing else at all .

163. He that possesseth thee , O God , possesseth surely the best possession that is or can be possest .

164. He that knows thee , O God , hath perfect knowledge , for none doth or can know thee , but from and by thy holy spirit of true wisdom and knowledge , all knowledge and wisdom else to this is meer foolishness .

165. When we are in thee , O God , we are truly free , free from all evil , and filled with all good , for all good is in thee , and comes freely from thee , as the Rivers from the Sea .

166. Wash me , make me clean , O God , in and by Christ , that I may be pure in thy fight , even as gold well refined , without any dross or mixture , perfectly pure , pure in perfection .

167. By giving , we receive , that is , when our hearts are drawn forth sincerely to give what God hath given us , ( I mean of spirituals ) God gives us what we would have , yea and much above what we did ask or could think .

168. When thus we beg for others , to have , that we may have to give ; Ah how good , gracious and bountiful is the Lord unto us , in giving of us according to our hearts desires , even the very desires of our hearts .

169. When thus we desire grace , to impart it unto others , how agreeable unto God are our desires , how , Ah how doth he regard us , and reward us .

170. When thus we are beggers for others , God maketh us rich with the treasures of Heaven , with that true riches which will make us rich for ever , which is grace here , and glory hereafter .

171. When thus we mind others good and welfare as our own , making their case ours , sympathising with them , both in their good and evil , in their present and future happiness , then we shew forth that we live in God , and that God liveth in us , for where true love is , God is , for love is God , and God is love .

172. When we feel want in our Brethrens wants , and are filled with what they are filled , bearing their burthens of grief and sorrow with them , it shews that we are of one heart , and of one mind , that we are Brethren , if we have thus compassion one of another .

173. And when we make their joys our joys , it shews plainly that there is one spirit in us , even the spirit of the love of God ( which is Christ Jesus our Lord ) who leadeth us in his paths , and teacheth us to practise what he hath commanded us , and his Children we are whom we obey , whether of sin unto death , or of Righteousness unto life . By their works ye shall know ( as God ) who are his .

174. When thus we are unto others what we are unto our selves , it sheweth plainly that we are members of Christs mystical body , and that he is our head .

175. When thus we agree and sympathise in one anothers honour and dishonour , sorrows and joys , we shew forth that we are not two but one , and this oneness sheweth also , that we are one in Christ , that he liveth in us , and that we live in him , that he is ours , and that we are his

176. And when Christ thus owneth us for his own , we may be sure that when he cometh at his second and sudden coming in glory , we shall also appear with him , and be made like him , glorious as he is glorious , though not so glorious .

177. He that thinks any thing more worth than Christ , is not worthy of Christ .

178. He that would not willingly lose all things for him , and for his sake , shall never have him , nor of him partake .

179. He that holds any thing dearer than Christ's love , shall never partake of his love .

180. But he that loveth him above all things , beyond all things , and more than all things , may surely say that he hath all things , for as Christ is above all , God blessed for ever and for ever , so he is all in all unto all those that truly love him .

181. So sure as we would , that he did love us , so sure it is that he doth love us , and more sure much by much , and so much as we would that he did love us , so much he doth love us , and yet much more by much , and so strongly , and continually as we would that he did love us , so doth he , and so will he , even unto the end , for there is , nor never shall be any end of his love , he will love whom he doth love , world without end , for ever and for ever .

182. So sure as we are Gods creatures , so sure is he our God , and so sure as he is the Father of all mercies , so sure is he our Father ; and therefore sure it is that we are his dear children , and therefore surely he will be ever unto us a most loving and merciful Father ; delighting to do us good , and to make us his very delight , in Jesus Christ , our eldest Brother , blessed Saviour and Redeemer .

183. O Lord , I have no good in me but what comes from thee , I say none at all either great or small .

184. From thee , O Lord alone , I have all that I have , therefore me and all mine , I confess and acknowledge is all thine .

185. How weary , Ah how weary am I of my self ? and yet not so weary as I would be , because I keep not thy Laws .

186. How loathsome , Ah how loathsome am I to my self , and yet not so much by much as I would be ? because I love thee not , O God my God , as I would , and as I should love thee .

187. That God is what he is , is the greatest and chiefest joy of all those that love him , fear him , know him , and have given up themselves unto him .

188. The presence of God ( which is Communion with him through his Holy Spirit ) is the feast of fat and pleasant things , yea the Feast of Feasts unto that Soul , and every Soul that hath truly tasted of him .

189. In his presence is all joy , unspeakable joy , and from his right hand flow continual pleasures for evermore .

190. The good , and the only good that a soul in God desireth , chooseth , longeth for , and panteth continually after , being ever hungry and a thirst to enjoy , is , in some measure to be like him in all things , always to be conformable unto him , to put him on , and that he may never put him off .

191. The goodness of God , is such a souls only goodness ; the glory of God is such a souls only glory ; the honour of God is such a souls only honour ; the wisdom of God is such a souls only wisdom ; the riches of God is such a souls only riches ; and the love of God is such a souls only love , God being only his , his only good , his only all in all , always : All that is Gods , is dear and near unto him , yea is his dearest and his nearest of all things , either in Heaven above , or on Earth below , his cause such a soul makes his , and his truth and ways he is so wedded unto , as he only joyeth in the remembrance of them , and for that he is by his Holy Spirit thus strictly wedded unto them , having chosen them for his Love , his delight , his refreshings and rejoycings , having his heart in some measure according to Gods heart , and his mind according to the mind of God .

192. All that is in all creatures , both in Heaven above , and here on Earth below , is from God , all their strength is from his strength , all their Power from his Power , all their might from his migh● , all their wisdom from his wisdom , all their love from his love ▪ and all their loveliness from his loveliness , all their goodness from his goodness , and all their greatness from his greatness , all their riches from his riches , and all their peace from him who is the God of Peace ; all their rest from him who is their rest , all their joy from him who is the God of Joy , all happiness , felicity and bliss , from him who is all happiness in himself , and is his own felicity and bliss . Thus from Gods all , all Creatures , Saints and Angels , have their all , and therefore they return unto him always , as all due is , all Honour , Glory , Power , Might , Majesty , Dominion and Thansgiving , for ever , and for ever .

193. Ah God , how great is thy greatness ? how good , Ah how good is thy great goodness ? how deliciously sweet is thy sweetness ? how lovely , Ah how transcendently lovely is thy loveliness ? how beautiful , Ah how beautiful is thy beautifulness ? Who , Ah who is a God like unto thee our God , abundant in loving kindness , always doing good .

194. Ah most gracious , and most glorious Lord God , full of all grace and all glory ; thou art all fulness of all blessedness , all the blessed are all blessed in thee , even from thy ever blessed blessedness .

195. The Lord would not give me the World at full , till he had first fully given me Heaven , to the end that I might not love what I should not , but what I should , that I might not love most the less , but the most ; that is , having the true knowledge of the worth of Heaven , I might chuse it , prize it , love it , and make it my whole choice , delight and love ; for if the Lord had first given me my fill of the World I should doubtless ) have satisfied my self therewith , and rested on it , and sought only after it , and not have minded Heaven , nor the things in Heaven ; I should have made these low things here below , the highest things in my esteem and choice , and sought no other Heaven than thus to have lived on earth , possessing earthly things .

196. But now , blessed be God for his goodness , though I have earthly things in abundance , I esteem , account and prize them , but as the things of earth , even as dirt , dung and dross , compared with the things of Heaven ; yea with those things of Heaven , that God giveth here on earth to those that love him ; for he that hath seen , that hath tasted , and that knows the one and the other , must needs acknowledge , confess , and say , Ah how low are all these things here below , when compared with the things above , they are all even nothing at all , empty , poor , despicable , poor , low things .

197. The Lord would not suffer me to possess the things of the flesh first , ere he had feasted , resatiated , and satisfied me with the things of the Spirit , with Heavenly and Spiritual things , that I might be able to make a fit choice , to chuse fitly , and now he alone knoweth my desire , my choice , my aim and my end . Let him do all that seemeth him good , his will , and not mine , be done .

198. Ah Lord , make me more and more by much to hate all evil , because it is evil , altogether hateful , and therefore to be hated .

199. But Ah Lord God , let me much more by much love all good , because it is good and only lovely , and therefore only to be loved .

200. Let me hate all evil , because it is not of thee , O Lord , nor from thee , nor according unto thee , but contrary , yea altogether contrary unto thee , and therefore hateful , only hateful , and to be hated only .

201. But let me , Ah Lord , let me love all good and in all , because it is from thee , O God , because it is of thee , and according unto thee , and therefore lovely , beautifull , desirable , and to be only loved .

202. Let me love only that , O Lord God , which thou lovest , and hate what thou hatest , and as thou lovest and hatest both the one and the other , that is , always , and for ever and for ever .

