The Christians pattern, or A divine treatise of the imitation of Christ. Written originally in Latin, by Thomas of Kempis, above 200. years since. Faithfully Englished. And printed in a large character for the benefit of the aged
         Imitatio Christi. English.
      
       
         
           1695
        
      
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             The Christians pattern, or A divine treatise of the imitation of Christ. Written originally in Latin, by Thomas of Kempis, above 200. years since. Faithfully Englished. And printed in a large character for the benefit of the aged
             Imitatio Christi. English.
             Thomas, à Kempis, 1380-1471, attributed name.
             Worthington, John, 1618-1671.
          
           [12], 326 p.
           
             printed by Richard Wellington, at the sign of the Lute in St. Pauls Church-Yard,
             London :
             1695.
          
           
             A translation, by John Worthington, of: Imitatio Christi.
             The traditional attribution to Thomas à Kempis is disputed.
             With added engraved title page dated 1677, and four preliminary contents leaves.
             Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Thomas, -- à Kempis, 1380-1471 -- Early works to 1800.
           Jesus Christ -- Example -- Early works to 1800.
           Devotional literature -- Early works to 1800.
           Christian life -- Early works to 1800.
           Meditations -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
     
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               THE
               CHRISTIANS
               PATTERN
               or
               The
               Imitation
               of
               CHRIST
            
          
        
         
           Printed
           by
           J
           :
           R.
           for
           Iohn
           Williams
           at
           y
           e
           Crowne
           in
           St
           Paules
           Church
           yard
           1677
        
      
       
         
         
         
           THE
           Christians
           Pattern
           ,
           OR
           A
           DIVINE
           TREATISE
           OF
           THE
           Imitation
           of
           Christ.
           
        
         
           
             Written
             Originally
             in
             Latin
             ,
             by
             THOMAS
             of
             KEMPIS
             ,
          
           above
           200.
           
           Years
           since
           .
        
         
           
             Faithfully
             Englished
          
           .
        
         
           And
           Printed
           in
           a
           large
           Character
           for
           the
           benefit
           of
           the
           Aged
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           for
           
             Richard
             Wellington
          
           ,
           at
           the
           Sign
           of
           the
           Lute
           in
           St.
           
             Pauls
             Church-Yard
          
           .
           1695.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           The
           Contents
           of
           the
           Chapters
           .
        
         
           
             The
             First
             Book
             .
             CHAP.
             I.
             
          
           
             
               OF
               the
               Imitation
               of
               Christ
               and
               contempt
               of
               all
               worldly
               vanities
               .
            
             
               Pag.
               1
            
             
               Of
               the
               humble
               conceit
               of
               our selves
               .
            
             
               3
            
             
               Of
               the
               doctrine
               of
               Truth
               .
            
             
               6
            
             
               Of
               wisdom
               and
               providence
               in
               our
               actions
               .
            
             
               10
            
             
               Of
               the
               reading
               of
               holy
               Scriptures
               .
            
             
               11
            
             
               Of
               inordinate
               affections
               .
            
             
               12
            
             
               Of
               flying
               vain
               hope
               and
               pride
               .
            
             
               13
            
             
               That
               too
               much
               familiarity
               is
               to
               be
               shunned
               .
            
             
               15
            
             
               Of
               obedience
               and
               subjection
               .
            
             
               16
            
             
               Of
               avoiding
               superfluity
               in
               words
               .
            
             
               17
            
             
               Of
               the
               obtaining
               of
               peace
               ,
               and
               zealous
               desire
               of
               profiting
               in
               grace
               .
            
             
               19
            
             
               Of
               the
               profit
               of
               adversity
               .
            
             
               22
            
             
               Of
               resisting
               temptations
               .
            
             
               23
            
             
               Of
               avoiding
               rash
               judgment
               .
            
             
               27
            
             
               Of
               works
               done
               of
               Charity
               .
            
             
               29
            
             
               Of
               bearing
               with
               the
               defects
               of
               others
               .
            
             
               30
            
             
               Of
               a
               retired
               life
               .
            
             
               32
            
             
               Of
               the
               examples
               of
               the
               holy
               Fathers
               .
            
             
               34
            
             
               Of
               the
               exercise
               of
               a
               good
               and
               religious
               person
               .
            
             
               37
            
             
               Of
               the
               love
               of
               solitude
               and
               silence
               .
            
             
               41
            
             
               
               
                 Of
                 compunction
                 of
                 heart
              
               .
            
             
               46
            
             
               Of
               the
               consideration
               of
               humane
               misery
               .
            
             
               49
            
             
               Of
               the
               meditation
               of
               death
               .
            
             
               54
            
             
               Of
               judgement
               ,
               and
               the
               punishment
               of
               Sins
               .
            
             
               58
            
             
               Of
               the
               zealous
               amendment
               of
               our
               whole
               life
               .
            
             
               63
            
          
        
         
           
             The
             Second
             Book
             CHAP.
             I
          
           
             
               OF
               the
               inward
               life
               .
            
             
               70
            
             
               Of
               humble
               submission
               .
            
             
               75
            
             
               Of
               a
               good
               and
               peaceable
               Man.
               
            
             
               76
            
             
               Of
               a
               pure
               mind
               ,
               and
               upright
               intention
               .
            
             
               78
            
             
               Of
               the
               consideration
               of
               ones
               self
               .
            
             
               80
            
             
               Of
               the
               joy
               of
               a
               good
               conscience
               .
            
             
               82
            
             
               Of
               the
               love
               of
               Iesus
               above
               all
               things
               .
            
             
               84
            
             
               Of
               familiar
               conversation
               with
               Iesus
               .
            
             
               86
            
             
               Of
               the
               want
               of
               all
               comfort
               .
            
             
               89
            
             
               Of
               thankfulness
               for
               the
               grace
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               93
            
             
               How
               few
               the
               lovers
               of
               the
               Cross
               os
               Christ
               are
               .
            
             
               97
            
             
               Of
               the
               high
               way
               of
               the
               holy
               Cross.
               
            
             
               99
            
          
        
         
           
             The
             Third
             Book
             .
             CHAP.
             I.
             
          
           
             
               OF
               the
               inward
               speech
               of
               Christ
               unto
               a
               faithful
               soul.
               
            
             
               108
            
             
               
               
                 That
                 truth
                 speaketh
                 inwardly
                 without
                 noise
                 of
                 words
                 .
              
            
             
               110
            
             
               That
               the
               words
               of
               God
               are
               to
               be
               heard
               with
               humility
               ,
               and
               that
               many
               weigh
               them
               not
               .
            
             
               112
            
             
               That
               we
               ought
               to
               live
               iu
               truth
               ,
               and
               humility
               before
               God.
               
            
             
               116
            
             
               Of
               the
               wonderful
               effect
               of
               divine
               love
               .
            
             
               119
            
             
               Of
               the
               proof
               of
               a
               true
               Lover
               .
            
             
               123
            
             
               That
               grace
               is
               to
               be
               hid
               under
               the
               veil
               of
               humility
               .
            
             
               126
            
             
               Of
               a
               mean
               conceit
               of
               our selves
               in
               the
               sight
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               130
            
             
               That
               all
               things
               are
               to
               be
               referred
               unto
               God
               ,
               as
               unto
               the
               last
               end
               .
            
             
               132
            
             
               That
               the
               world
               being
               despised
               ,
               it
               is
               a
               sweet
               thing
               to
               serve
               God
               ,
            
             
               133
            
             
               That
               the
               desires
               of
               our
               heart
               are
               to
               be
               examined
               and
               moderated
               .
            
             
               137
            
             
               Of
               Patience
               ,
               and
               of
               striving
               against
               concupiscence
               .
            
             
               139
            
             
               Of
               the
               humble
               obedience
               of
               a
               subject
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               example
               of
               Christ.
               
            
             
               142
            
             
               Of
               the
               secret
               judgment
               of
               God
               to
               be
               considered
               ;
               lest
               we
               be
               exalted
               in
               our
               good
               deeds
               .
            
             
               144
            
             
               How
               we
               are
               to
               stand
               affected
               ,
               and
               what
               we
               are
               to
               say
               ,
               in
               every
               thing
               which
               we
               desire
               .
            
             
               146
            
             
               
               
                 That
                 true
                 comfort
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 sought
                 in
                 God
                 alone
                 .
              
            
             
               149
            
             
               That
               all
               our
               care
               is
               to
               be
               placed
               in
               God.
               
            
             
               150
            
             
               That
               temporal
               miseries
               ,
               after
               the
               example
               of
               Christ
               ,
               must
               be
               born
               patiently
               .
            
             
               152
            
             
               Of
               suffering
               of
               injuries
               ;
               and
               who
               is
               proved
               to
               be
               truly
               patient
               .
            
             
               154
            
             
               Of
               the
               acknowledging
               of
               our
               own
               infirmities
               ;
               and
               of
               the
               miseries
               of
               this
               life
               .
            
             
               157
            
             
               That
               we
               are
               to
               rest
               in
               God
               ,
               above
               all
               his
               gifts
               and
               benefits
               .
            
             
               160
            
             
               Of
               the
               remembrance
               of
               the
               manifold
               benefits
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               164
            
             
               Of
               four
               things
               that
               bring
               much
               peace
               .
            
             
               167
            
             
               Of
               flying
               curious
               inquiry
               of
               the
               life
               of
               others
               .
            
             
               170
            
             
               Wherein
               the
               firm
               peace
               of
               the
               heart
               ,
               and
               true
               spiritual
               profiting
               consisteth
               .
            
             
               172
            
             
               Of
               the
               excellency
               of
               a
               free
               mind
               ,
               which
               humble
               Prayer
               sooner
               gaineth
               than
               Reading
               .
            
             
               174
            
             
               That
               private
               love
               most
               hindreth
               from
               the
               chiefest
               Good.
               
            
             
               176
            
             
               Against
               the
               tongues
               of
               slanderers
               .
            
             
               179
            
             
               How
               we
               ought
               to
               call
               upon
               God
               ,
               and
               bless
               him
               when
               tribulation
               draweth
               near
               .
            
             
               180
            
             
               Of
               craving
               the
               divine
               aid
               ,
               and
               confidence
               of
               recovering
               grace
               .
            
             
               182
            
             
               
               
                 Of
                 the
                 contempt
                 of
                 all
                 creatures
                 ,
                 to
                 find
                 out
                 the
                 Creator
                 .
              
            
             
               186
            
             
               Of
               denial
               of
               our selves
               ,
               and
               forsaking
               all
               inordinate
               desires
               .
            
             
               189
            
             
               Of
               inconstancy
               of
               heart
               ,
               and
               of
               directing
               our
               final
               intentions
               unto
               God.
               
            
             
               191
            
             
               That
               God
               is
               sweet
               ,
               above
               all
               things
               ,
               and
               in
               all
               things
               ,
               to
               him
               that
               loveth
               .
            
             
               193
            
             
               That
               there
               is
               no
               security
               from
               temptation
               in
               this
               life
               .
            
             
               195
            
             
               Against
               the
               vain
               judgments
               of
               Men.
               
            
             
               197
            
             
               Of
               a
               full
               and
               pure
               resignation
               of
               our selves
               ,
               for
               the
               obtaining
               freedom
               of
               heart
               .
            
             
               199
            
             
               Of
               good
               government
               in
               outward
               things
               ,
               and
               of
               recourse
               to
               God
               in
               dangers
               .
            
             
               202
            
             
               That
               a
               Man
               be
               not
               over
               earnest
               in
               his
               affairs
               .
            
             
               204
            
             
               That
               a
               Man
               hath
               no
               good
               of
               himself
               ,
               nor
               any
               thing
               whereof
               he
               can
               glory
               .
            
             
               205
            
             
               Of
               the
               contempt
               of
               all
               temporal
               honors
               .
            
             
               208
            
             
               That
               our
               peace
               is
               not
               to
               be
               placed
               in
               Men.
               
            
             
               209
            
             
               Against
               vain
               and
               secular
               knowledg
               .
            
             
               211
            
             
               Of
               not
               drawing
               outward
               things
               to
               our selves
               .
            
             
               213
            
             
               That
               credit
               is
               not
               to
               be
               given
               to
               all
               Men
               ;
               and
               how
               prone
               Man
               is
               to
               offend
               in
               words
               .
            
             
               214
            
             
               Of
               putting
               our
               trust
               in
               God
               ,
               when
               evil
               words
               arise
               .
            
             
               218
            
             
               
               
                 That
                 all
                 grievous
                 things
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 endured
                 for
                 life
                 everlasting
                 .
              
            
             
               221
            
             
               Of
               the
               everlasting
               day
               ,
               and
               shortness
               of
               this
               life
               .
            
             
               224
            
             
               Of
               the
               desire
               of
               everlasting
               life
               ,
               and
               how
               great
               rewards
               are
               promised
               to
               those
               that
               sight
               valiantly
               .
            
             
               228
            
             
               How
               a
               disconsolate
               person
               ought
               to
               offer
               himself
               into
               the
               Hands
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               233
            
             
               That
               a
               Man
               ought
               to
               imploy
               himself
               in
               works
               of
               Humility
               ,
               when
               strength
               is
               wanting
               for
               higher
               imployments
               .
            
             
               238
            
             
               That
               a
               Man
               ought
               to
               esteem
               himself
               not
               worthy
               of
               comfort
               ,
               but
               rather
               to
               deserve
               stripes
               .
            
             
               239
            
             
               That
               the
               grace
               of
               God
               doth
               not
               joyn
               it self
               with
               those
               that
               savor
               of
               Earthly
               things
               .
            
             
               242
            
             
               Of
               the
               different
               motions
               of
               Nature
               ,
               and
               Grace
               .
            
             
               244
            
             
               Of
               the
               corruption
               of
               Nature
               ,
               and
               efficacy
               of
               divine
               Grace
               .
            
             
               250
            
             
               That
               we
               ought
               to
               deny
               our selves
               ,
               and
               imitate
               Christ
               by
               the
               Cross.
               
            
             
               254
            
             
               That
               a
               Man
               be
               not
               too
               much
               dejected
               when
               he
               falleth
               into
               some
               defects
               .
            
             
               257
            
             
               Of
               not
               searching
               into
               high
               matters
               ,
               and
               into
               the
               secret
               judgments
               of
               God
            
             
               259
            
             
               That
               all
               our
               hope
               and
               trust
               is
               to
               be
               fixed
               in
               God
               alone
               .
            
             
               265
            
          
        
         
           
           
             The
             Fourth
             Book
             .
             CHAP
             ,
             I.
             
          
           
             
               WIth
               how
               great
               reverence
               Christ
               ought
               to
               be
               received
               .
            
             
               270
            
             
               That
               the
               great
               goodness
               and
               love
               of
               God
               is
               exhibited
               to
               Man
               in
               this
               Sacrament
               .
            
             
               277
            
             
               That
               it
               is
               profitable
               to
               communicate
               often
               .
            
             
               281
            
             
               That
               many
               benefits
               are
               bestowed
               upon
               them
               that
               communicate
               devoutly
               .
            
             
               284
            
             
               Of
               the
               dignity
               of
               this
               Sacrament
               ,
               and
               Ministerial
               function
               ,
            
             
               288
            
             
               An
               interrogation
               of
               the
               exercise
               before
               Communion
               .
            
             
               290
            
             
               Of
               the
               discussing
               of
               our
               own
               conscience
               ,
               and
               purpose
               of
               amendment
               .
            
             
               291
            
             
               Of
               the
               oblation
               of
               Christ
               on
               the
               Cross
               and
               resignation
               of
               our selves
               .
            
             
               294
            
             
               That
               we
               ought
               to
               offer
               up
               our selves
               ,
               and
               all
               that
               is
               ours
               unto
               God
               ,
               and
               to
               pray
               for
               all
               .
            
             
               296
            
             
               That
               the
               holy
               communion
               is
               not
               lightly
               to
               be
               forborn
               .
            
             
               299
            
             
               That
               the
               body
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               the
               holy
               Scriptures
               ,
               are
               most
               necessary
               unto
               a
               faithful
               .
               soul.
               
            
             
               304
            
             
               
               
                 That
                 he
                 who
                 is
                 to
                 communicate
                 ,
                 ought
                 to
                 prepare
                 himself
                 with
                 great
                 diligence
                 .
              
            
             
               309
            
             
               That
               a
               devout
               soul
               ought
               to
               desire
               with
               her
               whole
               heart
               ,
               to
               be
               united
               unto
               Christ
               in
               the
               Sacrament
               .
            
             
               312
            
             
               Of
               the
               fervent
               desire
               of
               some
               devout
               persons
               to
               receive
               the
               Body
               of
               Christ.
               
            
             
               314
            
             
               That
               the
               grace
               of
               devotian
               is
               obtained
               by
               humility
               and
               denial
               of
               our selves
               .
            
             
               316
            
             
               That
               we
               ought
               to
               manifest
               our
               necessities
               to
               Christ
               ,
               and
               crave
               his
               grace
               .
            
             
               319
            
             
               Of
               fervent
               love
               and
               vehement
               desire
               to
               receive
               Christ.
               
            
             
               321
            
             
               That
               Man
               be
               not
               a
               curious
               searcher
               of
               the
               Sacrament
               ,
               but
               an
               humble
               follower
               of
               Christ
               ,
               submitting
               his
               sense
               to
               faith
               .
            
             
               324
            
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           THE
           FIRST
           BOOK
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             Of
             the
             Imitation
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             contempt
             of
             all
             wordly
             vanities
             .
          
           
             
               HE
               that
               followeth
               me
               ,
               walketh
               not
               in
               darkness
               ,
            
             saith
             the
             Lord.
             These
             are
             the
             words
             of
             Christ
             by
             which
             we
             are
             admonished
             ,
             that
             we
             ought
             to
             imitate
             his
             life
             and
             manners
             ,
             if
             we
             will
             be
             truly
             inlightned
             ,
             and
             be
             delivered
             from
             all
             blindness
             of
             heart
             .
             Let
             therefore
             our
             chiefest
             endeavor
             be
             to
             meditate
             upon
             the
             life
             of
             Jesus
             Christ.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             doctrine
             of
             Christ
             exceedeth
             all
             the
             doctrines
             of
             holy
             Men
             ;
             and
             he
             that
             hath
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             will
             find
             therein
             an
             hidden
             Manna
             .
             But
             it
             falleth
             out
             ,
             that
             many
             ,
             
             who
             often
             hear
             the
             Gospel
             of
             Christ
             ,
             are
             yet
             but
             little
             affected
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             void
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Christ.
             But
             whosoever
             will
             fully
             and
             feelingly
             understand
             the
             words
             of
             Christ
             ,
             must
             endeavor
             to
             conform
             his
             life
             wholly
             to
             
               the
               life
               of
            
             Christ.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             What
             will
             it
             avail
             thee
             to
             dispute
             profoundly
             of
             the
             Trinity
             ,
             if
             thou
             be
             void
             of
             humility
             ,
             and
             art
             thereby
             displeasing
             to
             the
             Trinity
             ?
             High
             words
             surely
             make
             a
             Man
             neither
             holy
             nor
             just
             ,
             but
             a
             virtuous
             life
             maketh
             him
             dear
             to
             God.
             I
             had
             rather
             feel
             compunction
             ,
             than
             understand
             the
             definition
             thereof
             .
             If
             thou
             didst
             know
             the
             whole
             Bible
             ,
             and
             the
             sayings
             of
             all
             the
             Philosophers
             by
             heart
             ,
             what
             would
             all
             that
             profit
             thee
             without
             the
             love
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             without
             grace
             ?
             Vanity
             of
             vanities
             ,
             and
             all
             is
             vanity
             ,
             but
             to
             love
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             serve
             him
             only
             .
             This
             is
             the
             highest
             wisdom
             ,
             by
             contempt
             of
             the
             world
             to
             tend
             towards
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             It
             is
             therefore
             vanity
             to
             seek
             after
             perishing
             riches
             ,
             and
             to
             trust
             in
             them
             .
             It
             is
             also
             vanity
             to
             hunt
             after
             honors
             ,
             and
             to
             climb
             to
             high
             degree
             .
             It
             is
             vanity
             to
             follow
             the
             desires
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             and
             to
             labor
             for
             that
             ,
             for
             which
             thou
             mayest
             afterwards
             suffer
             
             more
             grievous
             punishment
             .
             Vanity
             it
             is
             to
             wish
             to
             live
             long
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             careless
             to
             live
             well
             .
             It
             is
             vanity
             to
             mind
             only
             this
             present
             life
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             foresee
             those
             things
             which
             are
             to
             come
             ,
             It
             is
             vanity
             to
             set
             thy
             love
             on
             that
             which
             speedily
             passeth
             away
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             hasten
             thither
             ,
             where
             everlasting
             joy
             is
             permanent
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Call
             often
             to
             mind
             that
             Proverb
             ,
             
               That
               the
               eye
               is
               not
               satisfied
               with
               seeing
               ,
               nor
               the
               ear
               filled
               with
               hearing
               .
            
             Endeavor
             therefore
             to
             withdraw
             thy
             heart
             from
             the
             love
             of
             visible
             things
             ,
             and
             to
             turn
             thy self
             to
             the
             invisible
             .
             For
             they
             that
             follow
             their
             sensuality
             ,
             do
             stain
             their
             own
             consciences
             ,
             and
             loose
             the
             favor
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             Of
             the
             humble
             conceit
             of
             our selves
             .
          
           
             ALL
             Men
             naturally
             desire
             to
             know
             ;
             but
             what
             availeth
             knowledg
             without
             the
             fear
             of
             God
             ?
             Surely
             ,
             an
             humble
             Husbandman
             that
             serveth
             God
             ,
             is
             better
             than
             a
             proud
             Philosopher
             that
             neglecting
             himself
             laboreth
             to
             understand
             the
             course
             of
             the
             
             heavens
             .
             Who
             so
             knoweth
             himself
             well
             ,
             groweth
             more
             mean
             in
             his
             own
             conceit
             ,
             and
             delighteth
             not
             in
             the
             praises
             of
             Men.
             If
             I
             understood
             all
             things
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             were
             not
             in
             charity
             ,
             what
             would
             that
             help
             me
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             will
             judg
             me
             according
             to
             my
             deeds
             ?
          
           
             2.
             
             Cease
             from
             an
             inordinate
             desire
             of
             knowing
             ,
             for
             therein
             is
             much
             distraction
             and
             deceit
             .
             The
             learned
             are
             willing
             to
             seem
             so
             to
             others
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             accounted
             wise
             .
             There
             be
             many
             things
             ,
             which
             to
             know
             doth
             little
             or
             nothing
             profit
             the
             soul
             ;
             and
             he
             is
             very
             unwise
             ,
             that
             is
             intent
             upon
             other
             things
             than
             those
             that
             may
             avail
             him
             for
             the
             welfare
             of
             his
             soul.
             Many
             words
             do
             not
             satisfie
             the
             soul
             ;
             but
             a
             good
             life
             comforteth
             the
             mind
             ,
             and
             a
             pure
             conscience
             giveth
             great
             assurance
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             How
             much
             the
             more
             thou
             knowest
             ,
             and
             how
             much
             the
             better
             thou
             understandest
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             more
             grievously
             shalt
             thou
             therefore
             be
             judged
             ,
             unless
             thy
             life
             be
             also
             more
             holy
             .
             Be
             not
             therefore
             extolled
             in
             thine
             own
             mind
             for
             any
             Art
             or
             Science
             
               which
               thou
               knowest
            
             ,
             but
             rather
             let
             the
             knowledg
             given
             thee
             ,
             make
             thee
             more
             
             humble
             ,
             and
             cautious
             .
             If
             thou
             thinkest
             that
             thou
             understandest
             and
             knowest
             much
             ;
             know
             also
             that
             there
             be
             many
             things
             more
             which
             thou
             knowest
             not
             .
             Affect
             not
             to
             be
             overwise
             ,
             but
             rather
             acknowledg
             thine
             own
             ignorance
             .
             Why
             wilt
             thou
             prefer
             thy self
             before
             others
             ,
             sith
             there
             be
             many
             more
             learned
             and
             skilful
             in
             the
             Scripture
             than
             thou
             ?
             If
             thou
             wilt
             know
             or
             learn
             any
             thing
             profitably
             ;
             desire
             to
             be
             unknown
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             little
             esteemed
             of
             
               by
               Man.
            
             
          
           
             4.
             
             The
             highest
             and
             most
             profitable
             reading
             is
             the
             true
             knowledg
             and
             consideration
             of
             our selves
             .
             It
             is
             great
             wisdom
             and
             perfection
             to
             esteem
             nothing
             of
             our selves
             ,
             and
             to
             think
             always
             well
             and
             highly
             of
             others
             .
             If
             thou
             shouldst
             see
             another
             openly
             sin
             ,
             or
             commit
             some
             hainous
             offence
             ,
             yet
             oughtest
             thou
             not
             to
             esteem
             the
             better
             of
             thy self
             ;
             for
             thou
             knowest
             not
             how
             long
             thou
             shalt
             be
             able
             to
             remain
             in
             good
             estate
             .
             We
             are
             all
             frail
             ,
             but
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             esteem
             none
             more
             frail
             than
             thy self
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             Of
             the
             doctrine
             of
             truth
             .
          
           
             HAppy
             is
             he
             whom
             Truth
             by
             it self
             doth
             teach
             ,
             not
             by
             figures
             and
             words
             that
             pass
             away
             ;
             but
             as
             it
             is
             in
             its
             self
             .
             Our
             own
             opinion
             and
             our
             own
             sense
             do
             often
             deceive
             us
             ,
             and
             it
             discerns
             little
             .
             What
             availeth
             it
             to
             cavil
             
               and
               dispute
            
             about
             dark
             and
             hidden
             things
             ;
             whereas
             for
             being
             ignorant
             of
             them
             we
             shall
             not
             be
             so
             much
             as
             reproved
             at
             the
             day
             of
             judgment
             ?
             It
             is
             a
             great
             folly
             to
             neglect
             the
             things
             that
             are
             profitable
             and
             necessary
             ,
             and
             give
             our
             minds
             to
             that
             which
             is
             curious
             and
             hurtful
             :
             we
             have
             eyes
             and
             see
             not
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             And
             what
             have
             we
             to
             do
             with
             Genus
             and
             
               Species
               ,
               the
               dry
               notions
               of
               Logicians
               ?
            
             He
             to
             whom
             the
             Eternal
             Word
             speaketh
             ,
             is
             delivered
             from
             a
             world
             of
             unnecessary
             conceptions
             .
             From
             that
             one
             Word
             are
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             all
             speak
             that
             one
             ;
             and
             this
             is
             the
             Beginning
             ,
             which
             also
             speaketh
             unto
             us
             .
             No
             Man
             without
             that
             Word
             understandeth
             or
             judgeth
             rightly
             .
             He
             to
             whom
             all
             things
             are
             one
             ,
             he
             who
             reduceth
             all
             
             things
             to
             one
             ,
             and
             seeth
             all
             things
             in
             one
             ;
             may
             enjoy
             a
             quiet
             mind
             ,
             and
             remain
             peaceable
             in
             God.
             O
             God
             ,
             who
             art
             the
             Truth
             ,
             make
             me
             one
             with
             thee
             in
             everlasting
             charity
             .
             It
             is
             tedious
             to
             me
             often
             to
             read
             and
             hear
             many
             things
             :
             In
             thee
             is
             all
             that
             I
             would
             have
             and
             can
             desire
             .
             Let
             all
             Doctors
             hold
             their
             peace
             ;
             let
             all
             creatures
             be
             silent
             in
             thy
             sight
             ;
             Speak
             thou
             alone
             unto
             me
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             How
             much
             the
             more
             one
             is
             united
             within
             himself
             ,
             and
             becometh
             inwardly
             simple
             
               and
               pure
            
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             more
             and
             higher
             things
             doth
             he
             understand
             without
             labor
             ;
             for
             that
             he
             receiveth
             intellectual
             light
             from
             above
             .
             A
             pure
             ,
             sincere
             ,
             and
             stable
             Spirit
             is
             not
             distracted
             ,
             
               though
               it
               be
               employed
            
             in
             many
             works
             ;
             for
             that
             ,
             it
             works
             all
             to
             the
             honor
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             inwardly
             being
             still
             and
             quiet
             ,
             seeks
             not
             it self
             in
             any
             thing
             it
             doth
             .
             Who
             hinders
             and
             troubles
             thee
             more
             than
             the
             unmortified
             affections
             of
             thine
             own
             heart
             ?
             A
             good
             and
             godly
             Man
             first
             of
             all
             disposeth
             within
             himself
             those
             things
             which
             he
             is
             outwardly
             to
             act
             ;
             neither
             do
             they
             draw
             him
             to
             the
             desires
             of
             an
             inordinate
             inclination
             ,
             but
             he
             ordereth
             them
             according
             to
             the
             prescript
             of
             right
             reason
             .
             Who
             hath
             a
             greater
             combat
             ,
             than
             
             he
             that
             laboreth
             to
             overcome
             himself
             ?
             This
             ought
             to
             be
             our
             endeavor
             ,
             to
             conquer
             our selves
             ,
             and
             daily
             to
             wax
             stronger
             and
             to
             make
             a
             further
             growth
             in
             holiness
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             All
             perfection
             in
             this
             life
             hath
             some
             imperfection
             mixt
             with
             it
             ;
             and
             no
             knowledg
             of
             ours
             is
             without
             some
             darkness
             .
             An
             humble
             knowledg
             of
             thy self
             is
             a
             surer
             way
             to
             God
             ,
             than
             a
             deep
             search
             after
             learning
             ;
             yet
             learning
             is
             not
             to
             be
             blamed
             ,
             nor
             the
             mere
             knowledg
             of
             any
             thing
             whatsoever
             ,
             to
             be
             disliked
             ,
             it
             being
             good
             in
             it self
             ,
             and
             ordained
             by
             God
             ;
             but
             a
             good
             conscience
             and
             a
             vertuous
             life
             is
             always
             to
             be
             preferred
             before
             it
             .
             But
             because
             many
             endeavor
             rather
             to
             get
             knowledg
             ,
             than
             to
             live
             well
             ;
             therefore
             they
             are
             often
             deceived
             ,
             and
             reap
             either
             none
             ,
             or
             very
             slender
             profit
             
               of
               their
               labors
            
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             O
             ,
             if
             Men
             bestowed
             as
             much
             labor
             in
             the
             rooting
             out
             of
             vices
             ,
             and
             planting
             of
             vertues
             ,
             as
             they
             do
             in
             moving
             of
             questions
             !
             Neither
             would
             there
             so
             much
             hurt
             be
             done
             ,
             nor
             so
             great
             scandal
             be
             given
             in
             the
             world
             ;
             nor
             so
             much
             looseness
             be
             practised
             in
             religious
             Houses
             .
             Truly
             ,
             at
             the
             day
             of
             Judgment
             we
             shall
             not
             be
             examined
             what
             we
             have
             read
             ,
             but
             what
             we
             have
             done
             ;
             
             not
             how
             well
             we
             have
             spoken
             ,
             but
             how
             religiously
             we
             have
             lived
             .
             Tell
             me
             now
             ,
             where
             are
             all
             those
             Doctors
             and
             Masters
             ,
             with
             whom
             thou
             wast
             well
             acquainted
             ,
             whilst
             they
             lived
             and
             flourished
             in
             learning
             ?
             Now
             others
             possess
             their
             livings
             ,
             and
             perhaps
             do
             scarce
             ever
             think
             of
             them
             .
             In
             their
             life-time
             they
             seemed
             something
             ,
             but
             now
             they
             are
             not
             spoken
             of
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             O
             ,
             how
             quickly
             doth
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             world
             pass
             away
             !
             O
             that
             their
             life
             had
             been
             answerable
             to
             their
             learning
             !
             then
             had
             their
             study
             and
             reading
             been
             to
             good
             purpose
             .
             How
             many
             perish
             in
             this
             world
             by
             reason
             of
             vain-learning
             ,
             who
             take
             little
             care
             of
             the
             serving
             of
             God
             :
             And
             because
             they
             rather
             choose
             to
             be
             great
             than
             humble
             ,
             therefore
             they
             become
             vain
             in
             their
             imaginations
             .
             He
             is
             truly
             great
             that
             is
             great
             in
             charity
             .
             He
             is
             truly
             great
             ,
             that
             is
             little
             in
             himself
             ,
             and
             that
             maketh
             no
             account
             of
             any
             height
             of
             honor
             .
             He
             is
             truly
             wise
             ,
             that
             accounteth
             all
             earthly
             things
             as
             dung
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             gain
             Christ.
             And
             he
             is
             truly
             learned
             ,
             that
             doeth
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             forsaketh
             his
             own
             will.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             Of
             wisdom
             and
             providence
             in
             our
             actions
             .
          
           
             WE
             must
             not
             give
             ear
             to
             every
             saying
             or
             suggestion
             ,
             but
             ought
             warily
             and
             leisurely
             to
             ponder
             things
             according
             to
             
               the
               will
               of
            
             God.
             But
             (
             alas
             )
             such
             is
             our
             weakness
             that
             we
             rather
             often
             believe
             ,
             and
             speak
             evil
             of
             others
             than
             good
             .
             Those
             that
             are
             perfect
             Men
             do
             not
             easily
             give
             credit
             to
             every
             thing
             one
             tells
             them
             ;
             for
             they
             know
             that
             humane
             frailty
             is
             prone
             to
             evil
             ,
             and
             very
             subject
             to
             fail
             in
             words
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             It
             is
             great
             wisdom
             not
             to
             be
             rash
             in
             thy
             proceedings
             ,
             nor
             to
             stand
             stiffely
             in
             thine
             own
             conceits
             ;
             as
             also
             not
             to
             believe
             every
             thing
             which
             thou
             hearest
             ,
             nor
             presently
             to
             relate
             again
             to
             others
             ,
             what
             thou
             hast
             heard
             or
             dost
             believe
             .
             Consult
             with
             him
             that
             is
             wise
             ,
             and
             conscientious
             ,
             and
             seek
             to
             be
             instructed
             by
             a
             better
             than
             thy self
             ,
             rather
             than
             to
             follow
             thine
             own
             inventions
             .
             A
             good
             life
             maketh
             a
             Man
             wise
             according
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             giveth
             him
             experience
             in
             many
             things
             .
             How
             much
             the
             humbler
             one
             is
             in
             himself
             ,
             and
             more
             subject
             
               and
               
               resigned
            
             unto
             God
             ;
             so
             much
             the
             more
             prudent
             shall
             he
             be
             in
             all
             his
             affairs
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             greater
             peace
             and
             quiet
             of
             heart
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             V.
             Of
             the
             reading
             of
             holy
             Scriptures
             .
          
           
             TRuth
             ,
             not
             eloquence
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             sought
             for
             in
             holy
             Scripture
             .
             Each
             part
             of
             the
             Scripture
             is
             to
             be
             read
             with
             the
             same
             Spirit
             wherewith
             it
             was
             written
             .
             We
             should
             rather
             search
             after
             
               our
               spiritual
            
             profit
             in
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
             than
             subtilty
             of
             speech
             .
             We
             ought
             to
             read
             plain
             and
             devout
             books
             as
             willingly
             as
             high
             and
             profound
             .
             Let
             not
             the
             authority
             of
             the
             Writer
             offend
             thee
             ,
             whether
             he
             be
             of
             great
             or
             small
             learning
             ;
             but
             let
             the
             love
             of
             pure
             truth
             draw
             thee
             to
             read
             .
             Search
             not
             who
             spake
             this
             or
             that
             ,
             but
             mark
             what
             is
             spoken
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Men
             pass
             away
             ,
             but
             the
             truth
             of
             the
             Lord
             remaineth
             for
             ever
             .
             God
             speaks
             unto
             us
             sundry
             ways
             ,
             without
             respect
             of
             persons
             .
             Our
             own
             curiosity
             often
             hindreth
             us
             in
             reading
             of
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
             when
             as
             we
             will
             examine
             and
             discuss
             that
             which
             we
             should
             rather
             pass
             over
             without
             more
             ado
             .
             If
             thou
             desire
             to
             reap
             profit
             ,
             read
             humbly
             ,
             
             plainly
             ,
             and
             faithfully
             ;
             never
             desire
             the
             estimation
             of
             learning
             ;
             Inquire
             willingly
             ,
             and
             hear
             with
             silence
             the
             words
             of
             holy
             Men
             :
             dislike
             not
             the
             parables
             of
             the
             Elders
             ,
             for
             they
             are
             not
             recounted
             without
             cause
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VI.
             Of
             inordinate
             affections
             .
          
           
             WHensoever
             a
             Man
             desireth
             any
             thing
             inordinately
             ,
             he
             is
             presently
             disquieted
             in
             himself
             .
             The
             proud
             and
             covetous
             can
             never
             rest
             .
             The
             poor
             and
             humble
             in
             Spirit
             live
             together
             in
             all
             peace
             .
             The
             Man
             that
             is
             not
             yet
             perfectly
             dead
             to
             himself
             ,
             is
             quickly
             tempted
             and
             overcome
             in
             small
             and
             trifling
             things
             .
             The
             weak
             in
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             he
             that
             is
             yet
             in
             a
             manner
             carnal
             and
             prone
             to
             sensible
             things
             ,
             can
             hardly
             withdraw
             himself
             altogether
             from
             earthly
             desires
             .
             And
             therefore
             he
             is
             often
             afflicted
             ,
             when
             he
             goeth
             about
             to
             withdraw
             himself
             from
             them
             ;
             and
             easily
             falleth
             into
             indignation
             ,
             when
             any
             opposition
             is
             made
             against
             him
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             And
             if
             he
             hath
             followed
             therein
             his
             appetite
             ,
             he
             is
             presently
             disquieted
             with
             remorse
             of
             conscience
             ;
             for
             that
             he
             yielded
             to
             his
             passion
             which
             profiteth
             him
             nothing
             to
             the
             obtaining
             of
             the
             peace
             he
             sought
             for
             .
             True
             quietness
             of
             heart
             therefore
             is
             gotten
             by
             resisting
             our
             passions
             ,
             not
             by
             obeying
             them
             .
             There
             is
             no
             peace
             in
             the
             heart
             of
             a
             carnal
             Man
             ,
             nor
             of
             him
             that
             is
             addicted
             to
             outward
             things
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             spiritual
             and
             fervent
             Man.
             
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VII
             .
             Of
             flying
             vain
             hope
             and
             pride
             .
          
           
             HE
             is
             vain
             that
             putteth
             his
             trust
             in
             Man
             ,
             or
             Creatures
             .
             Be
             not
             ashamed
             to
             serve
             others
             for
             the
             love
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ;
             nor
             to
             be
             esteemed
             poor
             in
             this
             world
             .
             Presume
             not
             upon
             thy self
             ,
             but
             place
             thy
             hope
             in
             God.
             Do
             what
             lieth
             in
             thy
             power
             ,
             and
             God
             will
             assist
             thy
             good
             affection
             .
             Trust
             not
             in
             thine
             own
             knowledg
             ,
             nor
             in
             the
             subtilty
             of
             any
             living
             Creature
             ;
             but
             rather
             in
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             helpeth
             the
             humble
             ,
             and
             humbleth
             those
             that
             are
             self-presuming
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             Glory
             not
             in
             wealth
             if
             thou
             have
             it
             ,
             nor
             in
             friends
             because
             potent
             ;
             but
             in
             God
             who
             giveth
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             desireth
             to
             give
             thee
             himself
             .
             Extol
             not
             thy self
             for
             the
             bigness
             or
             beauty
             of
             thy
             body
             ,
             which
             is
             dissolved
             and
             disfigured
             with
             a
             little
             sickness
             .
             Take
             not
             pleasure
             in
             thy
             natural
             gifts
             ,
             or
             wit
             ,
             lest
             thereby
             thou
             displease
             God
             ,
             to
             whom
             appertaineth
             all
             the
             good
             whatsoever
             thou
             hast
             by
             nature
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Esteem
             not
             thy self
             better
             than
             others
             ,
             lest
             perhaps
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             knoweth
             what
             is
             in
             Man
             ,
             thou
             be
             accounted
             worse
             than
             they
             .
             Be
             not
             proud
             of
             wel-doing
             ;
             for
             the
             judgment
             of
             God
             is
             far
             different
             from
             the
             judgment
             of
             Men
             ,
             and
             that
             often
             offendeth
             him
             which
             pleaseth
             them
             .
             If
             there
             be
             any
             good
             in
             thee
             ,
             believe
             that
             there
             is
             much
             more
             in
             others
             ,
             that
             so
             thou
             mayest
             conserve
             humility
             within
             thee
             .
             It
             is
             no
             prejudice
             unto
             thee
             to
             debase
             thy self
             under
             all
             Men
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             very
             prejudicial
             to
             thee
             to
             prefer
             thy self
             before
             any
             one
             Man.
             The
             humble
             enjoy
             continual
             peace
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             heart
             of
             the
             proud
             is
             envy
             ,
             and
             frequent
             indignation
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             VIII
             .
             That
             too
             much
             familiarity
             is
             to
             be
             shunned
             .
          
           
             LAy
             not
             thy
             heart
             open
             to
             every
             one
             ;
             but
             treat
             of
             thy
             affairs
             with
             the
             wise
             and
             such
             as
             fear
             God.
             Converse
             not
             much
             with
             young
             people
             ,
             and
             strangers
             .
             Flatter
             not
             the
             rich
             ;
             neither
             do
             thou
             appear
             willingly
             before
             great
             personages
             .
             Keep
             company
             with
             the
             humble
             and
             plain
             ones
             ,
             with
             the
             devout
             ,
             and
             vertuous
             ;
             and
             confer
             with
             them
             of
             those
             things
             that
             may
             edifie
             .
             Be
             not
             familiar
             with
             any
             Woman
             ;
             but
             in
             general
             commend
             all
             good
             Women
             to
             God.
             Desire
             to
             be
             familiar
             with
             God
             alone
             and
             his
             Angels
             ,
             and
             fly
             the
             knowledg
             of
             Men.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             We
             must
             have
             charity
             towards
             all
             ,
             but
             familiarity
             
               with
               all
            
             is
             not
             expedient
             .
             Sometimes
             it
             falleth
             out
             ,
             that
             a
             Person
             unknown
             to
             us
             ,
             is
             much
             esteemed
             of
             ,
             from
             the
             good
             report
             given
             him
             by
             others
             ;
             whose
             presence
             notwithstanding
             is
             not
             grateful
             to
             the
             eyes
             of
             the
             beholders
             .
             We
             think
             sometimes
             to
             please
             others
             by
             our
             company
             ,
             and
             we
             rather
             distaste
             them
             with
             
             those
             bad
             qualities
             which
             they
             discover
             in
             us
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IX
             .
             Of
             obedience
             and
             subjection
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             a
             great
             matter
             to
             live
             in
             obedience
             ,
             to
             be
             under
             a
             superior
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             be
             at
             our
             own
             disposing
             .
             It
             is
             much
             safer
             to
             obey
             ,
             than
             to
             govern
             .
             Many
             live
             under
             obedience
             ,
             rather
             for
             necessity
             than
             for
             charity
             ;
             such
             are
             discontented
             ,
             and
             do
             easily
             repine
             
               and
               murmur
            
             .
             Neither
             can
             they
             attain
             to
             freedom
             of
             mind
             ,
             unless
             they
             willingly
             and
             heartily
             put
             themselves
             under
             obedience
             for
             the
             love
             of
             God.
             Go
             whither
             thou
             wilt
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             find
             no
             rest
             ,
             but
             in
             humble
             subjection
             under
             the
             government
             of
             a
             Superior
             .
             The
             imagination
             and
             change
             of
             places
             have
             deceived
             many
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             True
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             every
             one
             willingly
             doth
             that
             which
             agreeth
             with
             his
             own
             sense
             
               and
               liking
            
             ;
             and
             is
             apt
             to
             affect
             those
             most
             that
             are
             of
             his
             own
             mind
             :
             But
             if
             God
             be
             amongst
             us
             ,
             we
             must
             sometimes
             for
             peace
             sake
             cease
             to
             adhere
             to
             our
             own
             opinion
             .
             
             Who
             is
             so
             wise
             that
             he
             can
             fully
             know
             all
             things
             ;
             Trust
             not
             therefore
             to
             thine
             own
             opinion
             ;
             but
             be
             willing
             to
             hear
             the
             judgment
             of
             others
             .
             If
             that
             which
             thou
             thinkest
             be
             not
             amiss
             ,
             and
             yet
             thou
             submittest
             it
             for
             God
             ,
             and
             followest
             the
             opinion
             of
             another
             ,
             it
             shall
             be
             better
             for
             thee
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             I
             have
             often
             heard
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             safer
             to
             hear
             and
             take
             counsel
             ,
             than
             to
             give
             it
             .
             It
             may
             also
             fall
             out
             ,
             that
             each
             ones
             opinion
             may
             be
             good
             ;
             but
             to
             refuse
             to
             yield
             to
             others
             when
             as
             reason
             or
             cause
             requireth
             it
             ,
             is
             a
             sign
             of
             pride
             and
             stiffness
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             X.
             Of
             the
             avoiding
             superfluity
             in
             words
             .
          
           
             FLy
             the
             tumultuousness
             of
             the
             world
             as
             much
             as
             thou
             canst
             ;
             for
             the
             talk
             of
             worldly
             affairs
             hindreth
             very
             much
             ,
             although
             they
             be
             recounted
             with
             sincere
             intention
             ;
             for
             we
             are
             quickly
             defiled
             ,
             and
             enthralled
             with
             vanity
             .
             I
             could
             wish
             that
             I
             had
             oftentimes
             held
             my
             peace
             ,
             when
             I
             have
             spoken
             ;
             and
             that
             I
             had
             not
             been
             in
             company
             .
             Why
             do
             we
             so
             willingly
             speak
             
             and
             talk
             one
             with
             another
             ,
             when
             notwithstanding
             we
             seldom
             return
             to
             silence
             without
             hurt
             of
             conscience
             ?
             The
             cause
             why
             we
             so
             willingly
             talk
             ,
             is
             for
             that
             by
             discoursing
             one
             with
             another
             ,
             we
             seek
             to
             receive
             comfort
             one
             of
             another
             ,
             and
             desire
             to
             ease
             our
             mind
             overwearied
             with
             sundry
             thoughts
             ;
             and
             we
             very
             willingly
             talk
             and
             think
             of
             those
             things
             which
             we
             most
             love
             and
             desire
             ;
             or
             of
             those
             which
             we
             feel
             most
             contrary
             and
             troublesom
             unto
             us
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             But
             alas
             ,
             oftentimes
             in
             vain
             ,
             and
             to
             no
             end
             ;
             for
             this
             outward
             comfort
             is
             the
             cause
             of
             no
             small
             loss
             of
             inward
             and
             divine
             consolation
             .
             Therefore
             we
             must
             watch
             and
             pray
             ,
             lest
             our
             time
             pass
             away
             idlely
             .
             If
             it
             be
             lawful
             and
             expedient
             for
             thee
             to
             speak
             ,
             speak
             those
             things
             that
             may
             edifie
             .
             An
             evil
             custom
             and
             neglect
             of
             our
             own
             good
             doth
             give
             too
             much
             liberty
             to
             inconsiderate
             speech
             :
             Yet
             religious
             discourses
             of
             spiritual
             things
             do
             greatly
             further
             our
             spiritual
             growth
             ,
             especially
             where
             persons
             of
             one
             mind
             and
             spirit
             be
             gathered
             together
             in
             God.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XI
             .
             Of
             the
             obtaining
             of
             peace
             ,
             and
             zealous
             desire
             of
             profit
             in
             grace
             .
          
           
             WE
             might
             enjoy
             much
             peace
             ,
             if
             we
             would
             not
             busie
             our selves
             with
             the
             words
             and
             deeds
             of
             other
             Men
             ,
             which
             appertain
             nothing
             to
             our
             charge
             .
             How
             can
             he
             live
             long
             in
             peace
             ,
             that
             thrusteth
             himself
             into
             the
             cares
             of
             others
             ,
             that
             seeks
             occasions
             abroad
             ,
             that
             little
             or
             seldom
             recollecteth
             himself
             within
             his
             own
             breast
             ?
             Blessed
             are
             the
             single-hearted
             ;
             for
             they
             shall
             injoy
             much
             peace
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             What
             is
             the
             reason
             ,
             why
             some
             of
             the
             Saints
             were
             so
             perfect
             and
             contemplative
             ?
             Because
             they
             labored
             to
             mortifie
             themselves
             wholly
             to
             all
             earthly
             desires
             ;
             and
             therefore
             they
             could
             with
             their
             whole
             heart
             give
             themselves
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             be
             free
             for
             holy
             retirement
             .
             We
             are
             too
             much
             led
             by
             our
             passions
             ,
             and
             too
             solicitous
             for
             transitory
             things
             .
             We
             also
             seldom
             overcome
             any
             one
             vice
             perfectly
             ,
             and
             are
             not
             inflamed
             with
             a
             fervent
             desire
             to
             grow
             better
             every
             day
             ;
             and
             therefore
             we
             remain
             cold
             and
             scarce
             warm
             in
             Religion
             .
          
           
           
             3.
             
             If
             we
             were
             perfectly
             dead
             unto
             our selves
             ,
             and
             not
             entangled
             within
             our
             own
             breasts
             ;
             then
             should
             we
             tast
             divine
             things
             ,
             and
             have
             some
             acquaintance
             with
             heavenly
             enjoyments
             .
             The
             greatest
             and
             indeed
             the
             whole
             impediment
             is
             ,
             for
             that
             we
             are
             not
             disentangled
             from
             our
             passions
             and
             lusts
             ,
             neither
             do
             we
             endeavor
             to
             enter
             into
             that
             path
             of
             perfection
             ,
             which
             the
             Saints
             have
             walked
             before
             us
             ;
             and
             when
             any
             small
             adversity
             befalleth
             us
             ,
             we
             are
             too
             quickly
             dejected
             ,
             and
             turn
             our selves
             to
             humane
             comforts
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             If
             we
             would
             endeavor
             like
             Men
             of
             courage
             to
             stand
             in
             the
             battel
             ;
             surely
             we
             should
             feel
             the
             favorable
             assistance
             of
             God
             from
             Heaven
             .
             For
             he
             who
             giveth
             us
             occasion
             to
             fight
             ,
             to
             the
             end
             we
             may
             get
             the
             victory
             ,
             is
             ready
             to
             succor
             those
             that
             fight
             manfully
             ,
             and
             do
             trust
             in
             his
             grace
             .
             If
             we
             esteem
             our
             progress
             in
             religious
             life
             to
             confist
             only
             in
             some
             exterior
             observances
             ,
             our
             devotion
             will
             quickly
             be
             at
             an
             end
             .
             But
             let
             us
             lay
             the
             Axe
             to
             the
             root
             ,
             that
             being
             freed
             from
             passions
             ,
             we
             may
             find
             rest
             to
             our
             souls
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             If
             every
             year
             we
             would
             root
             out
             one
             vice
             ,
             we
             should
             sooner
             become
             perfect
             Men.
             But
             now
             oftentimes
             we
             perceive
             it
             goes
             
             contrary
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             were
             better
             and
             purer
             at
             the
             beginning
             of
             our
             conversion
             ,
             than
             after
             many
             years
             of
             our
             profession
             .
             Our
             fervor
             and
             profiting
             should
             increase
             daily
             ;
             but
             now
             it
             is
             accounted
             a
             great
             matter
             ,
             if
             one
             can
             retain
             but
             some
             part
             of
             his
             first
             zeal
             .
             If
             we
             would
             but
             a
             little
             force
             our selves
             at
             the
             beginning
             ,
             then
             should
             we
             be
             able
             to
             perform
             all
             things
             afterwards
             with
             ease
             and
             delight
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             It
             is
             a
             hard
             matter
             to
             leave
             that
             to
             which
             we
             are
             accustomed
             ,
             but
             harder
             to
             go
             against
             our
             own
             wills
             .
             But
             if
             thou
             dost
             not
             overcome
             little
             and
             easie
             things
             ,
             how
             wilt
             thou
             overcome
             harder
             things
             ?
             Resist
             thy
             inclinatiou
             in
             the
             very
             beginning
             ,
             and
             unlearn
             evil
             customes
             ,
             lest
             perhaps
             by
             little
             and
             little
             they
             draw
             thee
             to
             greater
             difficulty
             .
             O
             ,
             if
             thou
             didst
             but
             consider
             how
             much
             inward
             peace
             unto
             thy self
             ,
             and
             joy
             unto
             others
             thou
             shouldst
             procure
             by
             demeaning
             thy self
             well
             ,
             I
             suppose
             thou
             wouldst
             be
             more
             careful
             of
             thy
             spiritual
             profiting
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XII
             .
             Of
             the
             profit
             of
             adversity
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             good
             that
             we
             have
             sometimes
             some
             troubles
             and
             crosses
             ;
             for
             they
             often
             make
             a
             Man
             enter
             into
             himself
             ,
             and
             consider
             that
             he
             is
             here
             in
             banishment
             ,
             and
             ought
             not
             to
             place
             his
             trust
             in
             any
             worldly
             thing
             .
             It
             is
             good
             that
             we
             be
             sometimes
             contradicted
             ;
             and
             that
             there
             be
             an
             evil
             or
             a
             lessening
             conceit
             had
             of
             us
             ;
             and
             this
             ,
             although
             we
             do
             and
             intend
             well
             .
             These
             things
             help
             often
             to
             the
             attaining
             of
             humility
             ,
             and
             defend
             us
             from
             vain
             glory
             ;
             for
             then
             we
             chiefly
             seek
             God
             for
             our
             inward
             witness
             ,
             when
             outwardly
             we
             be
             contemned
             by
             Men
             ,
             and
             when
             there
             is
             no
             credit
             given
             unto
             us
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             And
             therefore
             a
             Man
             should
             settle
             himself
             so
             fully
             in
             God
             ,
             that
             he
             need
             not
             to
             seek
             many
             comforts
             of
             Men.
             When
             a
             good
             Man
             is
             afflicted
             ,
             tempted
             ,
             or
             troubled
             with
             evil
             thoughts
             ;
             then
             he
             understandeth
             better
             the
             great
             need
             he
             hath
             of
             God
             ,
             without
             whom
             he
             perceiveth
             he
             can
             do
             nothing
             that
             is
             good
             .
             Then
             also
             he
             sorroweth
             ,
             
             lamenteth
             ,
             and
             prayeth
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             miseries
             he
             suffereth
             .
             Then
             he
             is
             weary
             of
             living
             longer
             ,
             and
             wisheth
             that
             death
             would
             come
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             be
             dissolved
             and
             be
             with
             Christ.
             Then
             also
             he
             well
             perceiveth
             ,
             that
             perfect
             security
             and
             full
             peace
             cannot
             be
             had
             in
             this
             world
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIII
             .
             Of
             resisting
             temptations
             .
          
           
             SO
             long
             as
             we
             live
             in
             this
             world
             we
             cannot
             be
             without
             tribulation
             and
             temptation
             ;
             for
             as
             it
             is
             written
             in
             Iob
             ,
             The
             life
             of
             Man
             is
             a
             warfare
             upon
             earth
             .
             Every
             one
             therefore
             ought
             to
             be
             careful
             about
             his
             temptations
             ,
             and
             to
             watch
             in
             prayer
             ,
             lest
             the
             Devil
             find
             an
             advantage
             to
             deceive
             him
             ;
             who
             never
             sleepeth
             ,
             but
             goeth
             about
             seeking
             whom
             he
             may
             devour
             .
             No
             Man
             is
             so
             perfect
             and
             holy
             ,
             but
             hath
             sometimes
             temptations
             ;
             and
             we
             cannot
             be
             altogether
             without
             them
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Temptations
             are
             often
             profitable
             to
             Men
             ,
             though
             they
             be
             troublesome
             and
             grievous
             ;
             for
             in
             them
             Man
             is
             humbled
             ,
             
             purged
             ,
             and
             instructed
             .
             All
             the
             Saints
             have
             passed
             and
             profited
             through
             many
             tribulations
             and
             temptations
             ;
             and
             they
             that
             could
             not
             bear
             temptations
             ,
             became
             reprobate
             ,
             and
             fell
             away
             .
             There
             is
             no
             order
             so
             holy
             ,
             nor
             place
             so
             secret
             ,
             where
             there
             be
             not
             temptations
             ,
             or
             adversities
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             There
             is
             no
             Man
             that
             is
             altogether
             free
             from
             temptations
             whilst
             he
             liveth
             on
             earth
             ;
             for
             in
             our selves
             is
             the
             root
             thereof
             ,
             being
             born
             with
             inclination
             to
             evil
             .
             When
             one
             temptation
             or
             tribulation
             goeth
             away
             ,
             another
             cometh
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             ever
             have
             something
             to
             suffer
             ,
             because
             we
             are
             fallen
             from
             the
             state
             of
             our
             felicity
             .
             Many
             seek
             to
             flie
             temptations
             ,
             and
             do
             fall
             more
             grievously
             into
             them
             .
             By
             flight
             alone
             we
             cannot
             overcome
             ,
             but
             by
             patience
             and
             true
             humility
             we
             become
             stronger
             than
             all
             our
             enemies
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             He
             that
             only
             avoideth
             them
             outwardly
             ,
             and
             doth
             not
             pluck
             them
             up
             by
             the
             roots
             ,
             shall
             profit
             little
             ;
             yea
             temptations
             will
             the
             sooner
             return
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             he
             shall
             feel
             himself
             in
             a
             worse
             case
             than
             before
             .
             By
             little
             and
             little
             ,
             and
             by
             patience
             with
             longanimity
             (
             through
             Gods
             help
             )
             thou
             shalt
             more
             easily
             overcome
             ,
             than
             with
             
             violence
             and
             thine
             own
             importunity
             .
             Often
             take
             counsel
             in
             temptations
             ,
             and
             deal
             not
             roughly
             with
             him
             that
             is
             tempted
             ;
             but
             give
             him
             comfort
             as
             thou
             wouldst
             wish
             to
             be
             done
             to
             thy self
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             The
             beginning
             of
             all
             evil
             temptations
             is
             inconstancy
             of
             mind
             ,
             and
             little
             confidence
             in
             God.
             For
             as
             a
             Ship
             without
             a
             stern
             is
             tossed
             to
             and
             fro
             with
             the
             waves
             ;
             so
             the
             Man
             that
             is
             negligent
             ,
             and
             leaveth
             his
             purpose
             is
             many
             ways
             tempted
             .
             Fire
             trieth
             Iron
             ,
             and
             temptation
             a
             just
             Man.
             We
             know
             not
             oftentimes
             what
             we
             are
             able
             to
             do
             ,
             but
             temptations
             do
             shew
             us
             what
             we
             are
             .
             We
             must
             be
             watchful
             ,
             especially
             in
             the
             beginning
             of
             the
             temptation
             ;
             for
             the
             enemy
             is
             then
             more
             easily
             overcome
             ,
             if
             he
             be
             not
             suffered
             to
             enter
             the
             door
             of
             our
             hearts
             ,
             but
             be
             resisted
             without
             the
             gate
             at
             his
             first
             knock
             .
             Wherefore
             one
             said
             ,
             
               Obsta
               principiis
            
             ,
             &c.
             
             Withstand
             the
             beginnings
             ,
             for
             an
             after-remedy
             comes
             often
             too
             late
             .
             First
             there
             cometh
             to
             the
             mind
             a
             bare
             cogitation
             of
             evil
             ,
             then
             a
             strong
             imagination
             thereof
             ,
             afterward
             delight
             and
             an
             evil
             motion
             ,
             and
             then
             consent
             ;
             and
             so
             by
             little
             and
             little
             our
             wicked
             enemy
             getteth
             entrance
             ,
             whilst
             he
             is
             not
             resisted
             in
             the
             beginning
             .
             And
             how
             
             much
             the
             longer
             one
             is
             negligent
             in
             resisting
             ,
             he
             becomes
             daily
             so
             much
             the
             weaker
             in
             himself
             ,
             and
             the
             enemy
             stronger
             against
             him
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             Some
             suffer
             greatest
             temptations
             in
             the
             beginning
             of
             their
             conversion
             ;
             others
             in
             the
             latter
             end
             ;
             others
             again
             are
             much
             troubled
             almost
             through
             the
             whole
             time
             of
             their
             life
             .
             Some
             are
             but
             easily
             tempted
             according
             to
             the
             wisdom
             and
             equity
             of
             the
             divine
             appointment
             ,
             which
             weigheth
             the
             states
             and
             deserts
             of
             Men
             ,
             and
             ordaineth
             all
             things
             for
             the
             welfare
             of
             his
             chosen
             ones
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             We
             ought
             not
             therefore
             to
             despair
             when
             we
             are
             tempted
             ,
             but
             so
             much
             the
             more
             fervently
             to
             pray
             unto
             God
             ,
             that
             he
             will
             vouchsafe
             to
             help
             us
             in
             all
             tribulations
             ;
             who
             surely
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             words
             of
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             will
             give
             with
             the
             temptation
             such
             issue
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             able
             to
             bear
             it
             .
             Let
             us
             therefore
             humble
             our selves
             under
             the
             hand
             of
             God
             in
             all
             temptations
             and
             tribulations
             ,
             for
             he
             will
             save
             and
             exalt
             the
             humble
             in
             spirit
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             In
             temptations
             and
             afflictions
             ,
             Man
             is
             proved
             how
             much
             he
             hath
             profited
             ;
             and
             his
             reward
             is
             thereby
             the
             greater
             ,
             and
             his
             graces
             do
             more
             eminently
             shine
             forth
             .
             Neither
             
             is
             it
             any
             such
             great
             thing
             if
             a
             Man
             be
             devout
             and
             fervent
             ,
             when
             he
             feeleth
             no
             affliction
             ;
             but
             if
             in
             time
             of
             adversity
             he
             bear
             himself
             patiently
             ,
             there
             is
             hope
             then
             of
             great
             proficiency
             in
             grace
             .
             Some
             are
             kept
             from
             great
             temptations
             ,
             and
             are
             often
             overcome
             in
             small
             ones
             which
             do
             daily
             occur
             ;
             to
             the
             end
             that
             being
             humbled
             ,
             they
             may
             never
             presume
             on
             themselves
             in
             great
             matters
             ,
             who
             are
             baffled
             in
             so
             small
             things
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIV
             .
             Of
             avoiding
             rash
             judgment
             .
          
           
             TUrn
             thine
             eyes
             unto
             thy self
             ,
             and
             beware
             thou
             judg
             not
             the
             deeds
             of
             other
             Men.
             In
             judging
             of
             others
             a
             Man
             laboreth
             in
             vain
             ,
             often
             erreth
             ,
             and
             easily
             sinneth
             ;
             but
             in
             judging
             and
             discussing
             of
             himself
             ,
             he
             always
             laboreth
             fruitfully
             .
             We
             often
             judg
             of
             things
             according
             as
             we
             fancy
             them
             ;
             for
             private
             affection
             bereaves
             us
             easily
             of
             true
             judgment
             .
             If
             God
             were
             always
             the
             pure
             intention
             of
             our
             desire
             ,
             we
             should
             not
             be
             so
             much
             troubled
             ,
             through
             the
             repugnance
             of
             our
             carnal
             mind
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             But
             oftentimes
             something
             lurketh
             within
             ,
             or
             else
             occurreth
             from
             without
             ,
             which
             draweth
             us
             after
             it
             .
             Many
             secretly
             seek
             themselves
             in
             their
             actions
             ,
             and
             know
             it
             not
             .
             They
             seem
             also
             to
             live
             in
             good
             peace
             of
             mind
             ,
             when
             things
             are
             done
             according
             to
             their
             will
             and
             opinion
             ;
             but
             if
             things
             succeed
             otherwise
             than
             they
             desire
             ,
             they
             are
             straightways
             troubled
             and
             much
             afflicted
             .
             The
             diversities
             of
             judgments
             and
             opinions
             ,
             cause
             oftentimes
             dissentions
             between
             religious
             and
             devout
             Persons
             ,
             between
             Friends
             and
             Countrymen
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             An
             old
             custom
             is
             hardly
             broken
             ,
             and
             no
             Man
             is
             willing
             to
             be
             led
             further
             than
             himself
             can
             see
             .
             If
             thou
             dost
             more
             rely
             upon
             thine
             own
             reason
             or
             industry
             ,
             than
             upon
             that
             power
             which
             brings
             thee
             under
             the
             obedience
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             long
             before
             thou
             become
             illuminated
             ;
             for
             God
             will
             have
             us
             perfectly
             subject
             unto
             him
             and
             that
             being
             enflamed
             with
             his
             love
             ,
             we
             transcend
             the
             narrow
             limits
             of
             humane
             reason
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XV.
             Of
             works
             done
             of
             Charity
             .
          
           
             FOr
             no
             worldly
             thing
             ,
             nor
             for
             the
             love
             of
             any
             Man
             ,
             is
             any
             evil
             to
             be
             done
             ;
             but
             yet
             ,
             for
             the
             profit
             of
             one
             that
             standeth
             in
             need
             ,
             a
             good
             work
             is
             sometimes
             to
             be
             intermitted
             without
             any
             scruple
             ,
             or
             changed
             also
             for
             a
             better
             .
             For
             by
             doing
             this
             ,
             a
             good
             work
             is
             not
             lost
             ,
             but
             changed
             into
             a
             better
             .
             The
             exterior
             work
             without
             charity
             profiteth
             nothing
             ;
             but
             whatsoever
             is
             done
             of
             charity
             ,
             be
             it
             never
             so
             little
             and
             contemptible
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             it
             becomes
             wholly
             fruitful
             .
             For
             God
             weigheth
             more
             with
             how
             much
             love
             one
             worketh
             ,
             than
             how
             much
             he
             doeth
             .
             He
             doeth
             much
             ,
             that
             loveth
             much
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             He
             doeth
             much
             ,
             that
             doeth
             a
             thing
             well
             ;
             he
             doeth
             well
             that
             rather
             serveth
             the
             community
             ,
             than
             his
             own
             proper
             will.
             Oftentimes
             it
             seemeth
             to
             be
             charity
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             rather
             carnality
             ;
             because
             natural
             inclination
             ,
             self-will
             ,
             hope
             of
             reward
             ,
             and
             desire
             of
             our
             own
             interest
             will
             seldom
             be
             away
             .
          
           
           
             3.
             
             He
             that
             hath
             true
             and
             perfect
             charity
             ,
             seeketh
             himself
             in
             nothing
             ;
             but
             only
             desireth
             in
             all
             things
             that
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             should
             be
             exalted
             .
             He
             also
             envieth
             none
             ;
             because
             he
             affecteth
             no
             private
             good
             ;
             neither
             will
             he
             rejoyce
             in
             himself
             ?
             but
             wisheth
             above
             all
             things
             to
             be
             made
             happy
             in
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             God.
             He
             attributeth
             nothing
             that
             is
             good
             to
             any
             Man
             ,
             but
             wholly
             referreth
             it
             unto
             God
             ,
             from
             whom
             as
             from
             the
             fountain
             all
             things
             proceed
             ;
             in
             whom
             finally
             all
             the
             Saints
             do
             rest
             as
             in
             their
             highest
             fruition
             .
             O
             ,
             he
             that
             had
             but
             one
             spark
             of
             true
             charity
             ,
             would
             certainly
             discern
             that
             all
             earthly
             things
             be
             full
             of
             vanity
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XVI
             .
             Of
             bearing
             with
             the
             defects
             of
             others
             .
          
           
             THose
             things
             that
             a
             Man
             cannot
             amend
             in
             himself
             or
             in
             others
             ,
             he
             ought
             to
             suffer
             patiently
             ,
             until
             God
             order
             things
             otherwise
             .
             Think
             that
             perhaps
             it
             is
             better
             so
             for
             thy
             trial
             and
             patience
             ,
             without
             which
             all
             our
             good
             deeds
             are
             not
             much
             to
             be
             
             esteemed
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             to
             pray
             notwithstanding
             when
             thou
             hast
             such
             impediments
             ,
             that
             God
             would
             vouchsafe
             to
             help
             thee
             ,
             and
             that
             thou
             mayest
             bear
             them
             patiently
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             If
             one
             that
             is
             once
             or
             twice
             warned
             will
             not
             give
             over
             ,
             contend
             not
             with
             him
             :
             but
             commit
             all
             to
             God
             ,
             that
             his
             will
             may
             be
             fulfilled
             ,
             and
             his
             name
             honored
             in
             all
             his
             servants
             ,
             who
             well
             knoweth
             how
             to
             turn
             evil
             into
             good
             .
             Endeavor
             to
             be
             patient
             in
             bearing
             with
             the
             defects
             and
             infirmities
             of
             others
             ,
             of
             what
             sort
             soever
             they
             be
             ;
             for
             that
             thy self
             also
             hast
             many
             things
             which
             must
             be
             suffered
             by
             others
             .
             If
             thou
             canst
             not
             make
             thy self
             such
             an
             one
             as
             thou
             wouldst
             ,
             how
             canst
             thou
             expect
             to
             have
             another
             in
             all
             things
             to
             thy
             liking
             ;
             We
             would
             willingly
             have
             others
             perfect
             ,
             and
             yet
             we
             amend
             not
             our
             own
             faults
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             We
             will
             have
             others
             severely
             corrected
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             be
             corrected
             our selves
             .
             The
             large
             liberty
             of
             others
             displeaseth
             us
             ;
             and
             yet
             we
             will
             not
             have
             our
             desires
             denied
             us
             .
             We
             will
             have
             others
             kept
             under
             by
             strict
             laws
             ;
             but
             in
             no
             sort
             will
             our selves
             be
             restrained
             .
             And
             thus
             it
             appeareth
             ,
             how
             seldom
             we
             weigh
             our
             neighbor
             in
             the
             same
             
             ballance
             with
             our selves
             .
             If
             all
             Men
             were
             perfect
             ,
             what
             should
             we
             have
             to
             suffer
             of
             our
             neighbor
             for
             God
             ?
          
           
             4.
             
             But
             now
             God
             hath
             thus
             ordered
             it
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             learn
             to
             bear
             one
             anothers
             burden
             ;
             for
             no
             Man
             is
             without
             fault
             ,
             no
             Man
             but
             hath
             his
             burden
             ,
             no
             Man
             sufficient
             of
             himself
             ,
             no
             Man
             wise
             enough
             of
             himself
             ;
             but
             we
             ought
             to
             bear
             with
             one
             another
             ,
             comfort
             one
             another
             ,
             help
             ,
             instruct
             ,
             and
             admonish
             one
             another
             .
             Occasions
             of
             adversity
             best
             discover
             how
             great
             virtue
             or
             strength
             each
             one
             hath
             ;
             for
             occasions
             make
             not
             a
             Man
             frail
             ,
             but
             do
             shew
             what
             he
             is
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XVII
             .
             Of
             a
             retired
             life
             .
          
           
             THou
             must
             learn
             to
             break
             thy
             own
             will
             in
             many
             things
             ,
             if
             thou
             wilt
             have
             peace
             and
             concord
             with
             others
             .
             It
             is
             no
             small
             matter
             to
             dwell
             in
             a
             religious
             community
             ,
             and
             to
             converse
             therein
             without
             complaint
             ,
             and
             to
             persevere
             therein
             faithfully
             until
             death
             .
             Blessed
             is
             he
             that
             hath
             
             there
             lived
             well
             ,
             and
             ended
             happily
             .
             If
             thou
             wilt
             persevere
             in
             grace
             as
             thou
             oughtest
             ,
             and
             profit
             in
             virtue
             ,
             esteem
             thy self
             as
             a
             banished
             Man
             ,
             and
             a
             pilgrim
             upon
             earth
             .
             Thou
             must
             be
             contented
             for
             Christs
             sake
             to
             be
             esteemed
             as
             a
             fool
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             if
             thou
             desire
             to
             lead
             an
             holy
             life
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             wearing
             of
             a
             religious
             habit
             ,
             and
             shaving
             of
             the
             crown
             ,
             do
             little
             profit
             ;
             but
             change
             of
             manners
             ,
             and
             perfect
             mortification
             of
             passions
             ,
             make
             a
             true
             religious
             Man.
             He
             that
             seeketh
             any
             thing
             else
             but
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             salvation
             of
             his
             soul
             ,
             shall
             find
             nothing
             but
             tribulation
             and
             sorrow
             .
             Neither
             can
             he
             remain
             long
             in
             peace
             ,
             that
             laboreth
             not
             to
             be
             the
             least
             ,
             and
             subject
             to
             all
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Thou
             camest
             to
             serve
             ,
             not
             to
             rule
             .
             Know
             that
             thou
             wast
             called
             to
             suffer
             and
             to
             labor
             ,
             not
             to
             be
             idle
             ,
             or
             to
             spend
             thy
             time
             in
             talk
             .
             Here
             therefore
             Men
             are
             proved
             as
             gold
             in
             the
             furnace
             .
             Here
             no
             Man
             can
             stand
             ,
             unless
             he
             humble
             himself
             with
             his
             whole
             heart
             for
             the
             love
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XVIII
             .
             Of
             the
             examples
             of
             the
             holy
             Fathers
             .
          
           
             COnsider
             the
             lively
             examples
             of
             the
             holy
             Fathers
             ,
             in
             whom
             true
             perfection
             and
             religion
             shined
             ;
             and
             thou
             shalt
             see
             how
             little
             it
             is
             ,
             and
             almost
             nothing
             ,
             which
             we
             do
             now
             in
             these
             days
             .
             Alas
             ,
             what
             is
             our
             life
             if
             it
             be
             compared
             to
             them
             !
             The
             Saints
             and
             Friends
             of
             Christ
             served
             the
             Lord
             in
             hunger
             and
             thirst
             ,
             in
             cold
             and
             nakedness
             ,
             in
             labor
             and
             weariness
             ,
             in
             watchings
             and
             fastings
             ,
             in
             prayer
             and
             holy
             meditations
             ,
             in
             persecutions
             and
             many
             reproaches
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             O
             how
             many
             and
             grievous
             tribulations
             suffered
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             Martyrs
             ,
             Confessors
             ,
             Virgins
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             rest
             that
             endeavored
             to
             follow
             the
             steps
             of
             Christ
             !
             They
             hated
             their
             lives
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             that
             they
             might
             possess
             their
             souls
             in
             everlasting
             life
             .
             O
             how
             strict
             and
             self-renouncing
             a
             life
             ,
             led
             those
             holy
             Fathers
             in
             the
             wilderness
             !
             How
             long
             and
             grievous
             tentations
             suffered
             they
             !
             How
             often
             were
             they
             assaulted
             by
             the
             enemy
             !
             What
             frequent
             and
             fervent
             prayers
             offered
             they
             to
             God!
             How
             rigorous
             an
             abstinence
             
             did
             they
             daily
             use
             !
             How
             great
             zeal
             and
             care
             had
             they
             of
             their
             spiritual
             proficiency
             !
             How
             strong
             a
             combat
             had
             they
             for
             the
             overcoming
             of
             their
             lusts
             !
             How
             pure
             and
             upright
             intentions
             kept
             they
             unto
             God!
             In
             the
             day
             they
             labored
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             night
             they
             attended
             to
             continual
             prayer
             ;
             although
             when
             they
             labored
             also
             ,
             they
             ceased
             not
             from
             mental
             prayer
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             They
             spent
             all
             their
             time
             with
             profit
             ;
             every
             hour
             seemed
             short
             for
             the
             service
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             great
             sweetness
             they
             felt
             in
             contemplation
             ,
             they
             forgot
             the
             necessity
             of
             corporal
             refreshments
             .
             They
             renounced
             all
             riches
             ,
             dignities
             ,
             honors
             ,
             friends
             ,
             and
             kinsfolk
             ;
             they
             desired
             to
             have
             nothing
             which
             appertained
             to
             the
             world
             ;
             they
             scarce
             took
             things
             necessary
             for
             the
             sustenance
             of
             life
             ;
             they
             grieved
             to
             serve
             their
             bodies
             even
             in
             necessity
             .
             They
             were
             poor
             in
             earthly
             things
             ,
             but
             very
             rich
             in
             grace
             and
             virtues
             .
             Outwardly
             they
             wanted
             ,
             but
             inwardly
             they
             were
             refreshed
             with
             grace
             and
             divine
             consolation
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             They
             were
             strangers
             to
             the
             world
             ,
             but
             near
             and
             familiar
             friends
             to
             God.
             They
             seemed
             to
             themselves
             as
             nothing
             ,
             and
             despicable
             to
             this
             present
             world
             ;
             but
             they
             
             were
             precious
             and
             beloved
             in
             the
             eyes
             of
             God.
             They
             were
             grounded
             in
             true
             humility
             ,
             lived
             in
             simple
             obedience
             ,
             walked
             in
             love
             and
             patience
             :
             and
             therefore
             they
             profited
             daily
             in
             spirit
             ,
             and
             obtained
             great
             grace
             in
             Gods
             sight
             .
             They
             were
             given
             for
             an
             example
             to
             all
             religious
             Men
             ;
             and
             they
             should
             more
             provoke
             us
             to
             endeavor
             after
             spiritual
             proficiencies
             ,
             than
             the
             number
             of
             the
             luke-warm
             livers
             should
             prevail
             to
             make
             us
             remiss
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             O
             how
             great
             was
             the
             fervor
             of
             all
             religious
             persons
             in
             the
             beginning
             of
             their
             holy
             institution
             !
             How
             great
             was
             their
             devotion
             to
             prayer
             !
             What
             ambition
             to
             excel
             others
             in
             virtue
             !
             How
             exact
             discipline
             then
             flourished
             !
             How
             great
             reverence
             and
             obedience
             ,
             under
             the
             rule
             of
             their
             Superiors
             ,
             observed
             they
             in
             all
             things
             !
             Their
             footsteps
             yet
             remaining
             ,
             do
             testifie
             that
             they
             were
             indeed
             holy
             and
             perfect
             Men
             ;
             who
             fighting
             so
             valiantly
             trodd
             the
             world
             under
             their
             feet
             .
             Now
             he
             is
             greatly
             accounted
             of
             ,
             that
             transgresseth
             not
             ,
             and
             that
             can
             with
             patience
             endure
             that
             which
             he
             hath
             undertaken
             .
          
           
             6
             O
             the
             coldness
             and
             negligence
             of
             our
             times
             !
             that
             we
             so
             quickly
             decline
             from
             
             our
             first
             fervor
             ,
             and
             are
             come
             to
             that
             pass
             ,
             that
             very
             sloth
             and
             coldness
             of
             spirit
             maketh
             our
             own
             life
             tedious
             unto
             us
             .
             Would
             to
             God
             the
             desire
             to
             profit
             in
             virtue
             did
             not
             wholly
             sleep
             in
             thee
             ,
             who
             hast
             often
             seen
             the
             many
             examples
             of
             devout
             and
             religious
             persons
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIX
             .
             Of
             the
             exercise
             of
             a
             good
             and
             religious
             person
             .
          
           
             THe
             life
             of
             a
             good
             and
             religious
             person
             ought
             to
             be
             adorned
             with
             all
             virtues
             ;
             that
             he
             may
             inwardly
             be
             such
             as
             outwardly
             he
             seemeth
             to
             Men.
             And
             with
             reason
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             be
             much
             more
             within
             ,
             than
             is
             perceived
             without
             .
             For
             God
             beholdeth
             us
             ,
             whom
             we
             ought
             most
             highly
             to
             reverence
             wheresoever
             we
             are
             ,
             and
             walk
             in
             purity
             like
             Angels
             in
             his
             sight
             .
             Daily
             should
             we
             renew
             our
             purposes
             ,
             and
             stir
             up
             our selves
             to
             fervor
             ,
             as
             though
             this
             were
             the
             first
             day
             of
             our
             conversion
             ;
             and
             to
             say
             ,
             Help
             me
             my
             God
             in
             this
             my
             good
             purpose
             ,
             and
             in
             thy
             holy
             service
             ;
             and
             
             grant
             that
             I
             may
             now
             this
             day
             begin
             perfectly
             ;
             for
             that
             which
             I
             have
             done
             hitherto
             is
             nothing
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             According
             to
             our
             purpose
             shall
             be
             the
             success
             of
             our
             spiritual
             profiting
             ;
             and
             much
             diligence
             is
             necessary
             to
             him
             that
             will
             profit
             much
             .
             And
             if
             he
             that
             firmly
             purposeth
             often
             faileth
             ,
             what
             shall
             he
             do
             that
             seldom
             purposeth
             any
             thing
             ,
             or
             with
             little
             resolvedness
             :
             It
             may
             fall
             our
             sundry
             ways
             that
             we
             leave
             off
             our
             purpose
             ;
             and
             the
             light
             omission
             of
             spiritual
             exercises
             seldom
             passes
             without
             some
             loss
             
               to
               our
               souls
            
             .
             The
             purpose
             of
             just
             Men
             depends
             upon
             Gods
             grace
             ,
             and
             not
             upon
             their
             own
             wisdom
             ;
             upon
             whom
             they
             always
             rely
             for
             whatsoever
             they
             take
             in
             hand
             .
             For
             Man
             doth
             purpose
             ,
             but
             God
             doth
             dispose
             ;
             neither
             is
             the
             way
             of
             Man
             in
             himself
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             If
             an
             accustomed
             exercise
             be
             sometimes
             omitted
             ,
             either
             for
             some
             act
             of
             piety
             ,
             or
             profit
             to
             my
             brother
             ;
             it
             may
             easily
             afterwards
             be
             recovered
             again
             .
             But
             if
             out
             of
             a
             slothful
             mind
             ,
             or
             out
             of
             carelesness
             we
             lightly
             forsake
             the
             same
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             great
             offence
             against
             God
             ,
             and
             will
             be
             found
             to
             be
             prejudicial
             to
             our selves
             .
             Let
             us
             do
             the
             best
             we
             can
             ,
             we
             shall
             easily
             fail
             in
             many
             things
             ;
             yet
             
             must
             we
             always
             purpose
             some
             certain
             course
             ,
             and
             especially
             against
             those
             vices
             which
             do
             most
             of
             all
             molest
             us
             .
             We
             must
             diligently
             search
             into
             ,
             and
             set
             in
             order
             both
             the
             outward
             and
             the
             inward
             Man
             ,
             because
             both
             of
             them
             are
             expedient
             to
             our
             coming
             forward
             in
             godliness
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             If
             thou
             canst
             not
             continually
             recollect
             thy self
             ,
             yet
             do
             it
             sometimes
             ,
             at
             the
             least
             once
             a
             day
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             at
             morning
             or
             at
             night
             .
             In
             the
             morning
             fix
             thy
             good
             purpose
             ;
             and
             at
             night
             examine
             thy self
             what
             thou
             hast
             done
             ,
             how
             thou
             hast
             behaved
             thy self
             in
             thought
             ,
             word
             ,
             and
             deed
             ;
             for
             in
             these
             perhaps
             thou
             hast
             often
             offended
             both
             God
             and
             thy
             neighbor
             .
             Gird
             thy
             loyns
             like
             a
             Man
             against
             the
             vile
             assaults
             of
             the
             Devil
             ;
             bridle
             thy
             riotous
             appetite
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             be
             the
             better
             able
             to
             keep
             under
             all
             the
             unruly
             motions
             of
             the
             flesh
             .
             Be
             thou
             at
             no
             time
             idle
             altogether
             ,
             but
             either
             reading
             ,
             or
             writing
             ,
             or
             praying
             ,
             or
             meditating
             ,
             or
             endeavoring
             something
             for
             the
             publick
             good
             .
             As
             for
             bodily
             exercises
             they
             must
             be
             used
             with
             great
             discretion
             ,
             neither
             are
             they
             to
             be
             practised
             of
             all
             Men
             alike
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             The
             exercises
             that
             are
             not
             common
             are
             not
             to
             be
             exposed
             to
             publick
             view
             ;
             for
             
             things
             private
             are
             practised
             more
             safely
             at
             home
             .
             Nevertheless
             thou
             must
             beware
             thou
             neglect
             not
             that
             which
             is
             common
             ,
             and
             be
             more
             ready
             for
             what
             is
             private
             .
             But
             having
             fully
             and
             faithfully
             accomplished
             all
             thou
             art
             bound
             and
             enjoyned
             to
             do
             ,
             if
             thou
             hast
             any
             spare
             time
             ,
             betake
             thee
             to
             thy self
             ,
             as
             thy
             devotion
             shall
             require
             .
             All
             cannot
             use
             one
             kind
             of
             exercise
             ,
             but
             one
             is
             more
             convenient
             for
             this
             person
             ,
             another
             for
             that
             ;
             according
             to
             the
             seasonableness
             of
             times
             also
             ,
             divers
             exercises
             are
             fitting
             .
             Some
             sute
             better
             with
             us
             on
             working
             days
             ,
             other
             on
             holy
             days
             ;
             some
             we
             have
             need
             of
             in
             the
             time
             of
             temptation
             ,
             and
             of
             others
             in
             time
             of
             peace
             and
             quietness
             .
             Some
             we
             mind
             when
             we
             are
             pensive
             ,
             and
             other
             some
             when
             we
             rejoyce
             in
             the
             Lord.
             
          
           
             9.
             
             When
             chief
             Festivals
             draw
             near
             ,
             good
             exercises
             are
             to
             be
             renewed
             ,
             and
             the
             prayers
             of
             holy
             Men
             more
             fervently
             to
             be
             implored
             .
             From
             feast
             to
             feast
             we
             should
             make
             some
             good
             purpose
             ,
             as
             though
             we
             were
             then
             to
             depart
             out
             of
             this
             world
             ,
             and
             to
             come
             to
             the
             everlasting
             feast
             
               in
               Heaven
            
             .
             Therefore
             ought
             we
             carefully
             to
             prepare
             our selves
             at
             holy
             times
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             more
             
             devoutly
             ,
             and
             to
             keep
             more
             exactly
             all
             things
             that
             we
             are
             to
             observe
             ,
             as
             though
             we
             were
             shortly
             at
             Gods
             hands
             to
             receive
             the
             reward
             of
             our
             labors
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             But
             if
             it
             be
             deferred
             ,
             let
             us
             think
             with
             our selves
             that
             we
             are
             not
             sufficiently
             prepared
             ,
             and
             unworthy
             yet
             of
             so
             great
             glory
             which
             shall
             be
             revealed
             in
             us
             in
             due
             time
             ;
             and
             let
             us
             endeavor
             to
             prepare
             our selves
             better
             for
             our
             departure
             .
             
               Blessed
               is
               that
               servant
            
             (
             saith
             St.
             Luke
             the
             Evangelist
             )
             
               whom
               when
               his
               Lord
               cometh
               he
               shall
               find
               watching
               :
               Verily
               I
               say
               unto
               you
               ,
               he
               shall
               make
               him
               ruler
               over
               all
               his
               goods
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XX.
             Of
             the
             love
             of
             solitude
             and
             silence
             .
          
           
             SEek
             a
             convenient
             time
             to
             retire
             into
             thy self
             ,
             and
             meditate
             often
             upon
             Gods
             benefits
             .
             Meddle
             not
             with
             curiosities
             ;
             but
             read
             such
             things
             which
             may
             rather
             yield
             compunction
             to
             thy
             heart
             ,
             than
             busy
             thy
             head
             .
             If
             thou
             wilt
             withdraw
             thy self
             from
             speaking
             vainly
             and
             from
             gadding
             idlely
             ,
             as
             also
             from
             harkening
             after
             novelties
             
             and
             rumors
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             find
             leisure
             sufficient
             and
             convenient
             enough
             to
             meditate
             on
             good
             things
             .
             The
             greatest
             Saints
             avoided
             the
             society
             of
             Men
             ,
             when
             they
             could
             conveniently
             ,
             and
             did
             rather
             choose
             to
             serve
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             to
             God
             ,
             in
             secret
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             One
             said
             ,
             As
             oft
             as
             I
             have
             been
             among
             Men
             ,
             I
             returned
             home
             less
             a
             Man
             than
             I
             was
             before
             ;
             and
             this
             we
             find
             true
             ,
             when
             we
             talk
             long
             together
             .
             It
             is
             easier
             not
             to
             speak
             a
             word
             at
             all
             ,
             than
             not
             to
             speak
             more
             words
             than
             we
             should
             :
             It
             is
             easier
             for
             a
             Man
             to
             keep
             home
             than
             to
             keep
             himself
             well
             when
             he
             is
             abroad
             .
             He
             therefore
             that
             intends
             to
             attain
             to
             the
             more
             inward
             and
             spiritual
             things
             of
             Religion
             ,
             must
             with
             Jesus
             depart
             from
             the
             multitude
             and
             press
             of
             people
             .
             No
             Man
             safely
             doth
             go
             abroad
             ,
             but
             he
             which
             gladly
             can
             abide
             at
             home
             ;
             no
             Man
             speaks
             securely
             ,
             but
             he
             that
             holds
             his
             peace
             willingly
             .
             No
             Man
             ruleth
             safely
             ,
             but
             he
             that
             is
             ruled
             willingly
             ;
             no
             Man
             securely
             doth
             command
             ,
             but
             he
             that
             hath
             learned
             readily
             to
             obey
             ,
          
           
             3.
             
             No
             Man
             rejoyceth
             securely
             ,
             unless
             he
             hath
             within
             him
             the
             testimony
             of
             a
             good
             conscience
             ;
             and
             yet
             the
             security
             of
             the
             Saints
             was
             always
             full
             of
             the
             fear
             of
             God.
             
             Neither
             were
             they
             less
             careful
             and
             humble
             in
             themselves
             ,
             for
             that
             they
             shined
             outwardly
             with
             grace
             and
             great
             virtues
             .
             But
             the
             security
             of
             the
             wicked
             riseth
             out
             of
             pride
             and
             presumption
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             end
             it
             deceiveth
             them
             .
             Although
             thou
             seem
             to
             be
             a
             good
             religious
             Man
             ,
             or
             a
             devout
             Hermite
             ,
             yet
             promise
             not
             thy self
             security
             in
             this
             life
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Oftentimes
             those
             have
             fallen
             into
             greatest
             danger
             by
             overmuch
             self-confidence
             ,
             who
             have
             been
             in
             greatest
             esteem
             and
             account
             amongst
             Men.
             Wherefore
             it
             is
             more
             profitable
             to
             many
             not
             to
             be
             altogether
             free
             from
             temptations
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             often
             assaulted
             ,
             lest
             they
             should
             be
             too
             secure
             ,
             and
             so
             perhaps
             be
             puffed
             up
             with
             pride
             ;
             or
             too
             freely
             give
             themselves
             to
             worldly
             comforts
             .
             O
             how
             good
             a
             conscience
             should
             he
             keep
             ,
             that
             would
             never
             seek
             after
             transitory
             joy
             ,
             nor
             entangle
             himself
             with
             the
             things
             of
             this
             world
             !
             O
             how
             great
             peace
             and
             quietness
             should
             he
             possess
             ,
             that
             would
             cut
             off
             all
             vain
             sollicitude
             ,
             and
             think
             only
             upon
             divine
             things
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             are
             profitable
             for
             his
             soul
             ,
             and
             would
             place
             all
             his
             confidence
             in
             God!
             
          
           
             5.
             