In Bourdeaux , Anno 1660.

1. THE happiness of a Christian in this World or in this Life ( he makes , as to me ) to be strength against all sin , even against all , both great and small , against the lust of the eye , the lust of the flesh , and the pride of life , that he may totally overcome and always all sinfull , worldly , fleshly lustings and affections , so that he commit nor consent unto no evil at all , either great or small , but serve the Lord continually in sincerity and godly simplicity , by all his thoughts , words and actions , doing all good always , that is possible to be done , at least , in his choice , will and desire .

2. The comfort of a Christian in this life is in purity and holiness of heart , mind , affection and thoughts , endeavouring always with might and main , to his very utmost , that he be not carried away with vain , foolish , fleshly thoughts , cogitations , inclinations , or affections . The more Spiritual , holy , heavenly and the more perfect he is , the more of the Divine Nature he hath , the more of Heavens beauty , glory and happiness is in him ; the more he hath of the glorious , beautifull and ever blessed impress of the Image of God in him , which shines forth unto his understanding , comprehension and reason , so irradiously and brightly , that he is comforted , delighted and refreshed , with the very joys and bliss in glory , he is made partaker of those very joys ( though but in a small measure ) that the Angels and Saints enjoy in Heaven ; for such a Soul possesseth God and his glory , and happiness as they do ; the difference only is in the measure , or quantity , and not in the certainty or quality , the Saints Cup in Heaven is full to the brim , when given them , and they drink deep of those pleasures and joys which are at God's right hand . But we indeed here , have but a snip , a tast and away , they indeed enjoy these joys always , without the least intermission . But alas our enjoyment of these joys , are short , but a very little moment , we cannot so comprehend as they do how they are comprehended , we see but darkly and know but in part ; however it is the same that they see and know , and so are all things ours as well as theirs , both things present and things to come ; for God being our God , we have as much as they have , he being our Portion , theirs is not , nor theirs cannot be greater .

3. Thus is a Saint on Earth perfectly , substantially and effectually in heaven , thou on Earth ( at times ) and sees and beholds things there , as they are ; for a Saints heart which is his better part , and greatest part , is always in Heaven , though his body be on Earth ; his affections are above and burn in the fire of Love , always , for the things that are above , are , purity , holiness and love , his meditations and desires are on his God , in his God , and for his God ; and thus he dwelleth in God , and God dwelleth in him , which is the sole , entire and compleat comfort and joy of his life and soul , even as it is theirs that enjoy and possess God in Heaven .

4. Put these two together , a Christians happiness and a Christians comfort ; for they cannot be separated , yea there is such a oneness in them , as though they be two , yet they seem to be but one ; true one man may abound more in one of them , and the other in another . Now I am sure that there is not the Man alive , nor never will live , that knows the sweet , the worth , and the excellency of them , but will confess and say , that such a man is the only happy man , the comfortable man , the peaceable man , the rich and the honourable man ; Ah man , man , who ever then thou art that shalt be brought by Providence , I mean the Spiritual and most favourable Providence of God to peep here into ; I pray thee , endeavour to pry and look into this perfect Law of Liberty more fully , more clearly , more plainly , than yet thou hast , and thou shalt find what I have exprest , thy self to be even in Heaven , and Heaven to be in thee , though thou art on Earth , to be in God and God to be in thee , which is both men and Angels only good , bliss , happiness , comfort , joy and rest , which good Lord for thine only holy names sake in Jesus Christ I most humbly beseech thee cause me more and more to know , to feel , to love and long after , and that it may be my only imployment to find out this incomparable good , this wisdom of wisdom , those joys of all joys , the only true and satisfactory , and to be desired , esteemed , and rejoyced in . Let me then , O God my God , I beseech thee , be sequestred from all thing● that tend to please , satisfie , refresh , solace , content or delight the flesh ; for I earnestly would , O God , if thou so wilt , that thou wouldst always be all mine all , ( for thou alone thou knowest ) O God my God , art only able to satisfie the ambitious and exorbitant covetous desires of my mind , heart and soul ; for it hankers and hangs on thee , as thou knowest continually ; let me have thee , O God , let me so have thee , as I may find and feel , that I have nothing else , what ever else I may have . Let me be swallowed up and consumed in thee , yea let me I most humbly beseech thee , be as it were dead and sensless , to all things out of thee , and besides thee , and give me grace , that I may so live to thee here , that I may ever live with thee hereafter , as there , so here , to bless , praise , magnifie , laud , honour and extol thy holy , ever holy , most blessed , most great , most gracious , and most glorious name . So be it , Lord , So be it , Amen , Amen .

5. A Christians life should be ( me thinks ) but a good thought , that is , always thinking of God for good , or at the most but as two thoughts , one of Gods Goodness , Love , Mercy and Kindness ; and the other of our own desperate badness , unkindness , ingratitude and misery . Thus even thus ( me thinks ) we should always be , all the day long , all our days , unto the very end of our lives .

6. According as is our Spiritual warfare ( within us ) so is our peace , if there be an universal war in all the faculties of the Soul , and members of the body , against all sin , then and only then do we enjoy peace , true peace , full peace , and perfect peace . Wherefore make first a Covenant with thine eyes , that they gaze not abroad , nor look irregularly , or wantonly . Secondly , with thine ears , that thou take no pleasure , but avoid to hear all vain , idle , foolish or sinful talk . Thirdly , with thine hands , that they touch no unclean thing , that is , that they serve not as an instrument ( at any time ) to do any evil . Fourthly , with thy feet , that they carry thee not to do the thing at any time , that is not altogether right in Gods sight and esteem . Fifthly , with thy tongue , that thou speak not vainly , lightly , idly , foolishly , hurtfully , slanderously or sinfully . But that which shall honour thy God , edifie thee here , and comfort thine own soul , and give thee joy in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ . Sixthly , with thy mind , that thou mind only the things of God , and what are according to his mind . Seventhly , with thy heart , that thou love not , seek not , choose not , prize not any other thing , than what is according to Gods heart . Eightly , with all thy affections , to love what God loveth , and to hate what God hateth , and as he loveth and hateth them in sincerity and truth continually . Ninthly and lastly , but not the least , with thy thoughts , to suffer no evil , vain , idle , foolish gadding worldly affection to settle it self there a moment , keep out all things thence , but thy God , and the serious thoughts of his goodness , and of thine own badness , of his mercy , and of thine own misery , of his Heaven , and of thine own Hell , of his glory , and of thine own shame , of his beauty , and of thine own deformity and ugliness , of his light , and of thine own darkness , of his fulness , and of thine own emptiness , of his fruitfulness , and of thine own barrenness , of his power , and of thine own weakness , of his Wisdom , and of thine own foolishness , of his Patience , and of thine own frowardness and peevishness ; in a word of his riches , which is above all , over all , and more than all things much by much , either in Heaven above or Earth beneath , and of thine own despicable poverty and nothingness at all , only a sinful nothing , or nothing but sin .

7. If thus thou endeavourest to keep out all things ( but God and his ways ) out of all thy thoughts always , thou shalt I promise thee live such a peaceable , quiet , comfortable , sanctified , holy blessed life , as is unutterable , unexpressible ; for as thy thoughts are , so will be thy comforts , or discomforts , thy joys and rejoycings , or thy reproaches and bewaylings . Do thou thus draw near to God , and thou shalt find him , and feel him , and perceive him , and see him to draw near unto thee , by his graces here , which will bring thee to possess himself , his Heaven and his Glory for ever hereafter .

8. God doth not give us such a measure of grace here to free us altogether from our Corruptions , infirmities and failings , for these two ends ( as I conceive ) first , that we be not lifted up above measure , as we should be , and think our selves to be something , and that we are cloathed and rich , and full ; God knoweth that it is better for us to see our poverty , nakedness and emptiness , that we may be Inheritors with the Saints in life , of all the promises , both of things present and to come . And not to be shut out of them with the evil Angels , and have our Portion in the Lake of fire and Brimstone world without end . Again , secondly , If thus we did live at our hearts ease , always without temptations , failings or falls ; we should surely with Peter , foolishly make Tabernacles here , and not care for any other Heaven ; for indeed it would be a Heaven . But not , Ah not such a Heaven as our God hath prepared and provided for us above , where we shall see him as he is to be seen , and know him as he is to be known . If we had here all that we would have , or could desire and crave , we should not with holy Heavenly enlightned Saint Paul , desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ , which as he said well , truely and divinely , was much better by much , yea best of all . And if we were not at times tempted , how should we manifest the gifts and graces of Gods spirit in us , as now through grace we do by our fightings , strivings , struglings , wrestlings , contendings in the heat of Zeal , and fire of fervent love in truth , to keep our selves as valiant Combatant● 〈…〉 holy Lists of his Divine and blessed Laws and ways , not flinching at all , or drawing back in the least , or moving a foot . But standing it out to the very last breath against all our spiritual Enemies and Adversaries , within and without , of Devils Lusts , worlds Lusts , and fleshly Lusts and Corruptions . And here , by constant and faithful engagements in this holy war , in this spiritual combate , in this Angelical fight , for the honour and glory of the Eternal God , the King of Kings , and Lord of lords , we are confirmed , assured , strengthned , and setled by the whispers and sweet voice of his holy spirit within us , to our Souls and Consciences , that we shall in due time be made through his strength and continual assistance more than Conquerors ; and shall at last sit down and rest in peace Triumphantly , with the Patriarchs , Prophets , Apostles , Martyrs and Saints , wearing for ever the Crown of Victory and Glory , in Glory , and be arrayed with the long white robes of Christs righteousness , worthiness , merits and obedience , and ever live with him and his bliss , enjoying for ever and ever his presence , his Heaven , yea himself , who is the bliss of all bliss , the Top and Crown of all joy ; the Heaven of Heaven in Heaven , and the glory , beauty , splendor , and sublimit● of Glory in Glory .

9. See then , and consid 〈…〉 ess and muc● better doth God deal with us , and carve to us , than we can or would for our selves , how much , Ah how much better is he to u● and for us , then we would be to and for our selves , how much more over and above hath he prepared for us , and will surely give us , than we are able to ask , than we are able to think ; wherefere let us learn to let him alone , and pray him to deal with us , and do for us , as seemeth him good ; and always say in all things , so Lord , so would I have it , seeing thou wilt have it so .

10. I also conceive that God suffers us to fall at times for this end , or the like , that by our fall , we may learn and be made to stand the faster , to rise the higher , and to stick the closer unto him , who only is able to hold us up , and to keep us from falling ; me thinks if we did not sometimes fall , not that I desire to fall or stumble at all , neither to sin in the least , to have grace abound ; but me thinks if we did not at times fall , we should not see his Fatherly love so clearly , so greatly , in taking care of us to preserve us , by protecting of us from greater evils and dangers ; for when he hath lifted us up again , after we have fallen , Ah how do we cling to him , how do we hold him fast , how do we endeavour to have him always in our sight , and how do we cry after him , when we perceive any evil of affliction or temptation to be nigh us ; and how do we cast our selves down before him at his feet , and bewail our infirmities and weaknesses , begging strength from him to support and keep us up ; how do we wonder and are astonisht to see the fire of his wrath kindled against the wicked , and against evildoers , and yet that such wicked evildoers ( as we are ) are not consumed ; to see fire in the bush , and yet the bush not burnt .

11. Thus we may plainly see that God seeth all to be good for us , yea best of all , which he sendeth us , causing every thing to work together for our good . Ah , seeing then that his love , mercy , and goodness is such , and so great for us , let us always mightily prise him , and prize him at the very highest price , and give up our spirits , souls and bodies to live to him , and for him , and unto , and for his praise , honour and glory , it being our glory and our honour , our happiness , and our bliss that he is such a God as he is ; To him alone therefore be given always , all honour , glory , and praise , for ever and for ever .

12. Laying out , is laying up ; laying out of earthly treasure on earth , with a heavenly heart , is to lay up heavenly treasure in Heaven , according to Gods words , and his heart .

13. God giveth unto his Children , of his own strength to overcome as it were ( himself ) he delighteth to be ( as it were ) overcome by them . And to make us more than Conquerours .

14. Ah the mercy , the mercy and bounty of God and the misery of man , that God being such a God as he is , should notwithstanding continue to do so much for man , and man nevertheless continue continually to do so much against his God , I say against his God , even then , when he knoweth God to be his God .

156. Ah Lord , how is it that thou should'st take pleasure to mind us so much as thou dost , although thou knowest well our evil minds , and how little we mind thee ; and although thou tellest us by thine own spirit , how that we are near and dear unto thee , even always in thy mind and heart , to do us good for ever and for ever . Ah how great is our misery to have such depraved natures , and such Devil-like hearts , to pay thy merciful kindness with such high unkindness and ingratitude , to thee who art our only good .

16. How is it , O Lord , that thou takest such continual care and pains ( as it were ) and art at so much cost , to overcome us with thy loving kindness , and yet we remain so brutish and sensless , stupid and unkind , that we will not ( but refuse ) to he overcome .

17. Ah the misery , the misery of man , who is never weary , nor would never be weary of doing evil , yea all manner of evil against his most kind and loving Lord and God , who is so good to him , as he is never weary nor repents of doing of him good , notwithstanding his continual doing of evil , or doing of all evil continually .

18. A good heart giveth unto the Lord freely , cheerfully , willingly and rejoycingly , of all that he hath , and always acknowledgeth , and saith , of thine own , O Lord , I will and do give thee .

19. When that the Lord giveth unto such a soul Grace , he giveth him Glory ; when he giveth him outward things , he praiseth him , and enlargeth his bowels of compassion unto the Saints .

20. Such hearts desire mightily , largeness of heart , or large hearts , to give according to what they receive , whether it be Spirituals or Temporals , nothing is so near or dear unto them , as the work of the Lord , which is to do his will in all things , from the very highest of Grace , to the very lowest of things in Nature .

21. Ah Lord God , let me always bear thee in mind , when ever I mind , that is , think on any thing .

22. Let me , O Lord , I most humbly and unfeignedly beseech thee , do every thing that I do , as knowing and remembring , that thou seest and knowest all the thoughts of my heart , and writest down all my words , and works on thy blessed book of remembrance .

23. Let me do all that I do before men , as before thee , O God my God , knowing that thou seest it and hearest it .

24. And all that I take in hand to do , O God , before thee , Let me do it all , as if all the men in the World did look on me and see it .

25. Notwithstanding the greatness and numberless number of my sins , thy goodness , O God , was so great towards me , as moved thee to have compassion on me , and to pour out thy endless and everlasting love and kindness in mercy upon me .

26. Also , O God , thou causedst my own sins to appear so great and filthy before me , that I was thereby ashamed of my self and confounded before thee .

27. So that seeing my self thus polluted , filthy , abominable , and unclean , yea abominably unclean , I left my self willingly , I hated , and do hate my self truly , and I embraced ( through Grace ) thy most gracious offers of Grace , Love and Mercy , heartily and unfeignedly , returning unto thee with my whole heart , desiring entirely and sincerely , an entire change from all evil to all good , from my own evil ways , to thy most blessed ways that are so good , so sweet , so beautiful , so delightful , that since the knowledge of them , my soul hath been often delighted , refreshed , feasted and satisfied in them , and with them .

28. Ah mercy of mercies , that thou wouldest , O God , be pleased thus in mercy to look on me , when I was fit and ripe for all thy Judgments ; And when thou mightest justly have poured out the viols of thy wrath and fury upon me with the greatest indignation , that then even then to kindle the flames of Love in my heart , from the continual burnings in thine , O God , in thine , to love , fear , seek , adore , and serve thee unfeignedly with my whole heart ; Ah what mercy to this mercy .

29. Continue , O God , that art my God and only good ; continue , Ah continue I most humbly beseech thee , to be thus merciful unto me , that I turn not thy Grace into wantonness ; but in some r●easure labour and strive to walk worthy of these thy rich and saving mercies , with which thou hast , and wilt for ever inrich my poor Soul with , and save it .

30. As a natural Father , a Father in the flesh , is , and must be still a Father , and a child , a child , so me thinks it is with God our Heavenly and Spiritual Father ; he having once begotten us , and we are born again , and are become his children by the Grace of Adoption , Justification and Sanctification , he must be still our Father , and we his children , unto Eternal Salvation . Though we do many times ( as fleshly children ) not always do the will of their Fathers in the flesh , nor please them always , not satisfie or delight them , nor give them content , yet notwithstanding they are still children , nor they cannot cease to be children , nor their Father to be their Father ; even so , though we do not always do what liketh God our Heavenly Father , but that at times which disliketh him , and displeaseth him , he as a good Father sometimes punisheth us , and sometimes passeth by our failings , without punishment , eyeing what is rest for us , and as a Father he never faileth us , neither will he suffer us to fail of being his children . Once his children and ever his , his for ever , and for ever .

31. Ah Lord God , that art so glorious here in Grace , how transcendently glorious art thou in Glory ? If the Earth be so full of thy Glory , how full is Heaven , O Lord , thy dwelling place , where thou manifestest thy self unto the Saints , and they behold thy beauty and thy glory face to face .

32. If thy back parts be so beautiful , to our eyes here in the flesh , how beautiful , Ah how beautiful , O Lord , will thy glorious countenance be unto us in glory ? where we shall see thee and know thee as thou art to be known .