             No
             Man
             is
             worthy
             of
             heavenly
             comfort
             ,
             
             unless
             he
             have
             diligently
             exercised
             himself
             in
             holy
             compunction
             .
             If
             thou
             desirest
             true
             contrition
             of
             heart
             ,
             enter
             into
             thy
             closet
             ,
             and
             shut
             out
             the
             tumults
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             written
             ,
             In
             your
             chambers
             be
             ye
             grieved
             .
             In
             thy
             closet
             thou
             shalt
             find
             what
             abroad
             thou
             shalt
             often
             lose
             ;
             the
             more
             thou
             visitest
             thy
             closet
             ,
             the
             more
             thou
             wilt
             like
             it
             ;
             the
             less
             thou
             comest
             thereunto
             ,
             the
             more
             thou
             wilt
             loth
             it
             .
             If
             in
             the
             beginning
             of
             thy
             amendment
             thou
             art
             content
             to
             remain
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             keep
             it
             well
             ,
             it
             will
             afterwards
             be
             to
             thee
             a
             dear
             friend
             ,
             and
             a
             most
             pleasant
             comfort
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             In
             silence
             and
             in
             stillness
             a
             religious
             soul
             advantageth
             her self
             and
             learneth
             the
             mysteries
             of
             holy
             Scripture
             .
             There
             she
             findeth
             rivers
             of
             tears
             ,
             wherein
             she
             may
             every
             night
             wash
             and
             cleanse
             her self
             ;
             that
             she
             may
             be
             so
             much
             the
             more
             familiar
             with
             her
             Creator
             ,
             by
             how
             much
             the
             further
             off
             she
             liveth
             from
             all
             worldly
             disquiet
             .
             Who
             so
             therefore
             withdraweth
             himself
             from
             his
             acquaintance
             and
             friends
             ,
             God
             with
             his
             holy
             Angels
             will
             draw
             near
             unto
             him
             .
             It
             is
             better
             for
             a
             Man
             to
             live
             privately
             and
             to
             have
             regard
             to
             himself
             ,
             than
             to
             neglect
             his
             soul
             ,
             though
             he
             could
             work
             wonders
             in
             
             the
             world
             .
             It
             is
             very
             commendable
             in
             a
             religious
             person
             ;
             seldom
             to
             go
             abroad
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             unwilling
             to
             see
             others
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             Why
             art
             thou
             desirous
             to
             see
             that
             which
             is
             unlawful
             for
             thee
             to
             enjoy
             ?
             For
             the
             world
             passeth
             away
             and
             the
             lusts
             thereof
             .
             Our
             sensual
             desires
             draw
             us
             to
             rove
             abroad
             ;
             but
             when
             the
             time
             is
             past
             ,
             what
             carriest
             thou
             home
             with
             thee
             but
             a
             burdened
             conscience
             and
             distracted
             heart
             ?
             A
             merry
             going
             out
             bringeth
             commonly
             a
             mournful
             return
             home
             ;
             and
             a
             joyful
             evening
             makes
             
               many
               times
            
             a
             sad
             morning
             .
             So
             all
             carnal
             joy
             enters
             gently
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             end
             it
             bites
             and
             stings
             to
             death
             .
             What
             canst
             thou
             see
             elsewhere
             ,
             which
             thou
             canst
             not
             see
             here
             ?
             Behold
             the
             Heaven
             and
             the
             Earth
             and
             all
             the
             Elements
             ;
             for
             of
             these
             are
             all
             things
             created
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             What
             canst
             thou
             see
             any
             where
             that
             can
             long
             continue
             under
             the
             Sun
             ?
             Thou
             thinkest
             perchance
             to
             satiate
             thy self
             ,
             but
             thou
             canst
             never
             attain
             it
             .
             Shouldst
             thou
             see
             all
             things
             present
             before
             thine
             eyes
             ,
             what
             were
             it
             but
             a
             vain
             
               and
               unprofitable
            
             sight
             ?
             Lift
             up
             thine
             eyes
             to
             God
             in
             the
             highest
             ,
             and
             pray
             him
             to
             pardon
             all
             thy
             sins
             and
             negligencies
             .
             Leave
             vain
             things
             
             to
             the
             vain
             ,
             but
             be
             thou
             intent
             upon
             those
             things
             which
             God
             commandeth
             thee
             .
             Shut
             thy
             door
             upon
             thee
             ,
             and
             call
             unto
             thee
             Jesus
             thy
             beloved
             .
             Stay
             with
             him
             in
             thy
             closet
             ;
             for
             thou
             shalt
             not
             find
             so
             great
             peace
             any
             where
             else
             .
             Hadst
             thou
             not
             gone
             abroad
             and
             hearkened
             to
             idle
             rumors
             ,
             thou
             mightest
             the
             better
             have
             enjoyed
             quietness
             .
             But
             sith
             thou
             delightest
             sometimes
             to
             hear
             novelties
             ,
             it
             is
             fit
             thou
             suffer
             for
             it
             some
             unquietness
             of
             mind
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXI
             .
             Of
             compunction
             of
             heart
             .
          
           
             IF
             thou
             wilt
             make
             any
             progress
             in
             godliness
             ,
             keep
             thy self
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             affect
             not
             too
             much
             liberty
             .
             Keep
             in
             aw
             all
             thy
             senses
             under
             
               the
               severe
               rod
               of
            
             discipline
             ,
             and
             give
             not
             thy self
             over
             to
             foolish
             mirth
             .
             Give
             thy self
             to
             compunction
             of
             heart
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             gain
             much
             devotion
             thereby
             ;
             compunction
             bringeth
             much
             good
             ,
             which
             dissoluteness
             is
             wont
             quickly
             to
             destroy
             .
             It
             is
             a
             wonder
             that
             any
             Man
             can
             ever
             perfectly
             rejoyce
             in
             this
             life
             ,
             if
             he
             
             duly
             consider
             his
             banishment
             ,
             and
             throughly
             weigh
             the
             many
             perils
             wherewith
             his
             soul
             is
             invironed
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             levity
             of
             our
             minds
             and
             the
             little
             care
             we
             have
             of
             our
             faults
             ,
             maketh
             us
             insensible
             of
             the
             sorrows
             of
             our
             souls
             ;
             but
             oftentimes
             we
             vainly
             laugh
             ,
             when
             we
             have
             just
             cause
             to
             weep
             .
             There
             is
             no
             true
             liberty
             nor
             right
             gladness
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God
             accompanied
             with
             a
             good
             conscience
             .
             Happy
             is
             he
             that
             can
             avoid
             all
             distracting
             impediments
             ,
             and
             bring
             himself
             to
             the
             union
             of
             holy
             compunction
             .
             Happy
             is
             he
             that
             can
             abandon
             all
             that
             may
             defile
             or
             burthen
             his
             conscience
             .
             Resist
             manfully
             ;
             one
             custome
             overcometh
             another
             .
             If
             thou
             canst
             let
             others
             alone
             in
             their
             matters
             ,
             they
             likewise
             shall
             not
             hinder
             thee
             in
             thine
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Busie
             not
             thy self
             in
             matters
             which
             appertain
             to
             others
             ;
             neither
             do
             thou
             trouble
             thy self
             with
             the
             affairs
             of
             thy
             Betters
             .
             Still
             have
             an
             eye
             to
             thy self
             first
             ,
             and
             be
             sure
             more
             especially
             to
             instruct
             thy self
             before
             all
             thy
             loving
             friends
             .
             If
             thou
             hast
             not
             the
             favor
             of
             Men
             ,
             be
             not
             grieved
             at
             it
             ;
             but
             take
             this
             to
             heart
             ,
             that
             thou
             dost
             not
             carry
             thy self
             so
             warily
             and
             circumspectly
             as
             it
             becometh
             
             the
             Servant
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             a
             devout
             religious
             Man.
             It
             is
             better
             oftentimes
             and
             safer
             that
             a
             Man
             hath
             not
             many
             consolations
             in
             this
             life
             ,
             especially
             such
             as
             are
             agreeable
             to
             the
             flesh
             .
             But
             that
             we
             have
             not
             at
             all
             or
             do
             very
             seldom
             tast
             divine
             consolations
             ,
             the
             fault
             is
             ours
             ,
             because
             we
             seek
             not
             after
             compunction
             of
             heart
             ,
             nor
             do
             altogether
             forsake
             the
             vain
             and
             outward
             comforts
             
               of
               this
               world
            
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Know
             that
             thou
             art
             unworthy
             of
             divine
             consolation
             ,
             and
             that
             thou
             hast
             rather
             deserved
             much
             tribulation
             .
             When
             a
             Man
             hath
             perfect
             contrition
             ,
             then
             is
             the
             whole
             world
             grievous
             and
             bitter
             unto
             him
             .
             A
             good
             Man
             findeth
             always
             sufficient
             cause
             of
             mourning
             and
             weeping
             ;
             for
             whether
             he
             consider
             his
             own
             or
             his
             neighbors
             estate
             ,
             he
             knoweth
             that
             none
             liveth
             here
             without
             tribulation
             .
             And
             by
             how
             much
             a
             Man
             looks
             narrowly
             into
             himself
             ,
             by
             so
             much
             the
             more
             he
             sorroweth
             .
             Our
             sins
             and
             wickednesses
             wherein
             we
             are
             so
             enwrapt
             ,
             that
             we
             can
             seldom
             apply
             our selves
             to
             heavenly
             contemplations
             ,
             do
             Minister
             unto
             us
             matter
             of
             most
             just
             sorrow
             and
             inward
             compunction
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Didst
             thou
             oftner
             think
             of
             thy
             death
             ,
             
             than
             of
             thy
             living
             long
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             question
             but
             thou
             wouldst
             be
             more
             careful
             to
             amend
             .
             I
             believe
             thou
             wouldst
             willingly
             undergo
             any
             labor
             or
             sorrow
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             and
             not
             be
             afraid
             of
             the
             greatest
             austerity
             ,
             if
             thou
             didst
             consider
             within
             thy self
             the
             infernal
             pains
             in
             the
             other
             world
             .
             But
             because
             these
             things
             enter
             not
             to
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             we
             still
             love
             those
             things
             only
             that
             delight
             us
             ,
             therefore
             it
             is
             we
             remain
             very
             dull
             and
             cold
             in
             religion
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             It
             is
             often
             our
             want
             of
             spirit
             which
             maketh
             our
             miserable
             body
             so
             easily
             complain
             .
             Pray
             therefore
             unto
             the
             Lord
             with
             all
             humility
             ,
             that
             he
             will
             vouchsafe
             to
             give
             thee
             the
             spirit
             of
             compunction
             .
             And
             say
             with
             the
             prophet
             ,
             Psal.
             80
             ,
             
               Feed
               me
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               with
               the
               bread
               of
               tears
               ,
               and
               give
               me
               plenteousness
               of
               tears
               to
               drink
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXII
             .
             Of
             the
             consideration
             of
             humane
             misery
             .
          
           
             MIserable
             thou
             art
             wheresoever
             thou
             be
             ,
             or
             whithersoever
             thou
             turnest
             ,
             unless
             thou
             turn
             thy self
             unto
             God.
             Why
             
             art
             thou
             troubled
             when
             things
             succeed
             not
             as
             thou
             wouldest
             or
             desirest
             ?
             For
             who
             is
             he
             that
             hath
             all
             things
             according
             to
             his
             mind
             ?
             Neither
             I
             nor
             thou
             ,
             nor
             any
             Man
             upon
             earth
             ;
             there
             is
             none
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             be
             he
             King
             or
             Pope
             ,
             without
             some
             tribulation
             or
             other
             .
             Who
             is
             then
             in
             the
             best
             case
             
               or
               condition
            
             ?
             even
             he
             who
             can
             suffer
             something
             for
             God.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Many
             weak
             and
             infirm
             ones
             can
             say
             ,
             Behold
             what
             an
             happy
             life
             hath
             such
             an
             one
             ,
             how
             wealthy
             ,
             how
             great
             he
             is
             ,
             in
             how
             great
             power
             and
             dignity
             !
             But
             lift
             up
             thine
             eyes
             to
             the
             riches
             of
             heaven
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             see
             that
             all
             the
             goods
             of
             this
             life
             are
             nothing
             so
             to
             be
             accounted
             of
             .
             They
             are
             very
             uncertain
             ,
             rather
             burdensome
             than
             otherwise
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             never
             enjoyed
             without
             carefulness
             and
             fear
             .
             Mans
             happiness
             consisteth
             not
             in
             having
             abundance
             of
             wealth
             ,
             but
             a
             mean
             estate
             should
             content
             him
             ;
             it
             is
             truly
             misery
             enough
             even
             to
             live
             upon
             the
             earth
             .
             The
             more
             a
             Man
             would
             be
             spiritual
             ,
             the
             more
             bitter
             to
             him
             is
             this
             present
             life
             ;
             because
             he
             seeth
             more
             clearly
             and
             perceiveth
             more
             sensibly
             the
             defects
             of
             humane
             corruption
             .
             For
             to
             eat
             and
             to
             drink
             ,
             to
             sleep
             and
             to
             watch
             ,
             to
             labor
             and
             to
             rest
             ,
             
             and
             to
             be
             subject
             to
             other
             necessities
             of
             nature
             is
             doubtless
             a
             great
             misery
             and
             affliction
             to
             a
             religious
             Man
             ,
             that
             would
             gladly
             be
             free
             and
             delivered
             from
             all
             sin
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             For
             the
             inward
             Man
             is
             much
             oppressed
             with
             these
             
               outward
               and
            
             corporal
             necessities
             whilest
             we
             live
             in
             this
             world
             .
             Therefore
             the
             holy
             Prophet
             prayeth
             with
             great
             devotion
             to
             be
             delivered
             from
             them
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               Bring
               me
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               out
               of
               my
               necessities
               .
            
             But
             wo
             be
             to
             them
             that
             know
             not
             their
             own
             misery
             ;
             and
             a
             greater
             wo
             to
             them
             that
             love
             this
             miserable
             and
             corruptible
             life
             .
             And
             some
             there
             be
             so
             much
             dote
             upon
             it
             ,
             that
             although
             with
             great
             labor
             and
             pains
             they
             can
             scarce
             get
             mere
             necessaries
             ,
             yet
             could
             they
             live
             here
             always
             ,
             they
             would
             care
             nothing
             at
             all
             for
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             O
             how
             foolish
             are
             these
             and
             faithless
             in
             their
             hearts
             ,
             who
             lye
             so
             deeply
             sunk
             in
             the
             earth
             ,
             that
             they
             can
             mind
             or
             relish
             nothing
             but
             carnal
             things
             !
             But
             miserable
             wretches
             as
             they
             are
             ,
             they
             shall
             in
             the
             end
             feel
             to
             their
             cost
             how
             vile
             and
             how
             nothing
             that
             was
             which
             they
             loved
             :
             Whereas
             the
             Saints
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             devout
             friends
             of
             Christ
             respected
             not
             those
             things
             which
             
             pleased
             the
             flesh
             ,
             and
             which
             flourished
             in
             this
             life
             ,
             but
             longed
             for
             the
             everlasting
             riches
             with
             their
             whole
             hope
             and
             desire
             .
             Their
             whole
             desire
             was
             carried
             upward
             to
             things
             durable
             and
             invisible
             ,
             that
             the
             desire
             of
             things
             visible
             might
             not
             draw
             them
             to
             things
             below
             .
             O
             Brother
             ,
             lose
             not
             thy
             hope
             of
             coming
             forward
             in
             godliness
             ;
             there
             is
             yet
             time
             ,
             the
             hour
             is
             not
             yet
             past
          
           
             5.
             
             Why
             wilt
             thou
             defer
             thy
             good
             purpose
             from
             day
             to
             day
             ?
             Arise
             and
             begin
             in
             this
             very
             instant
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             Now
             is
             the
             time
             to
             be
             doing
             ,
             now
             is
             the
             time
             to
             be
             striving
             ,
             now
             is
             the
             best
             time
             to
             amend
             my self
             .
             When
             thou
             art
             ill
             at
             ease
             and
             much
             troubled
             ,
             then
             is
             the
             time
             of
             deserving
             best
             ;
             thou
             must
             pass
             through
             fire
             and
             water
             before
             thou
             comest
             to
             the
             place
             of
             refreshing
             .
             Unless
             thou
             dost
             earnestly
             force
             thy self
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             never
             get
             the
             victory
             over
             sin
             ;
             so
             long
             as
             we
             carry
             about
             us
             this
             frail
             body
             of
             ours
             ,
             we
             can
             never
             be
             without
             sin
             ,
             or
             live
             without
             trouble
             and
             sorrow
             .
             We
             would
             gladly
             be
             quiet
             and
             freed
             from
             all
             misery
             ,
             but
             seeing
             by
             sin
             we
             have
             lost
             our
             innocency
             ,
             we
             have
             together
             with
             that
             lost
             also
             the
             true
             felicity
             .
             Therefore
             it
             becomes
             us
             to
             have
             patience
             ,
             and
             to
             wait
             
             for
             the
             mercy
             of
             God
             ,
             till
             this
             our
             iniquity
             be
             put
             away
             ,
             and
             this
             mortality
             of
             ours
             be
             swallowed
             up
             of
             life
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             O
             how
             great
             is
             humane
             frailty
             ,
             which
             is
             always
             prone
             to
             evil
             !
             to
             day
             thou
             confessest
             thy
             sins
             ,
             and
             to
             morrow
             thou
             committest
             the
             very
             same
             thou
             hast
             confessed
             .
             Now
             thou
             art
             purposed
             to
             look
             well
             unto
             thy
             ways
             ,
             and
             within
             a
             while
             thou
             so
             behavest
             thy self
             ,
             as
             though
             thou
             hadst
             never
             any
             such
             purpose
             at
             all
             .
             Good
             cause
             have
             we
             therefore
             to
             humble
             our selves
             ,
             and
             never
             to
             have
             any
             great
             conceit
             of
             our selves
             ;
             because
             we
             are
             so
             frail
             and
             so
             inconstant
             .
             Besides
             ,
             that
             may
             quickly
             be
             lost
             by
             our
             own
             negligence
             ,
             which
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             and
             our
             own
             great
             pains
             we
             have
             scarce
             at
             length
             obtained
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             What
             will
             become
             of
             us
             in
             the
             end
             ,
             who
             begin
             to
             wax
             cold
             so
             timely
             ?
             Wo
             be
             unto
             us
             ,
             if
             we
             will
             so
             give
             our selves
             unto
             ease
             ,
             as
             if
             all
             were
             in
             peace
             and
             safety
             ,
             when
             as
             yet
             there
             appeareth
             no
             sign
             of
             true
             holiness
             in
             our
             conversations
             !
             We
             have
             need
             like
             young
             beginners
             to
             be
             newly
             instructed
             again
             to
             good
             life
             ,
             if
             happily
             there
             be
             any
             hope
             of
             our
             future
             amendment
             and
             proficiency
             in
             spiritual
             things
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXIII
             .
             Of
             the
             meditation
             of
             Death
             .
          
           
             THere
             will
             very
             quickly
             be
             an
             end
             of
             thee
             here
             ,
             therefore
             see
             what
             will
             become
             of
             thee
             hereafter
             .
             To
             day
             a
             Man
             ,
             to
             morrow
             none
             ;
             and
             out
             of
             sight
             ,
             out
             of
             mind
             .
             O
             the
             stupidity
             and
             hardness
             of
             Mans
             Heart
             ,
             who
             thinketh
             only
             upon
             the
             present
             ,
             and
             hath
             no
             more
             care
             of
             what
             is
             to
             come
             !
             Thou
             shouldest
             so
             order
             thy self
             in
             all
             thy
             thoughts
             and
             actions
             ,
             as
             if
             to
             day
             ,
             yea
             this
             very
             moment
             ,
             thou
             wert
             ready
             to
             depart
             .
             Hadst
             thou
             a
             clear
             conscience
             ,
             thou
             wouldst
             not
             greatly
             fear
             death
             .
             It
             were
             better
             to
             avoid
             sin
             ,
             than
             to
             fly
             death
             .
             If
             thou
             art
             not
             prepared
             to
             day
             ,
             how
             wilt
             thou
             be
             prepared
             to
             morrow
             ?
             To
             morrow
             is
             uncertain
             ,
             and
             how
             knowest
             thou
             that
             thou
             shalt
             live
             till
             to
             morrow
             ?
          
           
             2.
             
             What
             availeth
             it
             to
             live
             long
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             so
             little
             the
             better
             
               by
               long
               living
            
             ?
             Alas
             !
             length
             of
             days
             doth
             oftner
             make
             our
             sins
             the
             greater
             ,
             than
             our
             lives
             the
             better
             .
             O
             that
             we
             had
             spent
             but
             one
             day
             well
             in
             this
             world
             !
             Many
             there
             are
             who
             count
             
             how
             long
             it
             is
             since
             their
             conversion
             ;
             and
             yet
             ful
             slender
             oftentimes
             is
             the
             fruit
             of
             amendment
             of
             life
             .
             If
             to
             die
             be
             accounted
             dreadful
             ,
             to
             live
             long
             may
             perhaps
             prove
             more
             dangerous
             .
             Happy
             is
             he
             that
             always
             hath
             the
             hour
             of
             his
             death
             before
             his
             eyes
             ,
             and
             daily
             prepareth
             himself
             for
             to
             die
             .
             If
             at
             any
             time
             thou
             hast
             seen
             another
             Man
             die
             ,
             make
             account
             thou
             must
             also
             pass
             the
             same
             way
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             When
             it
             is
             morning
             ,
             think
             thou
             mayest
             die
             before
             night
             ,
             and
             when
             evening
             comes
             ,
             dare
             not
             to
             promise
             thy self
             the
             next
             morning
             .
             Be
             thou
             therefore
             always
             in
             a
             readiness
             ,
             and
             so
             lead
             thy
             life
             that
             death
             may
             never
             take
             thee
             unprepared
             .
             Many
             die
             suddenly
             and
             when
             they
             look
             not
             for
             it
             ;
             for
             the
             Son
             of
             Man
             will
             come
             when
             we
             think
             not
             of
             his
             coming
             .
             When
             that
             last
             hour
             shall
             come
             ,
             thou
             wilt
             begin
             to
             have
             a
             far
             different
             opinion
             of
             thy
             whole
             life
             that
             is
             past
             ,
             and
             be
             exceeding
             sorry
             thou
             hast
             been
             so
             careless
             and
             remiss
          
           
             4.
             
             O
             how
             wise
             and
             happy
             is
             he
             that
             now
             laboreth
             to
             be
             such
             an
             one
             in
             his
             life
             ,
             as
             he
             wisheth
             to
             be
             found
             at
             the
             hour
             of
             his
             death
             !
             A
             perfect
             contempt
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             a
             fervent
             desire
             to
             go
             forward
             in
             vertue
             ,
             the
             love
             of
             
             discipline
             ,
             the
             painfulness
             of
             repentance
             ,
             the
             readiness
             of
             obedience
             ,
             the
             denying
             of
             our selves
             ,
             and
             the
             bearing
             any
             affliction
             for
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             patiently
             ,
             will
             give
             us
             great
             confidence
             we
             shall
             die
             happily
             .
             Whilst
             thou
             art
             in
             health
             thou
             mayest
             do
             much
             good
             ,
             but
             when
             thou
             art
             sick
             ,
             I
             see
             not
             what
             thou
             art
             able
             to
             do
             .
             Few
             by
             sickness
             grow
             better
             and
             more
             reformed
             ;
             as
             also
             they
             who
             wander
             much
             abroad
             ,
             seldom
             thereby
             become
             holy
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Trust.
             not
             to
             friends
             and
             kindred
             ,
             neither
             do
             thou
             put
             off
             the
             care
             of
             thy
             souls
             welfare
             till
             hereafter
             ;
             for
             Men
             will
             sooner
             forget
             thee
             ,
             than
             thou
             art
             aware
             of
             .
             It
             is
             better
             to
             look
             to
             it
             betime
             ,
             and
             do
             some
             good
             beforehand
             ,
             than
             to
             trust
             to
             other
             Mens
             courtesies
             .
             If
             thou
             beest
             not
             careful
             for
             thy self
             now
             ,
             who
             will
             be
             careful
             for
             thee
             hereafter
             ?
             The
             time
             that
             is
             now
             present
             is
             very
             precious
             ,
             now
             are
             the
             days
             of
             salvation
             ,
             now
             is
             the
             acceptable
             time
             .
             But
             alas
             !
             that
             thou
             shouldst
             spend
             thy
             time
             so
             idlely
             here
             ,
             where
             thou
             mightest
             purchase
             to
             live
             eternally
             hereafter
             .
             The
             time
             will
             come
             when
             thou
             shalt
             desire
             one
             day
             or
             hour
             to
             amend
             in
             ,
             and
             I
             cannot
             say
             that
             it
             will
             be
             granted
             thee
             .
          
           
           
             6.
             
             O
             beloved
             ,
             from
             how
             great
             danger
             mightest
             thou
             deliver
             thy self
             !
             from
             how
             great
             fear
             free
             thy self
             ,
             if
             thou
             wouldst
             be
             always
             mindful
             of
             death
             !
             Labor
             now
             to
             live
             so
             ,
             that
             at
             the
             hour
             of
             death
             thou
             mayest
             rather
             rejoyce
             than
             fear
             ;
             learn
             now
             to
             die
             to
             the
             world
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             then
             begin
             to
             live
             with
             Christ.
             Learn
             now
             to
             contemn
             all
             earthly
             things
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             freely
             go
             to
             Christ.
             Chastise
             thy
             body
             now
             by
             repentance
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             then
             have
             assured
             confidence
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             Ah
             fool
             ,
             why
             dost
             thou
             think
             to
             live
             long
             ,
             when
             thou
             canst
             not
             promise
             to
             thy self
             one
             day
             ?
             How
             many
             have
             been
             deceived
             and
             suddenly
             snatcht
             away
             ?
             How
             often
             dost
             thou
             hear
             these
             reports
             ,
             Such
             a
             Man
             is
             slain
             ,
             another
             Man
             is
             drowned
             ,
             a
             third
             breaks
             his
             neck
             with
             a
             fall
             from
             some
             high
             place
             ,
             this
             Man
             died
             eating
             ,
             and
             that
             Man
             playing
             ?
             One
             perished
             by
             fire
             ,
             another
             by
             the
             sword
             ,
             another
             of
             the
             plague
             ,
             another
             was
             slain
             by
             Thieves
             .
             Thus
             death
             is
             the
             end
             of
             all
             ,
             and
             Mans
             life
             suddenly
             passeth
             away
             like
             a
             shaddow
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             Who
             shall
             remember
             thee
             when
             thou
             art
             Dead
             ?
             Do
             ,
             do
             now
             my
             beloved
             ,
             whatsoever
             
             thou
             art
             able
             to
             do
             ;
             for
             thou
             knowest
             not
             when
             thou
             shalt
             die
             ,
             nor
             yet
             what
             shall
             befal
             thee
             after
             thy
             death
             .
             Now
             whilst
             thou
             hast
             time
             heap
             unto
             thy self
             everlasting
             riches
             ,
             think
             on
             nothing
             but
             the
             salvation
             of
             thy
             soul
             ,
             care
             for
             nothing
             but
             the
             things
             of
             God.
             Make
             now
             friends
             to
             thy self
             by
             honoring
             the
             Saints
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             imitating
             their
             actions
             ,
             that
             when
             thou
             failest
             in
             this
             short
             life
             ,
             they
             may
             receive
             thee
             into
             everlasting
             habitations
             .
          
           
             9.
             
             Keep
             thy self
             as
             a
             stranger
             and
             pilgrim
             upon
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             as
             one
             to
             whom
             the
             affairs
             of
             this
             world
             do
             nothing
             appertain
             .
             Keep
             thy
             heart
             free
             ,
             and
             lifted
             up
             to
             God
             ,
             because
             thou
             hast
             here
             no
             abiding
             city
             .
             Send
             thither
             thy
             daily
             prayers
             and
             sighs
             together
             with
             thy
             tears
             ,
             that
             after
             death
             thy
             spirit
             may
             with
             much
             happiness
             pass
             to
             the
             Lord.
             
          
           
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXIV
             .
             Of
             Iudgment
             ,
             and
             the
             punishment
             of
             Sins
             .
          
           
             IN
             all
             things
             have
             a
             special
             aim
             to
             thy
             end
             ,
             and
             how
             thou
             wilt
             be
             able
             to
             stand
             
             before
             that
             severe
             Judg
             to
             whom
             nothing
             is
             hid
             ,
             who
             is
             not
             pacified
             with
             gifts
             ,
             nor
             admitteth
             any
             excuses
             ,
             but
             will
             judg
             according
             to
             right
             and
             equity
             .
             O
             wretched
             and
             foolish
             sinner
             ,
             who
             sometimes
             fearest
             the
             countenance
             of
             an
             angry
             Man
             ;
             what
             answer
             wilt
             thou
             make
             to
             God
             who
             knoweth
             all
             thy
             wickedness
             !
             Why
             dost
             thou
             not
             provide
             for
             thy self
             against
             that
             great
             day
             of
             judgment
             ,
             when
             no
             Man
             can
             excuse
             or
             answer
             for
             another
             ,
             but
             every
             one
             shall
             have
             enough
             to
             answer
             for
             himself
             ?
             Now
             are
             thy
             pains
             profitable
             ,
             thy
             tears
             acceptable
             ,
             thy
             groans
             audible
             ,
             thy
             grief
             pacifieth
             God
             ,
             and
             purgeth
             thy
             soul.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             patient
             Man
             hath
             a
             great
             and
             wholesome
             purgatory
             ,
             who
             though
             he
             receive
             injuries
             ,
             yet
             grieveth
             more
             for
             the
             malice
             of
             another
             ,
             than
             for
             his
             own
             wrong
             ;
             who
             prayeth
             willingly
             for
             his
             adversaries
             ,
             and
             from
             his
             heart
             forgiveth
             their
             offences
             ;
             he
             delayeth
             not
             to
             ask
             forgiveness
             of
             whomsoever
             he
             hath
             offended
             ;
             he
             is
             sooner
             moved
             to
             compassion
             than
             to
             anger
             ;
             he
             often
             offereth
             
               an
               holy
            
             violence
             to
             himself
             ,
             and
             laboreth
             to
             bring
             the
             body
             wholly
             into
             subjection
             to
             the
             spirit
             .
             It
             is
             better
             to
             purge
             out
             our
             sins
             ,
             and
             cut
             off
             our
             
             vices
             here
             ,
             than
             to
             keep
             them
             to
             be
             punished
             hereafter
             .
             Verily
             we
             do
             but
             deceive
             our selves
             through
             an
             inordinate
             love
             of
             the
             flesh
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             What
             is
             it
             that
             that
             infernal
             fire
             feeds
             upon
             ,
             but
             thy
             sins
             ?
             The
             more
             thou
             sparest
             thy self
             now
             and
             followest
             the
             flesh
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             more
             hereafter
             shall
             be
             thy
             punishment
             ,
             and
             thou
             storest
             up
             greater
             fewel
             for
             that
             flame
             .
             In
             what
             thing
             a
             Man
             hath
             sinned
             ,
             in
             the
             same
             shall
             he
             be
             the
             more
             grievously
             punished
             .
             There
             shall
             the
             slothful
             be
             pricked
             forward
             with
             burning
             goads
             ,
             and
             the
             gluttons
             be
             tormented
             with
             great
             hunger
             and
             thirst
             .
             There
             shall
             the
             luxurious
             and
             lovers
             of
             pleasures
             be
             bathed
             in
             burning
             pitch
             and
             stinking
             brimstone
             ,
             and
             the
             envious
             like
             mad
             Dogs
             shall
             howl
             for
             very
             grief
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             There
             is
             no
             sin
             but
             shall
             have
             its
             proper
             torment
             .
             There
             the
             proud
             shall
             be
             filled
             with
             all
             confusion
             ;
             the
             covetous
             shall
             be
             pinched
             with
             miserable
             penury
             ;
             one
             hour
             of
             pain
             there
             shall
             be
             more
             bitter
             than
             a
             Thousand
             years
             of
             the
             sharpest
             pennance
             here
             !
             There
             is
             no
             quiet
             ,
             no
             comfort
             for
             the
             damned
             there
             ;
             yet
             here
             we
             have
             some
             intermission
             of
             our
             labors
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             the
             
             comfort
             of
             our
             friends
             .
             Be
             now
             sollicitous
             and
             sorrowful
             because
             of
             thy
             sins
             ,
             that
             at
             the
             day
             of
             judgment
             thou
             mayest
             be
             secure
             with
             the
             company
             of
             blessed
             souls
             .
             For
             then
             shall
             the
             righteous
             with
             great
             boldness
             stand
             against
             such
             as
             have
             vexed
             and
             oppressed
             them
             ;
             then
             shall
             he
             stand
             to
             judg
             Men
             ,
             who
             doth
             now
             humbly
             submit
             himself
             to
             the
             censures
             of
             Men.
             Then
             shall
             the
             poor
             and
             humble
             have
             great
             confidence
             ,
             but
             the
             proud
             Man
             shall
             be
             compassed
             with
             fear
             on
             every
             side
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Then
             will
             it
             appear
             that
             he
             was
             wise
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             who
             had
             learned
             for
             Christ
             to
             be
             a
             fool
             and
             despised
             .
             Then
             shall
             every
             affliction
             patiently
             undergone
             delight
             us
             ,
             when
             the
             mouth
             of
             iniquity
             shall
             be
             stopped
             up
             .
             Then
             shall
             the
             devout
             rejoyce
             ,
             and
             the
             profane
             shall
             mourn
             .
             Then
             shall
             he
             more
             rejoyce
             that
             hath
             beat
             down
             his
             own
             flesh
             ,
             than
             he
             that
             hath
             abounded
             in
             all
             pleasure
             and
             delight
             .
             Then
             shall
             the
             poor
             attire
             shine
             gloriously
             ,
             and
             the
             precious
             robes
             seem
             vile
             and
             contemptible
             .
             Then
             shall
             be
             more
             commended
             the
             poor
             cottage
             ,
             than
             the
             gilded
             palace
             .
             Then
             will
             constant
             patience
             more
             avail
             us
             ,
             than
             all
             earthly
             power
             .
             Then
             simple
             obedience
             
             shall
             be
             preferred
             before
             all
             worldly
             wisdom
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             Then
             shall
             a
             good
             and
             clear
             conscience
             more
             rejoyce
             a
             Man
             than
             the
             profound
             
               learning
               of
            
             Philosophy
             .
             Then
             shall
             the
             contempt
             of
             riches
             weigh
             more
             than
             all
             the
             worldings
             treasure
             .
             Then
             wilt
             thou
             be
             more
             comforted
             that
             thou
             hast
             prayed
             devoutly
             ,
             than
             that
             thou
             hast
             fared
             daintily
             .
             Then
             wilt
             thou
             be
             more
             glad
             thou
             hast
             kept
             silence
             ,
             than
             that
             thou
             hast
             talked
             much
             .
             Then
             will
             good
             works
             avail
             more
             than
             many
             goodly
             words
             .
             Then
             a
             strict
             life
             and
             severe
             repentance
             will
             be
             more
             pleasing
             than
             all
             earthly
             delights
             .
             Accustome
             thy self
             now
             to
             suffer
             a
             little
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             then
             be
             delivered
             from
             more
             grievous
             pains
             .
             Prove
             first
             here
             what
             thou
             canst
             endure
             hereafter
             .
             If
             now
             thou
             canst
             endure
             so
             little
             ,
             how
             wilt
             thou
             then
             be
             able
             to
             endure
             perpetual
             torments
             ?
             If
             now
             a
             little
             suffering
             make
             thee
             so
             impatient
             ,
             what
             will
             hell
             fire
             do
             hereafter
             ?
             Assure
             thy self
             thou
             canst
             not
             have
             two
             Paradises
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             enjoy
             delights
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             and
             after
             that
             to
             reign
             with
             Christ.
             
          
           
             7.
             
             Suppose
             thou
             hast
             hitherto
             lived
             always
             in
             honors
             and
             delights
             ,
             what
             would
             
             all
             this
             avail
             thee
             if
             thou
             wert
             to
             die
             at
             this
             instant
             ?
             All
             therefore
             is
             vanity
             ,
             but
             to
             love
             God
             and
             serve
             him
             only
             .
             For
             he
             that
             loveth
             God
             with
             all
             his
             heart
             ,
             is
             neither
             afraid
             of
             death
             nor
             punishment
             ,
             nor
             of
             judgement
             ,
             nor
             of
             hell
             ;
             for
             perfect
             love
             gives
             secure
             access
             to
             God.
             But
             he
             that
             takes
             delight
             in
             sin
             ,
             what
             marvel
             is
             it
             if
             he
             be
             afraid
             ,
             both
             of
             death
             and
             judgment
             ?
             Yet
             it
             is
             good
             ,
             although
             love
             be
             not
             yet
             of
             force
             to
             withhold
             thee
             from
             sin
             ,
             that
             at
             least
             the
             fear
             of
             hell
             should
             restrain
             thee
             .
             But
             he
             that
             layeth
             aside
             the
             fear
             of
             God
             ,
             can
             never
             continue
             long
             in
             good
             estate
             ,
             but
             falleth
             quickly
             into
             the
             snares
             of
             the
             Devil
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXV
             .
             Of
             the
             zealous
             amendment
             of
             our
             whole
             life
             .
          
           
             BE
             watchful
             and
             diligent
             in
             the
             service
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             often
             bethink
             thy self
             wherefore
             thou
             camest
             hither
             ,
             and
             why
             thou
             hast
             left
             the
             world
             .
             Was
             it
             not
             that
             thou
             mightest
             live
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             become
             a
             spiritual
             Man
             ?
             Be
             fervent
             then
             to
             come
             
             forward
             ,
             for
             shortly
             thou
             shalt
             receive
             a
             reward
             of
             thy
             Labors
             ;
             there
             shall
             not
             be
             then
             any
             fear
             of
             sorrow
             in
             thy
             coasts
             .
             Labor
             but
             now
             a
             little
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             find
             great
             rest
             ,
             yea
             perpetual
             joy
             
               to
               thy
               soul.
            
             If
             thou
             continuest
             faithful
             and
             fervent
             in
             doing
             good
             ,
             no
             doubt
             but
             God
             will
             be
             faithful
             and
             liberal
             in
             rewarding
             thee
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             to
             have
             a
             good
             hope
             for
             getting
             the
             victory
             ;
             but
             thou
             must
             not
             be
             secure
             lest
             thou
             wax
             either
             negligent
             or
             proud
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             When
             one
             that
             was
             in
             great
             anxiety
             of
             mind
             ,
             often
             wavering
             between
             fear
             and
             hope
             ,
             did
             once
             ,
             being
             oppressed
             with
             grief
             ,
             humbly
             prostrate
             himself
             in
             a
             Church
             in
             prayer
             ,
             and
             said
             within
             himself
             ,
             
               O
               ,
               if
               I
               knew
               that
               I
               should
               yet
               persevere
               !
            
             he
             presently
             heard
             within
             him
             an
             answer
             from
             God
             ,
             which
             said
             ,
             
               What
               if
               thou
               didst
               know
               it
               ,
               what
               wouldest
               thou
               do
               ?
               Do
               now
               what
               thou
               wouldest
               do
               then
               ,
               and
               thou
               shalt
               be
               secure
               .
            
             And
             being
             herewith
             comforted
             and
             strengthened
             ,
             he
             committed
             himself
             wholly
             to
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             noysome
             anxiety
             ceased
             ;
             neither
             had
             he
             any
             mind
             to
             search
             curiously
             any
             further
             ,
             to
             know
             what
             should
             befal
             him
             ;
             but
             rather
             labored
             to
             understand
             what
             was
             the
             perfect
             and
             acceptable
             will
             
             of
             God
             for
             the
             beginning
             and
             accomplishing
             of
             every
             good
             work
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Hope
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             do
             good
             ,
             saith
             the
             Prophet
             ,
             and
             inhabit
             the
             land
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             be
             fed
             in
             the
             riches
             thereof
             .
             One
             thing
             there
             is
             that
             draweth
             many
             back
             from
             a
             spiritual
             progress
             ,
             and
             the
             diligent
             amendment
             of
             their
             lives
             ;
             viz.
             The
             horror
             of
             the
             difficulty
             ,
             or
             the
             labor
             of
             the
             combat
             .
             But
             they
             above
             others
             improve
             most
             in
             virtue
             ,
             that
             endeavor
             most
             to
             overcome
             those
             things
             which
             are
             grievous
             and
             contrary
             unto
             them
             .
             For
             there
             a
             Man
             improveth
             more
             and
             obtaineth
             greater
             grace
             ,
             where
             he
             more
             overcometh
             himself
             and
             mortifieth
             himself
             in
             spirit
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             But
             all
             Men
             have
             not
             alike
             ,
             to
             overcome
             and
             mortifie
             ;
             yet
             he
             that
             is
             zealous
             and
             diligent
             ,
             though
             he
             have
             more
             passions
             ,
             shall
             profit
             more
             in
             virtue
             ,
             than
             another
             that
             is
             of
             a
             more
             temperate
             disposition
             ,
             if
             he
             be
             less
             fervent
             in
             the
             pursuit
             of
             virtue
             .
             Two
             things
             especially
             much
             further
             our
             amendment
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             to
             withdraw
             our selves
             violently
             from
             that
             to
             which
             nature
             is
             viciously
             inclined
             ,
             and
             to
             labor
             earnestly
             for
             that
             virtue
             which
             we
             most
             want
             .
             Be
             careful
             also
             to
             avoid
             with
             great
             diligence
             
             those
             things
             in
             thy self
             ,
             which
             do
             commonly
             displease
             thee
             in
             others
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Gather
             some
             profit
             to
             thy
             soul
             wheresoever
             thou
             be
             ;
             so
             as
             if
             thou
             seest
             or
             hearest
             of
             any
             good
             examples
             ,
             stir
             up
             thy self
             to
             the
             imitation
             thereof
             .
             But
             if
             thou
             seest
             any
             thing
             worthy
             of
             reproof
             ,
             beware
             thou
             do
             not
             the
             same
             .
             And
             if
             at
             any
             time
             thou
             hast
             done
             it
             ,
             labor
             quickly
             to
             amend
             it
             .
             As
             thine
             eye
             observeth
             others
             ,
             so
             art
             thou
             also
             noted
             again
             by
             others
             .
             O
             how
             sweet
             and
             pleasant
             a
             thing
             it
             is
             ,
             to
             see
             the
             Servants
             of
             Christ
             fervent
             and
             devout
             ,
             endued
             with
             virtuous
             and
             decent
             manners
             !
             And
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             How
             pitiful
             and
             grievous
             a
             thing
             it
             is
             ,
             to
             see
             them
             that
             live
             in
             a
             dissolute
             and
             disordered
             sort
             ,
             not
             applying
             themselves
             to
             that
             for
             which
             they
             are
             called
             !
             O
             how
             hurtful
             a
             thing
             it
             is
             ,
             to
             neglect
             the
             good
             purposes
             of
             their
             vocation
             ,
             and
             to
             busie
             themselves
             in
             that
             which
             is
             not
             committed
             to
             their
             care
             !
          
           
             6.
             
             Be
             mindful
             of
             the
             profession
             thou
             hast
             made
             ,
             and
             have
             always
             before
             the
             eyes
             of
             thy
             soul
             the
             remembrance
             of
             thy
             Saviour
             crucified
             .
             Thou
             hast
             good
             cause
             to
             be
             ashamed
             looking
             upon
             the
             life
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             seeing
             thou
             hast
             as
             yet
             no
             more
             endeavored
             
             to
             conform
             thy self
             unto
             him
             ,
             though
             thou
             hast
             walked
             a
             long
             time
             in
             the
             way
             of
             God.
             A
             religious
             person
             that
             exerciseth
             himself
             seriously
             ,
             and
             devoutly
             in
             the
             most
             holy
             life
             and
             passion
             of
             our
             Lord
             ,
             shall
             there
             abundantly
             find
             whatsoever
             is
             necessary
             and
             profitable
             for
             him
             ;
             neither
             shall
             he
             need
             to
             seek
             any
             better
             thing
             ,
             out
             of
             Jesus
             .
             O
             ,
             if
             Jesus
             crucified
             would
             come
             into
             our
             hearts
             ,
             how
             quickly
             and
             fully
             should
             we
             be
             instructed
             
               in
               all
               truth
            
             ?
          
           
             7.
             
             A
             fervent
             religious
             person
             taketh
             and
             beareth
             all
             well
             that
             is
             commanded
             him
             ;
             but
             he
             that
             is
             negligent
             and
             cold
             ,
             hath
             tribulation
             upon
             tribulation
             ,
             and
             on
             all
             sides
             is
             afflicted
             ;
             for
             he
             is
             void
             of
             inward
             consolation
             ,
             and
             is
             forbidden
             to
             seek
             eternal
             comforts
             .
             A
             religious
             person
             that
             liveth
             not
             according
             to
             discipline
             ,
             lies
             open
             to
             great
             mischief
             to
             the
             ruine
             of
             his
             soul.
             He
             that
             seeketh
             liberty
             and
             ease
             ,
             shall
             ever
             live
             in
             disquiet
             ;
             for
             one
             thing
             or
             other
             will
             displease
             him
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             O
             that
             we
             had
             nothing
             elso
             to
             do
             ,
             but
             always
             with
             our
             mouth
             ,
             and
             whole
             heart
             to
             praise
             our
             Lord
             God!
             O
             that
             thou
             mightest
             never
             have
             need
             to
             eat
             ,
             nor
             drink
             ,
             nor
             sleep
             ;
             but
             mightest
             always
             praise
             God
             ,
             
             and
             only
             employ
             thy self
             in
             spiritual
             exercises
             ;
             thou
             shouldest
             then
             be
             much
             more
             happy
             than
             now
             thou
             art
             ,
             when
             for
             so
             many
             necessities
             thou
             art
             constrained
             to
             serve
             thy
             body
             .
             Would
             God
             these
             necessities
             were
             not
             at
             all
             ,
             but
             only
             the
             spiritual
             refections
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             which
             ,
             alas
             ,
             we
             taste
             of
             too
             seldom
             .
          
           
             9.
             
             When
             a
             Man
             cometh
             to
             that
             estate
             ,
             rhat
             he
             seeketh
             not
             his
             comfort
             from
             any
             creature
             ,
             then
             doth
             he
             begin
             perfectly
             to
             relish
             God.
             Then
             shall
             he
             be
             contented
             with
             whatsoever
             doth
             befal
             him
             in
             this
             world
             .
             Then
             shall
             he
             neither
             rejoyce
             in
             great
             matters
             ,
             nor
             be
             sorrowful
             for
             small
             ;
             but
             entirely
             and
             confidently
             commit
             himself
             to
             God
             ,
             who
             shall
             be
             unto
             him
             all
             in
             all
             ;
             to
             whom
             ,
             nothing
             doth
             perish
             ,
             nor
             die
             ,
             but
             all
             things
             do
             live
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             serve
             him
             at
             a
             beck
             without
             delay
             .
          