33. Thy presence even here , O Lord God , when we have Communion with thee , doth so delight and ravish us , that we had much rather by much be a door-keeper in thy house , be a servant to the meanest of all thy servants , than sit on Thrones and rule among the wicked that keep not thy Laws .

34. I have , O Lord , I confess , abused thy merc●es and do therefore acknowledge that thou mayest justly refuse me all mercies .

35. I have walked contrary unto thee , O God , and still do , and therefore I confess that thou mayest justly walk contrary unto me , and give me up to do all the evil , that is in my heart , which is the very greatest of all thy Judgments in this life .

36. We are the work of thine hand , we are thine own , and thou mayest justly do with us , all that seemeth good unto thee to do ; for what is right in thy sight , O Lord , is just and right , and good .

37. When the Lord is with us for good , then he hath accepted of us , he is in us , and we are in him , one with him , and he one with us , we as bone of his bone , and flesh of his flesh , and he as bone of our bone , and flesh of our flesh ; we are not two but one , yea there is such an oneness , as we are one ( in some measure ) in all things , and have the same affections for all things , loving what is to be loved , and hating what is to be hated ; there is a like purity and no mixture in our choice of good , and in our hatred and abhorrency of evil , ( as to the truth and sinceri●y of it ) though much different in the degrees .

38. Thus even thus is man made ( in some measure ) as God , that is God like . Thus even thus doth he partake of the holy and Divine Nature of God . Thus even thus doth God himself give of himself unto man , to make man like himself . That man may be satisfied as God is satisfied ; but differently thus , God seeing all things in himself , from himself , and man seeing what is of God in him , is of his free gift , from his free Love .

39. That is , to have a heart according to Gods heart , to be always satisfied in all Gods dealings and doings .

40. All that God doth is to have his own will accomplisht and done , and if our will ( as it should ) be according to his will , then are we well content in and with all that is done ; for nothing is done or can be done , but that , and only that which God will have to be done .

41. The honour of all the Saints , is Gods honour , and their glory is to bring him glory , or to glorifie him as the Saints and Angels do in glory .

42. Ah Lord God , let me as the Bee , make honey of the weeds as well as of the flowers , fetch good out of evil , as well as increase and multiply good from good , condemn sin where ever I see it , hate it most where I see it most , speak most against it , when I hear it most spoken for , and let the hearing and seeing of grace in others and from others , beget more grace in me , and let me lay it up as the Bee doth honey in the hive , for my self to feed on in the winter of temptation and affliction , and that as honey it may be sweet and comfort others also .

43. I am resolved , O Lord , not to be satisfied , until I find within me that thou art well and truly satisfied with me , and by my whole life and conversation .

44. I am , O Lord , resolved ( through grace ) not to be satisfied , until I find thy holy Laws so writ on my heart , that my heart be according to thy heart , and set and bent , and resolved entirely and continually , and universally in all things to keep thy Law .

45. Ah Lord , let me so find thee always within me , that I may always do the things , and only the things that are right in thy sight .

46. Let my Love be so true , O Lord , for thee , as I may only love thy truth , that truth only , in all things , may be only lovely unto me .

47. Let my goings out be comings in unto me , that is , Let all , O Lord , that I do , bring me good , yea even my falls make me rise and stand the faster , relying on thy strength , O God my God , who only art able to keep me both from stumbling and from falling .

48. Watch , O Lord , watch over my heart continually , that I depaat not from thee , but that I do the things always , that are in some measure according to thy heart .

49. The Lord gives his graces unto those that rightly ask them , as we would do water at a Fountain unto all those should come for it in a due and right manner , give as well a thousand , ten thousand , yea a hundred times ten thousand draughts to any one that should need it , as one draught alone ( so our God ) such is his fulness , such is his goodness , that he gives as well and as willingly , all the desires of our hearts and souls as one desire alone , yea as the least desire o● all , if we do but ask as we should ask , and for that end or those ends alone , that he hath appointed them , and us to have them ; for to give much , or little , is to him all alike ; he cannot ( such a Fountain is he ) be emptied , no nor lessened at all by whatever he gives , he is still the same , full of all blessedness , and goodness , always ready to distribute and give unto the necessity of the Saints , never weary nor standing still , yesterday , to day and to morrow and for ever the same .

50. Therefore to have much , is to ask much , ask and ye shall have , that your joy may be full . God doth not say or mean that we may or can be too bold , that we may ask too much . And to take away this scruple or doubt , he promiseth that what ever we shall ask ( believingly ) in the name of Jesus Christ , we shall receive if we open our mouths wide , then we have his promise that he will fill them , which implies that the way or means to have much , is to ask much , this holy Coveting and Ambition he is well pleased with , and so good , bountiful and free our God is , that we cannot please him better , than after what ever we have asked , to believe that he will give us much more by much , than we are able to ask or think ; whoever lacks Wisdom , if he ask it of God , he will give it liberally , for he upbraids no man , neither is he a respecter of persons , having given us Jesus Christ his only Son , the Son of his love and delight ( how ) shall he not with him give us all things ?

51. Surely , surely , seeing he hath , and daily doth give us such things as these , Himself , his Son , and holy Spirit , we may be sure we shall ( as Abraham did ) be weary , or leave asking , or God will leave giving , for weary he cannot be : fit then thy self to be filled ; and I promise and assure thee who ever thou art , thou shalt not be sent empty away , what ever thy hunger and thirst be , whatever thy coveting and ambition be , thou shalt have to fill thee , to satisfie thee , yea over and above what ever thou canst ask or think ( believe ) for all things are possible , yea easie for him to do .

52. The life which delighteth the Lord , and which he would have us to live , is to live unto all holiness and godliness every day , even as we would do , if we knew it to be our last day , yea to live every moment of the day , all our days , as if it were our very last moment .

53. The death of the Righteous every one ( seemingly ) desires to dye , but truly I may say of the most that thus say , be they whoever they be , that they know not well what they say , because , that perhaps , not one of a thousand but denyes it in his deeds for the death of the Righteous , in which the Lord delighteth , as in their life , and which honours him most , even as a holy and godly , that is God-like life doth ; I say this death of the Righteous is ( as I take it ) to dye daily , yea every moment of the day , to all sin , even to all both great and small , in thought , in word and deed ; to dye thus , is to honour , glorifie , and dignifie more the Lord , than to dye any temporal death , on the Rack , in the flames of fire , or to be buried alive , &c. 'T is not with these , Ah not with these Sacrifices of our fleshly lives , but with those Sacrifices of our Lusts , Corruptions , and sinful affections , that God is well pleased , refreshed as it were , and delighted . These Sacrifices send up sweet Odours in his Nostrils , these are pretious in his eyes ; I , thus , thus doubtless it is , that the death of the Saints are pretious in the eyes of the Lord , to put to death those cruel ones , those Enemies of our Eternal life , of our souls salvation , that put to death the Lord of life and glory himself , ( in his manhood ) this is to be valiant for the Lord , to do wonders , or wonderfully , to fight well his battels , and to help the Lord ( as it were ) against the mighty ; Ah how is he delighted , that we will avenge our selves thus on his Enemies , and spare none alive , but as Samuel did , hew Agag the King ( himself ) in pieces ; this is to be jealous for the Lord with a godly jealousie , and to have our love for the Almighty to be as hot as fire ; Ah thus , thus , if we pull out our right eyes , and cut off our right hands , we shall be sure to enter into life , but not maimed , but whole and entire . And he that is thus willing to lose his life , shall save it , and he that will spare or save his life , that is his life of sin , or fleshly life , to live in and commit sin , shall surely lose his life , both Spiritual , Temporal and Eternal .

54. He that thus dyes all the day long , all his life long , dyes much more gloriously by much in the eyes of the Lord God , and in the eyes of all his enlightened Children ; than if he did suffer in the flesh constantly all his dayes the cruellest death of any of all the Martyrs . Ah to suffer thus , is to suffer truly , is to suffer rightly for the cause of Christ , and the honour of the Gospel ; for 't is not , Ah no , our outward sufferings in the flesh ▪ that delighteth the Lord , for he is a God o● joy , and would that we did always rejoyce and is there any other thing that we do , o● can do , that gives us so much cause to rejoyce , as to be delivered but of the hands of all our Enemies , and to see them lye slai● before our eyes , as the Egyptians . Ah then , then may we serve him without fear , then and thereby do we serve the Lord in Righteousness , and true Holiness , and he that is thus faithful unto the death , to put sin to death every moment of his life , shall be sure in the end of his dayes , to have the full end of all his desires , and to wear for ever the Crown of Eternal life ; he that thus fights shall overcome , he that thus suffers no sin to raign in his mortal body , shall raign with Christ in bliss and glory , world without end , Amen , Amen .

55. Thus then to live , and thus do dye , is to be sure we shall live with Christ Eternally .

56. He that doth live thus , and thus puts sin to death , lives that life and dyes that death daily , as most of all honours God , and which brings him most glory , which is the thing only , or the only thing , ( as I suppose ) that all Gods Children most desire and long for in this life .

57. He that thus lives , shall ever live ; and he that thus puts sin to death , is past from death to life , and shall never see death , that is the power of death to terrifie him , for death is swallowed up into Victory ; death when it comes shall carry him in triumph , yea triumphantly into the blessed arms of his blessed Jesus , who hath thus redeemed him from Hell , from sin , and from death , to live ever with himself in bliss and glory , an Eternal life .

58. When I shall find that sin is thus put to death in me , then will I say boldly , that the Lord hath sent his destroying Angel to do it , that he hath done it with the word of his power , with his own voice , who is that blessed Arch-Angel of the Covenant of peace and reconciliation .

59. When I shall find that sin is thus rooted up in me by the roots , then will I say , that the Lords hand hath done it , for I know that none but the Lord himself can do such wonders , and work wonderfully thus .

60. When I shall find that sin is destroyed in me , then will I say that the Lord hath visited me graciously , that he hath spoken peace to my poor soul , and revived it , and refreshed it ; then may I say he hath been with me of a truth , and not regarded the low estate of his poor Servant .

61. When I shall find sin dead , then will I say , as the Lord liveth , and because he was put to death , and now liveth , I shall live also .

62. Sin being thus banisht and cast out , then shall I see my self free , and taken O Lord into Covenant with thee , then will I say , I am no longer under the Law , but under Grace , which gracious favour , O Lord , do me , that I may henceforth and for ever live unto and for thine Eternal honour and glory .

63. Ah Lord God , that wert fastned to the Cross for my sins , and to save my poor Soul ; fasten my sins there , and let them never get loose again , and Ah Lord , let my Soul live ever in thee and possess thee ever .

64. Ah Lord that raignest over all Principalities and Powers , raign I most humbly beseech thee over all these Princes and Powers , that have Dominion over me , that I may be brought into subjection unto thy most holy Laws and live obediently , keeping all thy Divine Commandments . That thou , O Lord God , who art God over all blessed for ever and for ever , mayest be my God ever , over all and bless me also for ever and for ever , that I may ever live in thee , and thou in me . Amen , Amen .

65. If we be so willing to unstrip our selves of our cloathing at night , and lye down on our beds naked to uncloath our selves of all our glory and honour , pomp and beauty , and to unmind that we are what we are , to the end we may enjoy a few hours quiet and rest ; Ah how willing shall we be to unstrip our selves of all that we possess , and of our lives too , when that last long night of death shall come and appear to fetch us up from hence , that we may be ever with the Lord , who is our Eternal and everlasting Portion , our infinite and incomprehensible good , and blessed rest and peace , which shall be as it were , ever beginning , and never end nor cease .

66. Ah our God that art what thou art , and yet wilt be pleased to be ours , and to own us for thine own .

67. Ah Lord God , though others satisfie themselves to hear of thee , let me not be satisfied till mine eye see thee .

68. Though others , O Lord , be well contented to know thee as men teach , Let me I beseech thee be satisfied only with thine own teachings , to know thee as thou art to be known , that is , to see and find , and feel thee in me , dwelling , raigning , and ruling there , being all in all , and bringing into subjection all powers that lift up themselves in me against thee .

69. Ah Lord God , how much better is it thus to have thee , than to have all things out of thee ? as the Corn , Wine , and Oyl of the World .

70. What , Ah what is Earth to Heaven , these things below , to the things that are above , but as pebbles to pearls , as dross to gold , or as a shadow to the most glorious and most sublime substance .

71. The one being life , the other death , the one fully satisfies , the other is vain , and brings nothing but vexation of Spirit with it .

72. We cannot know God till we altogether forget our selves , we cannot hear God till we are altogether deaf to our selves , and to all things out of God ; we cannot see God , till we are stark blind to all things besides him , and that is not of him ; we cannot find God as he is , untill we have lost our selves , and all things else that concerns him not ( so do and prosper . )

73. As we know not our latter end , nor are not able to number our days , so are we not at all able to tell what God is , unless he tell us , nor to hear him unless he open our hearts , and give us understanding , nor comprehend him until he hath made us one with himself , and given us his own Spirit to know him by .

74. Thus if we live to move after his call , and be obedient unto his voice , we shall so hear , that our Souls shall live and for ever rejoyce , that we live thus to obey him .

75. Ah Lord God Almighty , maker of Heaven and Earth , thou art the all of all those that know thee ; they that know thee , O God , as thou art to be known , care to know nothing else , thou art altogether alsufficient to content and satisfie them , with all pleasures and delights , their joys are full when that they enjoy thee ; And they then say with Jacob , that they have all , and with David , desire nothing else either in Heaven above , or Earth beneath . Their wills are so swallowed up into thine , that they are not theirs but thine , and thus to live to thee , and in thee , they count it only to live ; and out of thee ( to be ) as if they were not , as if they had no being .

76. I am a Creature , but thy Creature , O Lord my God ; I am a man , but created for thy self , for thy glory and my Everlasting good and happiness , and shall I know that I am thus , such a one , and not be satisfied ? for is there any thing else that can satisfie me thus ?

77. Ah Lord thou settest before me life and death , good and evil , light and darkness , Heaven and Earth , the things above and the things below . Ah suffer me not I most humbly beseech thee in Jesus Christ , to prefer pebbles to pearls , dross to gold , darkness to light , death to life , evil to good , Earth to Heaven , these low things here below , to those high and most transcendent glorious things above . But let me give my self to thee , O God , that hast provided and given such rich , rare , and pretious things to me , enjoying them ; let me not care , seek for , or mind these , having thee , let me be fully satisfied , and rejoyce evermore with unspeakable joy .

78. Being thy favorite , O God , who art King of kings , and Lord of lords , living in thy fear and favour , shall I not rejoyce much more by much than they do , or can do , that are but favourites to men , and have but their favour : they shall all pass away , but thee and thy word of grace ingrafted in me , shall endure for ever and for ever .

79. Ah Lord God , pour out of thy self into me more and more , that I may be made to rejoyce always with unspeakable joy , yea that my joys may be full .

80. Let m● , O Lord , rejoyce much more in despising these things here below , than in prizing of them , and to have a heart to trample them under my feet , than to set them up in my thoughts and affections . These being low as they are , let me , O God , keep them always under my feet , and trample on them as on dirt and dung , minding these high and holy things above , which thou givest only in love , and to those only whom thou lovest .

81. Ah Lord God , swallow me up into thy self , that I may be found there , naked and empty of all things out of thee and besides thee , so that I may only possess thee my only good , bliss and blessedness .

82. Ah Lord God , set always before my eyes mine Eternal and Everlasting Portion of thy grace , and grant that I may be made thereby a worthy partaker of thine infinite and eternal glory in glory ; so be it , Lord , so be it .

83. If any other condition were fitter for me than my present condition , I know that the Lord would give it me , and fit it for me , and fit me for it .

84. Ah Lord , give me then a contented and thankful heart always , and in all conditions whatever , seeing thou hast caused me this day to know a fresh , and to be assured , that thou art always with me , takest care for me , and watchest heedfully over me , and that thou wilt be ever unto me , as hitherto thou hast been , my support , strength , assistance and satisfaction .

85. If God be come down into our hearts then all powers that are not of God , are brought down , are brought under into subjection unto his holy Laws , by obedience unto his Divine Commandments ; for where he is present , all that is not of him , must absent it self ; Two being not agreed , they cannot live together , and the stronger will turn out the weaker .

86. Ah Lord , let me always eye thee eying of me , and let my eye be never off from thee ; for I know that thine is not , nor cannot be , off from me .

87. Ah Lord , let me seriously consider , that all things that are done by thee , are done for the good of all those that love thee .

88. Therefore whatever is done at any time , whether in Heaven or Earth , let me always say , so Lord would I have it , seeing thou that art Lord of all things and over all , even God blessed for ever and for ever , wilt have it so .

89. Ah Lord , suffer not my vile will , to controul at any time thy Divine Will ; but let thine be always mine , and mine according unto thine .

90. Ah Lord , suffer me never to go about to bring thy will to mine , but always and in all things labour with all the Powers of my Soul to bring mine to thine .

91. And after I have ask'd let me be content with what ever I have , knowing that thou , O Lord , seest and knowest my condition .

92. Ah Lord , swallow me up into this blessed condition , that all conditions be a like unto me , and that I may esteem them blessings , and thee and me alike blessed , not in a like degree , but in truth . Thou God blessed over all , and I in thee , blessed by thee , through thy blessed goodness unto me .