           
             10.
             
             Remember
             always
             thy
             end
             ,
             and
             how
             that
             time
             lost
             never
             returns
             .
             Without
             care
             and
             diligence
             thou
             shalt
             never
             get
             virtue
             .
             If
             thou
             beginnest
             to
             wax
             cold
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             evil
             with
             thee
             ;
             but
             if
             thou
             give
             thy self
             to
             fervor
             
               of
               spirit
            
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             find
             much
             peace
             ,
             and
             feel
             less
             labor
             ,
             through
             the
             assistance
             of
             Gods
             grace
             ,
             and
             love
             of
             
             virtue
             .
             The
             fervent
             and
             diligent
             Man
             is
             prepared
             for
             all
             things
             .
             It
             is
             harder
             to
             resist
             vices
             and
             passions
             ,
             than
             to
             toil
             in
             bodily
             labors
             .
             He
             that
             avoideth
             not
             small
             faults
             ,
             by
             little
             and
             little
             falleth
             into
             greater
             .
             Thou
             wilt
             always
             rejoyce
             in
             the
             evening
             ,
             if
             thou
             spend
             the
             day
             profitably
             .
             Be
             watchful
             over
             thy self
             ,
             stir
             up
             thy self
             ,
             warn
             thy self
             ,
             and
             whatsoever
             becomes
             of
             others
             neglect
             not
             thy self
             .
             The
             more
             holy
             violence
             thou
             usest
             against
             thy self
             ,
             the
             more
             shall
             be
             thy
             spiritual
             profiting
             .
          
        
         
           Amen
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           THE
           SECOND
           BOOK
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             Of
             the
             inward
             Life
             .
          
           
             
               THE
               Kingdom
               of
               God
               is
               within
               you
               ,
            
             saith
             the
             Lord.
             Turn
             thee
             with
             thy
             whole
             heart
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             forsake
             this
             wretched
             World
             ,
             and
             thy
             Soul
             shall
             find
             rest
             .
             Learn
             to
             despise
             exteriour
             things
             ,
             and
             to
             give
             thy self
             to
             the
             interior
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             perceive
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             to
             come
             into
             thee
             .
             
               For
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               God
               is
               peace
               ,
               and
               joy
               in
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
            
             which
             is
             not
             given
             to
             the
             wicked
             .
             Christ
             will
             come
             into
             thee
             ,
             and
             shew
             thee
             his
             consolations
             ,
             if
             thou
             prepare
             for
             him
             a
             worthy
             mansion
             within
             thee
             .
             All
             his
             
             glory
             and
             beauty
             is
             within
             ,
             and
             there
             he
             pleaseth
             himself
             .
             The
             inward
             man
             he
             often
             visits
             ;
             and
             hath
             with
             him
             sweet
             discourses
             ,
             pleasant
             solace
             ,
             much
             peace
             ,
             wonderful
             familiarity
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             O
             faithful
             Soul
             ,
             make
             ready
             thy
             heart
             for
             this
             Bridegroom
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             vouchsafe
             to
             come
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             dwell
             within
             thee
             .
             For
             he
             saith
             ,
             
               If
               any
               love
               me
               ,
               he
               will
               keep
               my
               words
               ,
               and
               we
               will
               come
               unto
               him
               ,
               and
               will
               make
               our
               abode
               with
               him
               .
            
             Give
             therefore
             admittance
             unto
             Christ
             ,
             and
             deny
             entrance
             to
             all
             others
             .
             When
             thou
             hast
             Christ
             ,
             thou
             art
             Rich
             ,
             and
             he
             will
             suffice
             thee
             .
             He
             will
             be
             thy
             faithful
             and
             provident
             helper
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             so
             as
             thou
             shalt
             not
             need
             to
             trust
             in
             men
             .
             For
             men
             are
             soon
             changed
             ,
             and
             quickly
             fail
             ,
             but
             Christ
             remaineth
             for
             ever
             ,
             and
             standeth
             firmly
             unto
             the
             end
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             There
             is
             little
             trust
             to
             be
             put
             in
             frail
             and
             mortal
             man
             ,
             though
             he
             be
             profitable
             and
             dear
             unto
             thee
             :
             neither
             oughtest
             thou
             much
             to
             be
             grieved
             ,
             if
             sometimes
             he
             cross
             and
             contradict
             thee
             .
             They
             that
             to
             day
             take
             thy
             part
             ,
             to
             morrow
             may
             be
             against
             thee
             ,
             and
             so
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             they
             often
             turn
             like
             unto
             the
             wind
             .
             Put
             all
             thy
             trust
             
             in
             God
             ,
             let
             him
             be
             thy
             fear
             ,
             and
             thy
             love
             :
             He
             will
             answer
             for
             thee
             ,
             and
             do
             in
             all
             things
             what
             is
             best
             .
             Thou
             hast
             not
             here
             an
             abiding
             City
             ;
             and
             wheresoever
             thou
             be
             ,
             thou
             art
             a
             stranger
             and
             pilgrim
             :
             Neither
             shalt
             thou
             ever
             have
             rest
             ,
             unless
             thou
             be
             most
             inwardly
             united
             unto
             Christ.
             
          
           
             4.
             
             Why
             dost
             thou
             here
             gaze
             about
             ,
             since
             this
             is
             not
             the
             place
             of
             thy
             rest
             ?
             In
             Heaven
             ought
             to
             be
             thy
             dwelling
             ,
             and
             all
             Earthly
             things
             are
             to
             be
             lookt
             upon
             as
             it
             were
             by
             the
             way
             .
             All
             things
             pass
             away
             ,
             and
             thou
             together
             with
             them
             .
             Beware
             thou
             cleave
             not
             unto
             them
             ,
             lest
             thou
             be
             entangled
             ,
             and
             so
             dost
             perish
             .
             Let
             thy
             thought
             be
             on
             the
             Highest
             ,
             and
             thy
             prayer
             directed
             unto
             Christ
             without
             ceasing
             .
             If
             thou
             canst
             not
             contemplate
             high
             and
             heavenly
             things
             ,
             rest
             thy self
             in
             the
             passion
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             dwell
             willingly
             in
             his
             Holy
             wounds
             .
             For
             if
             thou
             fly
             devoutly
             unto
             the
             wounds
             and
             precious
             marks
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             feel
             great
             comfort
             in
             tribulation
             :
             Neither
             wilt
             thou
             much
             care
             for
             being
             despised
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             wilt
             easily
             bear
             words
             of
             detraction
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Christ
             was
             also
             in
             the
             World
             despised
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             in
             greatest
             necessity
             ;
             forsaken
             by
             his
             acquaintance
             and
             Friends
             in
             
             the
             midst
             of
             slanders
             .
             Christ
             would
             suffer
             and
             be
             despised
             ;
             and
             darest
             thou
             complain
             of
             any
             ?
             Christ
             had
             Adversaries
             and
             Backbiters
             ;
             and
             wilt
             thou
             have
             all
             men
             thy
             Friends
             and
             Benefactors
             ?
             For
             what
             shall
             thy
             patience
             be
             crowned
             ,
             if
             no
             adversity
             happen
             unto
             thee
             ?
             If
             thou
             wilt
             suffer
             no
             adversity
             ,
             how
             wilt
             thou
             be
             the
             Friend
             of
             Christ
             ?
             Suffer
             with
             Christ
             and
             for
             Christ
             ,
             if
             thou
             desire
             to
             Reign
             with
             Christ.
             
          
           
             6.
             
             If
             thou
             hadst
             but
             once
             perfectly
             entred
             into
             the
             secrets
             of
             Jesus
             ,
             and
             tasted
             a
             little
             of
             his
             ardent
             affection
             ;
             then
             wouldst
             thou
             not
             weigh
             thine
             own
             commodity
             or
             discommodity
             ,
             but
             wouldst
             rather
             rejoyce
             at
             slanders
             ,
             when
             they
             should
             chance
             to
             be
             cast
             upon
             thee
             :
             For
             the
             love
             of
             Jesus
             maketh
             a
             man
             to
             despise
             himself
             .
             A
             lover
             of
             Jesus
             and
             of
             the
             Truth
             ,
             and
             a
             true
             inward
             Christian
             ,
             and
             one
             free
             from
             inordinate
             affections
             ,
             can
             freely
             turn
             himself
             unto
             God
             ,
             and
             lift
             himself
             above
             himself
             in
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             greatest
             enjoyment
             of
             his
             Soul
             rest
             in
             God.
             
          
           
             7.
             
             He
             that
             judgeth
             of
             all
             things
             as
             they
             are
             ,
             and
             not
             as
             they
             are
             said
             and
             esteemed
             to
             be
             ,
             is
             truly
             wise
             ,
             and
             taught
             rather
             by
             God
             than
             men
             .
             He
             that
             can
             live
             inwardly
             ,
             
             and
             make
             small
             reckoning
             of
             outward
             things
             ,
             neither
             requireth
             places
             ,
             nor
             attendeth
             times
             ,
             for
             performing
             of
             Religious
             exercises
             .
             A
             Spiritual
             man
             quickly
             recollecteth
             himself
             because
             he
             never
             poureth
             out
             himself
             wholly
             to
             outward
             things
             .
             He
             is
             not
             hindred
             by
             outward
             labor
             or
             business
             ,
             which
             may
             be
             necessary
             for
             the
             time
             :
             But
             as
             things
             fall
             out
             ,
             so
             he
             frameth
             himself
             unto
             them
             .
             He
             that
             hath
             well
             ordered
             and
             disposed
             all
             things
             within
             ,
             careth
             not
             for
             the
             strange
             and
             perverse
             carriages
             of
             men
             .
             So
             much
             is
             a
             man
             hindred
             and
             distracted
             ,
             by
             how
             much
             he
             draweth
             external
             matters
             unto
             himself
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             If
             all
             went
             well
             with
             thee
             ,
             and
             if
             thou
             wert
             all
             purged
             ,
             all
             things
             would
             fall
             out
             to
             thy
             good
             and
             advantage
             .
             But
             many
             things
             displease
             and
             often
             trouble
             thee
             ,
             because
             thou
             art
             not
             yet
             perfectly
             dead
             unto
             thy self
             ,
             nor
             separated
             from
             all
             earthly
             things
             .
             Nothing
             so
             defileth
             and
             intangleth
             the
             heart
             of
             man
             ,
             as
             the
             impure
             love
             to
             Creatures
             .
             If
             thou
             refuse
             outward
             comfort
             ,
             thou
             wilt
             be
             able
             to
             contemplate
             the
             things
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             often
             receive
             internal
             joy
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             Of
             humble
             submission
             .
          
           
             REspect
             not
             much
             who
             is
             with
             thee
             ,
             or
             who
             is
             against
             thee
             :
             But
             endeavor
             and
             take
             care
             that
             God
             may
             be
             with
             thee
             in
             every
             thing
             thou
             doest
             .
             Have
             a
             good
             Conscience
             ,
             and
             God
             will
             defend
             thee
             .
             For
             whom
             God
             will
             help
             ,
             no
             malice
             of
             man
             can
             hurt
             .
             If
             thou
             canst
             hold
             thy
             peace
             and
             suffer
             ,
             without
             doubt
             thou
             shalt
             see
             that
             our
             Lord
             will
             help
             thee
             .
             He
             knoweth
             the
             time
             and
             manner
             how
             to
             deliver
             thee
             ,
             and
             therefore
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             resign
             thy self
             unto
             him
             .
             It
             belongs
             to
             God
             to
             help
             ,
             and
             to
             deliver
             from
             all
             shame
             .
             Oftentimes
             it
             is
             very
             profitable
             for
             the
             keeping
             us
             more
             humble
             ,
             that
             others
             know
             and
             reprehend
             our
             faults
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             When
             a
             man
             humbleth
             himself
             for
             his
             faults
             ,
             then
             he
             easily
             pacifieth
             others
             ,
             and
             quickly
             satisfieth
             those
             that
             are
             offended
             with
             him
             .
             God
             protecteth
             and
             delivereth
             the
             humble
             ;
             he
             loveth
             and
             comforteth
             the
             humble
             ,
             unto
             the
             humble
             man
             he
             enclineth
             himself
             ;
             unto
             the
             humble
             he
             
             giveth
             great
             Grace
             ;
             and
             after
             his
             humiliation
             he
             raiseth
             him
             unto
             Glory
             .
             Unto
             the
             humble
             he
             revealeth
             his
             secrets
             ,
             and
             sweetly
             draweth
             and
             inviteth
             him
             unto
             himself
             .
             The
             humble
             person
             though
             he
             suffer
             shame
             ,
             is
             yet
             in
             peace
             ;
             for
             that
             he
             resteth
             in
             God
             ,
             and
             not
             in
             the
             World.
             Do
             not
             think
             that
             thou
             hast
             profited
             any
             thing
             ,
             unless
             thou
             esteem
             thy self
             inferior
             to
             all
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             Of
             a
             good
             and
             peaceable
             Man.
             
          
           
             FIrst
             ,
             keep
             thy self
             in
             peace
             ,
             and
             then
             mayst
             thou
             pacifie
             others
             .
             A
             peaceable
             man
             doth
             more
             good
             than
             he
             that
             is
             well
             Learned
             .
             A
             passionate
             man
             turneth
             even
             good
             into
             evil
             ,
             and
             easily
             believeth
             the
             worst
             .
             A
             good
             peaceable
             man
             turneth
             all
             things
             into
             good
             .
             He
             that
             is
             well
             in
             peace
             ,
             is
             not
             suspicious
             of
             any
             .
             But
             he
             that
             is
             discontented
             and
             troubled
             ,
             is
             tossed
             with
             divers
             suspicions
             :
             He
             is
             neither
             quiet
             himself
             ,
             nor
             suffereth
             others
             to
             be
             quiet
             .
             He
             often
             speaketh
             that
             which
             he
             ought
             not
             to
             speak
             ;
             and
             omitteth
             that
             which
             were
             
             more
             expedient
             for
             him
             to
             do
             .
             He
             considereth
             what
             others
             are
             bound
             to
             do
             ,
             and
             neglecteth
             that
             which
             he
             is
             bound
             to
             himself
             .
             First
             therefore
             have
             a
             careful
             zeal
             over
             thy self
             ,
             and
             then
             thou
             mayst
             justly
             shew
             thy self
             zealous
             also
             of
             thy
             neighbors
             good
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Thou
             knowest
             well
             how
             to
             excuse
             and
             colour
             thine
             own
             deeds
             ,
             and
             thou
             wilt
             not
             receive
             the
             excuses
             of
             others
             .
             It
             were
             more
             meet
             that
             thou
             didst
             accuse
             thy self
             ,
             and
             excusest
             thy
             Brother
             .
             If
             thou
             wilt
             be
             born
             withal
             ,
             bear
             also
             with
             another
             .
             Behold
             how
             far
             off
             thou
             art
             yet
             from
             true
             charity
             and
             humility
             ,
             which
             knoweth
             not
             how
             to
             be
             angry
             with
             any
             ,
             or
             to
             be
             moved
             with
             indignation
             ,
             but
             only
             against
             himself
             .
             It
             is
             no
             great
             matter
             to
             converse
             with
             the
             good
             ,
             and
             those
             that
             are
             of
             a
             gentle
             disposition
             ;
             for
             that
             is
             naturally
             pleasing
             to
             all
             ,
             and
             every
             one
             willingly
             enjoyeth
             peace
             ,
             and
             loveth
             those
             best
             that
             agree
             with
             him
             .
             But
             to
             be
             able
             to
             live
             peaceably
             with
             unquiet
             ,
             and
             perverse
             men
             ,
             or
             with
             the
             disorderly
             ,
             or
             such
             as
             contradict
             us
             ,
             is
             a
             great
             grace
             ,
             and
             a
             very
             commendable
             and
             manly
             deed
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Some
             there
             are
             that
             keep
             themselves
             
             in
             peace
             ,
             and
             are
             in
             peace
             also
             with
             others
             .
             And
             there
             are
             some
             that
             neither
             are
             in
             peace
             themselves
             ,
             nor
             suffer
             others
             to
             be
             in
             peace
             .
             Some
             there
             are
             who
             are
             troublesome
             to
             others
             ,
             but
             always
             more
             troublesome
             to
             themselves
             .
             And
             others
             there
             are
             that
             keep
             themselves
             in
             peace
             ,
             and
             labor
             to
             bring
             others
             unto
             peace
             .
             Our
             whole
             peace
             in
             this
             miserable
             life
             consisteth
             rather
             in
             humble
             suffering
             ,
             than
             in
             not
             feeling
             adversities
             .
             He
             that
             can
             best
             tell
             how
             to
             suffer
             ,
             will
             best
             keep
             himself
             in
             peace
             .
             He
             is
             a
             conqueror
             of
             himself
             ,
             a
             Lord
             of
             the
             world
             a
             friend
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             heir
             of
             Heaven
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             Of
             a
             pure
             mind
             ,
             and
             upright
             intention
             .
          
           
             WIth
             Two
             wings
             ,
             Man
             is
             lifted
             up
             from
             earthly
             vanities
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             with
             simplicity
             and
             purity
             .
             Simplicity
             ought
             to
             be
             in
             our
             intention
             :
             Purity
             in
             our
             affection
             .
             Simplicity
             doth
             intend
             God
             ;
             Purity
             doth
             apprehend
             and
             take
             him
             .
             No
             good
             action
             will
             hinder
             thee
             ,
             if
             thou
             be
             inwardly
             free
             from
             all
             inordinate
             affection
             .
             If
             
             thou
             intend
             and
             seek
             nothing
             else
             but
             the
             will
             of
             God
             and
             the
             good
             of
             thy
             neighbor
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             enjoy
             internal
             liberty
             .
             If
             thy
             heart
             were
             sincere
             and
             upright
             ,
             then
             every
             creature
             would
             be
             unto
             thee
             a
             looking
             glass
             of
             life
             ,
             and
             a
             book
             of
             holy
             doctrine
             .
             There
             is
             no
             creature
             so
             little
             and
             abject
             that
             representeth
             not
             the
             goodness
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             If
             thou
             wert
             inwardly
             good
             and
             pure
             ,
             then
             thou
             wouldest
             be
             well
             able
             to
             see
             and
             understand
             all
             things
             without
             any
             impediment
             .
             A
             pure
             heart
             penetrateth
             Heaven
             and
             Hell.
             Such
             as
             every
             one
             is
             inwardly
             ,
             so
             he
             judgeth
             outwardly
             .
             If
             there
             be
             joy
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             surely
             a
             Man
             of
             a
             pure
             heart
             possesseth
             it
             .
             And
             if
             there
             be
             any
             where
             tribulation
             and
             affliction
             ,
             an
             evil
             conscience
             best
             feels
             it
             .
             As
             Iron
             put
             into
             the
             fire
             loseth
             its
             rust
             ,
             and
             becometh
             all
             bright
             like
             fire
             ,
             so
             he
             that
             wholly
             turneth
             himself
             unto
             God
             ,
             is
             purged
             from
             all
             
               fulness
               and
            
             slothfulness
             ,
             and
             is
             changed
             into
             a
             new
             Man.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             When
             one
             beginneth
             to
             wax
             cold
             ,
             then
             he
             is
             afraid
             of
             a
             small
             labor
             ,
             and
             willingly
             receiveth
             external
             comfort
             .
             But
             when
             he
             once
             beginneth
             to
             overcome
             himself
             perfectly
             ,
             and
             to
             walk
             manfully
             in
             the
             
             way
             of
             God
             ;
             then
             he
             esteemeth
             those
             things
             to
             be
             light
             ,
             which
             before
             seemed
             grievous
             unto
             him
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             V
             Of
             the
             consideration
             of
             ones
             self
             .
          
           
             WE
             cannot
             trust
             much
             to
             our selves
             ,
             for
             that
             grace
             oftentimes
             and
             understanding
             is
             wanting
             .
             There
             is
             but
             little
             light
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             we
             have
             we
             quickly
             lose
             by
             our
             negligence
             ,
             and
             oftentimes
             we
             do
             not
             perceive
             our
             own
             inward
             blindness
             .
             We
             often
             do
             evil
             ,
             and
             excuse
             it
             worse
             .
             We
             are
             sometimes
             moved
             with
             passion
             ,
             and
             we
             think
             it
             to
             be
             Zeal
             .
             We
             reprehend
             small
             things
             in
             others
             ,
             and
             pass
             over
             greater
             matters
             in
             our selves
             .
             We
             quickly
             feel
             and
             weigh
             what
             we
             suffer
             at
             the
             hands
             of
             others
             ;
             but
             we
             mind
             not
             what
             others
             suffer
             from
             us
             .
             He
             that
             doth
             well
             and
             rightly
             considers
             his
             own
             works
             ,
             will
             find
             little
             cause
             to
             judg
             hardly
             of
             another
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             inward
             Christian
             preferreth
             the
             care
             of
             himself
             before
             all
             other
             cares
             .
             And
             
             he
             that
             diligently
             attendeth
             unto
             himself
             ,
             doth
             seldom
             speak
             much
             of
             others
             .
             Thou
             wilt
             never
             be
             so
             inwardly
             religious
             ,
             unless
             thou
             pass
             over
             other
             Mens
             matters
             with
             silence
             ,
             and
             look
             especially
             to
             thy self
             .
             If
             thou
             attend
             wholly
             unto
             God
             and
             thy self
             ,
             thou
             wilt
             be
             little
             moved
             with
             whatsoever
             thou
             seest
             abroad
             .
             Where
             art
             thou
             ,
             when
             thou
             art
             not
             with
             thy self
             ?
             And
             when
             thou
             hast
             run
             over
             all
             ,
             what
             hast
             thou
             then
             profited
             ,
             if
             thou
             hast
             neglected
             thy self
             ?
             If
             thou
             desirest
             peace
             of
             mind
             and
             true
             union
             ,
             thou
             must
             put
             all
             things
             behind
             thee
             ,
             and
             look
             only
             upon
             thy self
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Thou
             shalt
             therefore
             profit
             much
             ,
             if
             thou
             keep
             thy self
             free
             from
             all
             temporal
             cares
             .
             Thou
             shalt
             greatly
             decrease
             ,
             if
             thou
             esteem
             any
             thing
             of
             this
             world
             .
             Let
             nothing
             be
             greater
             unto
             thee
             ,
             nothing
             acceptable
             ,
             but
             only
             God
             himself
             ,
             or
             that
             which
             is
             of
             God.
             Esteem
             all
             comfort
             vain
             which
             thou
             receivest
             from
             any
             creature
             .
             A
             soul
             that
             loveth
             God
             ,
             despiseth
             all
             things
             that
             be
             inferior
             unto
             God.
             God
             alone
             is
             everlasting
             ,
             and
             of
             infinite
             greatness
             ,
             filling
             all
             creatures
             ;
             the
             souls
             solace
             ,
             and
             the
             true
             joy
             of
             the
             heart
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             VI.
             Of
             the
             joy
             of
             a
             good
             conscience
             .
          
           
             THe
             glory
             of
             a
             good
             Man
             ,
             is
             the
             testimony
             of
             a
             good
             conscience
             .
             Have
             a
             good
             conscience
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             ever
             have
             joy
             .
             A
             good
             conscience
             is
             able
             to
             bear
             very
             much
             ,
             and
             is
             very
             chearful
             in
             adversities
             .
             An
             evil
             conscience
             is
             always
             fearful
             and
             unquiet
             .
             Thou
             shalt
             rest
             sweetly
             ,
             if
             thy
             heart
             do
             not
             reprehend
             thee
             .
             Do
             thou
             never
             rejoyce
             ,
             but
             when
             thou
             hast
             done
             well
             .
             Sinners
             have
             never
             true
             mirth
             ,
             nor
             feel
             inward
             peace
             ;
             because
             
               there
               is
               no
               peace
               to
               the
               wicked
               ,
            
             saith
             the
             Lord.
             And
             if
             they
             should
             say
             ,
             We
             are
             in
             peace
             ,
             no
             evil
             shall
             fall
             upon
             us
             ,
             and
             who
             shall
             dare
             to
             hurt
             us
             ?
             Believe
             them
             not
             ;
             for
             upon
             a
             sudden
             will
             arise
             the
             wrath
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             their
             deeds
             shall
             be
             brought
             to
             nought
             ,
             and
             their
             thoughts
             shall
             perish
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             To
             glory
             in
             tribulation
             is
             no
             hard
             thing
             for
             him
             that
             loveth
             ;
             for
             to
             glory
             so
             ,
             is
             to
             glory
             in
             the
             Cross
             of
             our
             Lord.
             That
             glory
             is
             short
             ,
             which
             is
             given
             and
             received
             from
             Men.
             Sorrow
             always
             accompanieth
             
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             world
             .
             The
             glory
             of
             the
             good
             is
             in
             their
             consciences
             ,
             and
             not
             in
             the
             tongues
             of
             Men.
             The
             gladness
             of
             the
             just
             is
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             in
             God
             ;
             and
             their
             joy
             is
             of
             the
             truth
             .
             He
             that
             desireth
             true
             and
             everlasting
             glory
             ,
             careth
             not
             for
             that
             which
             passeth
             away
             with
             time
             .
             And
             he
             that
             seeketh
             temporal
             glory
             ,
             or
             contemneth
             it
             not
             from
             his
             heart
             ;
             sheweth
             himself
             but
             little
             to
             esteem
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             Heaven
             .
             He
             enjoyeth
             great
             tranquility
             and
             peace
             of
             mind
             ,
             that
             careth
             neither
             for
             the
             praises
             ,
             nor
             dispraises
             of
             Men.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             He
             will
             easily
             be
             content
             and
             pacified
             ,
             whose
             conscience
             is
             pure
             .
             He
             is
             not
             the
             more
             holy
             ,
             though
             thou
             commend
             him
             ;
             nor
             the
             more
             abject
             ,
             though
             thou
             dispraise
             him
             .
             What
             thou
             art
             ,
             that
             thou
             art
             ;
             neither
             canst
             thou
             be
             said
             to
             be
             greater
             ,
             than
             what
             thou
             art
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             God.
             If
             thou
             consider
             what
             thou
             art
             within
             thee
             ,
             thou
             wilt
             not
             care
             what
             Men
             say
             of
             thee
             .
             Man
             seeth
             in
             the
             face
             ,
             but
             God
             looketh
             into
             the
             heart
             .
             Man
             considereth
             the
             deeds
             ,
             but
             God
             weigheth
             the
             intention
             .
             To
             do
             always
             well
             ,
             and
             to
             esteem
             little
             of
             himself
             ,
             is
             a
             sign
             of
             an
             humble
             soul.
             To
             refuse
             to
             be
             comforted
             by
             any
             creature
             ,
             is
             a
             sign
             of
             great
             purity
             ,
             and
             inward
             confidence
             .
          
           
           
             4
             ,
             He
             that
             seeketh
             to
             witness
             for
             himself
             from
             without
             ,
             doth
             shew
             that
             he
             hath
             wholly
             committed
             himself
             unto
             God.
             
               For
               not
               he
               that
               commendeth
               himself
               ,
               the
               same
               is
               approved
            
             (
             saith
             blessed
             Paul
             )
             
               but
               whom
            
             God
             commendeth
             .
             To
             walk
             inwardly
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             be
             possessed
             with
             any
             outward
             affection
             ,
             is
             the
             state
             of
             a
             spiritual
             Man.
             
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VII
             .
             Of
             the
             love
             of
             Iesus
             above
             all
             things
             .
          
           
             BLessed
             is
             he
             that
             understandeth
             what
             it
             is
             to
             love
             Jesus
             ,
             and
             to
             despise
             himself
             for
             Jesus
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             to
             leave
             thy
             beloved
             ,
             for
             thy
             beloved
             ;
             for
             that
             Jesus
             will
             be
             beloved
             alone
             above
             all
             things
             .
             The
             love
             of
             things
             created
             is
             deceitful
             and
             unconstant
             ;
             the
             love
             of
             Jesus
             is
             faithful
             and
             constant
             .
             He
             that
             cleaveth
             unto
             creatures
             ,
             shall
             fall
             with
             that
             which
             is
             subject
             to
             fall
             ;
             He
             that
             embraceth
             Jesus
             ,
             shall
             stand
             firmly
             for
             ever
             .
             Love
             him
             ,
             and
             keep
             him
             for
             thy
             friend
             ,
             who
             when
             all
             go
             away
             ,
             will
             not
             forsake
             thee
             ,
             nor
             suffer
             thee
             to
             perish
             
             in
             the
             end
             .
             Thou
             must
             once
             be
             left
             of
             all
             ,
             whether
             thou
             wilt
             or
             no.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Keep
             close
             to
             Jesus
             both
             in
             life
             and
             death
             ,
             and
             commit
             thy self
             unto
             his
             trust
             ,
             who
             ,
             when
             all
             fail
             ,
             can
             alone
             help
             thee
             .
             Thy
             beloved
             is
             of
             that
             nature
             ,
             that
             he
             will
             not
             admit
             of
             a
             corrival
             ;
             but
             will
             have
             thy
             heart
             alone
             ,
             and
             sit
             like
             a
             King
             in
             his
             own
             throne
             .
             If
             thou
             couldest
             purge
             thy self
             perfectly
             of
             all
             creatures
             ,
             Jesus
             would
             willingly
             dwell
             with
             thee
             .
             Whatsoever
             thou
             reposest
             in
             Men
             ,
             out
             of
             Jesus
             ,
             is
             all
             no
             better
             than
             lost
             .
             Trust
             not
             nor
             rely
             upon
             a
             reed
             full
             of
             wind
             ;
             for
             that
             all
             flesh
             is
             grass
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             glory
             thereof
             shall
             wither
             away
             as
             the
             flower
             of
             the
             field
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Thou
             shalt
             quickly
             be
             deceived
             ,
             if
             thou
             look
             only
             to
             the
             outward
             shew
             of
             Men.
             And
             if
             in
             them
             thou
             seekest
             thy
             comfort
             and
             profit
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             often
             feel
             loss
             .
             If
             thou
             seekest
             Jesus
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             surely
             find
             Jesus
             .
             But
             if
             thou
             seekest
             thy self
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             also
             find
             thy self
             ,
             but
             to
             thine
             own
             harm
             .
             For
             Man
             doth
             more
             hurt
             himself
             if
             he
             seek
             not
             Jesus
             ,
             than
             the
             whole
             world
             and
             all
             his
             adversaries
             could
             annoy
             him
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             VIII
             .
             Of
             familiar
             conversation
             with
             Iesus
             .
          
           
             WHen
             Jesus
             is
             present
             ,
             all
             is
             well
             ,
             and
             nothing
             seemeth
             difficult
             ;
             but
             when
             Jesus
             is
             absent
             ,
             every
             thing
             is
             hard
             .
             When
             Jesus
             speaketh
             not
             inwardly
             unto
             us
             ,
             our
             comfort
             is
             nothing
             worth
             ;
             but
             if
             Jesus
             speak
             but
             one
             word
             ,
             we
             feel
             much
             consolation
             .
             Did
             not
             Mary
             presently
             rise
             from
             the
             place
             where
             she
             wept
             ,
             when
             Martha
             said
             unto
             her
             ,
             
               The
               Master
               is
               come
               ,
               and
               calleth
               for
               thee
               ?
            
             Happy
             is
             the
             hour
             when
             Jesus
             calleth
             from
             tears
             to
             spiritual
             Joy.
             How
             dry
             and
             hard
             art
             thou
             without
             Jesus
             !
             How
             foolish
             and
             vain
             ,
             if
             thou
             desire
             any
             thing
             out
             of
             Jesus
             !
             Is
             not
             this
             a
             greater
             loss
             ,
             than
             if
             thou
             shouldest
             lose
             the
             whole
             world
             ?
          
           
             2.
             
             What
             can
             the
             world
             profit
             thee
             without
             Jesus
             ?
             To
             be
             without
             Jesus
             is
             a
             grievous
             Hell
             ;
             and
             to
             be
             with
             Jesus
             is
             a
             sweet
             Paradise
             .
             If
             Jesus
             be
             with
             thee
             ,
             no
             enemy
             can
             hurt
             thee
             .
             He
             that
             findeth
             Jesus
             ,
             findeth
             a
             good
             treasure
             ,
             yea
             a
             good
             above
             all
             goods
             :
             And
             he
             that
             loseth
             Jesus
             ,
             loseth
             too
             
             much
             ,
             and
             more
             than
             the
             whole
             world
             .
             He
             is
             most
             poor
             that
             liveth
             without
             Jesus
             ;
             and
             he
             is
             most
             rich
             that
             is
             well
             with
             Jesus
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             It
             is
             a
             piece
             of
             great
             skill
             to
             know
             how
             to
             converse
             with
             Jesus
             ,
             and
             great
             wisdom
             to
             know
             how
             to
             keep
             Jesus
             .
             Be
             humble
             and
             peaceable
             ,
             and
             Jesus
             will
             be
             with
             thee
             .
             Be
             devout
             and
             quiet
             ,
             and
             Jesus
             will
             stay
             with
             thee
             .
             Thou
             mayest
             soon
             drive
             away
             Jesus
             and
             lose
             his
             grace
             ,
             if
             thou
             turn
             aside
             to
             outward
             things
             .
             And
             if
             thou
             shouldest
             drive
             him
             from
             thee
             ,
             and
             lose
             him
             ,
             unto
             whom
             wilt
             thou
             flie
             ,
             and
             what
             friends
             wilt
             thou
             then
             seek
             ?
             Without
             a
             friend
             thou
             canst
             not
             well
             live
             ;
             and
             if
             Jesus
             be
             not
             above
             all
             a
             friend
             unto
             thee
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             be
             too
             sorrowful
             and
             desolate
             .
             Thou
             doest
             therefore
             foolishly
             ,
             if
             thou
             doest
             trust
             or
             rejoyce
             in
             any
             other
             .
             It
             is
             better
             for
             thee
             to
             have
             all
             the
             world
             against
             thee
             ,
             than
             Jesus
             offended
             with
             thee
             .
             Amongst
             all
             things
             therefore
             that
             be
             dear
             unto
             thee
             ,
             let
             Jesus
             alone
             be
             thy
             chiefest
             beloved
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Love
             all
             for
             Jesus
             ,
             but
             Jesus
             for
             himself
             .
             Jesus
             Christ
             alone
             is
             singularly
             to
             be
             beloved
             ;
             who
             alone
             is
             found
             to
             be
             good
             and
             faithful
             above
             all
             friends
             .
             For
             him
             ,
             
             and
             in
             him
             ,
             let
             as
             well
             friends
             as
             foes
             be
             dear
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             all
             these
             are
             to
             be
             prayed
             for
             ,
             that
             all
             may
             know
             and
             love
             him
             .
             Never
             desire
             to
             be
             singularly
             commended
             or
             beloved
             ,
             for
             that
             appertaineth
             only
             unto
             God
             ,
             who
             hath
             none
             like
             unto
             himself
             .
             Neither
             do
             thou
             desire
             that
             the
             heart
             of
             any
             should
             be
             set
             on
             thee
             ,
             nor
             do
             thou
             set
             thy
             heart
             on
             the
             love
             of
             any
             ;
             but
             let
             Jesus
             be
             in
             thee
             ,
             and
             in
             every
             good
             Man
          
           
             5.
             
             Be
             pure
             and
             free
             within
             ,
             and
             intangle
             not
             thy
             heart
             with
             any
             creature
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             to
             be
             as
             it
             were
             naked
             ,
             and
             to
             carry
             a
             pure
             heart
             to
             God
             ,
             if
             thou
             wouldest
             be
             free
             to
             consider
             and
             see
             how
             sweet
             the
             Lord
             is
             .
             And
             truly
             ,
             unless
             thou
             be
             prevented
             and
             drawn
             by
             his
             grace
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             never
             attain
             to
             that
             happiness
             to
             forsake
             and
             cast
             off
             all
             ,
             that
             thou
             alone
             mayest
             be
             united
             to
             him
             alone
             .
             For
             when
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             cometh
             unto
             a
             Man
             ,
             then
             he
             is
             made
             able
             for
             all
             things
             .
             And
             when
             it
             goeth
             away
             ,
             he
             is
             poor
             and
             weak
             ,
             and
             as
             it
             were
             left
             only
             unto
             the
             lash
             and
             scourge
             of
             every
             adversary
             .
             In
             this
             thou
             oughtest
             not
             to
             be
             dejected
             ,
             nor
             despair
             ;
             but
             to
             resign
             thy self
             with
             all
             indifferency
             unto
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             bear
             all
             things
             that
             befal
             thee
             for
             the
             
             glory
             of
             Christ
             ;
             for
             after
             winter
             followeth
             summer
             ,
             after
             night
             cometh
             day
             ,
             and
             after
             a
             tempest
             ,
             fair
             weather
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IX
             .
             Of
             the
             want
             of
             all
             comfort
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             no
             hard
             matter
             to
             despise
             humane
             comfort
             ,
             when
             we
             have
             divine
             .
             It
             is
             much
             and
             very
             much
             ,
             to
             be
             able
             to
             want
             both
             humane
             and
             divine
             comfort
             ;
             and
             for
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             be
             willing
             to
             endure
             desolation
             of
             heart
             ;
             and
             to
             seek
             himself
             in
             nothing
             ,
             nor
             to
             regard
             his
             own
             merit
             .
             What
             great
             matter
             is
             it
             ,
             if
             thou
             be
             chearful
             and
             devout
             at
             the
             coming
             of
             grace
             ?
             This
             hour
             is
             wished
             for
             of
             all
             Men.
             He
             rideth
             easily
             enough
             whom
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             carrieth
             .
             And
             what
             marvel
             if
             he
             feel
             not
             his
             burden
             ,
             who
             is
             born
             up
             by
             the
             Almighty
             ,
             and
             led
             by
             the
             soveraign
             guide
             ?
          
           
             2.
             
             We
             are
             always
             willing
             to
             have
             something
             for
             our
             comfort
             ;
             and
             a
             Man
             doth
             hardly
             put
             off
             
               and
               forsake
            
             himself
             .
             The
             holy
             martyr
             St.
             Laurence
             overcame
             the
             world
             with
             his
             Prelates
             because
             he
             despised
             whatsoever
             
             seemed
             delightsom
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             patiently
             suffered
             Sixtus
             to
             be
             taken
             from
             him
             ,
             whom
             he
             most
             dearly
             loved
             .
             He
             overcame
             therefore
             the
             love
             of
             Man
             by
             the
             love
             of
             the
             Creator
             ;
             and
             he
             rather
             chose
             the
             divine
             good
             pleasure
             ,
             than
             humane
             comfort
             .
             See
             thou
             also
             learn
             to
             forsake
             some
             necessary
             thing
             ,
             and
             a
             beloved
             friend
             ,
             for
             the
             love
             of
             God.
             Be
             not
             grieved
             when
             thou
             art
             forsaken
             by
             a
             friend
             ,
             knowing
             that
             we
             all
             at
             length
             must
             be
             separated
             one
             from
             another
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             A
             Man
             must
             fight
             long
             ,
             and
             mightily
             with
             himself
             ,
             before
             he
             get
             the
             full
             victory
             over
             himself
             ,
             and
             be
             able
             to
             draw
             his
             whole
             heart
             in
             to
             God.
             When
             a
             Man
             trusteth
             in
             himself
             ,
             he
             easily
             slideth
             unto
             humane
             comforts
             ,
             but
             a
             true
             lover
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             a
             diligent
             follower
             of
             virtue
             ,
             betakes
             not
             himself
             to
             humane
             comforts
             ,
             nor
             seeketh
             such
             sensible
             sweetnesses
             ,
             but
             rather
             hard
             exercises
             ,
             and
             to
             sustain
             great
             labors
             for
             Christ.
             
          
           
             4.
             
             When
             therefore
             spiritual
             comfort
             is
             given
             thee
             from
             God
             ,
             receive
             it
             thankfully
             ;
             but
             know
             that
             it
             is
             the
             gift
             of
             God
             ,
             not
             any
             desert
             of
             thine
             .
             Be
             not
             puffed
             up
             ,
             joy
             not
             too
             much
             ,
             neither
             do
             thou
             presume
             
             vainly
             ;
             but
             be
             rather
             the
             more
             humble
             for
             that
             gift
             ,
             and
             more
             wary
             and
             sollicitous
             in
             all
             thine
             actions
             ;
             for
             that
             hour
             will
             pass
             away
             ,
             and
             temptation
             will
             succeed
             .
             When
             consolation
             is
             taken
             from
             thee
             ,
             despair
             not
             presently
             ;
             but
             with
             humility
             and
             patience
             wait
             for
             the
             Heavenly
             visitation
             ;
             for
             God
             is
             able
             again
             to
             give
             thee
             greater
             consolation
             .
             This
             is
             not
             new
             nor
             strange
             unto
             them
             that
             have
             experience
             in
             the
             way
             of
             God
             ;
             for
             the
             great
             Saints
             and
             ancient
             prophets
             had
             oftentimes
             experience
             of
             such
             kind
             of
             vicissitudes
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             For
             which
             cause
             one
             under
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             divine
             favor
             ,
             said
             ,
             
               I
               said
               in
               my
               prosperity
               ,
               I
               shall
               never
               be
               moved
               .
            
             But
             in
             the
             want
             of
             this
             ,
             he
             addeth
             what
             he
             found
             in
             himself
             ;
             saying
             ,
             
               thou
               turn'dst
               thy
               face
               from
               me
               ,
               and
               I
               became
               troubled
               .
            
             Yet
             doth
             he
             not
             despair
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             these
             changes
             ,
             but
             more
             earnestly
             prayeth
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             saith
             ,
             
               Unto
               thee
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               will
               I
               cry
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               pray
               unto
               my
               God.
            
             Lastly
             ,
             he
             receiveth
             the
             fruit
             of
             his
             prayer
             ,
             and
             witnesseth
             that
             he
             was
             heard
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               The
               Lord
               hath
               heard
               me
               ,
               and
               taken
               pity
               on
               me
               ;
               the
               Lord
               is
               become
               my
               helper
               .
            
             But
             wherein
             ?
             
               Thou
               hast
               turned
            
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               my
               sorrow
               into
               joy
               ,
               and
               thou
               hast
               
               compassed
               me
               about
               with
               gladness
               .
            
             If
             great
             Saints
             have
             been
             so
             dealt
             withal
             ,
             we
             that
             are
             weak
             and
             poor
             ought
             not
             to
             despair
             ,
             if
             we
             be
             sometimes
             fervent
             and
             sometimes
             cold
             ;
             for
             the
             Spirit
             cometh
             and
             goeth
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             good
             pleasure
             of
             his
             will.
             For
             which
             cause
             blessed
             Job
             saith
             ,
             
               Thou
               visitest
               him
               early
               in
               the
               morning
               ,
               and
               suddenly
               thou
               provest
               him
               .
            
          
           
             6.
             
             Whereupon
             therefore
             can
             I
             hope
             ,
             or
             wherein
             ought
             I
             to
             trust
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             great
             mercy
             of
             God
             alone
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             only
             hope
             of
             heavenly
             grace
             ?
             For
             whether
             I
             enjoy
             the
             presence
             of
             good
             Men
             ,
             or
             religious
             brethren
             ,
             or
             faithful
             friends
             ,
             or
             holy
             Books
             ,
             or
             excellent
             treatises
             ,
             or
             sweet
             songs
             and
             hymns
             ,
             all
             these
             help
             little
             ,
             and
             have
             little
             savor
             ,
             when
             grace
             forsaketh
             me
             ,
             and
             I
             remain
             left
             in
             mine
             own
             poverty
             .
             At
             such
             time
             there
             is
             no
             better
             remedy
             thàn
             patience
             ,
             and
             the
             ordering
             of
             my self
             according
             to
             the
             will
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             7.
             
             I
             never
             found
             any
             so
             religious
             and
             devout
             ,
             that
             hath
             not
             had
             sometimes
             a
             withdrawing
             of
             grace
             ,
             or
             felt
             not
             some
             decrease
             of
             zeal
             .
             There
             was
             never
             Saint
             so
             highly
             rapt
             ,
             and
             illuminated
             who
             first
             or
             last
             was
             not
             tempted
             .
             For
             he
             is
             not
             worthy
             of
             the
             
             high
             contemplation
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             hath
             not
             been
             exercised
             with
             some
             tribulation
             for
             Gods
             sake
             .
             For
             temptation
             going
             before
             ,
             is
             wont
             to
             be
             a
             sign
             of
             ensuing
             comfort
             .
             And
             unto
             those
             that
             are
             proved
             by
             temptations
             ,
             heavenly
             comfort
             is
             promised
             .
             
               He
               that
               shall
               overcome
            
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               I
               will
               give
               him
               to
               eat
               of
               the
               Tree
               of
               life
               .
            
          
           
             8.
             
             But
             divine
             comfort
             is
             given
             ,
             that
             a
             Man
             may
             be
             stronger
             to
             bear
             adversities
             .
             There
             followeth
             also
             temptation
             ,
             lest
             he
             should
             wax
             proud
             of
             any
             good
             .
             The
             Devil
             sleepeth
             not
             ,
             neither
             is
             the
             flesh
             as
             yet
             dead
             ;
             therefore
             cease
             not
             to
             prepare
             thy self
             to
             the
             battel
             ;
             For
             on
             thy
             right
             hand
             and
             on
             thy
             left
             are
             enemies
             that
             never
             rest
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             X.
             Of
             thankfulness
             for
             the
             grace
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             WHy
             seekest
             thou
             rest
             ,
             since
             thou
             art
             born
             to
             labor
             ?
             Dispose
             thy self
             to
             patience
             rather
             than
             to
             comfort
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             bearing
             of
             the
             Cross
             ,
             rather
             than
             to
             gladness
             .
             What
             secular
             person
             is
             there
             that
             
             would
             not
             willingly
             receive
             spiritual
             joy
             and
             comfort
             ,
             if
             he
             could
             always
             have
             it
             ?
             For
             spiritual
             comforts
             exceed
             all
             the
             delights
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             pleasures
             of
             the
             flesh
             .
             All
             worldly
             delights
             are
             either
             vain
             or
             unclean
             ;
             but
             spiritual
             delights
             are
             only
             pleasant
             and
             honest
             ,
             sprung
             from
             virtue
             ,
             and
             infused
             by
             God
             into
             pure
             minds
             .
             But
             no
             Man
             can
             always
             enjoy
             these
             divine
             comforts
             according
             to
             his
             desire
             ;
             for
             the
             time
             of
             temptation
             is
             not
             long
             away
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             False
             freedom
             of
             mind
             ,
             and
             great
             trust
             of
             our selves
             is
             very
             contrary
             to
             heavenly
             visitations
             .
             God
             doth
             well
             in
             giving
             the
             grace
             of
             comfort
             ;
             but
             Man
             doth
             evil
             in
             not
             returning
             all
             again
             unto
             God
             with
             thanksgiving
             .
             And
             therefore
             the
             gifts
             of
             grace
             cannot
             flow
             in
             us
             ,
             because
             we
             are
             not
             thankful
             to
             the
             giver
             ,
             and
             return
             them
             not
             wholly
             to
             the
             head-fountain
             .
             For
             grace
             ever
             attendeth
             him
             that
             is
             thankful
             ;
             and
             from
             the
             proud
             shall
             be
             taken
             that
             which
             is
             wont
             to
             be
             given
             to
             the
             humble
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             I
             desire
             not
             that
             consolation
             that
             taketh
             from
             me
             compunction
             ;
             nor
             do
             I
             affect
             that
             contemplation
             which
             leadeth
             to
             haughtiness
             of
             mind
             .
             For
             all
             that
             is
             high
             ,
             is
             not
             holy
             ;
             nor
             all
             that
             is
             sweet
             ,
             good
             ;
             
             nor
             every
             desire
             ,
             pure
             ;
             nor
             every
             thing
             that
             is
             dear
             unto
             us
             ,
             is
             grateful
             to
             God.
             I
             do
             willingly
             accept
             of
             that
             Grace
             ,
             whereby
             I
             may
             ever
             become
             more
             humble
             and
             affected
             with
             an
             holy
             fear
             ,
             and
             be
             made
             more
             ready
             to
             forsake
             my self
             .
             He
             that
             is
             taught
             by
             the
             gift
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             school'd
             by
             the
             scourge
             of
             the
             withdrawing
             thereof
             ,
             will
             not
             dare
             to
             attribute
             any
             good
             to
             himself
             ,
             but
             will
             rather
             acknowledg
             himself
             poor
             and
             naked
             .
             Give
             unto
             God
             that
             which
             is
             Gods
             ,
             and
             ascribe
             unto
             thy self
             that
             which
             is
             thine
             own
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             give
             thanks
             to
             God
             for
             his
             grace
             ;
             and
             acknowledg
             that
             nothing
             is
             to
             be
             attributed
             to
             thee
             ,
             but
             only
             sin
             and
             the
             punishment
             due
             thereunto
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Set
             thy self
             always
             in
             the
             lowest
             place
             and
             the
             highest
             shall
             be
             given
             thee
             ;
             for
             the
             highest
             consist
             not
             without
             the
             lowest
             .
             The
             chiefest
             Saints
             before
             God
             ,
             are
             the
             least
             in
             their
             own
             judgments
             ;
             and
             how
             much
             the
             more
             glorious
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             humbler
             within
             themselves
             .
             Those
             that
             are
             full
             of
             truth
             and
             Heavenly
             glory
             ,
             are
             not
             desirous
             of
             vain
             glory
             .
             Those
             that
             are
             firmly
             setled
             and
             grounded
             in
             God
             ,
             can
             no
             way
             be
             proud
             .
             And
             they
             that
             ascribe
             all
             
             unto
             God
             ,
             what
             good
             soever
             they
             have
             received
             ,
             seek
             not
             glory
             one
             of
             another
             ,
             but
             would
             have
             that
             glory
             which
             is
             from
             God
             alone
             ;
             and
             desire
             above
             all
             things
             to
             praise
             God
             in
             himself
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             the
             Saints
             ,
             and
             always
             tend
             unto
             the
             same
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Be
             therefore
             thankful
             for
             the
             least
             gift
             ,
             so
             shalt
             thou
             be
             meet
             to
             receive
             greater
             .
             Let
             the
             least
             be
             unto
             thee
             also
             as
             the
             greatest
             ,
             and
             the
             most
             contemptible
             as
             an
             especial
             gift
             .
             If
             thou
             consider
             the
             worth
             of
             the
             giver
             ,
             no
             gift
             will
             seem
             little
             ,
             or
             of
             too
             mean
             esteem
             .
             For
             it
             is
             not
             little
             that
             is
             given
             by
             the
             most
             high
             God.
             Yea
             ,
             if
             he
             should
             give
             punishment
             and
             stripes
             ,
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             grateful
             ;
             for
             that
             he
             doth
             it
             always
             for
             our
             welfare
             ,
             whatsoever
             he
             permitteth
             to
             happen
             unto
             us
             .
             He
             that
             desireth
             to
             keep
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             let
             him
             be
             thankful
             for
             the
             grace
             given
             ,
             and
             patient
             for
             the
             taking
             away
             thereof
             .
             Let
             him
             pray
             that
             it
             may
             return
             .
             Let
             him
             be
             wary
             and
             humble
             ;
             lest
             he
             lose
             it
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XI
             .
             How
             few
             the
             lovers
             of
             the
             Cross
             of
             Christ
             are
             .
          
           
             JEsus
             hath
             now
             many
             lovers
             of
             his
             Heavenly
             Kingdom
             ,
             but
             few
             bearers
             of
             his
             Cross.
             He
             hath
             many
             desirous
             of
             comfort
             ,
             but
             few
             of
             tribulation
             .
             He
             findeth
             many
             companions
             of
             his
             table
             ,
             but
             few
             of
             his
             abstinence
             .
             All
             desire
             to
             rejoyce
             with
             him
             ,
             few
             will
             suffer
             any
             thing
             for
             him
             ,
             
               or
               with
               him
            
             .
             Many
             follow
             Jesus
             unto
             the
             breaking
             of
             Bread
             ;
             but
             few
             to
             the
             drinking
             of
             the
             Cup
             of
             his
             passion
             .
             Many
             reverence
             his
             miracles
             ,
             few
             follow
             the
             ignominy
             of
             his
             Cross.
             Many
             love
             Jesus
             as
             long
             as
             adversities
             happen
             not
             .
             Many
             praise
             and
             bless
             him
             ,
             as
             long
             as
             they
             receive
             any
             comforts
             from
             him
             .
             But
             if
             Jesus
             hide
             himself
             ,
             and
             leave
             them
             but
             a
             while
             ;
             they
             fall
             either
             into
             complaint
             ,
             or
             into
             too
             much
             dejection
             of
             mind
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             But
             they
             that
             love
             Jesus
             for
             Jesus
             ,
             and
             not
             for
             some
             comfort
             of
             their
             own
             ,
             bless
             him
             in
             all
             tribulation
             and
             anguish
             of
             heart
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             in
             the
             greatest
             comfort
             .
             And
             although
             he
             should
             never
             give
             them
             comfort
             ,
             
             they
             notwithstanding
             ,
             would
             ever
             praise
             him
             ,
             and
             always
             give
             him
             thanks
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             O
             how
             powerful
             is
             the
             pure
             love
             of
             Jesus
             ,
             which
             is
             mixed
             with
             no
             self-love
             ,
             nor
             proper
             interest
             !
             Are
             not
             all
             those
             to
             be
             called
             hirelings
             ,
             that
             ever
             seek
             comforts
             ?
             Do
             they
             not
             shew
             themselves
             to
             be
             rather
             lovers
             of
             themselves
             than
             of
             Christ
             ,
             that
             always
             think
             of
             their
             own
             commodity
             and
             gain
             ?
             Where
             may
             one
             be
             found
             that
             will
             serve
             God
             freely
             ?
          
           
             4.
             
             It
             is
             hard
             to
             find
             any
             one
             so
             spiritual
             that
             is
             stript
             of
             
               the
               love
               of
            
             all
             earthly
             things
             .
             For
             where
             is
             any
             one
             to
             be
             found
             that
             is
             indeed
             poor
             in
             spirit
             ,
             and
             free
             from
             all
             
               affection
               of
            
             creatures
             ?
             He
             's
             a
             Jewel
             of
             such
             price
             as
             is
             scarce
             to
             be
             met
             with
             in
             these
             parts
             .
             If
             a
             Man
             should
             give
             all
             his
             wealth
             ,
             yet
             is
             it
             nothing
             .
             And
             if
             he
             should
             outwardly
             express
             great
             repentance
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             little
             .
             And
             if
             he
             should
             attain
             to
             all
             knowledg
             ,
             he
             is
             yet
             afar
             off
             .
             And
             if
             he
             should
             be
             of
             great
             virtue
             ,
             and
             very
             fervent
             devotion
             ,
             yet
             there
             is
             much
             wanting
             ;
             to
             wit
             ,
             one
             thing
             ,
             which
             is
             most
             necessary
             for
             him
             .
             What
             is
             that
             ?
             that
             leaving
             all
             ,
             he
             forsake
             himself
             ,
             and
             go
             wholly
             from
             himself
             ,
             and
             retain
             nothing
             of
             self-love
             ;
             And
             when
             he
             
             hath
             done
             all
             that
             he
             knoweth
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             let
             him
             think
             that
             he
             hath
             done
             nothing
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Let
             him
             not
             weigh
             that
             much
             which
             might
             be
             much
             esteemed
             ;
             but
             according
             to
             truth
             let
             him
             affirm
             himself
             to
             be
             an
             unprofitable
             servant
             ,
             as
             our
             Saviour
             hath
             said
             ,
             
               when
               you
               shall
               have
               done
               all
               things
               that
               are
               commanded
               you
               ,
               say
               ,
               we
               are
               unprofitable
               servants
               .
            
             Then
             may
             he
             be
             truly
             poor
             and
             naked
             in
             spirit
             ,
             and
             say
             with
             the
             Prophet
             ,
             I
             am
             alone
             and
             poor
             ;
             yet
             no
             man
             richer
             ,
             no
             Man
             more
             powerful
             ,
             no
             Man
             more
             free
             than
             he
             that
             can
             leave
             himself
             and
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             set
             himself
             in
             the
             lowest
             place
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XII
             .
             Of
             the
             high
             way
             of
             the
             holy
             Cross.
             
          
           
             UNto
             many
             this
             speech
             seemeth
             hard
             ,
             
               Deny
               thy self
               ,
               take
               up
               thy
               Cross
               ,
               and
               follow
               Iesus
               .
            
             But
             it
             will
             be
             much
             harder
             to
             hear
             that
             last
             word
             .
             
               Depart
               from
               me
               ye
               cursed
               into
               everlasting
               fire
               .
            
             For
             they
             that
             now
             willingly
             hear
             and
             follow
             the
             word
             of
             the
             Cross
             ,
             shall
             not
             then
             fear
             to
             hear
             the
             sentence
             
             of
             everlasting
             damnation
             .
             This
             sign
             of
             the
             Cross
             shall
             be
             in
             Heaven
             ;
             when
             our
             Lord
             shall
             come
             to
             judgment
             .
             Then
             all
             the
             servants
             of
             the
             Cross
             ,
             who
             in
             their
             life-time
             conformed
             themselves
             unto
             Christ
             crucified
             ,
             shall
             draw
             near
             unto
             Christ
             the
             Judg
             with
             great
             confidence
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Why
             therefore
             fearest
             thou
             to
             take
             up
             the
             Cross
             which
             leadeth
             thee
             to
             a
             Kingdom
             ?
             In
             the
             Cross
             is
             salvation
             ,
             in
             the
             Cross
             is
             life
             ,
             in
             the
             Cross
             is
             protection
             against
             our
             enemies
             ,
             in
             the
             Cross
             is
             infusion
             of
             Heavenly
             sweetness
             ,
             in
             the
             Cross
             is
             strength
             of
             mind
             ,
             in
             the
             Cross
             is
             joy
             of
             spirit
             ,
             in
             the
             Cross
             is
             the
             height
             of
             virtue
             ,
             in
             the
             Cross
             is
             the
             perfection
             of
             sanctity
             .
             There
             is
             no
             salvation
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             nor
             hope
             of
             everlasting
             life
             but
             in
             the
             Cross.
             Take
             up
             therefore
             thy
             Cross
             and
             follow
             Jesus
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             go
             into
             life
             everlasting
             .
             He
             is
             gone
             before
             ,
             bearing
             his
             Cross
             ,
             and
             is
             dead
             for
             thee
             on
             the
             Cross
             ;
             that
             thou
             mayest
             also
             bear
             thy
             Cross
             and
             desire
             to
             die
             on
             the
             Cross
             
               with
               him
            
             .
             For
             if
             thou
             diest
             with
             him
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             also
             live
             with
             him
             .
             And
             if
             thou
             be
             his
             companion
             in
             pain
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             be
             partaker
             ith
             him
             also
             in
             glory
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Behold
             in
             the
             Cross
             all
             doth
             consist
             
             and
             all
             lyeth
             in
             our
             dying
             
               upon
               it
            
             ;
             for
             there
             is
             no
             other
             way
             unto
             life
             ,
             and
             unto
             true
             inward
             peace
             ,
             but
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Holy
             Cross
             ,
             and
             of
             daily
             mortification
             .
             Go
             where
             thou
             wilt
             ,
             seek
             whatsoever
             thou
             wilt
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             not
             find
             a
             higher
             way
             above
             ,
             nor
             a
             safer
             way
             below
             ,
             than
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Holy
             Cross.
             Dispose
             and
             order
             all
             things
             according
             to
             thy
             will
             and
             judgment
             ;
             yet
             thou
             shalt
             ever
             find
             ,
             that
             of
             necessity
             thou
             must
             suffer
             somewhat
             either
             willingly
             or
             against
             thy
             will
             ,
             and
             so
             thou
             shalt
             ever
             find
             the
             Cross.
             For
             either
             thou
             shalt
             feel
             pain
             in
             thy
             body
             ,
             or
             in
             thy
             soul
             thou
             shalt
             suffer
             tribulation
             of
             spirit
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Sometimes
             thou
             shalt
             be
             forsaken
             of
             God
             ,
             sometimes
             thou
             shalt
             be
             troubled
             by
             thy
             neighbors
             ;
             and
             which
             is
             more
             ,
             oftentimes
             thou
             shalt
             be
             irksome
             to
             thy self
             ;
             neither
             canst
             thou
             be
             delivered
             or
             eased
             by
             any
             remedy
             or
             comfort
             ;
             but
             so
             long
             as
             pleaseth
             God
             ,
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             bear
             it
             .
             For
             God
             will
             have
             thee
             learn
             to
             suffer
             tribulation
             without
             comfort
             ;
             and
             that
             thou
             subject
             thy self
             wholly
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             become
             more
             humble
             by
             tribulation
             .
             No
             Man
             hath
             so
             cordial
             a
             feeling
             of
             the
             passion
             of
             Christ
             ,
             as
             he
             who
             hath
             suffered
             the
             like
             himself
             .
             
             The
             Cross
             therefore
             is
             always
             ready
             ,
             and
             every
             where
             waits
             for
             thee
             .
             Thou
             canst
             not
             escape
             it
             whithersoever
             thou
             runnest
             ;
             for
             wheresoever
             thou
             goest
             ,
             thou
             carriest
             thy self
             with
             thee
             ,
             and
             shalt
             ever
             find
             thy self
             ;
             both
             above
             and
             below
             ,
             without
             and
             within
             ,
             which
             way
             soever
             thou
             dost
             turn
             thee
             ,
             every
             where
             thou
             shalt
             find
             the
             Cross
             ;
             and
             every
             where
             of
             necessity
             thou
             must
             have
             patience
             ,
             if
             thou
             wilt
             have
             inward
             peace
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             an
             everlasting
             Crown
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             If
             thou
             bear
             the
             Cross
             willingly
             ,
             it
             will
             bear
             thee
             ,
             and
             lead
             thee
             to
             thy
             desired
             end
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             where
             there
             shall
             be
             an
             end
             of
             suffering
             ,
             though
             here
             there
             shall
             not
             .
             If
             thou
             bear
             it
             unwillingly
             ,
             thou
             makest
             for
             thy self
             a
             new
             burden
             ,
             and
             encreasest
             thy
             load
             ,
             and
             yet
             notwithstanding
             thou
             must
             bear
             it
             .
             If
             thou
             cast
             away
             one
             Cross
             ,
             without
             doubt
             thou
             shalt
             find
             another
             ,
             and
             that
             perhaps
             a
             more
             heavy
             one
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             Thinkest
             thou
             to
             escape
             that
             which
             no
             Man
             could
             ever
             avoid
             ?
             Which
             of
             the
             Saints
             in
             the
             world
             was
             without
             crosses
             ,
             and
             tribulation
             ?
             Verily
             Jesus
             Christ
             our
             Lord
             was
             never
             one
             hour
             without
             pain
             of
             suffering
             ,
             so
             long
             as
             he
             lived
             ,
             Christ
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             
               ought
               to
               suffer
               ,
               and
               arise
               again
               from
               the
               
               dead
               ,
               and
               so
               to
               enter
               into
               his
               glory
               ,
            
             Luke
             24.
             and
             how
             dost
             thou
             seek
             any
             other
             way
             than
             this
             high
             way
             which
             is
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Holy
             Cross
             ?
          
           
             7.
             
             The
             whole
             life
             of
             Christ
             was
             a
             Cross
             and
             Martyrdom
             ;
             and
             dost
             thou
             seek
             rest
             and
             joy
             ?
             Thou
             art
             deceived
             ,
             thou
             art
             deceived
             if
             thou
             seekest
             any
             other
             thing
             than
             to
             suffer
             tribulations
             ;
             for
             this
             whole
             mortal
             life
             is
             full
             of
             miseries
             ,
             and
             environed
             on
             every
             side
             with
             Crosses
             .
             And
             how
             much
             the
             more
             one
             hath
             profited
             in
             spirit
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             heavier
             crosses
             he
             oftentimes
             findeth
             ,
             for
             the
             love
             he
             beareth
             to
             God
             increaseth
             the
             grief
             which
             he
             endureth
             for
             his
             banishment
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             But
             yet
             this
             Man
             ,
             though
             so
             many
             ways
             afflicted
             ,
             is
             not
             without
             some
             refreshing
             comfort
             ,
             for
             that
             he
             perceiveth
             much
             benefit
             to
             accrew
             unto
             him
             by
             the
             bearing
             of
             his
             Cross.
             For
             whilest
             he
             willingly
             putteth
             himself
             under
             it
             ,
             all
             the
             burden
             of
             tribulation
             is
             turned
             into
             the
             confidence
             of
             divine
             comfort
             .
             And
             how
             much
             the
             more
             the
             flesh
             is
             wasted
             by
             affliction
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             more
             is
             the
             spirit
             strengthened
             by
             inward
             grace
             .
             And
             sometimes
             he
             is
             so
             comforted
             with
             the
             desire
             of
             tribulation
             and
             adversity
             ,
             
             for
             the
             love
             of
             conforming
             himself
             to
             the
             Cross
             of
             Christ
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             not
             wish
             at
             any
             time
             to
             be
             without
             sorrow
             and
             tribulation
             ;
             because
             he
             believeth
             that
             so
             much
             the
             more
             acceptable
             he
             shall
             be
             unto
             God
             ,
             how
             much
             the
             more
             ,
             and
             more
             grievous
             things
             he
             can
             suffer
             for
             him
             .
             This
             is
             not
             the
             power
             of
             Man
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             the
             grace
             of
             Christ
             ,
             that
             can
             ,
             and
             doth
             so
             much
             in
             frail
             flesh
             ;
             that
             what
             naturally
             it
             always
             abhorreth
             and
             flyeth
             ,
             that
             by
             fervor
             of
             spirit
             ,
             it
             encounters
             with
             delight
             .
          
           
             9.
             
             It
             is
             not
             according
             to
             Mans
             inclination
             to
             bear
             the
             Cross
             ,
             to
             chastise
             and
             subdue
             the
             body
             ,
             to
             fly
             honors
             ,
             to
             suffer
             contumelies
             with
             a
             willing
             heart
             ,
             to
             despise
             himself
             and
             to
             wish
             to
             be
             despised
             ,
             to
             bear
             all
             adversities
             and
             dammages
             ,
             and
             to
             desire
             no
             prosperity
             in
             this
             world
             .
             If
             thou
             considerest
             thy self
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             be
             able
             to
             perform
             no
             such
             matter
             of
             thy self
             .
             But
             if
             thou
             trustest
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             strength
             shall
             be
             given
             thee
             from
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             the
             world
             and
             flesh
             shall
             be
             made
             subject
             to
             thy
             command
             .
             Neither
             shalt
             thou
             fear
             thy
             enemy
             the
             Devil
             ,
             if
             thou
             be
             armed
             with
             faith
             ,
             and
             bearest
             the
             Cross
             of
             Christ.
             
          
           
             10.
             
             Set
             therefore
             thy self
             ,
             like
             a
             good
             
             and
             faithful
             servant
             of
             Christ
             to
             bear
             manfully
             the
             Cross
             of
             thy
             Lord
             ,
             who
             was
             crucified
             for
             thee
             out
             of
             love
             .
             Prepare
             thy self
             to
             bear
             many
             adversities
             and
             divers
             kinds
             of
             troubles
             in
             this
             miserable
             life
             ;
             for
             so
             it
             will
             be
             with
             thee
             ,
             wheresoever
             thou
             be
             ,
             and
             so
             surely
             thou
             wilt
             find
             it
             ,
             wheresoever
             thou
             hide
             thy self
             .
             So
             it
             must
             be
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             no
             remedy
             or
             means
             to
             avoid
             tribulation
             and
             sorrow
             ,
             but
             to
             bear
             them
             .
             Drink
             of
             the
             Cup
             of
             our
             Lord
             heartily
             ,
             if
             thou
             wilt
             be
             his
             friend
             ;
             and
             desirest
             to
             have
             part
             with
             him
             .
             As
             for
             comforts
             ,
             leave
             them
             to
             God
             ;
             let
             him
             do
             therein
             as
             shall
             best
             please
             him
             .
             Set
             thou
             thy self
             to
             suffer
             tribulations
             ,
             and
             account
             them
             the
             greatest
             comforts
             ;
             for
             that
             the
             sufferings
             of
             this
             life
             are
             not
             worthy
             of
             the
             glory
             which
             is
             to
             come
             ,
             although
             thou
             alone
             couldest
             suffer
             them
             all
             .
          
           
             11.
             
             When
             thou
             shalt
             come
             to
             this
             estate
             ,
             that
             tribulation
             shall
             seem
             sweet
             and
             savory
             unto
             thee
             for
             Christ
             ;
             then
             thou
             mayst
             think
             it
             is
             well
             with
             thee
             ,
             for
             thou
             hast
             found
             a
             Paradise
             upon
             earth
             .
             As
             long
             as
             it
             is
             grievous
             to
             thee
             to
             suffer
             ,
             and
             that
             thou
             desirest
             to
             fly
             it
             ;
             so
             long
             shalt
             thou
             be
             ill
             at
             ease
             ;
             and
             the
             tribulation
             thou
             flyest
             will
             follow
             thee
             every
             where
             .
          
           
           
             12.
             
             If
             thou
             dost
             set
             thy self
             to
             that
             thou
             oughtest
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             to
             suffer
             ,
             and
             to
             die
             to
             thy self
             ,
             it
             will
             quickly
             be
             better
             with
             thee
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             find
             peace
             .
             Although
             thou
             shouldest
             have
             been
             rapt
             even
             unto
             the
             third
             Heaven
             with
             Paul
             ,
             thou
             art
             not
             for
             this
             secured
             that
             thou
             shalt
             suffer
             no
             adversity
             .
             I
             (
             saith
             Jesus
             )
             
               will
               shew
               him
               how
               great
               things
               he
               must
               suffer
               for
               my
               name
               .
            
             It
             remaineth
             therefore
             ,
             that
             thou
             suffer
             ,
             if
             thou
             wilt
             love
             Jesus
             ,
             and
             perpetually
             serve
             him
             .
          
           
             13.
             
             O
             that
             thou
             wert
             worthy
             to
             suffer
             something
             for
             the
             name
             of
             Jesus
             !
             how
             great
             glory
             would
             it
             be
             unto
             thee
             ,
             what
             joy
             to
             all
             the
             Saints
             of
             God
             ,
             how
             great
             edification
             also
             to
             thy
             neighbor
             !
             For
             all
             do
             commend
             patience
             ;
             though
             few
             desire
             to
             suffer
             .
             With
             great
             reason
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             be
             willing
             to
             suffer
             a
             little
             for
             Christ
             ;
             since
             many
             suffer
             far
             greater
             things
             for
             the
             world
             .
          
           
             14.
             
             Know
             for
             certain
             that
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             lead
             a
             dying
             life
             .
             And
             how
             much
             the
             more
             every
             one
             dyeth
             to
             himself
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             more
             doth
             he
             begin
             to
             live
             to
             God.
             No
             Man
             is
             fit
             to
             attain
             unto
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             unless
             he
             submit
             himself
             to
             
             the
             bearing
             of
             adversities
             for
             Christ.
             Nothing
             is
             more
             grateful
             unto
             God
             ,
             nothing
             more
             wholesome
             to
             thee
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             than
             to
             suffer
             willingly
             for
             Christ.
             And
             if
             it
             were
             in
             thy
             choice
             ,
             thou
             shouldest
             rather
             wish
             to
             suffer
             Adversities
             for
             Christ
             ,
             than
             to
             enjoy
             the
             delight
             of
             many
             comforts
             ;
             because
             hereby
             thou
             shouldest
             be
             more
             like
             unto
             Christ
             ,
             and
             more
             conformable
             to
             all
             the
             Saints
             .
             For
             our
             worthiness
             ,
             and
             the
             proficiency
             of
             our
             spiritual
             estate
             consisteth
             not
             in
             many
             sweetnesses
             and
             comforts
             ,
             but
             rather
             in
             suffering
             great
             afflictions
             and
             tribulation
             .
          
           
             15.
             
             If
             there
             had
             been
             any
             better
             thing
             ,
             and
             more
             profitable
             to
             the
             health
             of
             Man
             than
             suffering
             ,
             surely
             Christ
             would
             have
             shewed
             it
             by
             word
             and
             example
             .
             But
             he
             plainly
             exhorteth
             all
             the
             Disciples
             that
             followed
             him
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             desire
             to
             follow
             him
             ,
             to
             the
             bearing
             of
             the
             Cross
             ,
             and
             saith
             ,
             
               If
               any
               will
               come
               after
               me
               ,
               let
               him
               deny
               himself
               and
               take
               up
               his
               Cross
               ,
               and
               follow
               me
               .
            
             So
             that
             when
             we
             have
             read
             and
             searched
             all
             ,
             let
             this
             be
             the
             last
             conclusion
             ,
             
               That
               by
               many
               tribulations
               we
               must
               enter
               into
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               God.
               
            
          
        
      
       
         
         
           THE
           THIRD
           BOOK
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             1.
             
             Of
             the
             inward
             Speech
             of
             Christ
             unto
             a
             Faithful
             Soul.
             
          
           
             I
             
               Will
               hear
               what
               the
               Lord
               God
               will
               speak
               in
               me
               .
            
             Blessed
             is
             the
             soul
             that
             heareth
             the
             Lord
             speaking
             in
             her
             ,
             and
             receiveth
             from
             his
             mouth
             the
             word
             of
             comfort
             .
             Blessed
             are
             those
             ears
             that
             receive
             the
             sound
             of
             the
             divine
             voice
             ,
             and
             listen
             not
             to
             the
             whisperings
             of
             the
             world
             .
             Blessed
             indeed
             are
             those
             ears
             that
             hearken
             not
             to
             the
             voice
             which
             soundeth
             outwardly
             ,
             but
             unto
             the
             truth
             which
             teacheth
             inwardly
             .
             Blessed
             are
             the
             eyes
             that
             are
             shut
             to
             outward
             things
             ,
             but
             open
             to
             those
             things
             that
             are
             internal
             .
             
             Blessed
             are
             they
             that
             enter
             into
             the
             inward
             things
             ,
             and
             endeavor
             to
             prepare
             themselves
             more
             and
             more
             by
             daily
             exercises
             to
             the
             attaining
             of
             Heavenly
             secrets
             .
             Blessed
             be
             they
             that
             delight
             to
             converse
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             rid
             themselves
             of
             all
             worldly
             impediments
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Consider
             these
             things
             ,
             my
             soul
             ,
             and
             shut
             up
             the
             door
             of
             thy
             sensual
             desires
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             hear
             what
             thy
             Lord
             God
             speaketh
             in
             thee
             .
             Thus
             saith
             thy
             beloved
             ,
             I
             am
             thy
             safety
             ,
             thy
             peace
             ,
             and
             thy
             life
             ;
             Keep
             thy self
             with
             me
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             find
             peace
             .
             Leave
             all
             transitory
             things
             ,
             and
             seek
             those
             that
             be
             everlasting
             .
             What
             are
             all
             temporal
             things
             ,
             but
             deceiving
             snares
             ?
             And
             what
             do
             all
             creatures
             avail
             thee
             ,
             if
             thou
             be
             forsaken
             by
             the
             Creator
             ?
             Forsake
             therefore
             all
             earthly
             things
             and
             labor
             to
             please
             thy
             Creator
             ,
             and
             be
             Faithful
             unto
             him
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             attain
             unto
             the
             true
             happiness
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             That
             truth
             speaketh
             inwardly
             without
             noise
             of
             words
             .
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             Speak
             Lord
             ,
             for
             thy
             servant
             heareth
             :
             I
             am
             thy
             servant
             ,
             grant
             me
             unsterstanding
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             know
             thy
             testimonies
             .
             Incline
             my
             heart
             to
             the
             words
             of
             thy
             mouth
             .
             Let
             thy
             speech
             distil
             as
             the
             dew
             
               upon
               my
               soul.
            
             The
             Children
             of
             Israel
             in
             times
             past
             said
             unto
             
               Moses
               ,
               Speak
               thou
               unto
               us
               ,
               and
               we
               will
               hear
               thee
               :
               Let
               not
               the
               Lord
               speak
               unto
               us
               ,
               lest
               we
               die
               .
            
             Not
             so
             Lord
             ,
             not
             so
             ,
             I
             beseech
             thee
             .
             But
             rather
             with
             the
             Prophet
             Samuel
             ,
             I
             humbly
             and
             earnestly
             intreat
             ,
             
               Speak
               Lord
               ,
               for
               thy
               servant
               heareth
               .
            
             Let
             not
             Moses
             speak
             unto
             me
             ,
             nor
             any
             of
             the
             prophets
             ,
             but
             do
             thou
             rather
             speak
             ,
             my
             Lord
             God
             ,
             the
             inspirer
             and
             enlightner
             of
             all
             the
             Prophets
             ;
             for
             thou
             alone
             without
             them
             canst
             perfectly
             instruct
             me
             ,
             but
             they
             without
             thee
             can
             profit
             nothing
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             They
             indeed
             may
             sound
             forth
             words
             ,
             but
             they
             cannot
             give
             spirit
             and
             life
             ;
             they
             speak
             marvellous
             well
             ,
             but
             if
             thou
             be
             silent
             ,
             
             they
             inflame
             not
             the
             heart
             .
             They
             may
             teach
             the
             letter
             ,
             but
             thou
             openest
             the
             sense
             .
             They
             bring
             forth
             mysteries
             ,
             but
             thou
             unlockest
             the
             meaning
             of
             sealed
             things
             .
             They
             declare
             thy
             commandments
             ,
             but
             thou
             helpest
             to
             fulfil
             them
             .
             They
             shew
             the
             way
             ,
             but
             thou
             givest
             strength
             to
             walk
             in
             it
             .
             They
             work
             only
             exteriorly
             ,
             but
             thou
             instructest
             and
             enlightnest
             the
             heart
             .
             They
             water
             outwardly
             ,
             but
             thou
             givest
             fruitfulness
             .
             They
             make
             a
             noise
             with
             words
             ,
             but
             thou
             givest
             understanding
             to
             the
             hearing
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Let
             not
             therefore
             Moses
             speak
             unto
             me
             ,
             but
             thou
             my
             Lord
             God
             ,
             the
             everlasting
             Truth
             ;
             lest
             I
             die
             ;
             and
             prove
             unfruitful
             ,
             if
             I
             be
             warned
             outwardly
             only
             ,
             and
             not
             inflamed
             within
             ;
             lest
             the
             word
             heard
             and
             not
             fulfilled
             ,
             known
             and
             not
             loved
             ,
             believed
             and
             not
             observed
             ,
             turn
             to
             my
             condemnation
             .
             Speak
             therefore
             Lord
             ,
             for
             thy
             servant
             heareth
             ,
             for
             thou
             hast
             the
             words
             of
             everlasting
             life
             .
             Speak
             unto
             me
             to
             the
             comfort
             of
             my
             soul
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             amendment
             of
             my
             whole
             life
             ,
             and
             to
             thy
             praise
             and
             glory
             ,
             and
             everlasting
             honor
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             That
             the
             words
             of
             God
             are
             to
             be
             heard
             with
             humility
             ,
             and
             that
             many
             weigh
             them
             not
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             hear
             my
             words
             ,
             words
             of
             greatest
             sweetness
             ,
             excelling
             all
             the
             knowledg
             of
             the
             Philosophers
             and
             wise
             Men
             of
             this
             world
             .
             My
             words
             are
             
               spirit
               and
               life
            
             ,
             not
             to
             be
             weighed
             by
             the
             understanding
             of
             Man.
             They
             are
             not
             to
             be
             drawn
             to
             vain
             liking
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             heard
             with
             silence
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             received
             with
             all
             humility
             and
             great
             affection
             .
          
           
             Christian.
             And
             I
             said
             ,
             Blessed
             is
             the
             Man
             whom
             thou
             shalt
             instruct
             ;
             O
             Lord
             ,
             and
             shalt
             teach
             thy
             law
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             give
             him
             rest
             from
             the
             evil
             days
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             be
             not
             destroyed
             upon
             earth
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Christ.
             I
             (
             
               saith
               our
               Lord
            
             )
             have
             taught
             the
             Prophets
             from
             the
             beginning
             ,
             and
             cease
             not
             in
             these
             days
             to
             speak
             to
             every
             one
             ;
             but
             many
             are
             hardned
             and
             deaf
             to
             my
             speech
             .
             The
             greater
             number
             do
             more
             willingly
             listen
             to
             the
             world
             ,
             than
             to
             God
             ;
             and
             follow
             sooner
             the
             desires
             of
             their
             flesh
             ,
             
             than
             the
             will
             of
             God.
             The
             world
             promiseth
             temporal
             and
             small
             things
             ,
             and
             is
             served
             with
             great
             eagerness
             :
             I
             promise
             most
             high
             and
             eternal
             things
             ,
             and
             the
             hearts
             of
             Men
             are
             nothing
             moved
             therewith
             .
             Who
             is
             he
             that
             serveth
             and
             obeyeth
             me
             with
             equal
             care
             to
             that
             with
             which
             the
             world
             and
             the
             Lords
             thereof
             are
             served
             ?
             
               Blush
               O
               Sidon
               ,
               saith
               the
               Sea.
            
             And
             if
             thou
             ask
             the
             cause
             ,
             hear
             wherefore
             :
             For
             a
             little
             Prebend
             a
             long
             journey
             is
             undertaken
             ;
             for
             everlasting
             life
             many
             will
             scarce
             once
             lift
             a
             foot
             from
             the
             ground
             .
             A
             thing
             of
             small
             value
             is
             sought
             after
             greedily
             ;
             for
             a
             penny
             sometimes
             there
             is
             foul
             contention
             ;
             sor
             a
             vain
             thing
             and
             sleight
             promise
             ,
             Men
             cease
             not
             to
             toil
             day
             and
             night
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             But
             alas
             for
             an
             unchangeable
             good
             ,
             for
             an
             inestimable
             reward
             ,
             for
             the
             highest
             honor
             and
             glory
             without
             end
             ,
             they
             are
             loth
             to
             take
             the
             least
             pains
             .
             Blush
             therefore
             slothful
             and
             complaining
             Servant
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             found
             to
             be
             more
             ready
             to
             distruction
             ,
             than
             thou
             to
             life
             .
             They
             rejoyce
             more
             in
             vanity
             than
             thou
             in
             the
             truth
             .
             And
             yet
             they
             are
             sometimes
             frustrated
             of
             their
             hope
             ;
             but
             my
             promise
             deceiveth
             none
             ,
             nor
             sendeth
             him
             away
             empty
             that
             trusteth
             
             in
             me
             .
             I
             will
             give
             that
             which
             I
             have
             promised
             ,
             I
             will
             fulfil
             that
             which
             I
             have
             said
             ;
             but
             to
             him
             that
             remains
             faithful
             in
             my
             love
             to
             the
             end
             .
             I
             am
             the
             rewarder
             of
             all
             that
             are
             good
             ,
             and
             do
             try
             my
             devout
             servants
             with
             strong
             trials
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Write
             my
             words
             in
             thy
             heart
             and
             think
             diligently
             of
             them
             ;
             for
             they
             will
             be
             very
             necessary
             in
             time
             of
             temptation
             .
             What
             thou
             understandest
             not
             when
             thou
             readest
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             know
             in
             the
             day
             of
             visitation
             .
             I
             am
             wont
             to
             visit
             my
             elect
             two
             several
             ways
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             with
             temptation
             ,
             and
             comfort
             .
             And
             I
             daily
             read
             two
             lessons
             unto
             them
             ,
             one
             reprehending
             their
             vices
             ,
             another
             exhorting
             them
             to
             the
             increase
             of
             virtues
             .
             He
             that
             hath
             my
             words
             and
             despiseth
             them
             ,
             hath
             within
             himself
             that
             shall
             judg
             him
             at
             the
             last
             day
             .
          
           
             
               A
               prayer
               to
               implore
               the
               grace
               of
               devotion
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               O
               Lord
               my
               God
               ,
               thou
               art
               to
               me
               whatsoever
               is
               good
               .
               Who
               am
               I
               ,
               that
               dare
               speak
               unto
               thee
               ?
               I
               am
               thy
               poorest
               servant
               and
               a
               most
               vile
               worm
               ,
               much
               more
               poor
               and
               contemptible
               than
               I
               can
               or
               dare
               express
               .
               Remember
               yet
               O
               Lord
               ,
               that
               I
               am
               nothing
               ,
               
               and
               can
               do
               nothing
               .
               Thou
               alone
               art
               good
               ,
               just
               ,
               and
               holy
               ;
               thou
               canst
               do
               all
               things
               ,
               thou
               doest
               all
               things
               ,
               thou
               fillest
               all
               things
               ,
               only
               the
               sinner
               thou
               sendest
               empty
               away
               .
               Remember
               thy
               mercies
               ,
               and
               fill
               my
               heart
               with
               thy
               grace
               ,
               who
               will
               not
               that
               thy
               works
               be
               void
               and
               in
               vain
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               How
               can
               I
               bear
               up
               my self
               in
               this
               miserable
               life
               ,
               unless
               thou
               strengthen
               me
               with
               thy
               mercy
               and
               grace
               ?
               Turn
               not
               thy
               face
               from
               me
               ;
               delay
               not
               thy
               visitation
               ;
               draw
               not
               away
               thy
               comfort
               ,
               lest
               my
               soul
               become
               as
               the
               thirsty
               land
               unto
               thee
               .
               Lord
               ,
               teach
               me
               to
               fulfil
               thy
               will
               ,
               teach
               me
               to
               live
               worthily
               ,
               and
               humbly
               in
               thy
               sight
               ,
               for
               thou
               art
               my
               wisdom
               ,
               thou
               dost
               truly
               know
               me
               ,
               and
               didst
               know
               me
               before
               the
               world
               was
               made
               ,
               and
               before
               I
               was
               born
               in
               the
               world
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             That
             we
             ought
             to
             live
             in
             truth
             and
             humility
             before
             God.
             
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             walk
             before
             me
             in
             sincerity
             and
             truth
             ,
             and
             ever
             seek
             me
             in
             simplicity
             of
             heart
             .
             He
             that
             walketh
             before
             me
             in
             truth
             ,
             shall
             be
             defended
             from
             evil
             incursions
             ,
             and
             the
             Truth
             shall
             deliver
             him
             from
             seducers
             ,
             and
             from
             the
             detractions
             of
             the
             wicked
             .
             If
             the
             Truth
             shall
             have
             made
             thee
             free
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             be
             truly
             free
             ,
             and
             shalt
             not
             care
             for
             the
             vain
             speeches
             of
             Men.
             
          
           
             Christian.
             Lord
             ,
             it
             is
             true
             .
             According
             as
             thou
             saidst
             ,
             so
             I
             beseech
             thee
             let
             it
             be
             with
             me
             ,
             let
             thy
             Truth
             teach
             me
             ,
             and
             keep
             me
             ,
             and
             bring
             me
             safe
             to
             an
             happy
             end
             .
             Let
             it
             deliver
             me
             from
             all
             evil
             affection
             and
             inordinate
             love
             ;
             and
             I
             shall
             walk
             with
             thee
             in
             great
             freedom
             of
             heart
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Christ.
             I
             will
             teach
             thee
             (
             saith
             the
             Truth
             )
             these
             things
             that
             are
             right
             and
             pleasing
             in
             my
             sight
             .
             Think
             of
             thy
             sins
             with
             great
             displeasure
             and
             grief
             ,
             and
             never
             
             esteem
             thy self
             any
             thing
             for
             thy
             good
             works
             .
             Thou
             art
             in
             very
             deed
             a
             sinner
             ,
             thou
             art
             subject
             to
             ,
             and
             encumbred
             with
             ,
             may
             passions
             .
             Of
             thy self
             thou
             always
             tendest
             to
             nothing
             ;
             thou
             art
             quickly
             cast
             down
             ,
             quickly
             overcome
             ,
             quickly
             troubled
             ,
             quickly
             dissolved
             .
             Thou
             hast
             nothing
             wherein
             thou
             canst
             glory
             ,
             but
             many
             things
             for
             which
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             despise
             thy self
             ;
             for
             thou
             art
             much
             weaker
             than
             thou
             art
             able
             to
             comprehend
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             And
             therefore
             let
             nothing
             seem
             much
             unto
             thee
             whatsoever
             thou
             doest
             .
             Let
             nothing
             seem
             great
             ,
             nothing
             precious
             and
             wonderful
             ;
             let
             nothing
             seem
             worthy
             of
             estimation
             ,
             nothing
             high
             ,
             nothing
             truly
             and
             commendable
             to
             be
             desired
             ,
             but
             that
             which
             is
             everlasting
             .
             Let
             the
             eternal
             Truth
             above
             all
             things
             please
             thee
             .
             Let
             thy
             own
             great
             unworthiness
             always
             displease
             thee
             .
             Fear
             nothing
             ,
             blame
             and
             fly
             nothing
             so
             much
             as
             thy
             vices
             and
             sins
             ;
             which
             ought
             to
             displease
             more
             than
             the
             losses
             of
             any
             thing
             whatsoever
             .
             Some
             walk
             not
             sincerely
             in
             my
             sight
             ,
             but
             led
             by
             a
             certain
             curiosity
             and
             pride
             ,
             will
             know
             my
             secrets
             ,
             and
             understand
             the
             high
             things
             of
             God
             ,
             neglecting
             themselves
             and
             their
             own
             salvation
             .
             
             These
             oftentimes
             ,
             for
             that
             I
             resist
             them
             ,
             do
             fall
             into
             great
             temptations
             and
             sins
             ,
             for
             their
             pride
             and
             curiosity
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Fear
             the
             judgments
             of
             God
             ,
             dread
             the
             wrath
             of
             the
             Almighty
             .
             But
             discuss
             not
             the
             works
             of
             the
             highest
             .
             Search
             thine
             own
             iniquities
             ,
             in
             how
             much
             thou
             hast
             offended
             ,
             and
             how
             much
             good
             thou
             hast
             neglected
             .
             Some
             carry
             their
             religion
             only
             in
             Books
             ,
             some
             in
             pictures
             ,
             some
             in
             outward
             signs
             and
             figures
             .
             Some
             have
             me
             in
             their
             mouths
             ,
             but
             little
             in
             their
             hearts
             .
             There
             are
             others
             that
             being
             illuminated
             in
             their
             understandings
             ,
             and
             purged
             in
             their
             affection
             do
             always
             breath
             after
             things
             eternal
             ,
             and
             are
             unwilling
             to
             hear
             of
             the
             things
             of
             this
             world
             ,
             and
             do
             serve
             the
             necessities
             of
             nature
             with
             grief
             ;
             and
             these
             perceive
             what
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Truth
             speaketh
             in
             them
             ;
             because
             it
             teacheth
             them
             to
             despise
             Earthly
             ,
             and
             love
             Heavenly
             things
             ;
             to
             neglect
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             day
             and
             night
             to
             desire
             Heaven
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             V.
             Of
             the
             wonderful
             effect
             of
             divine
             Love.
             