93. Ah Lord be thou with me where ever I am ( mine ) and then I am sure I shall not want any thing , because , O God , thou that art all fulness wilt , I know , and am sure of , continually fill me .

94. Thou art , O God , my good , and therefore no evil can or shall come nigh me to hurt me ; for I know that thou always watchest over me for good , and that thou never slumbrest nor sleepest .

95. Ah Lord , thy shadow is unto me safety , let me then always sit under the shadow of thy wings ( that thy , Word in me ) may be always the food and the life of my Soul .

96. Ah Lord God , if thou hast made our life thus sweet unto us over all things , and above all things , it is because thy self , being thus the life of our life , we may be taught to spend it so for thee , as we may ever preserve it for thee , to live unto thee for ever and for ever , to praise thee .

97. Ah Lord , I praise thee for that thou hast at this time made me so to touch thee feelingly , so as to feel vertue come out from thee into me , that mine eyes are opened so , as I see thee and know thee to be with me and in me .

98. Ah Lord , let this light of thine never depart from me , but let me more and more be swallowed up into it , that by it I may be made more and more able to comprehend it and live in it .

99. Ah Lord God , let these thy dawnings draw me after thee , to follow thee the Lamb of Righteousness where ever thou goest , and let me never grow weary , nor faint in the way where ever thou shalt lead me , or what ever thou shalt bid me to do , though it be to spend and to be spent . But grant that I may be always thine , as I know and see through thy good grace in me , that thou art mine .

100. Ah what a most blessed thing is it to live in the Peace of the Lord , and to dye with his Peace .

101. Ah Lord , suffer me not to purchase the whole World ( if it were to be had ) with the committing of one sin against Conscience ; for what shall it profit me to gain the whole World , if I lose my own Soul ?

102. Ah Lord , how happy is the man that knoweth thee only , that is , is so swallowed up into thee , as he knoweth none , nor nothing but thee ; thou art , O God , over all , and above all in him , and he is only thine , and none but thine .

103. Ah how low , how low is it , to know any thing but thee , O God ? or incomparison of thee ?

104. Ah Lord God , let me so know thee , as I may comprehend thee , that I may despise all other knowledge , and rest satisfied in this one thing , only necessary .

105. To know thee the true God , and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent , is the depth of Wisdom , and all things to it ( in comparison of it ) is meer foolishness .

106. The Angels know not more , and this knowledge of theirs is but in a degree , and , ah how low and inferiour to that knowledge that is in thee , that is , O God , in thee , in thee .

107. This knowledge is so sweet in its manifestation , that it drowns and consumes both men and Angels in its contemplation .

108. This knowledge is so deep and sweet , that all , both Men and Angels , do thee only greet .

109. Thus to know thee , O God , is to be in some measure like unto thee , filled with all wisdom and knowledge .

110. But this ( alone ) is given us all to know from thy self , who knowest all things , and givest unto none but what thou knowest , is for thine own glory , O God , and their Everlasting good .

111. Fill , O Lord , fill all the hearts of those that unfeignedly seek thee , and this thy Wisdom , that they may become fools to themselves , and only wise in th●● , and for thee .

112. Ah Lord God , what is it to know all things from the Cedar to the Hyssop , if we have not our understanding enlightned , to comprehend that we are comprehended of thee .

113. Let me only have this honour , and I will despise all other honours and dishonours ; yea let me be despised by all , so that I may be thus honoured , O God , by thee , by thee , O God , by thee .

114. All things , O God , compared to the knowledge of thee , is not , nor shall not , I trust , be ever at all regarded or esteemed by me .

115. For if I can but once attain to know thee as thou art to be known ; I am sure I shall have all that I can desire to know ; to possess , or to have .

116. Having thee alone , O God , I shall have all that is , or can ever be attained , either here , or hereafter .

117. I know that there is none in Heaven that have more , or that desire more ; let me have what they have , and I shall then be as they be ( satisfied ) but till . I have as much ( at least ) as any , I cannot say that I have enough ; for my desires are as large . And till I am thus filled as they are , that thus know thee , possess thee , and adore thee ; I cannot but cry out with continual hungring and thirstings , Oh feed me , Oh fill me , for I am empty and want all things ; if thou dost not , O God , thus fill me with thy bounty , and satisfie me with thy loving kindness , and cause me to see and know that thou art mine , and that I am only thine .

118. Ah Lord God , I know it is thee only , only thee , that canst cast out Devils ; Ah cast out I most humbly beseech thee all the Devils that are in me ; thou , O God , that raisest from death to life , and that forgivest all our sins freely , even for thine own names sake only .

119. All that is done in me , is done by thee , O God , it is thine arm that bringeth me so great Salvation .

120. Ah Lord God , thou only art able to teach , and none but those that are immediately taught by the spirit , know thee , or thy teachings .

121. Ah Lord , teach me then but to know thee as thou art known by thine , and I will not care for any other knowledge , or any other thing ; for he that hath this one thing given him , may truly say as Jacob did , that he hath all .

122. Thou art , O Lord God , that well of life , and water of life , that whoever drinketh of , that is , hath thee in himself , shall never more thirst again after any other thing : for thou wilt , O Christ , be ever in him a well of water , springing in him , even unto Eternal life .

123. Thou art , O Christ , thou art that bread of life that cometh down from Heaven ( into our hearts ) and feedest our souls in the assurance of faith , sight , and knowledge , unto Everlasting life .

124. Thou art ours , and we are thine , and this we are taught by thine own spirit dwelling in us , and not by any other teaching or science .

125. And being thus perswaded and assured , our hearts do continually rejoyce , yea and shall rejoyce continually , even for ever and for ever .

126. Such is the Mighty Power of God , unto those that know him , and wait on him , that he maketh ( as it were , at times ) the very stones in the wall to look on us , and to speak good unto us .

127. Such is Gods goodness , that his presence brings with it all good , and makes it present to us , and dissipates all evil , so as we are in some measure changed from evil to good , and emptied of all evil , and filled with all good . But Ah , its duration for the most part , for the most of times , is little , and soon departs ; such is our forwardness , and proneness to all evil , and our aversness and deadness to all that is good , which makes the Children of God ( with Paul ) to be weary , yea stark weary of themselves , as of a dead body , yea to esteem their bodies , their own natural affections , even as dead bodies ; wherefore they desire to be dissolved , finding such a Law in their members as continually fighteth and warreth against the Law of God in their minds , and leads them so often Captive unto the Law of sin , that they complain in the very language of that blessed Apostle ; Ah wretched man , miserable worm that I am , when shall I be delivered , when shall I be freed and set at liberty , when shall it be with me as my Soul desires it were , to live unto God as I should , as I would , and not thus live in death , or die all the day long whilst I am alive ?

128. Ah most glorious and most Holy Lord God , it is thy glory that thou art what thou art , and it is our mighty shame that we are what we are , thy purity and thy power , O God , is only known unto thy self ; we indeed see something of thee . But all that all the Angels and blessed in Heaven see , were all their sight and knowledge in one of them , would yet be much less by much than the least drop is to the whole Ocean ; yea than one moment is or would be unto Eternity . Thou art , O God , thou art incomprehensibly glorious , powerful and great ; there is no end of thy goodness , for it shall continue for ever , and for ever , world without end , so be it , O Lord , so be it , Amen , Amen .

129. Let me , O God , my God , be so swallowed up into thee , as I may ask after nothing but thee , as I may speak of nothing but the , nor hear nothing in me but thee , that I may desire nothing but thee , and may live unto nothing but thee , so that I may be all thine , and nothing but thine .

130. This knowledge , O God , of thee passeth all understanding , none can speak of it , unless thou speakest it in him , and that is according unto us , and not according to thee : for if thou should'st speak unto us according to thy self , Ah Lord , we could not hear thee so , as to comprehend it .

131. As we have thee , O God , so we speak of thee ; as we know thee , so we declare thee ; as we feel thee , so we praise thee ; and as we comprehend thee , so we prise thee ; and according as thou art unto us , so we publish it unto others . But alas , alas , what is this to thee , to what thou art .

132. Let not him that hath the most , boast , for he hath nought but what is given him .

133. Let not him that hath the least , be discouraged , for he hath so much as will do him most good at the last .

134. Let not him that is fallen cast himself down over much , for God ( if he seek him ) will raise him up again .

135. Let every man wait , and in due time he shall have so much of that , which God seeth and knoweth is best for him .

136. The best of all , is that which God seeth to be best of all for us , and so much he will not fail to give thee ( O man ) who ever thou art , if thou relye and depend on him .

137. And when we have received it , let us lay it up , that is , lay it out , that it may increase , for he that hath most , more shall be given him , he shall have most of all .