          
           
             CHristian
             ,
             I
             praise
             thee
             ,
             O
             Heavenly
             Father
             ,
             Father
             of
             my
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             for
             that
             thou
             hast
             vouchsafed
             to
             remember
             me
             a
             poor
             Creature
             .
             O
             Father
             of
             mercies
             and
             God
             of
             all
             comfort
             ,
             thanks
             be
             unto
             thee
             ,
             who
             sometimes
             with
             thy
             comfort
             refreshest
             me
             unworthy
             of
             all
             comfort
             .
             I
             ever
             bless
             and
             glorifie
             thee
             with
             thy
             only
             begotten
             Son
             ,
             and
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             .
             O
             Lord
             God
             ,
             the
             holy
             lover
             of
             my
             soul
             ,
             when
             thou
             shalt
             come
             into
             my
             heart
             ,
             all
             that
             is
             within
             me
             will
             rejoyce
             .
             Thou
             art
             my
             glory
             and
             the
             exultation
             of
             my
             heart
             .
             Thou
             art
             my
             hope
             and
             refuge
             in
             the
             day
             of
             my
             tribulation
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             But
             for
             that
             I
             am
             yet
             weak
             in
             love
             ,
             and
             imperfect
             in
             virtue
             ,
             I
             have
             need
             therefore
             to
             be
             strengthened
             and
             comforted
             by
             thee
             ;
             visit
             me
             therefore
             often
             ,
             and
             instruct
             me
             with
             thy
             holy
             discipline
             .
             Deliver
             me
             from
             evil
             passions
             ,
             and
             heal
             my
             heart
             of
             all
             inordinate
             affections
             ;
             that
             being
             cured
             
             within
             and
             well
             purged
             ,
             I
             may
             be
             made
             fit
             to
             Love
             ,
             strong
             to
             suffer
             ,
             and
             constant
             to
             persevere
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Love
             is
             a
             great
             thing
             ,
             in
             very
             truth
             a
             great
             good
             ;
             which
             alone
             maketh
             every
             thing
             that
             is
             heavy
             ,
             light
             ;
             and
             beareth
             equally
             that
             which
             is
             unequal
             .
             For
             it
             carrieth
             a
             Burden
             without
             a
             Burden
             ,
             and
             maketh
             every
             thing
             that
             is
             bitter
             ,
             sweet
             and
             savoury
             .
             The
             noble
             Love
             of
             Jesus
             inforceth
             Man
             to
             do
             great
             things
             ,
             and
             stirreth
             him
             up
             to
             desire
             always
             what
             is
             most
             perfect
             .
             Love
             will
             be
             aloft
             ,
             and
             not
             kept
             down
             with
             any
             base
             thing
             .
             Love
             will
             be
             free
             and
             loose
             from
             all
             worldly
             affection
             ,
             to
             the
             end
             its
             inward
             sight
             be
             not
             prejudiced
             ,
             that
             it
             be
             not
             either
             entangled
             by
             any
             temporal
             prosperity
             ,
             or
             subdued
             by
             adversity
             .
             Nothing
             is
             sweeter
             than
             Love
             ,
             nothing
             stronger
             ,
             nothing
             higher
             ,
             nothing
             more
             large
             ,
             nothing
             more
             pleasant
             ,
             nothing
             fuller
             nor
             better
             in
             Heaven
             or
             in
             Earth
             :
             Because
             Love
             is
             born
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             cannot
             rest
             but
             in
             God
             ,
             above
             all
             Creatures
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             He
             that
             loveth
             ;
             flyeth
             ,
             runneth
             ,
             and
             rejoyceth
             ;
             he
             is
             free
             and
             not
             held
             in
             .
             He
             giveth
             all
             for
             all
             ,
             and
             hath
             all
             in
             all
             ,
             for
             
             that
             he
             resteth
             in
             one
             Highest
             above
             all
             ,
             from
             whence
             all
             good
             floweth
             and
             proceedeth
             .
             He
             respecteth
             not
             the
             gifts
             ,
             but
             turneth
             himself
             above
             all
             goods
             unto
             the
             giver
             .
             Love
             oftentimes
             knoweth
             no
             measure
             ,
             but
             is
             inflamed
             above
             all
             measure
             .
             Love
             feeleth
             no
             burden
             ,
             weigheth
             no
             pains
             ,
             desireth
             above
             its
             strength
             ,
             complaineth
             not
             of
             impossibility
             ,
             for
             that
             it
             thinketh
             all
             things
             lawful
             and
             possible
             .
             It
             is
             therefore
             able
             to
             undertake
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             performeth
             and
             bringeth
             many
             things
             to
             pass
             ;
             whereas
             he
             that
             doth
             not
             Love
             ,
             fainteth
             and
             lyes
             down
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Love
             watcheth
             ,
             and
             sleeping
             sleepeth
             not
             :
             Being
             wearied
             ,
             is
             not
             tired
             ;
             straitned
             ,
             is
             not
             pressed
             ;
             frightned
             ,
             is
             not
             troubled
             :
             But
             like
             a
             lively
             flame
             and
             burning
             Torch
             ,
             breaking
             upwards
             ,
             and
             securely
             passeth
             through
             all
             .
             If
             any
             one
             loveth
             ;
             he
             knoweth
             what
             this
             voice
             cryeth
             :
             A
             loud
             cry
             in
             the
             ears
             of
             God
             is
             the
             ardent
             affection
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             which
             saith
             ,
             
               My
               God
               ,
               my
               Love
               ,
               thou
               art
               wholly
               mine
               ,
               and
               I
               wholly
               thine
               .
            
          
           
             6.
             
             Enlarge
             me
             in
             Love
             ,
             that
             with
             the
             inward
             mouth
             of
             my
             heart
             I
             may
             taste
             how
             sweet
             it
             is
             to
             Love
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             melted
             ,
             and
             
             swim
             in
             thy
             Love.
             Let
             me
             be
             possessed
             by
             Love
             ,
             mounting
             above
             my self
             with
             excessive
             fervor
             and
             admiration
             .
             Let
             me
             Sing
             the
             Song
             of
             Love
             ,
             let
             me
             follow
             thee
             on
             high
             my
             Beloved
             ;
             let
             my
             Soul
             rejoycing
             through
             Love
             ,
             spend
             it self
             in
             thy
             Praise
             .
             Let
             me
             Love
             thee
             more
             than
             my self
             ,
             and
             not
             my self
             but
             for
             thee
             ,
             and
             all
             in
             thee
             that
             truly
             Love
             thee
             ,
             as
             the
             law
             of
             Love
             commandeth
             which
             shineth
             out
             from
             thee
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             Love
             is
             swift
             ,
             sincere
             ,
             pious
             ,
             pleasant
             and
             delightful
             ,
             strong
             ,
             patient
             ,
             faithful
             ,
             prudent
             ,
             long-suffering
             ,
             manly
             ,
             and
             never
             seeking
             it self
             .
             For
             where
             one
             seeketh
             himself
             ,
             there
             he
             falleth
             from
             Love.
             Love
             is
             circumspect
             ,
             humble
             ,
             and
             upright
             :
             not
             softly
             ,
             nor
             light
             ,
             not
             attending
             unto
             vain
             things
             ,
             sober
             ,
             chast
             ,
             constant
             ,
             quiet
             ,
             and
             guarded
             in
             all
             the
             senses
             .
             Love
             is
             subject
             and
             obedient
             to
             Superiors
             ,
             mean
             and
             abject
             to
             it self
             ,
             devout
             and
             thankful
             unto
             God
             ,
             trusting
             and
             hoping
             always
             in
             him
             ,
             even
             then
             when
             God
             imparteth
             no
             sweetness
             unto
             it
             :
             For
             without
             sorrow
             none
             liveth
             in
             Love.
             
          
           
             8.
             
             He
             that
             is
             not
             ready
             to
             suffer
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             stand
             to
             the
             will
             of
             his
             beloved
             ,
             
             is
             not
             worthy
             to
             be
             called
             a
             Lover
             .
             A
             Lover
             ought
             to
             embrace
             willingly
             all
             that
             is
             hard
             and
             distasteful
             for
             his
             Beloved
             ;
             and
             not
             to
             turn
             away
             from
             him
             for
             any
             contrary
             accidents
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP
             :
             VI.
             Of
             the
             proof
             of
             a
             true
             Lover
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             thou
             art
             not
             yet
             a
             strong
             and
             prudent
             Lover
             .
             Christian.
             Wherefore
             Lord
             ?
             Christ.
             Because
             thou
             givest
             over
             for
             a
             small
             adversity
             ,
             and
             too
             greedily
             seekest
             comfort
             .
             A
             strong
             Lover
             standeth
             firmly
             in
             temptations
             ,
             and
             giveth
             not
             credit
             to
             the
             crafty
             perswasions
             of
             the
             enemy
             .
             As
             I
             please
             him
             in
             prosperity
             ,
             so
             I
             am
             not
             unpleasant
             to
             him
             in
             adversity
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             A
             prudent
             Lover
             considereth
             not
             so
             much
             the
             gift
             of
             his
             Lover
             ,
             as
             the
             Love
             of
             the
             giver
             .
             He
             rather
             esteemeth
             the
             good
             will
             than
             the
             value
             ,
             and
             placeth
             all
             gifts
             under
             his
             Beloved
             .
             A
             noble
             Lover
             resteth
             not
             in
             the
             gift
             ,
             but
             in
             me
             above
             every
             gift
             .
             All
             therefore
             is
             not
             lost
             ,
             if
             sometimes
             thou
             hast
             less
             taste
             of
             me
             than
             thou
             wouldest
             .
             
             That
             good
             and
             sweet
             affection
             which
             thou
             sometimes
             feelest
             ,
             is
             the
             effect
             of
             present
             grace
             ,
             and
             a
             certain
             fore-taste
             of
             the
             heavenly
             Country
             ;
             whereon
             thou
             mayest
             not
             rely
             too
             much
             ,
             for
             it
             goeth
             and
             cometh
             .
             But
             to
             fight
             against
             evil
             motions
             of
             the
             mind
             which
             may
             happen
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             to
             despise
             the
             suggestions
             of
             the
             Devil
             ,
             is
             a
             notable
             sign
             of
             virtue
             and
             shall
             have
             great
             reward
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Let
             not
             therefore
             strange
             fancies
             forced
             into
             thee
             ,
             of
             any
             matter
             whatsoever
             ,
             trouble
             thee
             .
             Retain
             a
             strong
             purpose
             and
             an
             upright
             intention
             to
             God.
             Neither
             is
             it
             an
             illusion
             that
             sometimes
             thou
             art
             suddenly
             rapt
             on
             high
             ,
             and
             presently
             returnest
             again
             unto
             the
             accustomed
             vanities
             of
             thy
             heart
             .
             For
             thou
             dost
             rather
             unwillingly
             suffer
             them
             ,
             than
             commit
             them
             :
             and
             as
             long
             as
             they
             displease
             thee
             ,
             and
             thou
             strivest
             against
             them
             ,
             it
             is
             matter
             of
             reward
             ,
             and
             no
             loss
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Know
             that
             thy
             antient
             enemy
             doth
             ever
             strive
             to
             hinder
             thy
             desire
             to
             good
             ,
             and
             to
             deliver
             thee
             from
             all
             religious
             exercise
             ;
             to
             wit
             ,
             from
             the
             devout
             memory
             of
             my
             passion
             ,
             from
             the
             profitable
             remembrance
             of
             thy
             sins
             ,
             from
             the
             guard
             of
             thine
             
             own
             heart
             ,
             and
             from
             the
             firm
             purpose
             of
             profiting
             in
             virtue
             .
             He
             injecteth
             many
             evil
             thoughts
             into
             thy
             mind
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             cause
             a
             wearisomness
             and
             horror
             in
             thee
             ,
             to
             draw
             thee
             from
             Prayer
             and
             Holy
             reading
             .
             Humble
             confession
             is
             displeasing
             unto
             him
             ;
             and
             if
             he
             could
             ,
             he
             would
             cause
             thee
             to
             cease
             from
             receiving
             the
             Sacrament
             .
             Trust
             him
             not
             ,
             nor
             care
             for
             him
             ,
             although
             he
             should
             often
             set
             snares
             of
             deceit
             to
             intrap
             thee
             .
             Charge
             him
             with
             it
             when
             he
             suggesteth
             evil
             and
             unclean
             thoughts
             unto
             thee
             ;
             Say
             unto
             him
             ,
             Away
             unclean
             Spirit
             ,
             blush
             miserable
             wretch
             ;
             thou
             art
             very
             unclean
             that
             bringest
             such
             things
             unto
             mine
             ears
             .
             Away
             from
             me
             wicked
             deceiver
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             have
             no
             part
             in
             me
             :
             But
             Jesus
             shall
             be
             with
             me
             as
             a
             strong
             Warrior
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             stand
             confounded
             .
             I
             had
             rather
             die
             ,
             and
             undergo
             any
             torment
             ,
             than
             consent
             unto
             thee
             .
             Hold
             thy
             peace
             and
             be
             silent
             ;
             I
             will
             hear
             thee
             no
             more
             ,
             though
             thou
             shouldest
             work
             me
             many
             troubles
             .
             The
             Lord
             is
             my
             light
             and
             my
             Salvation
             ,
             whom
             shall
             I
             fear
             ?
             If
             whole
             Armies
             should
             stand
             together
             against
             me
             ,
             my
             heart
             shall
             not
             fear
             .
             The
             Lord
             is
             my
             helper
             and
             my
             redeemer
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Fight
             like
             a
             good
             Soldier
             :
             and
             if
             thou
             
             sometimes
             fall
             through
             frailty
             ,
             take
             greater
             strength
             than
             before
             ,
             trusting
             in
             my
             more
             abundant
             grace
             :
             and
             take
             great
             heed
             of
             vain
             pleasing
             of
             thy self
             and
             of
             pride
             .
             This
             brings
             many
             into
             error
             ,
             and
             makes
             them
             sometimes
             fall
             into
             almost
             incurable
             blindness
             .
             Let
             the
             fall
             of
             the
             proud
             foolishly
             presuming
             of
             themselves
             serve
             thee
             for
             a
             warning
             ,
             and
             keep
             thee
             perpetually
             humble
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VII
             .
             That
             grace
             is
             to
             be
             hid
             under
             the
             veil
             of
             Humility
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             it
             is
             more
             profitable
             and
             safe
             for
             thee
             to
             hide
             the
             grace
             of
             devotion
             ;
             not
             to
             extol
             thy self
             ,
             nor
             to
             speak
             much
             ,
             nor
             to
             esteem
             much
             thereof
             ,
             but
             rather
             to
             despise
             thy self
             ,
             and
             fear
             it
             ,
             as
             given
             to
             one
             unworthy
             thereof
             .
             This
             affection
             is
             not
             to
             be
             cleaved
             unto
             ,
             which
             may
             be
             quickly
             changed
             unto
             the
             contrary
             .
             Think
             when
             thou
             art
             in
             grace
             ,
             how
             miserable
             and
             needy
             thou
             art
             wont
             to
             be
             without
             grace
             .
             Neither
             doth
             therein
             only
             consist
             ,
             
             the
             proficiency
             of
             a
             spiritual
             life
             ,
             when
             thou
             hast
             the
             grace
             of
             comfort
             ;
             but
             when
             thou
             humbly
             ,
             self-denyingly
             and
             patiently
             sufferest
             the
             withdrawing
             thereof
             ,
             so
             that
             thou
             be
             not
             then
             less
             diligent
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             prayer
             ,
             nor
             suffer
             the
             rest
             of
             thy
             accustomed
             duties
             to
             be
             neglected
             ;
             but
             that
             thou
             willingly
             perform
             what
             lieth
             in
             thee
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             best
             of
             thy
             power
             and
             understanding
             ,
             not
             neglecting
             thy self
             wholly
             for
             the
             dryness
             and
             trouble
             of
             mind
             which
             thou
             feelest
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             There
             are
             many
             that
             when
             it
             succeedeth
             not
             well
             with
             them
             ,
             presently
             they
             become
             impatient
             or
             slothful
             .
             The
             way
             of
             Man
             is
             not
             always
             in
             his
             power
             ,
             but
             it
             belongeth
             to
             God
             to
             give
             and
             to
             comfort
             when
             he
             will
             ,
             and
             how
             much
             he
             will
             ,
             and
             whom
             he
             will
             ;
             as
             it
             shall
             please
             him
             ,
             and
             no
             more
             .
             Some
             unadvised
             persons
             have
             overthrown
             themselves
             for
             the
             
               greedy
               desire
               which
               they
               had
               of
            
             the
             grace
             of
             devotion
             ;
             attempting
             more
             than
             they
             were
             able
             to
             perform
             ,
             not
             weighing
             the
             measure
             of
             their
             weakness
             ,
             but
             following
             rather
             the
             desire
             of
             their
             heart
             ,
             than
             the
             judgment
             of
             reason
             .
             And
             because
             they
             presumed
             on
             greater
             matters
             than
             was
             pleasing
             to
             God
             ,
             they
             
             quickly
             lost
             his
             grace
             .
             They
             became
             needy
             ,
             and
             left
             in
             a
             dejected
             estate
             ,
             that
             built
             themselves
             nests
             in
             Heaven
             ;
             to
             the
             end
             that
             being
             humbled
             and
             impoverished
             ,
             they
             might
             learn
             not
             to
             flie
             with
             their
             own
             wings
             ,
             but
             to
             trust
             under
             my
             wings
             .
             They
             that
             are
             yet
             but
             novices
             and
             unacquainted
             in
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             unless
             they
             govern
             themselves
             by
             the
             counsel
             of
             discreet
             Persons
             ,
             may
             easily
             be
             deceived
             and
             overthrown
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             And
             if
             they
             will
             rather
             follow
             their
             own
             judgment
             ,
             than
             give
             credit
             to
             others
             that
             are
             experienced
             ,
             their
             end
             will
             be
             dangerous
             ,
             if
             they
             will
             not
             be
             drawn
             from
             their
             own
             conceit
             .
             Seldom
             those
             that
             are
             selfwise
             suffer
             themselves
             humbly
             to
             be
             governed
             by
             others
             .
             A
             little
             knowledg
             with
             Humility
             ,
             and
             a
             slender
             understanding
             ,
             is
             better
             than
             great
             measures
             of
             learning
             with
             a
             vain
             self-liking
             .
             It
             is
             better
             for
             thee
             to
             have
             little
             than
             much
             of
             that
             whereof
             thou
             mayest
             be
             proud
             .
             He
             doth
             not
             discreetly
             ,
             that
             wholly
             giveth
             himself
             over
             to
             mirth
             ,
             forgetting
             his
             former
             poverty
             ,
             and
             the
             chaste
             fear
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             feareth
             to
             lose
             the
             grace
             which
             he
             hath
             obtained
             .
             Neither
             is
             he
             virtuously
             wise
             ,
             that
             in
             time
             of
             
             adversity
             or
             any
             tribulation
             whatsoever
             ,
             yieldeth
             to
             despairing
             thoughts
             and
             thinketh
             and
             imagineth
             of
             me
             less
             confidently
             than
             he
             ought
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             He
             that
             will
             be
             over
             secure
             in
             time
             of
             peace
             ,
             shall
             be
             often
             found
             in
             time
             of
             war
             too
             dejected
             and
             fearful
             .
             If
             thou
             couldest
             always
             continue
             humble
             and
             lowly
             within
             thy self
             ,
             and
             order
             and
             govern
             thy
             spirit
             well
             ,
             thou
             shouldest
             not
             so
             soon
             fall
             into
             danger
             and
             offence
             .
             It
             is
             good
             counsel
             ,
             that
             when
             fervor
             of
             spirit
             is
             kindled
             within
             thee
             ,
             thou
             shouldest
             think
             what
             will
             become
             of
             thee
             ,
             when
             that
             light
             shall
             leave
             thee
             .
             And
             when
             that
             doth
             happen
             ,
             remember
             the
             light
             may
             return
             again
             ,
             which
             for
             thy
             instruction
             and
             my
             glory
             I
             have
             withdrawn
             for
             a
             time
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Such
             proof
             is
             often
             more
             profitable
             ,
             than
             if
             thou
             shouldest
             always
             enjoy
             prosperity
             according
             to
             thy
             desire
             .
             For
             a
             Mans
             worthiness
             is
             not
             to
             be
             judged
             by
             the
             number
             of
             visions
             and
             comforts
             which
             he
             hath
             ,
             or
             by
             his
             knowledg
             in
             Scripture
             ,
             or
             by
             his
             being
             placed
             in
             high
             degree
             ;
             but
             in
             that
             he
             is
             grounded
             in
             true
             humility
             ,
             and
             filled
             with
             divine
             love
             ;
             if
             he
             always
             purely
             and
             entirely
             seek
             the
             honor
             of
             God
             ,
             if
             he
             esteem
             
             himself
             nothing
             ,
             and
             unfriendly
             despise
             himself
             ,
             and
             rejoyce
             more
             to
             be
             despised
             and
             humbled
             by
             others
             ,
             than
             to
             be
             honored
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VIII
             .
             Of
             a
             mean
             conceit
             of
             our selves
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             Shall
             I
             speak
             unto
             my
             Lord
             sith
             I
             am
             Dust
             and
             Ashes
             ?
             If
             I
             esteem
             better
             of
             my self
             ,
             behold
             thou
             standest
             against
             me
             ,
             and
             my
             iniquities
             bear
             true
             witness
             
               against
               me
            
             :
             Neither
             can
             I
             speak
             against
             it
             .
             But
             if
             I
             abase
             and
             esteem
             nothing
             of
             my self
             ,
             and
             cast
             off
             all
             self-esteem
             ,
             and
             (
             as
             I
             am
             )
             account
             my self
             to
             be
             Dust
             ,
             thy
             grace
             will
             be
             favorable
             unto
             me
             ,
             and
             thy
             light
             will
             be
             near
             unto
             my
             heart
             ;
             and
             all
             self-esteem
             ,
             how
             little
             soever
             shall
             be
             swallowed
             up
             in
             the
             deep
             Valley
             of
             my
             nothingness
             ,
             and
             perish
             everlastingly
             .
             There
             thou
             shewest
             my self
             unto
             me
             ,
             what
             I
             am
             ,
             what
             I
             have
             been
             ,
             and
             whither
             I
             am
             come
             ;
             for
             I
             am
             nothing
             ,
             and
             I
             knew
             it
             not
             .
             And
             if
             I
             be
             left
             to
             my self
             ,
             behold
             I
             become
             nothing
             but
             mere
             weakness
             .
             But
             if
             thou
             suddenly
             
             look
             upon
             me
             ,
             I
             am
             presently
             made
             strong
             ,
             and
             filled
             with
             new
             joy
             .
             And
             it
             is
             a
             great
             marvel
             ,
             that
             I
             am
             so
             suddenly
             lifted
             up
             ,
             and
             so
             graciously
             embraced
             by
             thee
             ,
             that
             of
             mine
             own
             weight
             always
             sink
             downward
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Thy
             Love
             is
             cause
             hereof
             ,
             freely
             preventing
             me
             ,
             and
             relieving
             me
             in
             so
             many
             necessities
             ,
             preserving
             me
             also
             from
             grievous
             dangers
             ,
             and
             delivering
             me
             (
             as
             I
             may
             truly
             say
             )
             from
             innumerable
             evils
             .
             For
             surely
             by
             inordinate
             loving
             my self
             ,
             I
             lost
             my self
             and
             by
             seeking
             thee
             alone
             ,
             and
             purely
             loving
             thee
             ,
             I
             have
             found
             both
             my self
             and
             thee
             ,
             and
             by
             that
             Love
             have
             more
             deeply
             brought
             my self
             to
             nothing
             .
             For
             that
             thou
             ,
             O
             most
             sweet
             Lord
             ,
             dealest
             with
             me
             above
             all
             desert
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             that
             I
             dare
             hope
             and
             request
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Blessed
             be
             thou
             my
             God
             ;
             for
             although
             I
             be
             unworthy
             of
             any
             benefits
             ,
             yet
             the
             nobleness
             of
             thy
             bounty
             and
             thy
             infinite
             goodness
             never
             ceaseth
             to
             do
             good
             even
             to
             the
             ungrateful
             ,
             and
             to
             them
             that
             be
             turned
             away
             far
             from
             thee
             .
             Turn
             us
             unto
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             thankful
             ,
             humble
             ,
             and
             holy
             ;
             for
             thou
             art
             our
             safety
             ,
             our
             power
             ,
             and
             our
             strength
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             IX
             .
             That
             all
             things
             are
             to
             be
             referred
             unto
             God
             ,
             as
             unto
             the
             last
             end
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             I
             ought
             to
             be
             thy
             chiefest
             and
             last
             end
             ,
             if
             thou
             desirest
             to
             be
             truly
             blessed
             .
             With
             this
             intention
             thy
             affection
             shall
             be
             purified
             which
             is
             oftentimes
             inclined
             inordinately
             to
             it self
             and
             unto
             Creatures
             .
             For
             if
             in
             any
             thing
             thou
             seekest
             thy self
             ,
             thou
             presently
             faintest
             and
             driest
             up
             within
             thy self
             .
             Refer
             therefore
             all
             things
             chiefly
             unto
             me
             ,
             for
             I
             am
             he
             that
             have
             given
             all
             .
             Consider
             every
             thing
             as
             flowing
             from
             the
             Highest
             good
             ;
             and
             therefore
             all
             things
             are
             to
             be
             reduced
             unto
             me
             as
             unto
             their
             Original
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Out
             of
             me
             ,
             as
             out
             of
             a
             living
             Fountain
             ,
             the
             little
             and
             the
             great
             ,
             the
             poor
             and
             the
             rich
             ,
             to
             draw
             the
             water
             of
             life
             :
             and
             they
             that
             willingly
             and
             freely
             serve
             me
             ,
             shall
             receive
             grace
             for
             grace
             .
             But
             he
             that
             will
             glory
             out
             of
             me
             ,
             or
             be
             delighted
             in
             any
             particular
             good
             ,
             shall
             not
             be
             grounded
             in
             true
             joy
             ,
             nor
             enlarged
             in
             his
             heart
             ,
             but
             shall
             be
             many
             ways
             encumbred
             and
             straitned
             .
             
             Thou
             oughtest
             therefore
             to
             ascribe
             nothing
             of
             good
             unto
             thy self
             ,
             nor
             attribute
             goodness
             unto
             any
             Man
             ;
             but
             give
             all
             unto
             God
             ,
             without
             whom
             Man
             hath
             nothing
             .
             I
             have
             bestowed
             all
             ,
             and
             will
             that
             all
             be
             returned
             unto
             me
             again
             ;
             and
             with
             great
             strictness
             I
             require
             thanks
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             This
             is
             the
             truth
             that
             putteth
             to
             flight
             vain
             Glory
             ,
             and
             if
             heavenly
             grace
             and
             true
             Love
             enter
             in
             ,
             there
             shall
             be
             no
             envy
             nor
             straitness
             of
             heart
             ,
             neither
             shall
             there
             be
             any
             place
             for
             self-love
             .
             For
             Divine
             Love
             overcometh
             all
             ,
             and
             enlargeth
             all
             the
             powers
             of
             the
             Soul.
             If
             thou
             beest
             truly
             wise
             ,
             in
             me
             alone
             thou
             wilt
             rejoyce
             ,
             in
             me
             alone
             thou
             wilt
             hope
             :
             For
             none
             is
             good
             ,
             but
             God
             alone
             ,
             who
             is
             to
             be
             praised
             above
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             blessed
             in
             all
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             X.
             That
             the
             World
             being
             despised
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             sweet
             thing
             to
             serve
             God.
             
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             Now
             I
             will
             speak
             again
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             be
             silent
             ,
             I
             will
             say
             in
             the
             ears
             of
             my
             God
             ,
             my
             Lord
             ,
             and
             
             my
             King
             that
             is
             on
             High
             ,
             Psal.
             31.
             
             
               O
               how
               great
               is
               the
               abundance
               of
               thy
               goodness
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               which
               thou
               hast
               laid
               up
               for
               those
               that
               fear
               thee
            
             !
             But
             what
             art
             thou
             to
             them
             that
             Love
             thee
             ?
             What
             to
             them
             that
             serve
             thee
             with
             their
             whole
             heart
             ?
             Truly
             unspeakable
             is
             the
             sweetness
             of
             contemplating
             thee
             ,
             which
             thou
             bestowest
             on
             them
             that
             Love
             thee
             .
             In
             this
             chiefly
             thou
             hast
             shewed
             me
             the
             sweetness
             of
             thy
             Love
             :
             For
             that
             when
             I
             was
             not
             ,
             thou
             madest
             me
             ;
             and
             when
             I
             went
             astray
             far
             off
             from
             thee
             ,
             thou
             broughtest
             me
             back
             again
             ,
             that
             I
             might
             serve
             thee
             ,
             and
             hast
             commanded
             me
             to
             Love
             thee
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             O
             Fountain
             of
             everlasting
             Love
             ,
             what
             shall
             I
             say
             of
             thee
             ?
             How
             can
             I
             forget
             thee
             ,
             that
             hast
             vouchsafed
             to
             remember
             me
             ,
             even
             when
             I
             wasted
             away
             ,
             and
             perished
             ?
             Thou
             hast
             shewed
             mercy
             to
             thy
             Servant
             beyond
             all
             my
             expectation
             :
             And
             hast
             exhibited
             thy
             favor
             and
             friendship
             beyond
             all
             merit
             .
             What
             shall
             I
             return
             unto
             thee
             for
             this
             grace
             .
             For
             it
             is
             not
             granted
             to
             every
             one
             to
             forsake
             all
             things
             ,
             to
             renounce
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             to
             undertake
             a
             life
             of
             Religious
             retiredness
             .
             It
             is
             much
             that
             I
             should
             serve
             thee
             ,
             whom
             all
             Creatures
             are
             bound
             to
             serve
             .
             It
             ought
             not
             to
             seem
             much
             
             unto
             me
             to
             serve
             thee
             ;
             but
             this
             rather
             seemeth
             much
             and
             marvellous
             unto
             me
             that
             thou
             vouchsafest
             to
             receive
             into
             thy
             service
             one
             so
             poor
             and
             unworthy
             ,
             and
             to
             joyn
             him
             with
             thy
             beloved
             Servants
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Behold
             ,
             all
             is
             thine
             which
             I
             have
             ,
             and
             whereby
             I
             serve
             thee
             .
             And
             yet
             contrarywise
             thou
             rather
             servest
             me
             than
             I
             thee
             .
             Behold
             ,
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ,
             which
             thou
             hast
             created
             for
             the
             service
             of
             Man
             are
             ready
             at
             hand
             ,
             and
             do
             daily
             perform
             whatsoever
             thou
             dost
             command
             ;
             and
             this
             is
             little
             ;
             yea
             ,
             thou
             hast
             also
             appointed
             the
             Angels
             to
             the
             service
             of
             Man.
             But
             that
             which
             excelleth
             all
             this
             is
             ,
             that
             thou
             thy self
             hast
             vouchsafed
             to
             serve
             Man
             ,
             and
             hast
             promised
             to
             give
             thy self
             unto
             him
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             What
             shall
             I
             give
             thee
             for
             all
             these
             thousands
             of
             benefits
             ?
             I
             would
             I
             could
             serve
             thee
             all
             the
             days
             of
             my
             life
             .
             I
             would
             I
             were
             able
             at
             least
             for
             one
             day
             ,
             to
             do
             thee
             some
             worthy
             service
             !
             Thou
             art
             truly
             worthy
             of
             all
             service
             ,
             of
             all
             honor
             ,
             and
             everlasting
             praise
             .
             Thou
             art
             truly
             my
             Lord
             ,
             and
             I
             thy
             poor
             Servant
             ,
             that
             am
             bound
             to
             serve
             thee
             with
             all
             my
             might
             ,
             neither
             ought
             I
             ever
             to
             be
             weary
             of
             praising
             thee
             .
             And
             
             this
             I
             wish
             to
             do
             ,
             this
             I
             desire
             ;
             and
             whatsoever
             is
             wanting
             unto
             me
             ,
             vouchsafe
             I
             beseech
             thee
             to
             supply
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             It
             is
             great
             honor
             ,
             a
             great
             glory
             to
             serve
             thee
             ,
             and
             despise
             all
             things
             for
             thee
             .
             For
             great
             grace
             shall
             be
             given
             to
             them
             that
             shall
             willingly
             subject
             themselves
             to
             thy
             most
             holy
             service
             ,
             They
             shall
             receive
             the
             most
             sweet
             comfort
             of
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
             that
             for
             thy
             love
             shall
             renounce
             all
             carnal
             delights
             ,
             they
             shall
             attain
             great
             freedom
             of
             mind
             ,
             that
             for
             thy
             names
             sake
             shall
             enter
             into
             the
             narrow
             way
             ,
             and
             shall
             have
             left
             off
             all
             worldly
             care
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             O
             sweet
             and
             delightful
             service
             of
             God
             ,
             by
             which
             Man
             is
             truly
             made
             free
             and
             holy
             !
             O
             sacred
             state
             of
             religious
             employment
             ,
             which
             maketh
             Man
             equal
             to
             Angels
             ,
             pleasing
             to
             God
             ,
             terrible
             to
             Devils
             ,
             grateful
             and
             of
             great
             esteem
             to
             all
             the
             faithful
             !
             O
             service
             to
             be
             imbraced
             and
             always
             wished
             for
             by
             which
             we
             obtain
             the
             greatest
             good
             ,
             and
             attain
             to
             that
             joy
             which
             never
             shall
             have
             end
             !
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XI
             .
             That
             the
             desires
             of
             our
             heart
             are
             to
             be
             examined
             and
             moderated
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             learn
             many
             things
             more
             ,
             which
             thou
             hast
             not
             well
             learned
             .
          
           
             Christian.
             What
             are
             those
             Lord
             ?
          
           
             Christ.
             That
             thou
             frame
             thy
             desires
             wholly
             according
             to
             my
             pleasure
             ;
             and
             be
             not
             a
             lover
             of
             thy self
             ,
             but
             an
             affectionate
             follower
             of
             my
             will.
             Thy
             desires
             oftentimes
             enflame
             thee
             ,
             and
             drive
             thee
             forwards
             with
             violence
             :
             But
             consider
             whether
             thou
             art
             moved
             rather
             for
             my
             honor
             ,
             than
             for
             thine
             own
             profit
             .
             If
             I
             be
             the
             cause
             ,
             thou
             wilt
             be
             well
             content
             with
             whatsoever
             I
             shall
             ordain
             :
             But
             if
             there
             lurk
             in
             thee
             any
             self-seeking
             ,
             behold
             this
             is
             it
             that
             hindereth
             thee
             and
             weigheth
             thee
             down
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Beware
             therefore
             thou
             lean
             not
             too
             much
             upon
             thy
             own
             preconceived
             desire
             ,
             without
             asking
             my
             counsel
             ,
             lest
             perhaps
             afterwards
             it
             repent
             thee
             ,
             and
             thou
             begin
             now
             to
             dislike
             that
             which
             before
             did
             please
             thee
             ,
             and
             which
             thou
             earnestly
             desiredst
             
             as
             the
             best
             .
             For
             every
             affection
             that
             seemeth
             good
             is
             not
             presently
             to
             be
             followed
             ;
             nor
             every
             contrary
             affection
             at
             the
             first
             to
             be
             avoided
             .
             It
             is
             expedient
             sometimes
             to
             use
             a
             restraint
             even
             in
             good
             desires
             and
             endeavors
             ,
             lest
             by
             importunity
             thou
             incurre
             distraction
             of
             mind
             ,
             and
             by
             thy
             want
             of
             self-government
             beget
             a
             scandal
             unto
             others
             ;
             or
             being
             gainsaid
             by
             others
             thou
             be
             suddenly
             troubled
             and
             fall
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Yet
             sometimes
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             use
             violence
             ,
             and
             resist
             manfully
             thy
             sensual
             appetites
             ,
             and
             respect
             not
             what
             the
             flesh
             would
             ,
             or
             would
             not
             ;
             but
             rather
             to
             labor
             that
             even
             perforce
             it
             be
             subject
             to
             the
             spirit
             .
             And
             it
             is
             to
             be
             chastised
             so
             long
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             forced
             under
             servitude
             ,
             until
             it
             readily
             obey
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             learn
             to
             be
             content
             with
             a
             little
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             pleased
             with
             plain
             things
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             murmure
             against
             any
             inconvenience
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XII
             .
             Of
             patience
             ,
             and
             of
             striving
             against
             conoupiscence
             .
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             Lord
             God
             ,
             I
             perceive
             patience
             is
             very
             necessary
             unto
             me
             ,
             for
             that
             many
             adversities
             do
             happen
             in
             this
             life
             .
             For
             howsoever
             I
             shall
             dispose
             of
             my
             peace
             ,
             my
             life
             cannot
             be
             without
             war
             and
             affliction
             .
          
           
             Christ.
             So
             it
             is
             Son.
             And
             my
             will
             is
             not
             that
             thou
             seek
             after
             that
             peace
             which
             is
             void
             of
             temptations
             ,
             or
             that
             which
             feeleth
             no
             contrariety
             ;
             but
             then
             think
             that
             thou
             hast
             found
             peace
             ,
             when
             thou
             art
             exercised
             with
             sundry
             tribulations
             ,
             and
             tried
             in
             many
             adversities
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             If
             thou
             say
             ,
             that
             thou
             art
             not
             able
             to
             suffer
             much
             ,
             how
             then
             wilt
             thou
             endure
             the
             Fire
             hereafter
             ?
             Of
             two
             evils
             the
             less
             is
             always
             to
             be
             chosen
             .
             That
             thou
             maist
             therefore
             avoid
             everlasting
             punishment
             in
             the
             next
             World
             ,
             endeavor
             to
             suffer
             patiently
             for
             God
             the
             present
             evils
             of
             this
             .
             Dost
             thou
             think
             that
             the
             Men
             of
             this
             World
             suffer
             little
             or
             nothing
             ?
             Look
             into
             the
             life
             
             even
             of
             them
             that
             live
             in
             greatest
             delicacies
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             find
             it
             otherwise
             .
             But
             thou
             wilt
             say
             ,
             they
             have
             many
             delights
             ,
             and
             follow
             their
             own
             wills
             ,
             and
             therefore
             they
             make
             small
             account
             of
             their
             tribulations
             :
             Be
             it
             so
             ,
             that
             they
             have
             whatsoever
             they
             will
             ;
             but
             how
             long
             dost
             thou
             think
             it
             will
             last
             ?
          
           
             3.
             
             Behold
             ,
             the
             wealthy
             of
             this
             World
             vanish
             away
             like
             smoak
             ,
             and
             there
             shall
             be
             no
             memory
             of
             their
             joys
             past
             .
             Yea
             ,
             even
             while
             they
             live
             also
             ,
             they
             rest
             not
             in
             them
             without
             bitterness
             ,
             irksomeness
             and
             fear
             .
             For
             the
             self
             same
             thing
             in
             which
             they
             take
             their
             delight
             ,
             is
             oftentimes
             unto
             them
             the
             cause
             of
             sorrow
             .
             They
             have
             their
             desert
             ,
             who
             for
             that
             they
             inordinately
             seek
             and
             follow
             delights
             ,
             they
             do
             not
             enjoy
             them
             but
             with
             shame
             and
             sorrow
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             O
             how
             short
             and
             false
             ,
             how
             inordinate
             and
             filthy
             are
             all
             those
             pleasures
             !
             Yet
             so
             Drunken
             and
             Blind
             are
             Men
             that
             they
             understand
             it
             not
             :
             But
             like
             Dumb
             beasts
             ,
             for
             a
             little
             pleasure
             of
             a
             corruptible
             life
             ,
             they
             incur
             the
             Eternal
             death
             of
             their
             Soul.
             Do
             not
             thou
             therefore
             my
             Son
             ,
             go
             after
             thy
             Lusts
             ,
             but
             forsake
             thine
             own
             will
             ,
             Psal.
             37.
             
             
               Delight
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               he
               will
               give
               thee
               the
               desires
               of
               thy
               heart
               .
            
          
           
           
             5.
             
             For
             if
             thou
             desire
             true
             delight
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             more
             plentifully
             comforted
             by
             me
             ,
             behold
             ,
             in
             the
             contempt
             of
             all
             wordly
             things
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             cutting
             off
             all
             base
             delights
             shall
             be
             thy
             blessing
             ,
             and
             abundant
             comforts
             shall
             be
             given
             thee
             .
             And
             how
             much
             the
             more
             thou
             withdrawest
             thy self
             from
             all
             comfort
             of
             Creatures
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             sweeter
             and
             more
             powerful
             consolations
             shalt
             thou
             find
             in
             me
             .
             But
             at
             first
             thou
             canst
             not
             attain
             unto
             them
             without
             fome
             sorrow
             ,
             nor
             without
             a
             laborious
             conflict
             .
             Thy
             old
             custom
             will
             make
             resistance
             ,
             and
             thou
             must
             overcome
             it
             with
             another
             custom
             that
             is
             better
             .
             Thy
             flesh
             will
             murmur
             ;
             but
             thou
             must
             bridle
             it
             with
             fervor
             of
             Spirit
             .
             The
             old
             Serpent
             will
             sting
             and
             trouble
             thee
             ;
             but
             by
             Prayer
             he
             shall
             be
             put
             to
             flight
             ,
             and
             by
             profitable
             industry
             thou
             shalt
             stop
             the
             way
             against
             him
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XIII
             .
             Of
             the
             humble
             obedience
             of
             a
             Subject
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             example
             of
             Christ.
             
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             he
             that
             endeavoreth
             to
             withdraw
             himself
             from
             obedience
             ,
             withdraweth
             himself
             from
             grace
             .
             And
             he
             that
             seeketh
             things
             private
             ,
             shall
             lose
             the
             publick
             .
             He
             that
             doth
             not
             willingly
             and
             freely
             submit
             himself
             to
             his
             Superior
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             sign
             that
             his
             flesh
             is
             not
             as
             yet
             perfectly
             obedient
             unto
             him
             ,
             but
             oftentimes
             kicketh
             ,
             and
             murmureth
             against
             him
             .
             Learn
             therefore
             readily
             to
             submit
             thy self
             to
             thy
             Superior
             ,
             if
             thou
             desirest
             to
             subdue
             thine
             own
             flesh
             .
             For
             the
             outward
             enemy
             is
             sooner
             overcome
             ,
             if
             the
             inward
             Man
             be
             not
             wasted
             .
             There
             is
             no
             worse
             enemy
             ,
             nor
             more
             troublesome
             to
             the
             Soul
             ,
             than
             thou
             art
             unto
             thy self
             ,
             not
             agreeing
             well
             with
             the
             Spirit
             .
             Thou
             must
             of
             necessity
             have
             a
             true
             contempt
             of
             thy self
             ,
             if
             thou
             wilt
             prevail
             against
             flesh
             and
             blood
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Because
             thou
             lovest
             thy self
             as
             yet
             too
             inordinately
             ,
             therefore
             thou
             art
             afraid
             to
             resign
             thy self
             wholly
             to
             the
             will
             of
             others
             .
             
             But
             what
             great
             matter
             is
             it
             ,
             if
             thou
             ,
             that
             art
             Dust
             and
             nothing
             ,
             submit
             thy self
             to
             a
             Man
             for
             God
             ,
             when
             I
             the
             Almighty
             and
             highest
             Soveraign
             who
             created
             all
             things
             of
             nothing
             ,
             humbly
             submitted
             my self
             unto
             Man
             for
             thee
             ?
             I
             became
             the
             most
             humble
             and
             abject
             of
             all
             Men
             ,
             that
             thou
             mightest
             overcome
             thy
             pride
             with
             my
             humility
             .
             Learn
             to
             obey
             thou
             that
             art
             Dust.
             Learn
             to
             humble
             thy self
             thou
             Earth
             and
             Clay
             ,
             and
             put
             thy self
             under
             the
             Feet
             of
             all
             Men.
             Learn
             to
             break
             thine
             own
             will
             ,
             and
             to
             yield
             thy self
             to
             all
             Subjection
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Be
             vehement
             against
             thy self
             ,
             and
             suffer
             not
             pride
             to
             live
             in
             thee
             :
             But
             so
             humble
             and
             submit
             thy self
             to
             all
             ,
             that
             every
             one
             may
             go
             over
             thee
             ,
             and
             tread
             thee
             as
             dirt
             of
             the
             Streets
             under
             their
             Feet
             .
             Vain
             Man
             ,
             what
             canst
             thou
             complain
             of
             ?
             What
             canst
             thou
             answer
             ,
             foul
             sinner
             ,
             to
             them
             that
             reprove
             thee
             ,
             who
             hast
             so
             often
             offended
             God
             ,
             and
             so
             many
             times
             deserved
             Hell
             ?
             But
             mine
             eye
             hath
             spared
             thee
             ,
             because
             thy
             Soul
             was
             precious
             in
             my
             sight
             ;
             that
             thou
             mightest
             know
             my
             Love
             ,
             and
             always
             remain
             thankful
             for
             my
             benefits
             ;
             and
             that
             thou
             mightest
             continually
             give
             thy self
             to
             true
             subjection
             and
             humility
             ,
             and
             
             mightest
             bear
             patiently
             the
             contempt
             of
             thy self
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIV
             .
             Of
             the
             secret
             Iudgments
             of
             God
             to
             be
             considered
             ,
             lest
             we
             be
             exalted
             in
             our
             good
             deeds
             .
          