138. The blessing of the Almighty , shall , and will always go along with those that diligently seek him , they shall be sure to see no evil all their days .

139. The Blessedness and the happiness of the Saints , is to see God , and to know him to be theirs .

140. He shall have him that would have him , he shall be with him that desireth him , he shall be taught by him that giveth himself up unto him , and he shall know him that followeth after him in his ways , and that delighteth in the keeping of all his Commandments .

141. Delight thy self in the Lord , so shall no evil come upon thee , but all good shall follow thee every where .

142. Fear the Lord , and thy days shall be many .

143. Watch over all thy words , and let thy thoughts be as the light , without any darkness .

144. Have him always nigh thee , that thou mayst not do the thing that is not of him .

145. Comfort thy self , and shake off all fear , for the Lord will honour thee by doing his will in the midst of all those where he shall carry thee .

146. Give thy self up to him more and more , that thou mayest be taught by him , and know him .

147. Let thy knowledge be of him to know his will , that thou mayest walk in his holy ways , and do all that he shall command thee , that thou mayest possess the good that he hath laid up for thee in himself .

148. Ah Lord , cause me to see every thing as it is in it self , then shall I esteem all things out of thee , as Paul did , as dirt , dung , and dross ( compared to thee ) then shall I also know well , how to want , and how to abound .

149. Ah Lord , cause me more and more to know thee , as thou art to be known , for then shall I be more and more weary of all things out of thee , and esteem them as Pebbles to Pearls , yea all , as nothing : for alas , alas , what is all , when well considered , when seen and known to be just as it is ?

150. If we do not , O God , see thee in all things , what do we see , when our understandings are enlightned by thee ; but Poverty in the greatest riches ; but ignominy in the greatest honour and glory ; but foolishness in the greatest wisdom ; weakness in the greatest strength ; deformity in the greatest beauty , and meer baseness in the very greatest splendor of earthly Majesty . All things put together , I am sure , are to such an eye , but a thing of nought , a poor , empty low thing , nay nothing .

151. Ah Lord , shall we be such fools as to esteem our selves wise , to get and lay up such things as can do us no good , as can stand us in no stead at all in the greatest need of all ; shall we , Ah shall we spend our time , our most pretious time , for that which is so full of vanity , that makes us so vain , as to think our selves wise , and to lay it up even against that great and terrible day of the Lord , when the reward will be shame and grief , and anguish , and vexation of spirit .

152. Ah let them , O Lord God , that know thee , not trifle away their pretious time thus , but spend it to get thee sure , who only canst make us truly rich , wise , honourable , beautiful and blessed for ever and ever .

153. All the Angels are but as a drop , compared , O God , to thee ; they would be as a troubled Sea , or a Sea of trouble , if thou should'st go out of them .

154. None knoweth thee , O God , or can speak of thee as thou art , thou art glorious in holiness , fearful in praises , doing wonders ; the earth ( man ) is filled with thy Majesty and thy glory ; the dust ( man ) doth praise thee .

155. Ah Lord , let me not mince thy words , cut or carve them , or put them into any other frame , than as thou shalt give them me , if they go forth rough , thou wilt make them smooth , and fit them for those , for whom thou hast appointed them .

156. He that hath chosen the Lord for his God , shall have him , yea hath him , and shall ever have him .

157. Ah Lord God , that soul that loveth thee , and knoweth how lovely thou art , cannot at all be satisfied with any , nay not with all these high things here below , the riches , the honours , and the pleasures of the world .

158. It is only Heaven , and the things of Heaven that are in his eye ; for all the things on earth he easily thinks them into nothing , and winks their beauty into blackness and deformity .

159. Ah Lord , open the doors of Heaven , yea set wide open those Everlasting gates of thy goodness , that the scales of ignorance and worldliness being taken away from before the eyes of my understanding ; I may through thy light , see light , even that light of thine , to see and contemplate those most glorious things in glory , even those which thou hast laid up and prepared , and wilt give unto all those that wait upon thee , that desire thee , know thee , and love thee .

160. Such as have thee , O God , have , and are , sure they shall have always all and above by much what they can desire to have , ask or crave .

161. Thou , O our God , that fillest Heaven and Earth , with thy bounty and thy goodness , wilt not fail to fill also , all the hearts of all those , that draw nigh unto thee , and that depend upon thee .

162. Such shall be sure to lack nothing that take care how to please thee .

163. They that make this one thing their only pleasure , shall never lack the thing that shall make them happy and blessed for ever .

164. Thou lovest us not , O God , because that we are what we are , but because thou art what thou art , thy Love is free from thy self , none constraineth thee , as none can give unto thee .

165. Ah Lord God , I know that thou lovest us , not because we love thee , but we it is that love thee , because that thou lovest us .

166. Thou art , O God , all things to all those that depend upon thee , food to the hungry , drink to the thirsty , riches to the poor , wisdom to the simple , liberty to them that are bound , comfort to the comfortless , even all things to all , in life , in death and after death .

167. Let the wicked the men of the World have their fill of the World , the Corn , Wine and Oyl thereof : but let me , O God my God , have my fill of thee ; for thou art much better by much , than all things either in Heaven above , or on Earth below ; do but shine upon me , O Lord , with the light of thy Countenance , that I may see thy light , and I shall rejoyce with unspeakable joy .

168. All things , O Lord God , compared to thee , are blackness and darkness and nothingness , thou only art and there is none besides thee , wherefore my Soul saith with David , whom have I in Heaven but thee ? and what is there on all the Earth in comparison of thee ? all other joys are false joys , and all other things are nothing , but meer toyes ; for with thee , O God , and only with thee is all joy , unspeakable joy , and everlasting pleasures are at thy right hand .

169. Ah Lord our God , thou art all in all things ; for without thy presence , the best and the greatest things are nothing , to that Soul that knoweth thee what thou art .

170. Thou art , O God , the sweet of all sweets , the light of the light , the glory and the bliss in glory . As in thy presence is all joy : So in thy absence is all sorrow , to all Souls that are acquainted with thee , and to whom thou hast manifested thy self . Therefore the Angels , those glorious , knowing Creatures , endeavour to pry into all thy mysteries . Such an endless and bottomless delight there is in them all , from the greatest to the very least of all .

171. This indeed is such a high and glorious Mount , from which we may justly desire never to come down , but to have there our abiding place . A Tabernacle to dwell in for ever and for ever , not only to behold the glory of our Lord , but the Lord himself , of all our good and our glory .

172. Ah Lord God , that art the wisdom of the wise , the strength of the strong , the honour of the honourable , the power of the powerful , the might of the mighty , the riches of the rich , the goodness of those that are good , the blessedness of the blessed , the beauty of the beautiful , the joy of those that rejoyce , the light of those that see thy light , the Crown and the glory of those that are in glory . Thou only art and there is none besides thee , our God , even God , blessed for ever and for ever .

173. Ah Lord , I know and am assured , that it cannot be better with me , than to be with thee .

174. And to be with thee here on Earth , whilst on Earth , thou knowest , O God , that I esteem it to be my only Heaven .

175. Let me thus have thee , I say , always have thee thus , and thou knowest , O Lord , that knowest all things , that I have all that I would have ; for thou only art all mine all .

176. Ah that thou wouldst , O God , take all things from me , that hinder thy blessed approach to me , and that cause me to draw back from thee .

177. Ah Lord , thou knowest that there is nothing that I have , but I most willingly offer thee , and would cheerfully give thee to have thee .

178. My life is not dear to me at all to spend for thee , thou knowest , O God my God , that I account it a thing of nought . If thou wilt have it , O God , take it , for I confess it 's thine , and not mine .

179. Yea I trust that all mine is thine , that I am thine , all , both Spirit , Soul , and Body , and that thee , O God , and all thine is mine , both thy Kingdom , power , and glory , for ever , and for ever .

180. Ah blessed change , to be thus changed into all blessedness , even so , as to have the Lord God for our everlasting Portion .

181. Weary me , O Lord God , weary me more and more of my self , that I may be dissolved , and be with thee , which is best of all .

182. For out of thee , O God , my Heart is not satisfied , neither can any thing but thy self satisfie it , either that is in Heaven above , or on the Earth below .

183. What , O Lord , what shall I say unto thee , thou knowest all things , and of me and my Heart , more than I can tell thee , make me and it , O God , such as thou wilt have me to be , that thou maiest ever own me for thy own .

184. Ah Lord , Let me be always on the wing after thee , yea let me pursue hard after thee continually ; let me run and not grow weary , and walk and not faint .

185. O God , that art my God , heat I beseech thee my affections , increase my desires , build me up that I may be a living stone in thy house , and ever speak loudly thy praises .