           
             Christian.
             Thou
             thunderest
             forth
             thy
             Judgments
             over
             me
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             and
             shakest
             all
             my
             bones
             with
             fear
             and
             trembling
             ,
             and
             my
             Soul
             is
             fore
             afraid
             .
             I
             stand
             astonished
             ,
             when
             I
             consider
             that
             the
             Heavens
             are
             not
             pure
             in
             thy
             sight
             .
             If
             thou
             hast
             found
             wickedness
             in
             Angels
             ,
             and
             hast
             not
             pardoned
             them
             ,
             what
             shall
             become
             of
             me
             ?
             Stars
             fell
             from
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             what
             do
             I
             presume
             that
             am
             Dust
             ?
             They
             whose
             works
             seemed
             commendable
             ,
             fell
             into
             the
             lowest
             misery
             :
             And
             I
             have
             seen
             them
             ,
             that
             did
             eat
             the
             Bread
             of
             Angels
             ,
             to
             be
             delighted
             with
             the
             husks
             of
             Swine
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             There
             is
             therefore
             no
             sanctity
             ,
             if
             thou
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             withdrawest
             thy
             hand
             .
             No
             wisdom
             availeth
             ,
             if
             thou
             ceasest
             to
             Govern.
             No
             strength
             helpeth
             ,
             if
             thou
             leavest
             to
             defend
             .
             No
             chastity
             is
             secure
             ,
             if
             thou
             dost
             not
             
             protect
             it
             .
             No
             custody
             of
             our
             own
             profitable
             ,
             if
             thy
             sacred
             watchfulness
             be
             not
             present
             .
             For
             ,
             if
             we
             be
             left
             of
             thee
             ,
             we
             sink
             and
             perish
             ;
             but
             if
             thou
             vouchsafest
             to
             visit
             us
             ,
             we
             are
             raised
             up
             and
             live
             .
             We
             are
             inconstant
             ,
             but
             by
             thee
             we
             are
             established
             :
             we
             wax
             cold
             ,
             but
             by
             thee
             we
             are
             enflamed
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             O
             how
             meanly
             and
             humbly
             ought
             I
             to
             think
             of
             my self
             !
             how
             little
             ,
             yea
             nothing
             ought
             I
             to
             esteem
             it
             ,
             if
             I
             seem
             to
             have
             any
             good
             !
             O
             Lord
             ,
             with
             what
             profound
             Humility
             ought
             I
             to
             submit
             my self
             to
             thy
             bottomless
             judgements
             ;
             where
             I
             find
             my self
             to
             be
             nothing
             else
             ,
             but
             nothing
             ,
             and
             nothing
             !
             O
             unmeasurable
             weight
             !
             O
             sea
             that
             can
             never
             be
             passed
             over
             ,
             where
             I
             find
             my self
             only
             and
             wholly
             nothing
             !
             Where
             then
             is
             the
             lurking
             hole
             of
             glory
             ?
             Where
             is
             the
             confidence
             conceived
             of
             virtue
             ?
             All
             vain
             glorying
             is
             swallowed
             up
             in
             the
             deep
             of
             thy
             judgements
             over
             me
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             What
             is
             all
             flesh
             in
             thy
             sight
             ?
             Shall
             the
             clay
             glory
             against
             him
             that
             frameth
             it
             ?
             How
             can
             he
             be
             lifted
             up
             with
             vain
             words
             ,
             whose
             heart
             is
             truly
             subject
             to
             God
             ?
             All
             the
             world
             cannot
             lift
             him
             up
             ,
             whom
             the
             Truth
             hath
             subjected
             unto
             it self
             .
             Neither
             
             shall
             he
             be
             moved
             with
             the
             Tongues
             of
             all
             his
             praisers
             ,
             that
             hath
             setled
             his
             whole
             hope
             in
             God.
             For
             as
             for
             them
             that
             speak
             behold
             ,
             they
             all
             are
             nothing
             ;
             they
             shall
             pass
             away
             with
             the
             sound
             of
             their
             words
             ,
             but
             the
             truth
             of
             the
             Lord
             remaineth
             for
             ever
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XV.
             How
             we
             are
             to
             stand
             affected
             ,
             and
             what
             we
             are
             to
             say
             ,
             in
             every
             thing
             which
             we
             desire
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             say
             thus
             in
             every
             thing
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             pleasing
             unto
             thee
             ,
             let
             this
             be
             done
             in
             this
             sort
             ;
             Lord
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             to
             thy
             honor
             ,
             let
             this
             be
             done
             in
             thy
             Name
             ;
             Lord
             ,
             if
             thou
             seest
             it
             expedient
             for
             me
             ,
             and
             allowest
             it
             to
             be
             profitable
             ,
             then
             grant
             unto
             me
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             use
             this
             unto
             thine
             honor
             .
             But
             if
             thou
             knowest
             it
             will
             be
             hurtful
             unto
             me
             ,
             and
             not
             profitable
             to
             the
             health
             of
             my
             soul
             ,
             take
             away
             this
             desire
             from
             me
             .
             For
             every
             desire
             proceedeth
             not
             from
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
             though
             it
             seem
             unto
             Man
             right
             and
             good
             .
             It
             is
             hard
             to
             judge
             rightly
             whether
             a
             good
             Spirit
             or
             the
             contrary
             
             drive
             thee
             to
             desire
             this
             or
             that
             ;
             or
             whether
             also
             by
             thine
             own
             spirit
             thou
             be
             moved
             thereunto
             .
             Many
             are
             deceived
             in
             the
             end
             ,
             who
             at
             the
             first
             seemed
             to
             be
             led
             by
             a
             good
             Spirit
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Always
             therefore
             ,
             whatsoever
             occurreth
             unto
             thy
             mind
             to
             be
             desired
             ,
             let
             it
             be
             desired
             and
             prayed
             for
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God
             and
             with
             Humility
             of
             heart
             ;
             and
             above
             all
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             commit
             the
             whole
             unto
             me
             with
             resignation
             of
             thy self
             ,
             and
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             say
             ,
             Lord
             thou
             knowest
             what
             is
             best
             ,
             let
             this
             or
             that
             be
             done
             as
             thou
             pleasest
             .
             Give
             what
             thou
             wilt
             ,
             and
             how
             much
             thou
             wilt
             ,
             and
             when
             thou
             wilt
             .
             Deal
             with
             me
             as
             thou
             thinkest
             good
             ,
             and
             as
             best
             pleaseth
             thee
             ,
             and
             is
             most
             for
             thy
             honor
             .
             Set
             me
             ,
             where
             thou
             wilt
             ,
             and
             deal
             with
             me
             in
             all
             things
             according
             to
             thy
             will.
             I
             am
             in
             thy
             hand
             ;
             turn
             me
             ,
             and
             turn
             me
             again
             which
             way
             soever
             thou
             please
             .
             Behold
             I
             am
             thy
             Servant
             ,
             prepared
             for
             all
             things
             ;
             for
             I
             desire
             not
             to
             live
             unto
             my self
             ,
             but
             unto
             thee
             ;
             and
             O
             that
             I
             could
             do
             it
             worthily
             and
             perfectly
             !
          
           
             
             
               A
               Prayer
               for
               the
               fulfilling
               of
               the
               will
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               Grant
               me
               thy
               Grace
               O
               most
               gracious
               Jesus
               ,
               that
               it
               may
               be
               with
               me
               ,
               and
               labor
               with
               me
               ,
               and
               persevere
               with
               me
               until
               the
               end
               .
               Grant
               me
               always
               to
               desire
               and
               will
               that
               which
               is
               most
               acceptable
               unto
               thee
               ,
               and
               best
               pleaseth
               thee
               .
               Let
               thy
               will
               be
               mine
               ,
               and
               let
               my
               will
               ever
               follow
               thine
               ,
               and
               agree
               perfectly
               with
               it
               .
               Let
               my
               will
               and
               nill
               be
               all
               one
               with
               thine
               ,
               and
               let
               me
               not
               will
               or
               nill
               any
               thing
               else
               ,
               but
               what
               thou
               willest
               or
               nillest
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               Grant
               that
               I
               may
               die
               to
               all
               things
               that
               are
               in
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               to
               love
               to
               be
               contemned
               for
               thy
               sake
               and
               not
               to
               be
               known
               in
               this
               world
               .
               Grant
               that
               above
               all
               things
               that
               can
               be
               desired
               ,
               I
               may
               rest
               in
               thee
               ,
               and
               may
               quiet
               my
               heart
               in
               thee
               .
               Thou
               art
               the
               true
               peace
               of
               the
               heart
               ,
               thou
               art
               the
               only
               rest
               ;
               out
               of
               thee
               all
               things
               are
               troublesom
               and
               unquiet
               .
               In
               this
               very
               peace
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               in
               thee
               ,
               the
               one
               chiefest
               eternal
               Good
               ,
               I
               will
               sleep
               and
               rest
               .
            
             
               Amen
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XVI
             .
             That
             true
             comfort
             is
             to
             be
             sought
             in
             God
             alone
             .
          
           
             WHatsoever
             I
             can
             desire
             or
             imagine
             for
             my
             comfort
             ,
             I
             look
             not
             for
             it
             here
             ,
             but
             hereafter
             .
             For
             if
             I
             should
             alone
             have
             all
             the
             comforts
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             might
             enjoy
             all
             the
             delights
             thereof
             ,
             it
             is
             certain
             that
             they
             could
             not
             long
             endure
             .
             Wherefore
             my
             soul
             ,
             thou
             canst
             not
             be
             fully
             comforted
             ,
             nor
             have
             perfect
             delight
             but
             in
             God
             ,
             the
             comforter
             of
             the
             poor
             ,
             and
             the
             helper
             of
             the
             humble
             .
             Expect
             a
             while
             ,
             O
             my
             soul
             ,
             expect
             the
             divine
             promise
             and
             thou
             shalt
             have
             abundance
             of
             all
             good
             things
             in
             Heaven
             .
             If
             thou
             desire
             inordinately
             the
             things
             that
             are
             present
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             lose
             the
             celestial
             and
             eternal
             .
             Use
             temporal
             things
             ,
             and
             desire
             eternal
             .
             Thou
             canst
             not
             be
             filled
             with
             any
             temporal
             goods
             ,
             because
             thou
             art
             not
             created
             to
             enjoy
             them
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Although
             thou
             shouldest
             enjoy
             all
             created
             good
             ,
             yet
             couldst
             thou
             not
             be
             happy
             thereby
             nor
             blessed
             ;
             but
             in
             God
             ,
             that
             hath
             created
             all
             things
             ,
             thy
             whole
             
             beatitude
             and
             happiness
             consisteth
             ;
             not
             such
             as
             is
             seen
             ,
             and
             commended
             by
             the
             foolish
             lovers
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             but
             such
             as
             the
             good
             and
             faithful
             Servants
             of
             Christ
             expect
             ,
             and
             the
             spiritual
             and
             pure
             in
             heart
             ,
             whose
             conversation
             is
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             sometimes
             have
             a
             foretast
             of
             .
             Vain
             and
             short
             is
             all
             humane
             comfort
             .
             Blessed
             and
             true
             is
             the
             comfort
             which
             is
             received
             inwardly
             from
             the
             Truth
             .
             A
             Religious
             Man
             every
             where
             carrieth
             with
             him
             Jesus
             his
             comforter
             ,
             and
             saith
             unto
             him
             ,
             Be
             present
             with
             me
             Lord
             Jesus
             in
             every
             place
             and
             time
             .
             Let
             this
             be
             my
             comfort
             ,
             to
             be
             willing
             to
             want
             all
             humane
             comfort
             .
             And
             if
             thy
             comfort
             be
             wanting
             ,
             let
             thy
             will
             and
             just
             proving
             of
             me
             be
             unto
             me
             as
             the
             greatest
             comfort
             ;
             for
             thou
             wilt
             not
             be
             angry
             always
             ,
             neither
             wilt
             thou
             threaten
             for
             ever
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XVII
             .
             That
             all
             our
             care
             is
             to
             be
             placed
             in
             God.
             
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             suffer
             me
             to
             do
             with
             thee
             what
             I
             please
             .
             I
             know
             what
             is
             expedient
             for
             thee
             .
             Thou
             thinkest
             as
             Man
             ;
             
             thou
             judgest
             in
             many
             things
             as
             humane
             affection
             perswadeth
             thee
             .
          
           
             Christian.
             Lord
             ,
             what
             thou
             sayest
             is
             true
             .
             Thy
             care
             for
             me
             is
             greater
             than
             all
             the
             care
             that
             I
             can
             take
             for
             my self
             .
             For
             he
             standeth
             very
             totteringly
             ,
             that
             casteth
             not
             his
             whole
             care
             upon
             thee
             .
             Lord
             so
             that
             my
             will
             may
             remain
             right
             and
             firm
             towards
             thee
             ,
             do
             with
             me
             whatsoever
             it
             shall
             please
             thee
             .
             For
             it
             cannot
             be
             but
             good
             whatsoever
             thou
             doest
             with
             me
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             If
             it
             be
             thy
             will
             I
             should
             be
             in
             darkness
             ,
             be
             thou
             blessed
             ;
             and
             if
             it
             be
             thy
             will
             I
             should
             be
             in
             light
             ,
             be
             thou
             again
             Blessed
             .
             If
             thou
             vouchsafest
             to
             comfort
             me
             ,
             be
             thou
             Blessed
             ;
             and
             if
             thou
             wilt
             afflict
             me
             ,
             be
             thou
             ever
             equally
             blessed
             .
          
           
             Christ.
             Son
             ,
             Thus
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             be
             minded
             ,
             if
             thou
             wilt
             walk
             with
             me
             .
             Thou
             must
             be
             as
             ready
             to
             suffer
             ,
             as
             to
             rejoyce
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             to
             be
             as
             willing
             to
             be
             poor
             and
             needy
             ,
             as
             full
             and
             rich
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Christian.
             Lord
             ,
             I
             will
             willingly
             suffer
             for
             thee
             ,
             whatsoever
             thy
             pleasure
             is
             shall
             befall
             me
             .
             I
             will
             receive
             indifferently
             from
             thy
             hand
             good
             and
             evil
             ,
             sweet
             and
             sowre
             ,
             delightful
             and
             sorrowful
             ,
             and
             give
             thee
             thanks
             for
             all
             that
             befalleth
             me
             .
             
             Keep
             me
             from
             all
             sin
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             neither
             fear
             death
             nor
             Hell
             ;
             so
             as
             thou
             dost
             not
             for
             ever
             cast
             me
             from
             thee
             ,
             nor
             blot
             me
             out
             of
             the
             Book
             of
             life
             ,
             what
             tribulation
             soever
             befal
             me
             shall
             not
             hurt
             me
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XVIII
             .
             That
             temporal
             miseries
             after
             the
             example
             of
             Christ
             ,
             must
             be
             born
             patiently
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             I
             descended
             from
             Heaven
             for
             thy
             Salvation
             ;
             I
             took
             upon
             me
             thy
             miseries
             ,
             my
             own
             love
             and
             not
             any
             necessity
             drawing
             me
             thereunto
             ;
             that
             thou
             mightest
             learn
             patience
             ,
             and
             not
             grudgingly
             bear
             temporal
             miseries
             .
             For
             from
             the
             hour
             of
             my
             birth
             ,
             until
             my
             death
             on
             the
             Cross
             ,
             I
             was
             not
             without
             suffering
             of
             grief
             .
             I
             suffered
             great
             want
             of
             temporal
             things
             ;
             I
             often
             heard
             many
             complaints
             against
             me
             ;
             I
             bore
             patiently
             shame
             and
             reproaches
             ;
             for
             benefits
             I
             received
             ingratitude
             ;
             for
             miracles
             ,
             blasphemies
             ;
             for
             Heavenly
             Doctrine
             ,
             reprehensions
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             Christian.
             Lord
             ,
             for
             that
             thou
             wert
             patient
             in
             thy
             life-time
             ,
             chiefly
             fulfilling
             herein
             the
             commandment
             of
             thy
             Father
             ,
             it
             is
             reason
             that
             I
             a
             miserable
             sinner
             should
             shew
             my self
             patient
             according
             to
             thy
             will
             ,
             and
             for
             my
             souls
             welfare
             bear
             the
             burden
             of
             this
             corruptible
             life
             as
             long
             as
             thou
             wilt
             .
             For
             although
             this
             present
             life
             be
             burdensom
             ,
             yet
             notwithstanding
             it
             is
             now
             by
             thy
             grace
             made
             very
             gainful
             ;
             and
             by
             thy
             example
             and
             the
             footsteps
             of
             thy
             Saints
             ,
             more
             plain
             and
             tolerable
             to
             the
             weak
             .
             Yea
             ,
             much
             more
             comfortable
             also
             than
             it
             was
             in
             times
             past
             in
             the
             old
             Law
             ,
             when
             the
             gate
             of
             Heaven
             remained
             shut
             ,
             and
             the
             way
             also
             to
             Heaven
             seemed
             darker
             ,
             when
             so
             few
             took
             care
             to
             seek
             after
             thy
             Kingdom
             .
             Neither
             they
             also
             that
             then
             were
             just
             and
             such
             as
             should
             be
             saved
             ,
             could
             enter
             into
             the
             Heavenly
             Kingdom
             ,
             before
             the
             satisfaction
             of
             thy
             holy
             passion
             and
             death
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             O
             how
             many
             and
             great
             thanks
             am
             I
             bound
             to
             render
             unto
             thee
             ,
             that
             thou
             hast
             vouchsafed
             to
             shew
             unto
             me
             and
             to
             all
             the
             faithful
             a
             direct
             and
             sure
             way
             to
             thy
             everlasting
             Kingdom
             !
             For
             thy
             life
             is
             our
             way
             ,
             and
             by
             holy
             patience
             we
             go
             unto
             thee
             that
             art
             our
             Crown
             .
             If
             thou
             hadst
             not
             gone
             
             before
             us
             and
             taught
             us
             ,
             who
             would
             have
             taken
             care
             to
             follow
             ?
             Alas
             !
             How
             many
             would
             stay
             behind
             and
             remain
             far
             off
             ,
             if
             they
             beheld
             not
             thy
             noble
             example
             ?
             Behold
             we
             are
             yet
             cold
             ,
             although
             we
             have
             heard
             of
             so
             many
             of
             thy
             wonders
             ,
             and
             thy
             Heavenly
             documents
             ;
             what
             would
             become
             of
             us
             ,
             if
             we
             had
             not
             so
             great
             a
             light
             
               given
               us
            
             to
             follow
             thee
             ?
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIX
             .
             Of
             suffering
             of
             injuries
             :
             and
             who
             is
             proved
             to
             be
             truly
             patient
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             What
             is
             it
             thou
             sayest
             ,
             Son
             ?
             Cease
             to
             complain
             ,
             considering
             my
             passion
             ,
             and
             that
             of
             my
             other
             Saints
             .
             Thou
             hast
             not
             yet
             made
             resistance
             unto
             blood
             .
             It
             is
             but
             little
             thou
             sufferest
             ,
             in
             comparison
             of
             them
             that
             have
             suffered
             so
             much
             ,
             were
             so
             strongly
             tempted
             ,
             so
             grievously
             afflicted
             ,
             so
             many
             ways
             tried
             and
             exercised
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             therefore
             to
             call
             to
             mind
             the
             more
             heavy
             sufferings
             of
             others
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             the
             easier
             bear
             the
             little
             adversities
             which
             thou
             sufferest
             .
             And
             if
             they
             seem
             not
             little
             
             unto
             thee
             ,
             beware
             lest
             thy
             impatience
             be
             cause
             thereof
             .
             Yet
             whether
             they
             be
             little
             or
             great
             ,
             endeavor
             to
             bear
             all
             patiently
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             How
             much
             the
             better
             thou
             disposest
             thy self
             to
             suffering
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             more
             wisely
             thou
             doest
             ,
             and
             so
             much
             the
             greater
             reward
             shalt
             thou
             receive
             ;
             thou
             shalt
             more
             easily
             also
             endure
             it
             ,
             if
             both
             in
             mind
             and
             by
             exercise
             thou
             art
             well
             prepared
             thereunto
             .
             Do
             not
             say
             ,
             I
             cannot
             suffer
             these
             things
             at
             the
             hands
             of
             such
             a
             person
             ,
             nor
             such
             things
             are
             not
             to
             be
             suffered
             by
             me
             :
             for
             he
             hath
             done
             me
             great
             wrong
             ,
             and
             upbraided
             me
             with
             those
             things
             which
             I
             never
             thought
             of
             ;
             but
             of
             another
             I
             will
             willingly
             suffer
             ,
             and
             as
             I
             shall
             see
             cause
             .
             Such
             a
             thought
             is
             foolish
             ;
             it
             considereth
             not
             the
             virtue
             of
             patience
             ,
             nor
             by
             whom
             it
             shall
             be
             crowned
             ;
             but
             rather
             weigheth
             the
             persons
             ,
             and
             the
             injuries
             offered
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             He
             is
             not
             truly
             patient
             ,
             that
             will
             not
             suffer
             but
             as
             much
             as
             he
             thinketh
             good
             ,
             and
             by
             whom
             he
             listeth
             .
             But
             the
             true
             patient
             Man
             mindeth
             not
             by
             whom
             he
             is
             exercised
             ,
             whether
             by
             his
             Superiors
             ,
             or
             some
             of
             his
             equals
             ,
             or
             by
             his
             inferiors
             ;
             whether
             by
             a
             good
             and
             holy
             Man
             ,
             or
             by
             a
             perverse
             
             and
             unworthy
             person
             .
             But
             indifferently
             from
             all
             creatures
             ,
             how
             much
             soever
             ,
             or
             how
             often
             soever
             any
             adversity
             befalleth
             him
             ,
             he
             taketh
             all
             this
             thankfully
             as
             from
             the
             hands
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             esteemeth
             it
             a
             great
             gain
             ;
             for
             that
             nothing
             before
             God
             ,
             how
             little
             soever
             ,
             so
             it
             be
             suffered
             for
             God
             ,
             shall
             pass
             without
             its
             reward
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Be
             thou
             therefore
             always
             prepared
             for
             the
             fight
             ,
             if
             thou
             wilt
             have
             the
             victory
             .
             Without
             a
             combat
             thou
             canst
             not
             attain
             unto
             the
             crown
             of
             patience
             .
             If
             thou
             wilt
             not
             suffer
             ,
             thou
             refusest
             to
             be
             crowned
             .
             But
             if
             thou
             desirest
             to
             be
             crowned
             ,
             fight
             manfully
             ,
             and
             endure
             patiently
             .
             Without
             labor
             there
             is
             no
             coming
             to
             rest
             ,
             nor
             without
             fighting
             can
             the
             victory
             be
             obtained
             .
          
           
             Christian.
             Lord
             ,
             let
             that
             be
             made
             possible
             to
             me
             by
             thy
             grace
             ,
             which
             seemeth
             impossible
             to
             me
             by
             nature
             .
             Thou
             knowest
             that
             I
             can
             suffer
             but
             little
             ,
             and
             that
             I
             am
             quickly
             dismayed
             ,
             when
             a
             small
             adversity
             ariseth
             .
             Let
             every
             exercise
             of
             tribulation
             be
             made
             amiable
             unto
             me
             ,
             and
             be
             welcom
             for
             thy
             name
             ;
             for
             to
             suffer
             and
             to
             be
             troubled
             for
             thy
             sake
             ,
             is
             very
             profitable
             for
             my
             soul.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XX.
             Of
             the
             acknowledging
             of
             our
             own
             infirmities
             :
             and
             of
             the
             miseries
             of
             this
             life
             .
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             I
             will
             confess
             against
             me
             my
             unrighteousness
             ,
             I
             will
             confess
             unto
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             my
             infirmities
             .
             Oftentimes
             it
             is
             a
             small
             matter
             that
             dejecteth
             and
             grieveth
             me
             .
             I
             purpose
             to
             act
             with
             courage
             ,
             but
             when
             a
             small
             temptation
             cometh
             ,
             it
             bringeth
             me
             into
             very
             narrow
             straits
             .
             It
             is
             sometimes
             a
             very
             trifle
             ,
             from
             whence
             great
             temptations
             do
             proceed
             .
             And
             whilest
             I
             think
             my self
             somewhat
             safe
             ,
             when
             I
             least
             expect
             it
             I
             find
             my self
             sometimes
             overcome
             with
             a
             small
             blast
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Behold
             ,
             therefore
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             my
             lowness
             and
             frailty
             every
             way
             known
             unto
             thee
             .
             Have
             mercy
             on
             me
             and
             deliver
             me
             out
             of
             the
             mire
             that
             I
             stick
             not
             fast
             therein
             ,
             and
             that
             I
             may
             not
             for
             ever
             remain
             dejected
             .
             This
             is
             that
             which
             oftentimes
             strikes
             me
             at
             the
             very
             heart
             ,
             and
             confounds
             me
             in
             thy
             sight
             ,
             for
             that
             I
             am
             so
             subject
             to
             fall
             ,
             and
             weak
             in
             resisting
             of
             my
             passions
             .
             And
             although
             
             though
             I
             do
             not
             altogether
             consent
             ,
             yet
             their
             continual
             assaults
             are
             troublesom
             and
             grievous
             unto
             me
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             a
             very
             irksom
             thing
             to
             live
             thus
             daily
             in
             conflict
             .
             Hereby
             my
             infirmity
             is
             made
             known
             unto
             me
             ,
             for
             that
             wicked
             fancies
             do
             always
             much
             more
             easily
             invade
             than
             forsake
             me
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             O
             mighty
             God
             of
             Israel
             ,
             the
             zealous
             lover
             of
             faithful
             souls
             ,
             let
             it
             please
             thee
             to
             consider
             the
             labor
             and
             sorrow
             of
             thy
             Servant
             ,
             and
             assist
             him
             in
             all
             whatsoever
             he
             undertaketh
             .
             Strengthen
             me
             with
             Heavenly
             strength
             ,
             lest
             the
             old
             Man
             ,
             the
             miserable
             flesh
             ,
             not
             fully
             as
             yet
             subject
             to
             the
             spirit
             ,
             prevail
             and
             get
             the
             upper
             hand
             ;
             against
             which
             I
             ought
             to
             fight
             as
             long
             as
             I
             breath
             in
             this
             miserable
             life
             .
             Alas
             ,
             what
             a
             kind
             of
             life
             is
             this
             ,
             where
             tribulation
             and
             miseries
             are
             never
             wanting
             !
             where
             all
             is
             full
             of
             snares
             ,
             and
             enemies
             !
             For
             when
             one
             tribulation
             or
             temptation
             goeth
             away
             ,
             another
             first
             cometh
             ;
             yea
             and
             during
             the
             first
             conflict
             also
             ,
             many
             others
             come
             unlooked
             for
             one
             after
             another
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             And
             how
             can
             a
             life
             be
             loved
             that
             hath
             so
             many
             embitterments
             ,
             and
             is
             subject
             to
             so
             many
             calamities
             and
             miseries
             ?
             How
             is
             it
             called
             a
             life
             that
             begetteth
             so
             many
             deaths
             
             and
             plagues
             ?
             And
             yet
             it
             is
             loved
             ,
             and
             many
             seek
             to
             delight
             themselves
             therein
             .
             The
             world
             is
             oftentimes
             blamed
             that
             it
             is
             deceitful
             and
             vain
             ,
             and
             yet
             it
             is
             not
             easily
             forsaken
             ,
             because
             the
             desires
             of
             the
             flesh
             bear
             so
             great
             a
             sway
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Some
             things
             draw
             us
             to
             love
             it
             ,
             others
             to
             contemn
             it
             .
             To
             the
             love
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             the
             lust
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             the
             lust
             of
             the
             eyes
             ,
             and
             the
             pride
             of
             life
             do
             draw
             us
             ;
             but
             the
             pains
             and
             miseries
             that
             do
             justly
             follow
             them
             cause
             a
             hatred
             and
             loathsomness
             thereof
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             But
             alas
             !
             vile
             pleasure
             overcometh
             the
             mind
             which
             is
             addicted
             to
             the
             world
             ;
             and
             she
             esteemeth
             it
             a
             delight
             to
             be
             even
             under
             thorns
             ,
             because
             she
             hath
             neither
             seen
             nor
             tasted
             the
             sweetness
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             inward
             pleasantness
             of
             virtue
             .
             But
             they
             that
             perfectly
             contemn
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             endeavor
             to
             live
             to
             God
             under
             holy
             discipline
             ,
             these
             are
             not
             ignorant
             of
             the
             divine
             sweetness
             promised
             to
             the
             true
             forsakers
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             do
             more
             clearly
             see
             how
             grievously
             the
             world
             erreth
             ,
             and
             how
             it
             is
             many
             ways
             deceived
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXI
             .
             That
             we
             are
             to
             rest
             in
             God
             above
             all
             his
             gifts
             ,
             and
             benefits
             .
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             Above
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             O
             my
             soul
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             ever
             rest
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             for
             he
             is
             the
             everlasting
             rest
             of
             the
             Saints
             .
             Grant
             me
             ,
             O
             most
             sweet
             and
             loving
             Jesus
             ,
             to
             rest
             in
             thee
             above
             all
             creatures
             ,
             above
             all
             health
             and
             beauty
             ,
             above
             all
             glory
             and
             honor
             ,
             above
             all
             power
             and
             dignity
             ,
             above
             all
             knowledg
             and
             subtilty
             ,
             above
             all
             riches
             and
             arts
             ,
             above
             all
             joy
             and
             gladness
             ,
             above
             all
             fame
             and
             praise
             ,
             above
             all
             sweetness
             and
             comfort
             ,
             above
             all
             hope
             and
             promise
             ,
             above
             all
             desert
             and
             desire
             ,
             above
             all
             gifts
             and
             presents
             that
             thou
             canst
             give
             and
             impart
             unto
             us
             ,
             above
             all
             mirth
             and
             jubilee
             that
             the
             mind
             of
             Man
             can
             receive
             and
             feel
             ;
             lastly
             ,
             above
             Angels
             and
             Archangels
             and
             above
             all
             the
             Heavenly
             host
             ,
             above
             all
             visible
             and
             invisible
             things
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             that
             thou
             art
             not
             ,
             O
             my
             God.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             For
             that
             thou
             ,
             my
             Lord
             God
             ,
             art
             best
             of
             all
             ;
             thou
             alone
             art
             most
             high
             ,
             thou
             
             alone
             most
             powerful
             ,
             thou
             alone
             most
             full
             and
             sufficient
             ,
             thou
             alone
             most
             sweet
             and
             solacing
             ,
             thou
             alone
             most
             lovely
             and
             loving
             ,
             thou
             alone
             most
             noble
             and
             glorious
             above
             all
             things
             ,
             in
             whom
             all
             good
             things
             together
             both
             perfectly
             are
             ,
             and
             ever
             have
             been
             ,
             and
             shall
             be
             :
             and
             therefore
             it
             is
             too
             little
             and
             not
             sufficient
             ,
             whatsoever
             thou
             bestowest
             on
             me
             besides
             thy self
             ,
             or
             revealest
             unto
             me
             of
             thy self
             ,
             or
             promisest
             ,
             whilest
             thou
             art
             not
             seen
             ,
             and
             not
             fully
             obtained
             ;
             for
             surely
             my
             heart
             cannot
             truly
             rest
             nor
             be
             fully
             contented
             ,
             unless
             it
             rest
             in
             thee
             ,
             and
             surmount
             all
             gifts
             and
             creatures
             whatsoever
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             O
             my
             most
             beloved
             Bridegroom
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             the
             most
             pure
             lover
             ,
             the
             governor
             of
             all
             creatures
             ;
             O
             that
             I
             had
             the
             wings
             of
             true
             liberty
             that
             I
             might
             flie
             and
             rest
             in
             thee
             !
             O
             when
             shall
             it
             be
             fully
             granted
             me
             to
             consider
             in
             quietness
             of
             mind
             and
             see
             how
             sweet
             thou
             art
             ,
             my
             Lord
             God!
             When
             shall
             I
             fully
             gather
             up
             my self
             into
             thee
             ,
             that
             by
             reason
             of
             my
             love
             to
             thee
             I
             may
             not
             feel
             my self
             ,
             but
             thee
             alone
             ,
             above
             all
             sense
             and
             feeling
             ,
             in
             a
             manner
             not
             known
             unto
             every
             one
             !
             but
             now
             I
             oftentimes
             sigh
             ,
             and
             bear
             my
             infelicity
             with
             grief
             ,
             for
             that
             many
             
             evils
             occurr
             in
             this
             vale
             of
             miseries
             ,
             which
             do
             often
             trouble
             ,
             grieve
             ,
             and
             overcloud
             me
             ;
             often
             hinder
             and
             distract
             me
             ,
             allure
             and
             intangle
             me
             ,
             for
             that
             I
             can
             have
             no
             free
             access
             unto
             thee
             ,
             nor
             enjoy
             thy
             sweet
             embracings
             wherewith
             thou
             ever
             favorest
             the
             blessed
             Spirits
             .
             O
             let
             my
             sighs
             and
             manifold
             desolations
             on
             Earth
             affect
             thee
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             O
             Jesus
             ,
             the
             brightness
             of
             eternal
             glory
             ,
             and
             comfort
             of
             the
             pilgrim
             soul
             ,
             with
             thee
             is
             my
             tongue
             without
             voice
             ,
             and
             my
             very
             silence
             speaketh
             unto
             thee
             .
             How
             long
             doth
             my
             Lord
             delay
             to
             come
             ?
             Let
             him
             come
             unto
             me
             his
             poor
             Servant
             ,
             and
             make
             me
             glad
             .
             Let
             him
             put
             forth
             his
             hand
             and
             deliver
             miserable
             me
             from
             all
             anguish
             .
             Come
             ,
             O
             come
             ;
             for
             without
             thee
             I
             shall
             have
             no
             joyful
             day
             nor
             hour
             ;
             for
             thou
             art
             my
             joy
             ,
             and
             without
             thee
             my
             table
             is
             empty
             .
             A
             wretched
             creature
             I
             am
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             manner
             imprisoned
             and
             loaden
             with
             Irons
             ,
             until
             thou
             comfortest
             me
             with
             the
             light
             of
             thy
             presence
             ,
             and
             settest
             me
             at
             liberty
             ,
             and
             shewest
             a
             friendly
             countenance
             unto
             me
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Let
             others
             seek
             what
             they
             please
             instead
             of
             thee
             :
             but
             for
             me
             ,
             nothing
             else
             
             doth
             nor
             shall
             delight
             me
             ,
             but
             thou
             only
             my
             God
             ,
             my
             hope
             ,
             my
             everlasting
             salvation
             .
             I
             will
             not
             hold
             my
             peace
             ,
             nor
             cease
             to
             pray
             ,
             until
             thy
             grace
             return
             again
             ,
             and
             thou
             speak
             inwardly
             unto
             me
             .
          
           
             Christ.
             Behold
             I
             am
             here
             ;
             behold
             I
             come
             unto
             thee
             ,
             because
             thou
             hast
             called
             upon
             me
             .
             Thy
             tears
             and
             the
             desire
             of
             thy
             soul
             ,
             thy
             humiliation
             and
             the
             contrition
             of
             thy
             heart
             ,
             have
             inclined
             and
             brought
             me
             unto
             thee
             .
          
           
             Christian.
             And
             I
             said
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             I
             have
             called
             thee
             ,
             and
             have
             desired
             to
             enjoy
             thee
             ,
             being
             ready
             to
             refuse
             all
             things
             for
             thee
             .
             For
             thou
             first
             hast
             stirred
             me
             up
             that
             I
             might
             seek
             thee
             .
             Blessed
             be
             thou
             therefore
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             that
             hast
             shewed
             this
             goodness
             to
             thy
             Servant
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             multitude
             of
             thy
             mercies
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             What
             hath
             thy
             servant
             more
             to
             say
             before
             thee
             ,
             but
             that
             he
             do
             greatly
             humble
             himself
             in
             thy
             sight
             ,
             always
             mindful
             of
             his
             own
             iniquity
             ,
             and
             vileness
             ?
             For
             there
             is
             none
             like
             unto
             thee
             in
             all
             whatsoever
             is
             wonderful
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             .
             Thy
             works
             are
             very
             good
             ,
             thy
             judgments
             true
             ,
             and
             by
             thy
             providence
             all
             things
             are
             governed
             .
             Praise
             therefore
             and
             glory
             be
             
             unto
             thee
             ,
             O
             wisdom
             of
             the
             Father
             :
             let
             my
             mouth
             ,
             my
             soul
             ,
             and
             all
             creatures
             together
             praise
             and
             bless
             thee
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXII
             .
             Of
             the
             remembrance
             of
             the
             manifold
             benefits
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             Open
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             my
             heart
             in
             thy
             Law
             ,
             and
             teach
             me
             to
             walk
             in
             thy
             Commandments
             .
             Grant
             me
             to
             understand
             thy
             will
             ,
             and
             to
             remember
             thy
             benefits
             as
             well
             in
             general
             ,
             as
             in
             particular
             ,
             with
             great
             reverence
             and
             diligent
             consideration
             ;
             that
             henceforward
             I
             may
             be
             able
             worthily
             to
             give
             thee
             thanks
             .
             But
             I
             know
             ,
             and
             confess
             ,
             that
             I
             am
             not
             able
             in
             the
             least
             point
             to
             give
             thee
             ,
             due
             thanks
             ,
             for
             the
             favors
             which
             thou
             bestowest
             upon
             me
             .
             I
             am
             less
             than
             the
             least
             of
             all
             thy
             benefits
             ;
             and
             when
             I
             consider
             thy
             noble
             bounty
             ,
             the
             greatness
             thereof
             maketh
             my
             spirit
             to
             faint
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             All
             that
             we
             have
             in
             our
             soul
             and
             body
             and
             whatsoever
             we
             possess
             outwardly
             or
             inwardly
             ,
             naturally
             or
             supernaturally
             ,
             are
             
             thy
             benefits
             ,
             and
             do
             speak
             thee
             bountiful
             ,
             merciful
             ,
             and
             good
             ,
             from
             whom
             we
             have
             received
             all
             good
             things
             .
             Although
             one
             have
             received
             more
             ,
             another
             less
             ;
             all
             notwithstanding
             are
             thine
             ,
             and
             without
             thee
             even
             the
             least
             cannot
             be
             had
             .
             He
             that
             hath
             received
             greater
             cannot
             glory
             of
             his
             own
             desert
             ,
             nor
             extol
             himself
             above
             others
             ,
             nor
             insult
             over
             the
             lesser
             ;
             for
             he
             is
             greater
             and
             better
             that
             ascribeth
             least
             unto
             himself
             ,
             and
             is
             more
             humble
             and
             religious
             in
             rendring
             thanks
             .
             And
             he
             that
             esteemeth
             himself
             vilest
             of
             all
             Men
             ,
             and
             judgeth
             himself
             most
             unworthy
             ,
             is
             fittest
             to
             receive
             great
             blessings
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             And
             he
             that
             hath
             received
             fewer
             ,
             ought
             not
             to
             be
             sorry
             nor
             take
             it
             grievously
             ,
             nor
             envy
             them
             that
             are
             enriched
             with
             greater
             store
             ;
             but
             attend
             rather
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             highly
             praise
             thy
             goodness
             ,
             for
             that
             thou
             bestowest
             thy
             gifts
             so
             bountifully
             ,
             so
             freely
             ,
             and
             so
             willingly
             without
             respect
             of
             persons
             .
             All
             things
             proceed
             from
             thee
             ,
             and
             therefore
             in
             all
             things
             thou
             art
             to
             be
             praised
             .
             Thou
             knowest
             what
             is
             fit
             to
             be
             given
             to
             every
             one
             ;
             and
             why
             this
             Man
             hath
             less
             ,
             and
             he
             more
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             ours
             ,
             but
             thine
             to
             judge
             ,
             who
             dost
             exactly
             know
             what
             is
             meet
             for
             every
             one
             .
          
           
           
             4.
             
             Wherefore
             ,
             my
             Lord
             God
             ,
             I
             esteem
             it
             as
             a
             great
             mercy
             ,
             not
             to
             have
             much
             of
             that
             which
             outwardly
             and
             in
             the
             opinion
             of
             Men
             ,
             might
             seem
             worthy
             of
             glory
             and
             applause
             :
             so
             that
             he
             who
             considereth
             the
             poverty
             and
             unworthiness
             of
             his
             person
             ,
             ought
             not
             therefore
             to
             conceive
             grief
             or
             sorrow
             ,
             or
             to
             be
             therefore
             troubled
             ,
             but
             rather
             to
             take
             great
             comfort
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             glad
             :
             for
             that
             thou
             O
             God
             hast
             chosen
             the
             poor
             and
             humble
             and
             the
             despised
             of
             this
             world
             for
             thy self
             ,
             and
             for
             thy
             familiar
             and
             domestick
             attendants
             .
             Witnesses
             are
             thy
             Apostles
             themselves
             ,
             whom
             thou
             hast
             made
             Princes
             in
             all
             the
             Earth
             .
             And
             yet
             they
             lived
             without
             complaint
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             so
             humble
             and
             simple
             ,
             without
             all
             malice
             and
             deceit
             ,
             that
             they
             also
             rejoyced
             to
             suffer
             reproach
             for
             thy
             Name
             ,
             and
             what
             the
             world
             abhorreth
             ,
             they
             embraced
             with
             great
             affection
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Nothing
             therefore
             ought
             so
             to
             rejoyce
             him
             that
             loveth
             thee
             and
             acknowledgeth
             thy
             benefits
             ,
             as
             thy
             will
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             good
             pleasure
             of
             thy
             eternal
             appointment
             ;
             wherewith
             he
             ought
             to
             be
             so
             contented
             and
             comforted
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             as
             willingly
             be
             the
             least
             ,
             as
             any
             would
             wish
             to
             be
             the
             
             greatest
             ,
             and
             as
             peaceable
             and
             contented
             in
             the
             last
             as
             in
             the
             first
             place
             ;
             and
             as
             willing
             to
             be
             despised
             and
             contemned
             and
             to
             be
             of
             no
             esteem
             or
             account
             ,
             as
             to
             be
             preferred
             in
             honor
             before
             all
             others
             and
             to
             be
             greater
             in
             the
             world
             .
             For
             thy
             will
             and
             the
             love
             of
             thy
             glory
             ought
             to
             be
             preferred
             before
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             to
             comfort
             him
             more
             ,
             and
             please
             him
             better
             ,
             than
             all
             the
             benefits
             which
             either
             he
             hath
             received
             or
             may
             receive
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXIII
             .
             Of
             Four
             things
             that
             bring
             much
             peace
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             now
             I
             will
             teach
             thee
             the
             way
             of
             peace
             ,
             and
             true
             liberty
             .
             Christian
             ,
             Do
             Lord
             ,
             I
             beseech
             thee
             ,
             as
             thou
             sayest
             ,
             for
             I
             shall
             be
             very
             glad
             to
             hear
             it
             .
          
           
             Christ.
             Endeavor
             ,
             my
             Son
             ,
             to
             do
             rather
             the
             will
             of
             another
             ,
             than
             thine
             own
             .
             Ever
             choose
             rather
             to
             have
             less
             than
             more
             .
             Always
             seek
             the
             lowest
             place
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             inferior
             to
             every
             one
             .
             Wish
             always
             and
             pray
             ,
             that
             the
             will
             of
             God
             may
             be
             wholly
             fulfilled
             
             filled
             in
             thee
             .
             Behold
             such
             a
             Man
             entreth
             into
             the
             bounds
             of
             peace
             and
             quietness
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Christian.
             Lord
             ,
             this
             thy
             short
             speech
             containeth
             much
             perfection
             .
             It
             is
             little
             in
             words
             ,
             but
             full
             in
             sense
             and
             abundant
             in
             fruit
             .
             For
             if
             it
             could
             faithfully
             be
             kept
             by
             me
             ,
             then
             should
             I
             not
             so
             easily
             be
             troubled
             .
             For
             as
             often
             as
             I
             feel
             my self
             unquiet
             and
             afflicted
             ,
             I
             find
             that
             I
             have
             strayed
             from
             this
             Doctrine
             .
             But
             thou
             that
             canst
             do
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             ever
             lovest
             the
             profiting
             of
             my
             soul
             ,
             increase
             in
             me
             thy
             grace
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             fulfil
             thy
             words
             ,
             and
             work
             out
             mine
             own
             salvation
             .
          
           
             
               A
               Prayer
               against
               evil
               thoughts
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               My
               Lord
               God
               ,
               be
               not
               far
               from
               me
               ;
               my
               God
               ,
               have
               regard
               to
               help
               me
               ;
               for
               sundry
               thoughts
               have
               risen
               up
               against
               me
               ,
               and
               great
               fears
               ,
               afflicting
               my
               soul.
               How
               shall
               I
               pass
               through
               them
               without
               hurt
               ?
               How
               shall
               I
               utterly
               break
               them
               ?
            
             
               Christ.
               I
               ,
               saith
               he
               ,
               
                 will
                 go
                 before
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 humble
                 the
                 great
                 ones
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 open
                 the
                 Doors
                 of
                 the
                 Prison
                 ,
                 and
                 reveal
                 unto
                 thee
                 hidden
                 secrets
                 .
              
            
             
             
               Christian.
               Do
               Lord
               as
               thou
               sayest
               ,
               and
               let
               all
               my
               evil
               thoughts
               fly
               from
               before
               thy
               face
               .
               This
               is
               my
               hope
               ,
               my
               only
               comfort
               ,
               to
               fly
               unto
               thee
               in
               every
               tribulation
               ,
               to
               trust
               in
               thee
               ,
               to
               call
               upon
               thee
               from
               my
               heart
               ,
               and
               to
               expect
               patiently
               thy
               comfort
               .
            