186. Ah Lord God , let me always have before me Heaven and Hell , let me see Heaven as it is prepared for the Just , and Hell as it is prepared for the unjust ; Heaven for those that ever eyed it , and rejoyced in it , and Hell for those that never feared it , nor believed it , but by their ungodly lives lived as if there had not been either a Heaven to recompence the Godly , or a Hell to punish the ungodly .

187. Ah Lord , cause me always to eye those things that are invisible , that eye never saw , that ear never heard , nor that ever entred at any time into the heart of any man to conceive ; even those endless everlasting joys , that thou hast , O God , prepared in Jesus Christ , and laid up for all those that love thee .

188. Let me , Ah let me always harken to hear that sweet and blessed voice of thy Holy Spirit within me , saying , ( of all the glory that is in glory ) these are all thine , yea all that is mine is thine , and thou art mine .

189. Ah Lord , let me never forget that all these earthly things , must pass away us in a moment in the twinkling of an eye . But that our Souls are immortal , and shall live for ever and ever , in endless unexpressible joys , or endless , everlasting unexpressible Torments .

190. How low , Ah how low are the conceptions of any brain , yea the words of Men or Angels to express and shew forth the life to come , either of the one or of the other , of those beloved of God , that shall ever live and abide in his Love , which is in himself , or for those that are so hated by him , as shall for ever be cast out of his blessed presence , and enjoy the cursed wretched company of the Devils , and his Angels , in burning and unquenchable flames , where shall be yelling and roaring , weeping and wailing , curses and horrid blasphemies , against that God and his goodness , which they know is holy , just and good : and this as fuel shall feed that fire , that cannot be quenched , and give life to that gnawing worm ( an accusing condemning Conscience . ) that shall never dye ; and thus those poor Souls must and shall live everlastingly .

191. Ah Lord God , give me Faith to believe , and grace to repent , that I come not into this place of torment ; but for ever enjoy those eternal and everlasting joys that thou hast from all Eternity prepared , and wilt only give unto those for whom thou hast prepared it .

192. Come , Lord Jesus , come quickly , and fill me , and feed me , and satisfie me here with thy good things , that I may ever live to enjoy them and thee .

193. Thy appearances , O great God , are like thy self ( yea they are thy self ) but few ( I fear ) there are that thus see them , and know them thus ; thy power thou shewest most in weakness , in such as see , confess and acknowledge themselves to be weak ; for thou makest the weak strong , and causest ( many times ) the very meanest and simplest , even those ( according to the knowledge of men ) that know least , to know most ; for thou hidest thy self from those that seek that knowledge that puffeth up ; but revealest thy self , and shewest thine appearance as the Sun at noon day , to those that deny themselves , and seek only that Wisdom to know thee , that they may give up themselves unto thee .

194. Thus , O God , thou feedest the hungry , but the rich thou sendest empty away , thou confoundest the wisdom of the wise , but makest glad the hearts of thy holy ones , which are the humble ones .

195. Let me not , O God , be cast down , to doubt of thy Love , how low so ever thou shalt cast me , nor lifted up ( above measure ) how high so ever thou shalt raise me .

196. Ah Lord God , let my knowledge be , that thou livest in me , and I in thee , that thou art mine and that I am thine .

197. Ah Lord , destroy the adversaries and enemies of my Salvation ( here ) which is thy shining manifesting and appearing in me , unto me , my knowledge of thee to be mine , and I to be thine ; my dying to self , to flesh and World , to all that is not of thee , and my living only to thee , O God , the God of my Salvation , to thee , to thee .

198. My hereafter Salvation , I know that none nor nothing can hinder me from . I shall ( I know ) enjoy thee , O God , possess thee , behold thee , know thee and see thee , as thou art to be seen and known . I say , and am sure that nothing is able or shall hinder me from this blessedness which thou hast prepared for me .

199. Ah were it not for the enemies of our Salvation , which are our own fleshly lusts and vile affections , which fight and war continually against thee , O God , our Salvation ( in us ) we should see , know , find and feel the same Salvation ( ever here ) as hereafter , we should contemplate thy beautiful beauty , and thy most glorious glory here , even as in glory hereafter .

200. Ah Lord God , fight then on my behalf , consume and destroy with an utter destruction all these my enemies which hinder ( here , ) this my so great Salvation , consume and make wast all their powers , and deliver my poor Soul , because I trust in thee , and in thy great name , which are thy faithful promises .

201. As a Fountain gives freely without intermission , or constraint ( but the natural power , or fulness that forceth , ) even so should we that live in God and possess him , and his fulness , be always giving and communicating of what we have . And as a fountain that is stopped a while , being hindred of continuing its largess , doth as it were during that space , make or lay up provision , to be more larger in its bounty ; even so me thinks should we be and do , if for some time , occasion or opportunity present not , but we are as it were stopped from giving , being unstopt , that is , occasion presenting it self to our charity , we should shew forth by our gross streams of largeness , in giving , that the restraint ( of not having occasion , ) was a constraint , and against the supernatural , now natural faculties of our Souls affections .

202. If thus we were always communicating , and when we find not occasion so to do , had in us always a vehement earnest burning desire to give , Ah how like should we be unto our good God , and Heavenly Father , who gives continually , and is never weary nor repenteth .

GLORY TO GOD.

In Bourdeaux , Anno 1661.

1. THe love of God is the best of Heaven , the very glory in glory .

2. The love of God makes all things lovely to all those that know that they are his beloved .

3. Gods love is sweeter than the honey or the honey comb , much more desired , and to be desired more by much , than all fine gold , and the most pretious Pearls .

4. Gods love is better than Wine to comfort the heart , it is the fatness , marrow , and sweetness of Heaven , that feeds , feasts , and solaceth the Soul .

5. There is nothing in Heaven above to be compared to Gods love .

6. And all things that are here below ; ah how much below are they all to the love of God .

7. He that hath , or is in the love of God , hath all God , for God is all love .

8. Ah Lord God , love me then so , that I may be filled with love to love thee as I should love thee , to fear thee , as I should fear thee , to honour thee , as I should honour thee , and to obey thee , as I should obey thee in all things , in spirit , soul and body , by all my thoughts , words and actions , now , henceforth , and for evermore , Amen .

9. Ah Lord God , how unspeakably great is thy love to all thy Children and Servants , turning all things to their good , even the very worst of things ( their sins . )

10. God sheweth his great love unto us , how he loveth us , by shedding abroad his love so in our hearts , as we are made thereby to love him , for naturally we love him not ; and therefore did he not give us love to love him , we would , nor could never love him .

11. Ah powerful love that makes ( of us haters ) to become true lovers , to love him in very truth , whom we hated truly .

Yea those that have the love of God thus in their hearts , love him so , as it may be truly said of them , that they love nothing else , for they love him above their goods , or good name , above their Children , above their Wives , yea much more , and above their very lives . They can , and easily do , when called thereto , give up all to him and for him , his love doth constrain , to love him again , the heart is so in love with him , finding him so lovely , that it cryes out continually for more love , that it may love him more ; for nothing comforts such souls as Gods love , they make and account his love as himself , and himself to be his love , and being thus loved by him , and living thus in his love , they live in him and he in them , which is the very life of their lives , and the very bliss and Heaven of their Heaven .

13. Such is the love of God unto us his Children , that he swallows us up and houseth us in himself , that we may be all his , and he all ours , that we may put him so on , as be made like him , and partake continually of him , which is our Crown and Glory , yea our Crown in Glory which will make us shine more beautiful and glorious than ten thousand Sons .

14. Cause me , O Lord God , to declare what thou wilt have me to declare ; cause me to believe what thou wilt have me to believe , cause me to know what thou wilt have me to know , and inable me to do all that thou wilt have me to do , that I may be filled with thee , to live to thee and in thee to thine Eternal honour , praise and glory , so be it , O Lord , so be it , Amen , Amen .

15. Go forth , O God , go forth before me , that I may follow thee where ever thou goest , that thou wilt be unto me a light by night ( in the mid'st of my natural darkness ) which is darker than the blackest night , and be also unto me a fire by day ( in the mid'st of thine own light in me ) which is clearer and brighter than the brightest day , that I may burn , O God , in the Sacred and Divine flames of saving knowledge , and obedience unto my lives end .

16. Instruct me , O Lord , in thine own Laws , and write them so upon my heart , that I may never depart from them .

17. Feast me and fill me , O Lord , so with thine own self , that I may be all thine , and thou all mine .

18. It is the spirit of Christ , or Christ in the Spirit ( which is perfect God , ) living in us , that Gal. 3. 27. makes us Christians , which is to be like Christ , to be Baptized in him , to have put him on ; and this oneness with Christ ( God ) is in all the Saints , all the Saints are thus one in God , with Christ , he in us , and we in him .