          
           
             
               A
               Prayer
               for
               enlightning
               of
               the
               Mind
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               Enlighten
               me
               O
               good
               Jesus
               ,
               with
               a
               clear-shining
               inward
               light
               ,
               and
               drive
               away
               all
               darkness
               from
               the
               habitation
               of
               my
               heart
               .
               Repress
               my
               many
               wandring
               thoughts
               ,
               and
               utterly
               break
               in
               pieces
               those
               temptations
               which
               violently
               assault
               me
               .
               Fight
               strongly
               for
               me
               ,
               and
               vanquish
               those
               evil
               beasts
               ,
               I
               mean
               those
               inticing
               desires
               of
               the
               flesh
               ,
               that
               so
               peace
               may
               be
               obtained
               ,
               by
               thy
               power
               ,
               and
               that
               abundance
               of
               thy
               praise
               may
               sound
               in
               the
               holy
               Court
               of
               a
               pure
               conscience
               .
               Command
               the
               Winds
               and
               Tempests
               ;
               say
               unto
               the
               Sea
               ,
               Be
               still
               ;
               and
               to
               the
               North
               Wind
               ,
               Blow
               not
               ;
               and
               a
               great
               calm
               shall
               ensue
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               Send
               forth
               thy
               light
               and
               thy
               truth
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               shine
               upon
               the
               earth
               ;
               for
               I
               am
               as
               the
               earth
               without
               form
               and
               void
               ,
               
               until
               thou
               enlighten
               me
               .
               Pour
               out
               thy
               grace
               from
               above
               ,
               let
               thy
               Heavenly
               dew
               distil
               upon
               my
               heart
               ,
               supply
               fresh
               streams
               of
               grace
               ,
               to
               water
               the
               face
               of
               the
               Earth
               ,
               that
               it
               may
               bring
               forth
               good
               and
               excellent
               fruit
               .
               Lift
               up
               my
               mind
               which
               is
               pressed
               down
               by
               the
               weight
               of
               sins
               .
               Draw
               up
               my
               whole
               desire
               to
               Heavenly
               things
               ;
               that
               having
               tasted
               the
               sweetness
               of
               supernal
               happiness
               ,
               it
               may
               be
               irksome
               to
               me
               even
               to
               think
               of
               earthly
               vanities
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               Pluck
               me
               and
               deliver
               me
               from
               all
               the
               unlasting
               comfort
               of
               creatures
               ;
               for
               no
               created
               thing
               can
               fully
               comfort
               and
               quiet
               my
               desire
               .
               Joyn
               me
               unto
               thee
               with
               an
               unseparable
               band
               of
               love
               ;
               for
               thou
               even
               alone
               dost
               satisfie
               him
               that
               loveth
               thee
               ,
               and
               without
               thee
               all
               things
               are
               vain
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXIV
             .
             Of
             flying
             curious
             inquiry
             of
             the
             life
             of
             others
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             be
             not
             curious
             ,
             trouble
             not
             thy self
             with
             idle
             cares
             .
             What
             is
             this
             or
             that
             to
             thee
             ?
             do
             thou
             follow
             me
             .
             For
             what
             is
             it
             to
             thee
             ,
             whether
             that
             Man
             be
             such
             or
             no
             ,
             or
             whether
             this
             Man
             do
             ,
             or
             
             speak
             this
             or
             that
             ?
             Thou
             shalt
             not
             need
             to
             answer
             for
             others
             ,
             but
             shalt
             give
             account
             of
             thy self
             .
             Why
             therefore
             dost
             thou
             trouble
             thy self
             ?
             Behold
             I
             know
             every
             one
             ,
             and
             do
             see
             all
             things
             that
             are
             under
             the
             Sun
             ,
             and
             do
             understand
             how
             it
             is
             with
             every
             one
             ;
             what
             he
             thinks
             ,
             what
             he
             would
             ,
             and
             at
             what
             his
             intention
             aims
             .
             All
             things
             therefore
             are
             to
             be
             commited
             unto
             me
             ;
             but
             do
             thou
             keep
             thy self
             in
             good
             peace
             ,
             and
             let
             the
             unquiet
             be
             as
             unquiet
             as
             they
             will.
             Whatsoever
             they
             shall
             have
             done
             ,
             or
             said
             ,
             shall
             fall
             upon
             themselves
             ,
             for
             they
             cannot
             deceive
             me
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Be
             not
             careful
             for
             the
             shadow
             of
             a
             great
             name
             ,
             or
             for
             the
             familiarity
             of
             many
             ;
             nor
             for
             the
             private
             affection
             of
             Men
             :
             for
             these
             things
             both
             distract
             and
             greatly
             darken
             the
             heart
             .
             I
             would
             willingly
             utter
             my
             words
             ,
             and
             reveal
             my
             secrets
             unto
             thee
             ,
             if
             thou
             didst
             diligently
             observe
             my
             coming
             ,
             and
             didst
             open
             the
             Door
             of
             thy
             heart
             unto
             me
             .
             Be
             careful
             and
             watch
             in
             prayer
             ,
             and
             humble
             thy self
             in
             all
             things
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXV
             .
             Wherein
             the
             firm
             peace
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             true
             spiritual
             profiting
             consisteth
             ?
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             I
             have
             said
             ,
             
               Peace
               I
               leave
               with
               you
               ,
               my
               peace
               I
               give
               to
               you
               :
               not
               as
               the
               world
               giveth
               ,
               give
               I
               unto
               you
               .
            
             All
             do
             desire
             peace
             ,
             but
             all
             care
             not
             for
             those
             things
             that
             appertain
             unto
             true
             peace
             .
             My
             peace
             is
             with
             the
             humble
             and
             meek
             of
             heart
             .
             Thy
             peace
             doth
             consist
             in
             much
             patience
             .
             If
             thou
             wilt
             hear
             me
             and
             follow
             my
             voice
             ,
             thou
             mayst
             enjoy
             much
             peace
             .
          
           
             Christian.
             What
             then
             shall
             I
             do
             ,
             Lord
             ?
          
           
             Christ.
             In
             every
             thing
             attend
             unto
             thy self
             what
             thou
             doest
             ,
             and
             what
             thou
             sayest
             ;
             and
             direct
             thy
             whole
             intention
             unto
             this
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayst
             please
             me
             alone
             ,
             and
             desire
             or
             seek
             nothing
             besides
             me
             .
             Of
             the
             sayings
             and
             doings
             of
             others
             judg
             nothing
             rashly
             :
             neither
             do
             thou
             entangle
             thy self
             with
             things
             not
             commited
             unto
             thee
             :
             and
             doing
             thus
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             be
             little
             or
             seldom
             troubled
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             But
             never
             to
             feel
             any
             trouble
             at
             all
             ,
             
             nor
             to
             suffer
             any
             grief
             of
             heart
             or
             body
             ,
             is
             not
             the
             state
             of
             this
             life
             ,
             but
             everlasting
             rest
             .
             Think
             not
             therefore
             that
             thou
             hast
             found
             true
             peace
             ,
             if
             thou
             feelest
             no
             sorrow
             ;
             nor
             that
             then
             all
             is
             well
             ,
             if
             thou
             have
             no
             adversary
             ;
             nor
             that
             all
             is
             perfect
             ,
             if
             all
             things
             be
             done
             according
             to
             thy
             desire
             .
             Neither
             do
             thou
             then
             esteem
             highly
             of
             thy self
             ,
             or
             account
             thy self
             to
             be
             specially
             beloved
             ,
             if
             thou
             be
             in
             great
             devotion
             and
             sweetness
             ;
             for
             by
             these
             things
             a
             true
             lover
             of
             virtue
             is
             not
             known
             ,
             neither
             doth
             the
             profiting
             and
             perfection
             of
             a
             Man
             consist
             in
             these
             things
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Christian.
             Wherein
             then
             Lord
             ?
          
           
             Christ.
             In
             offering
             thy self
             with
             all
             thy
             heart
             unto
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             not
             seeking
             thine
             own
             interest
             ,
             neither
             in
             great
             nor
             little
             ,
             neither
             for
             a
             time
             nor
             for
             ever
             ,
             so
             that
             thou
             keepest
             one
             and
             the
             same
             countenance
             with
             thanksgiving
             ,
             both
             in
             prosperity
             and
             in
             adversity
             ,
             weighing
             all
             things
             with
             an
             equal
             balance
             .
             If
             thou
             be
             of
             such
             courage
             and
             so
             patient
             in
             hope
             ,
             that
             when
             inward
             comfort
             is
             withdrawn
             from
             thee
             ,
             thou
             preparest
             thy
             heart
             to
             suffer
             greater
             things
             ;
             and
             dost
             not
             justify
             thy self
             ,
             as
             though
             thou
             oughtest
             not
             to
             suffer
             these
             and
             so
             great
             afflictions
             ,
             but
             justifiest
             me
             in
             whatsoever
             
             I
             appoint
             ,
             and
             praisest
             my
             Holy
             name
             :
             Then
             thou
             walkest
             in
             the
             true
             and
             right
             way
             of
             peace
             :
             And
             thou
             shalt
             have
             undoubted
             hope
             to
             see
             my
             face
             again
             with
             great
             joy
             .
             And
             if
             thou
             attain
             to
             the
             full
             contempt
             of
             thy self
             ;
             then
             shalt
             thou
             enjoy
             as
             great
             abundance
             of
             peace
             ,
             as
             this
             thy
             state
             of
             sojourning
             in
             this
             World
             is
             capable
             of
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXVI
             .
             Of
             the
             excellency
             of
             a
             free
             mind
             ,
             which
             humble
             Prayer
             sooner
             gaineth
             than
             Reading
             .
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             Lord
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             work
             of
             a
             perfect
             Man
             ,
             never
             to
             slack
             his
             mind
             from
             the
             attentive
             thought
             of
             heavenly
             things
             ,
             and
             as
             it
             were
             to
             pass
             without
             care
             amongst
             many
             cares
             ;
             not
             like
             a
             dull
             sluggard
             ;
             but
             by
             the
             priviledge
             of
             a
             free
             mind
             ,
             adhering
             to
             no
             creature
             with
             inordinate
             affection
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             I
             beseech
             thee
             ,
             my
             most
             gracious
             God
             ,
             preserve
             me
             from
             the
             cares
             of
             this
             Life
             ,
             lest
             I
             should
             be
             too
             much
             entangled
             thereby
             :
             And
             for
             the
             many
             necessities
             of
             
             the
             body
             ,
             lest
             I
             should
             be
             caught
             by
             pleasure
             :
             And
             from
             whatsoever
             is
             an
             obstacle
             to
             the
             Soul
             ,
             lest
             broken
             with
             troubles
             I
             should
             be
             overthrown
             .
             I
             say
             not
             from
             those
             things
             that
             worldly
             vanity
             so
             greatly
             desireth
             :
             But
             from
             those
             miseries
             ,
             that
             as
             punishments
             and
             as
             the
             common
             curse
             of
             mortality
             ,
             do
             weigh
             down
             and
             hinder
             the
             Soul
             of
             thy
             Servant
             ,
             that
             it
             cannot
             enter
             into
             freedom
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             as
             often
             as
             it
             would
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             O
             my
             God
             ,
             the
             ineffable
             sweetness
             ,
             embitter
             unto
             me
             all
             carnal
             comfort
             ,
             which
             may
             draw
             me
             away
             from
             the
             love
             of
             eternal
             things
             ,
             and
             may
             wickedly
             allure
             me
             to
             it self
             by
             the
             beholding
             of
             some
             present
             delightsome
             good
             .
             Let
             me
             not
             be
             overcome
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             let
             me
             not
             be
             overcome
             by
             flesh
             and
             blood
             .
             Let
             not
             the
             World
             and
             the
             short
             glory
             thereof
             deceive
             me
             .
             Let
             not
             the
             Devil
             and
             his
             subtil
             fraud
             supplant
             me
             .
             Give
             me
             strength
             to
             resist
             ,
             patience
             to
             suffer
             ,
             and
             constancy
             to
             persevere
             .
             Give
             me
             instead
             of
             all
             the
             comforts
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             the
             most
             sweet
             unction
             of
             thy
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             in
             lieu
             of
             carnal
             Love
             ,
             pour
             into
             my
             Soul
             the
             Love
             of
             thy
             name
             .
          
           
           
             4.
             
             Behold
             ,
             Meat
             ,
             Drink
             ,
             Cloaths
             ,
             and
             other
             necessaries
             for
             the
             maintenance
             of
             the
             body
             ,
             are
             burdensome
             unto
             a
             fervent
             Spirit
             .
             Grant
             me
             to
             use
             such
             refreshments
             moderately
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             be
             intangled
             with
             an
             over
             great
             desire
             of
             them
             .
             It
             is
             not
             lawful
             to
             cast
             away
             all
             things
             ,
             for
             that
             nature
             is
             to
             be
             sustained
             :
             But
             to
             desire
             superfluities
             ,
             and
             those
             things
             that
             are
             rather
             pleasurable
             ,
             thy
             holy
             Law
             forbiddeth
             :
             For
             otherwise
             the
             flesh
             would
             Rebel
             against
             the
             Spirit
             .
             Herein
             ,
             I
             beseech
             thee
             ,
             let
             thy
             hand
             govern
             me
             ,
             and
             teach
             me
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             not
             exceed
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXVII
             .
             That
             private
             Love
             most
             hindreth
             from
             the
             chiefest
             Good.
             
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             give
             all
             for
             all
             ,
             and
             to
             retain
             nothing
             of
             thy self
             .
             Know
             ,
             that
             the
             Love
             of
             thy self
             doth
             hurt
             thee
             more
             than
             any
             thing
             in
             the
             World.
             According
             to
             the
             Love
             and
             affection
             thou
             bearest
             them
             ,
             so
             doth
             every
             thing
             cleave
             unto
             thee
             more
             or
             less
             .
             If
             thy
             love
             be
             pure
             ,
             simple
             ,
             and
             well
             ordered
             ,
             thou
             
             shalt
             be
             free
             from
             the
             bondage
             of
             things
             .
             Covet
             not
             that
             which
             thou
             mayest
             not
             have
             .
             Be
             not
             willing
             to
             have
             that
             which
             may
             hinder
             thee
             and
             deprive
             thee
             of
             inward
             liberty
             .
             It
             is
             strange
             that
             thou
             committest
             not
             thy self
             wholly
             unto
             me
             ,
             from
             the
             bottom
             of
             thy
             heart
             ,
             with
             all
             things
             that
             thou
             canst
             desire
             or
             have
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Why
             dost
             thou
             consume
             thy self
             with
             vain
             grief
             ?
             Why
             art
             thou
             tired
             with
             needless
             cares
             ?
             stand
             to
             my
             good
             will
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             suffer
             no
             detriment
             at
             all
             .
             If
             thou
             seekest
             this
             or
             that
             ,
             and
             wouldest
             be
             here
             or
             there
             ,
             to
             enjoy
             thine
             own
             commodity
             and
             pleasure
             ;
             thou
             shalt
             never
             be
             at
             quiet
             ,
             nor
             free
             from
             trouble
             of
             mind
             ;
             for
             in
             every
             thing
             somewhat
             will
             be
             wanting
             ,
             and
             in
             every
             place
             there
             will
             be
             some
             that
             will
             cross
             thee
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Not
             every
             external
             thing
             therefore
             attained
             and
             heaped
             together
             helpeth
             thee
             ,
             but
             it
             rather
             availeth
             ,
             if
             thou
             despise
             it
             ,
             and
             dost
             utterly
             root
             it
             out
             from
             thy
             heart
             ;
             which
             thou
             must
             not
             understand
             only
             of
             thy
             revenues
             and
             wealth
             ,
             but
             of
             thy
             seeking
             after
             honor
             also
             ,
             and
             thy
             desire
             of
             vain
             praise
             ,
             all
             which
             do
             pass
             away
             with
             this
             world
             .
             The
             place
             availeth
             little
             if
             the
             spirit
             
             of
             fervor
             be
             wanting
             ;
             neither
             shall
             that
             peace
             which
             is
             sought
             abroad
             long
             continue
             ,
             if
             the
             state
             of
             thy
             heart
             be
             destitute
             of
             a
             true
             foundation
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             unless
             thou
             stand
             stedfast
             in
             me
             ,
             thou
             mayest
             change
             ,
             but
             not
             better
             thy self
             .
             For
             when
             occasion
             doth
             happen
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             find
             not
             only
             those
             things
             which
             thou
             soughtest
             to
             fly
             ,
             but
             a
             great
             deal
             more
             .
          
           
             
               A
               Prayer
               for
               purging
               the
               heart
               ,
               and
               obtaining
               of
               Heavenly
               wisdom
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               Christian.
               Strengthen
               me
               ,
               O
               God
               ,
               by
               the
               grace
               of
               thy
               holy
               Spirit
               .
               Give
               me
               to
               be
               strengthened
               in
               my
               inward
               Man
               ,
               and
               to
               empty
               my
               heart
               of
               all
               unprofitable
               care
               and
               anguish
               ;
               not
               to
               be
               drawn
               away
               with
               the
               sundry
               desires
               of
               any
               thing
               either
               mean
               or
               precious
               ,
               but
               to
               look
               upon
               all
               things
               as
               passing
               away
               ,
               and
               that
               my self
               do
               also
               pass
               away
               together
               with
               them
               ,
               for
               nothing
               is
               permanent
               under
               the
               Sun
               ,
               where
               all
               things
               are
               vanity
               and
               vexation
               of
               spirit
               .
               O
               how
               wise
               is
               he
               that
               so
               considereth
               them
               !
            
             
               5.
               
               Grant
               me
               ,
               Lord
               ,
               Heavenly
               wisdom
               ,
               that
               I
               may
               learn
               above
               all
               things
               to
               seek
               
               and
               find
               thee
               ,
               above
               all
               things
               to
               relish
               thee
               ,
               and
               to
               love
               thee
               ,
               and
               to
               think
               of
               all
               other
               things
               as
               they
               are
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               disposal
               of
               thy
               wisdom
               .
               Grant
               me
               prudently
               to
               avoid
               him
               that
               flatters
               me
               ,
               and
               to
               suffer
               patiently
               him
               that
               contradicts
               me
               .
               For
               it
               is
               a
               great
               part
               of
               wisdom
               not
               to
               be
               moved
               with
               every
               blast
               of
               words
               ;
               nor
               to
               give
               ear
               to
               an
               ill
               flattering
               Syren
               ;
               for
               so
               we
               shall
               go
               on
               securely
               in
               the
               way
               which
               we
               have
               begun
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXVIII
             .
             Against
             the
             Tongues
             of
             Slanderers
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             take
             it
             not
             grievously
             if
             some
             think
             evil
             of
             thee
             ,
             and
             speak
             that
             which
             thou
             wouldest
             not
             willingly
             hear
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             to
             judg
             the
             worst
             of
             thy self
             ,
             and
             to
             think
             no
             Man
             weaker
             than
             thy self
             .
             If
             thou
             dost
             walk
             spiritually
             ,
             thou
             wilt
             not
             much
             esteem
             of
             flying
             words
             .
             It
             is
             no
             small
             wisdom
             to
             keep
             silence
             in
             an
             evil
             time
             ,
             and
             inwardly
             to
             run
             to
             me
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             be
             troubled
             with
             the
             judgment
             of
             Men.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Let
             not
             thy
             peace
             be
             in
             the
             Tongues
             
             of
             Men
             ;
             For
             whether
             they
             interpret
             well
             or
             evil
             ,
             thou
             art
             not
             therefore
             another
             Man.
             Where
             is
             true
             peace
             ,
             and
             true
             glory
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             in
             me
             ?
             And
             he
             that
             coveteth
             not
             to
             please
             Men
             ,
             nor
             feareth
             to
             displease
             them
             ,
             shall
             enjoy
             much
             peace
             .
             From
             inordinate
             love
             and
             vain
             fear
             ariseth
             all
             disquietness
             of
             heart
             and
             distraction
             of
             the
             mind
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXIX
             .
             How
             we
             ought
             to
             call
             upon
             God
             ,
             and
             bless
             him
             when
             tribulation
             draweth
             near
             .
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             Blessed
             (
             O
             Lord
             )
             be
             thy
             name
             for
             ever
             ;
             since
             it
             pleaseth
             thee
             that
             this
             temptation
             and
             tribulation
             should
             come
             upon
             me
             .
             I
             cannot
             flie
             it
             ;
             but
             have
             need
             to
             flie
             to
             thee
             that
             thou
             mayest
             help
             me
             ,
             and
             turn
             it
             to
             my
             good
             .
             Lord
             I
             am
             now
             afflicted
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             not
             well
             with
             me
             .
             I
             am
             much
             troubled
             with
             this
             present
             suffering
             .
             And
             now
             dear
             Father
             ,
             what
             shall
             I
             say
             ?
             I
             am
             caught
             amidst
             straits
             ,
             save
             me
             from
             this
             hour
             .
             Yet
             therefore
             came
             I
             into
             this
             hour
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             be
             glorified
             ,
             
             when
             I
             shall
             be
             greatly
             humbled
             ,
             and
             by
             thee
             delivered
             .
             Let
             it
             please
             thee
             Lord
             ,
             to
             deliver
             me
             ;
             for
             ,
             poor
             wretch
             that
             I
             am
             ,
             what
             can
             I
             doe
             ,
             and
             whither
             shall
             I
             go
             without
             thee
             ?
             Grant
             patience
             Lord
             ,
             even
             this
             time
             also
             .
             Help
             me
             my
             God
             ,
             and
             then
             I
             will
             not
             fear
             how
             grievously
             soever
             I
             be
             afflicted
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             And
             now
             in
             these
             my
             troubles
             what
             shall
             I
             say
             ?
             Lord
             ,
             thy
             will
             be
             done
             ;
             I
             have
             well
             deserved
             to
             be
             afflicted
             and
             grieved
             .
             Surely
             I
             ought
             to
             bear
             it
             ;
             and
             O
             that
             I
             could
             bear
             it
             with
             patience
             ,
             until
             the
             tempest
             be
             passed
             over
             ,
             and
             it
             become
             calm
             !
             But
             thy
             omnipotent
             hand
             is
             able
             to
             take
             even
             this
             temptation
             from
             me
             ,
             and
             to
             asswage
             the
             violence
             thereof
             ,
             that
             I
             utterly
             sink
             not
             under
             it
             ,
             as
             oftentimes
             heretofore
             thou
             hast
             done
             unto
             me
             ,
             O
             my
             God
             ,
             my
             mercy
             .
             And
             how
             much
             the
             more
             hard
             it
             is
             to
             me
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             more
             easie
             is
             this
             
               change
               of
               the
               right
               hand
               of
               the
               most
               High.
               
            
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXX
             .
             Of
             craving
             the
             divine
             aid
             ,
             and
             confidence
             of
             recovering
             grace
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             I
             am
             the
             Lord
             that
             giveth
             strength
             in
             the
             day
             of
             tribulation
             .
             Come
             unto
             me
             when
             it
             is
             not
             well
             with
             thee
             .
             This
             is
             that
             which
             most
             of
             all
             hindereth
             Heavenly
             consolation
             ,
             that
             thou
             art
             slow
             in
             turning
             thy self
             unto
             Prayer
             .
             For
             before
             thou
             dost
             earnestly
             pray
             unto
             me
             ,
             thou
             seekest
             in
             the
             mean
             while
             many
             comforts
             ,
             and
             delightest
             thy self
             in
             outward
             things
             .
             And
             hence
             it
             comes
             to
             pass
             that
             all
             doth
             little
             profit
             thee
             ,
             until
             thou
             consider
             that
             I
             am
             he
             that
             delivers
             those
             that
             trust
             in
             me
             ,
             and
             that
             out
             of
             me
             there
             is
             neither
             powerful
             help
             ,
             nor
             profitable
             counsel
             ,
             nor
             lasting
             remedy
             .
             But
             now
             thou
             having
             recovered
             breath
             after
             the
             tempest
             ;
             gather
             strength
             again
             in
             the
             light
             of
             my
             mercies
             ;
             for
             I
             am
             at
             hand
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             to
             repair
             all
             ,
             not
             only
             entirely
             ,
             but
             also
             abundantly
             and
             in
             a
             very
             plentiful
             measure
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             Is
             there
             any
             thing
             hard
             to
             me
             ?
             Or
             am
             I
             like
             unto
             him
             that
             promiseth
             and
             performeth
             not
             ?
             Where
             is
             thy
             faith
             ?
             Be
             firm
             and
             constant
             .
             Take
             courage
             and
             be
             patient
             ;
             comfort
             will
             come
             to
             thee
             in
             due
             time
             .
             Wait
             ,
             wait
             for
             me
             ,
             I
             will
             come
             and
             heal
             thee
             .
             It
             is
             a
             temptation
             that
             vexeth
             thee
             ,
             and
             a
             vain
             fear
             that
             affrighteth
             thee
             .
             What
             else
             doth
             the
             care
             for
             future
             contingencies
             bring
             thee
             ,
             but
             sorrow
             upon
             sorrow
             ?
             
               Sufficient
               for
               the
               day
               is
               the
               evil
               thereof
               .
            
             It
             is
             a
             vain
             and
             unprofitable
             thing
             to
             be
             grieved
             ,
             or
             to
             rejoyce
             for
             future
             things
             ,
             that
             perhaps
             will
             never
             come
             to
             pass
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             But
             it
             is
             incident
             to
             Man
             ,
             to
             be
             deluded
             with
             such
             imaginations
             ;
             and
             a
             sign
             of
             a
             weak
             mind
             to
             be
             so
             easily
             drawn
             away
             by
             the
             suggestion
             of
             the
             enemy
             .
             For
             he
             careth
             not
             so
             he
             delude
             and
             deceive
             thee
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             true
             or
             false
             which
             he
             proposeth
             ;
             whether
             he
             overthrow
             thee
             with
             the
             love
             of
             present
             ,
             or
             the
             fear
             of
             future
             things
             .
             Let
             not
             therefore
             thy
             heart
             be
             troubled
             ,
             neither
             let
             it
             fear
             .
             Believe
             in
             me
             ,
             and
             put
             thy
             trust
             in
             my
             mercy
             .
             When
             thou
             thinkest
             thy self
             furthest
             off
             from
             me
             ,
             oftentimes
             I
             am
             nearest
             unto
             thee
             .
             When
             thou
             judgest
             that
             almost
             all
             his
             lost
             ,
             then
             oftentimes
             
             the
             greatest
             advantage
             of
             gaining
             is
             at
             hand
             .
             All
             is
             not
             lost
             when
             any
             thing
             falleth
             out
             contrary
             .
             Thou
             must
             not
             judg
             according
             to
             that
             which
             thou
             feelest
             for
             the
             present
             ;
             nor
             so
             take
             ,
             or
             give
             thy self
             over
             to
             any
             grief
             ,
             from
             whence
             soever
             it
             cometh
             ,
             as
             though
             all
             hope
             of
             delivery
             were
             quite
             gone
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Think
             not
             thy self
             wholly
             left
             ,
             although
             for
             a
             time
             I
             have
             sent
             thee
             some
             tribulation
             ,
             or
             withdrawn
             thy
             desired
             comfort
             ;
             for
             this
             is
             the
             way
             to
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             .
             And
             without
             doubt
             it
             is
             more
             expedient
             for
             thee
             and
             the
             rest
             of
             my
             Servants
             ,
             that
             ye
             be
             exercised
             with
             adversities
             ,
             than
             that
             ye
             should
             have
             all
             things
             according
             to
             your
             desires
             .
             I
             know
             the
             secret
             thoughts
             of
             thy
             heart
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             is
             very
             expedient
             for
             thy
             welfare
             ,
             that
             thou
             be
             left
             sometimes
             without
             taste
             of
             
               spiritual
               sweetness
               ,
               and
               in
               a
               dry
               condition
            
             lest
             perhaps
             thou
             shouldest
             be
             puffed
             up
             with
             thy
             prosperous
             estate
             ,
             and
             shouldest
             please
             thy self
             in
             that
             which
             thou
             art
             not
             .
             That
             which
             I
             have
             given
             I
             can
             take
             away
             ;
             and
             restore
             it
             again
             when
             I
             please
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             When
             I
             give
             it
             ,
             it
             is
             mine
             ,
             when
             I
             withdraw
             it
             ,
             I
             take
             not
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             
             thine
             ;
             for
             mine
             is
             every
             good
             and
             every
             perfect
             gift
             .
             If
             I
             send
             thee
             affliction
             ,
             or
             any
             Cross
             whatsoever
             ,
             repine
             not
             ,
             nor
             let
             thy
             heart
             fail
             thee
             ;
             I
             can
             quickly
             succor
             thee
             ;
             and
             turn
             all
             thy
             heaviness
             into
             joy
             .
             Nevertheless
             I
             am
             righteous
             ,
             and
             greatly
             to
             be
             praised
             when
             I
             deal
             thus
             with
             thee
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             If
             thou
             be
             wise
             ,
             and
             considerest
             this
             rightly
             ,
             thou
             wilt
             never
             mourn
             so
             dejectedly
             for
             any
             adversity
             that
             befalleth
             thee
             ,
             but
             rather
             rejoyce
             and
             give
             thanks
             ,
             yea
             ,
             account
             this
             thy
             only
             joy
             that
             afflicting
             thee
             with
             sorrows
             ,
             I
             do
             not
             spare
             thee
             .
             
               As
               my
               Father
               hath
               loved
               me
               ,
               I
               also
               love
               you
               ,
            
             said
             I
             unto
             my
             beloved
             Disciples
             ;
             whom
             certainly
             I
             sent
             not
             out
             to
             temporal
             joyes
             ,
             but
             to
             great
             conflicts
             ;
             not
             to
             honors
             ,
             but
             to
             contempts
             ;
             not
             to
             idleness
             ,
             but
             to
             labors
             ;
             not
             to
             rest
             ,
             but
             to
             bring
             forth
             much
             fruit
             with
             patience
             .
             My
             Son
             ,
             remember
             these
             words
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXXI
             .
             Of
             the
             contempt
             of
             all
             creatures
             ,
             to
             find
             out
             the
             Creator
             .
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             Lord
             ,
             I
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             yet
             greater
             grace
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             reach
             to
             that
             pitch
             ,
             as
             that
             nor
             Man
             nor
             any
             creature
             may
             be
             a
             let
             unto
             me
             .
             For
             as
             long
             as
             any
             thing
             detains
             me
             ,
             I
             cannot
             freely
             take
             my
             flight
             unto
             thee
             .
             He
             desired
             to
             fly
             freely
             that
             said
             ,
             
               Who
               will
               give
               me
               wings
               like
               a
               Dove
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               fly
               and
               be
               at
               rest
               ?
            
             What
             thing
             more
             quiet
             than
             the
             single
             eye
             ?
             And
             what
             more
             free
             ,
             than
             he
             that
             desireth
             nothing
             upon
             Earth
             ?
             Man
             ought
             therefore
             to
             pass
             over
             all
             creatures
             ,
             and
             perfectly
             to
             forsake
             himself
             ,
             and
             to
             remain
             in
             excess
             of
             mind
             ,
             and
             to
             see
             that
             thou
             the
             Creator
             of
             all
             things
             ,
             hast
             nothing
             amongst
             creatures
             like
             unto
             thee
             .
             And
             unless
             a
             Man
             be
             freed
             from
             
               the
               affection
               of
            
             all
             creatures
             ,
             he
             cannot
             with
             freedom
             of
             mind
             attend
             unto
             divine
             things
             .
             And
             for
             this
             cause
             there
             are
             so
             few
             contemplative
             Men
             to
             be
             found
             ,
             for
             that
             few
             can
             wholly
             withdraw
             themselves
             from
             things
             created
             and
             perishing
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             But
             to
             do
             this
             there
             is
             need
             of
             much
             grace
             which
             may
             raise
             up
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             enravish
             it
             above
             it self
             .
             And
             unless
             a
             Man
             be
             raised
             up
             in
             spirit
             ,
             and
             freed
             from
             all
             creatures
             ,
             and
             wholly
             united
             unto
             God
             ;
             whatsoever
             he
             knoweth
             ,
             and
             whatsoever
             he
             hath
             ,
             is
             of
             little
             account
             .
             A
             long
             while
             shall
             he
             be
             little
             ,
             and
             lie
             grovelling
             below
             ,
             that
             esteemeth
             any
             thing
             great
             ,
             but
             the
             one
             only
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             Good.
             For
             whatsoever
             is
             not
             God
             ,
             is
             nothing
             ,
             and
             ought
             to
             be
             accounted
             as
             nothing
             .
             There
             is
             great
             difference
             between
             the
             wisdom
             of
             an
             illuminated
             and
             religious
             Man
             ,
             and
             the
             knowledg
             of
             a
             learned
             and
             studious
             Clerk.
             For
             more
             noble
             is
             that
             learning
             which
             floweth
             from
             above
             from
             the
             divine
             influence
             ,
             than
             that
             which
             is
             painfully
             gotten
             by
             the
             wit
             of
             Man.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             There
             are
             many
             that
             desire
             contemplation
             ,
             but
             they
             endeavor
             not
             to
             practise
             those
             things
             that
             are
             required
             thereunto
             .
             Another
             great
             let
             is
             this
             ,
             that
             we
             rest
             in
             signs
             and
             sensible
             things
             ,
             and
             take
             little
             care
             about
             the
             perfect
             mortification
             of
             our selves
             .
             I
             know
             not
             what
             it
             is
             ,
             nor
             by
             what
             spirit
             we
             are
             led
             ,
             nor
             what
             we
             pretend
             ,
             we
             that
             seem
             to
             be
             called
             spiritual
             ,
             
             that
             we
             take
             so
             much
             pains
             and
             so
             great
             care
             for
             transitory
             and
             low
             things
             ,
             and
             fearce
             or
             seldom
             think
             of
             our
             own
             inward
             concernments
             ,
             with
             the
             full
             recollection
             of
             our
             minds
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Alas
             ,
             presently
             after
             a
             slight
             recollection
             ,
             we
             break
             out
             again
             ,
             and
             weigh
             not
             our
             words
             with
             diligent
             examination
             .
             We
             mind
             not
             where
             our
             affections
             lie
             ;
             nor
             be
             wail
             the
             impurity
             that
             is
             in
             all
             our
             actions
             .
             For
             all
             flesh
             had
             corrupted
             his
             way
             ,
             and
             therefore
             did
             that
             general
             flood
             ensue
             .
             Sith
             our
             inward
             affection
             then
             is
             much
             corrupted
             ,
             it
             must
             needs
             be
             that
             our
             actions
             proceeding
             thence
             be
             corrupted
             ,
             as
             a
             sign
             of
             the
             want
             of
             inward
             vigor
             .
             From
             a
             pure
             heart
             proceedeth
             the
             fruit
             of
             a
             good
             life
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             We
             ask
             how
             much
             one
             hath
             done
             ,
             but
             how
             virtuously
             or
             vigorously
             it
             was
             done
             ,
             is
             not
             so
             diligently
             considered
             .
             We
             inquire
             whether
             he
             be
             strong
             ,
             rich
             ,
             beautiful
             ,
             handsome
             ,
             a
             good
             writer
             ,
             a
             good
             singer
             ,
             or
             a
             good
             laborer
             ,
             but
             how
             poor
             he
             is
             in
             spirit
             ,
             how
             patient
             and
             meek
             ,
             how
             religious
             and
             spiritual
             ,
             is
             seldom
             spoken
             of
             .
             Nature
             respecteth
             the
             outward
             things
             of
             Man
             ,
             Grace
             turneth
             it self
             to
             the
             inward
             .
             
             That
             is
             often
             deceived
             ;
             This
             hath
             her
             trust
             in
             God
             ,
             to
             the
             end
             she
             be
             not
             deceived
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXXII
             .
             Of
             denial
             of
             our selves
             ,
             and
             forsaking
             all
             inordinate
             desires
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             thou
             canst
             not
             possess
             perfect
             liberty
             ,
             unless
             thou
             wholly
             deny
             thy self
             .
             All
             such
             are
             fettered
             
               and
               in
               bondage
            
             as
             seek
             their
             proper
             interest
             wholly
             ,
             and
             are
             lovers
             of
             themselves
             ,
             covetous
             ,
             curious
             ,
             wanderers
             ,
             always
             seeking
             pleasure
             ,
             and
             not
             the
             things
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ;
             but
             oftentimes
             devising
             and
             framing
             that
             which
             will
             not
             continue
             ;
             for
             all
             that
             is
             not
             of
             God
             shall
             perish
             :
             Keep
             this
             short
             and
             compleat
             saying
             :
             
               Forsake
               all
               ,
               and
               thou
               shalt
               find
               all
               .
               Leave
               thy
               inordinate
               desires
               ,
               and
               thou
               shalt
               find
               rest
               .
            
             Consider
             this
             well
             ;
             and
             when
             thou
             hast
             fulfilled
             it
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             understand
             all
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Christian.
             Lord
             ,
             this
             is
             not
             one
             days
             work
             ,
             nor
             Childrens
             sport
             ;
             yea
             ,
             in
             this
             
             short
             word
             all
             the
             perfection
             of
             religious
             persons
             is
             included
             .
          
           
             Christ.
             Son
             ,
             thou
             must
             not
             go
             back
             ,
             nor
             straightways
             be
             dejected
             ,
             when
             thou
             hearest
             of
             the
             way
             of
             the
             perfect
             ;
             but
             rather
             be
             stirred
             up
             to
             higher
             things
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             in
             desire
             sigh
             after
             them
             .
             I
             would
             it
             were
             so
             well
             with
             thee
             ,
             and
             thou
             wert
             come
             up
             to
             this
             pitch
             ,
             that
             thou
             wert
             no
             longer
             a
             lover
             of
             thy self
             ,
             but
             didst
             stand
             meerly
             at
             my
             beck
             ,
             and
             at
             his
             whom
             I
             have
             appointed
             a
             Father
             over
             thee
             ;
             then
             thou
             shouldest
             exceedingly
             please
             me
             ,
             and
             all
             thy
             life
             would
             pass
             away
             in
             joy
             and
             peace
             ,
             Thou
             hast
             yet
             many
             things
             to
             forsake
             ,
             which
             unless
             thou
             wholly
             resign
             up
             unto
             me
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             not
             attain
             to
             that
             which
             thou
             desirest
             .
             
               I
               counsel
               thee
               to
               buy
               of
               me
               gold
               tried
               in
               the
               fire
               ,
               that
               thou
               mayest
               become
               rich
               ,
            
             that
             is
             Heavenly
             wisdom
             ,
             which
             treadeth
             under
             foot
             all
             base
             and
             earthly
             things
             .
             Set
             little
             by
             earthly
             wisdom
             ,
             and
             care
             not
             fondly
             to
             please
             others
             or
             thy self
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             I
             said
             ,
             that
             the
             mean
             things
             must
             be
             bought
             with
             precious
             things
             and
             such
             as
             were
             with
             Men
             of
             great
             esteem
             .
             For
             the
             true
             Heavenly
             wisdom
             seemeth
             mean
             and
             of
             small
             account
             ,
             and
             is
             scarce
             thought
             of
             
             by
             Men
             ;
             for
             that
             esteemeth
             not
             highly
             of
             it self
             ,
             nor
             seeketh
             to
             be
             magnified
             upon
             Earth
             ;
             many
             praise
             it
             from
             the
             teeth
             outward
             ,
             but
             in
             their
             life
             they
             are
             far
             from
             it
             ;
             yet
             is
             it
             the
             precious
             Pearl
             which
             is
             hidden
             from
             many
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXXIII
             .
             Of
             inconstancy
             of
             heart
             ,
             and
             of
             directing
             our
             final
             intentions
             unto
             God.
             
          
           
             Christ.
             Son
             ,
             trust
             not
             to
             thy
             present
             affection
             ;
             for
             it
             will
             quickly
             be
             changed
             into
             another
             thing
             .
             As
             long
             as
             thou
             livest
             ,
             thou
             art
             subject
             to
             mutability
             ,
             even
             against
             thy
             will
             ;
             so
             that
             now
             thou
             art
             merry
             ,
             now
             sad
             ;
             now
             quiet
             ,
             now
             troubled
             ;
             now
             devout
             ,
             now
             undevout
             ;
             now
             diligent
             ,
             now
             slow
             ;
             now
             grave
             ,
             now
             light
             .
             But
             he
             that
             is
             wise
             and
             well
             instructed
             in
             the
             spirit
             ,
             standeth
             fast
             upon
             these
             mutable
             things
             ;
             not
             heeding
             what
             he
             feeleth
             in
             himself
             ,
             or
             which
             way
             the
             wind
             of
             instability
             bloweth
             ;
             but
             that
             the
             whole
             intention
             of
             his
             mind
             may
             tend
             to
             the
             right
             and
             best
             end
             .
             For
             thus
             he
             may
             
             continue
             one
             ,
             and
             the
             self
             same
             ,
             and
             unshaken
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             so
             many
             various
             events
             ,
             directing
             continually
             the
             single
             eye
             of
             his
             intention
             unto
             me
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             And
             how
             much
             purer
             the
             eye
             of
             the
             intention
             is
             ,
             with
             so
             much
             the
             more
             constancy
             doth
             he
             pass
             through
             the
             several
             kinds
             of
             storms
             .
             But
             in
             many
             things
             the
             eye
             of
             a
             pure
             intention
             waxeth
             dimsighted
             ,
             for
             it
             quickly
             looketh
             upon
             some
             delightsom
             object
             that
             it
             meeteth
             withal
             ;
             And
             it
             is
             rare
             to
             find
             one
             that
             is
             wholly
             free
             from
             all
             blemish
             of
             self-seeking
             .
             So
             the
             Jews
             in
             times
             past
             came
             into
             Bethany
             to
             Martha
             and
             Mary
             ,
             not
             for
             Jesus
             alone
             ,
             but
             to
             see
             Lazarus
             also
             .
             The
             eye
             of
             our
             intention
             therefore
             is
             to
             be
             purged
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             be
             single
             and
             right
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             directed
             unto
             me
             ,
             beyond
             the
             manifold
             diversity
             of
             all
             mediums
             .
             and
             whatsoever
             earthly
             objects
             come
             between
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXXIV
             .
             That
             God
             is
             sweet
             ,
             above
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             to
             him
             that
             loveth
             .
          
           
             
               CHristian
               .
               Behold
               ,
               my
               God
               ,
               and
               all
               things
               .
            
             What
             would
             I
             have
             more
             ,
             and
             what
             more
             happy
             thing
             can
             I
             desire
             ?
             O
             sweet
             and
             savory
             word
             !
             but
             to
             him
             that
             loveth
             the
             Word
             ,
             not
             the
             world
             nor
             those
             things
             that
             are
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             
               My
               God
               ,
               and
               all
               things
               .
            
             Enough
             is
             said
             to
             him
             ,
             that
             understandeth
             ;
             and
             to
             him
             that
             loveth
             it
             is
             pleasant
             to
             repeat
             it
             often
             .
             For
             when
             thou
             art
             present
             ,
             all
             things
             do
             yield
             delight
             ;
             but
             when
             thou
             are
             absent
             ,
             every
             thing
             becomes
             irksom
             .
             Thou
             givest
             quiet
             of
             heart
             and
             much
             peace
             ,
             and
             pleasant
             joy
             .
             Thou
             makest
             us
             think
             well
             of
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             praise
             thee
             in
             all
             things
             ;
             neither
             can
             any
             thing
             please
             long
             without
             thee
             ;
             but
             if
             it
             be
             pleasant
             and
             grateful
             ,
             thy
             grace
             must
             be
             present
             ,
             and
             it
             must
             be
             seasoned
             with
             the
             sweetness
             of
             thy
             wisdom
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             What
             is
             not
             savory
             unto
             him
             to
             whom
             thou
             art
             pleasing
             ?
             And
             whom
             thou
             delightest
             not
             ,
             what
             can
             be
             pleasant
             to
             him
             ?
             
             But
             the
             wise
             of
             this
             world
             ,
             and
             they
             that
             relish
             the
             things
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             come
             short
             of
             thy
             wisdom
             ;
             for
             in
             the
             world
             is
             much
             vanity
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             flesh
             is
             death
             .
             But
             they
             that
             follow
             thee
             by
             the
             contempt
             of
             worldly
             things
             ,
             and
             mortification
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             are
             proved
             to
             be
             truly
             wise
             ;
             For
             they
             are
             changed
             from
             vanity
             to
             truth
             ,
             from
             the
             flesh
             to
             the
             spirit
             .
             These
             relish
             God
             ;
             and
             what
             good
             soever
             is
             found
             in
             creatures
             ,
             they
             wholly
             refer
             unto
             the
             praise
             of
             their
             Maker
             .
             Notwithstanding
             great
             yea
             very
             great
             is
             the
             difference
             between
             the
             sweetness
             of
             the
             creator
             and
             of
             the
             creature
             ,
             of
             eternity
             and
             of
             time
             ,
             of
             light
             uncreated
             and
             of
             light
             enlightned
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             O
             thou
             everlasting
             light
             ,
             surpassing
             all
             created
             lights
             ,
             dart
             the
             beams
             of
             thy
             brightness
             from
             above
             ,
             which
             may
             pierce
             all
             the
             most
             inward
             parts
             of
             my
             heart
             ;
             purifie
             ,
             rejoyce
             ,
             enlighten
             and
             enliven
             my
             spirit
             ,
             with
             all
             the
             powers
             thereof
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             cleave
             unto
             thee
             with
             abundance
             of
             joy
             and
             triumph
             .
             O
             when
             will
             that
             blessed
             and
             desired
             hour
             come
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             be
             filled
             with
             thy
             presence
             ,
             and
             thou
             mayest
             be
             unto
             me
             all
             in
             all
             !
             As
             long
             as
             this
             is
             not
             granted
             me
             ,
             I
             shall
             not
             have
             full
             joy
             .
             Alas
             !
             
             the
             old
             Man
             yet
             liveth
             in
             me
             ,
             he
             is
             not
             wholly
             crucified
             ,
             he
             is
             not
             perfectly
             dead
             .
             He
             doth
             as
             yet
             lust
             strongly
             against
             the
             spirit
             ,
             and
             stirreth
             up
             inward
             wars
             ,
             and
             suffereth
             not
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             my
             soul
             to
             be
             in
             peace
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             But
             thou
             that
             rulest
             the
             power
             of
             the
             Sea
             ,
             and
             stillest
             the
             rising
             of
             the
             Waves
             thereof
             ,
             arise
             and
             help
             me
             ;
             scatter
             the
             People
             that
             desire
             war
             ,
             destroy
             them
             in
             thy
             might
             ,
             display
             thy
             greatness
             ,
             and
             let
             thy
             right
             hand
             be
             glorified
             ,
             for
             there
             is
             no
             hope
             nor
             refuge
             for
             me
             ,
             but
             in
             thee
             my
             Lord
             God.
             
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXXV
             That
             there
             is
             no
             security
             from
             temptation
             in
             this
             life
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             security
             in
             this
             life
             ;
             as
             long
             as
             thou
             livest
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             always
             have
             need
             of
             spiritual
             armor
             .
             Thou
             livest
             among
             enemies
             ,
             and
             art
             assaulted
             on
             the
             right
             hand
             and
             on
             the
             left
             .
             If
             therefore
             thou
             defendest
             not
             thy self
             on
             every
             side
             with
             the
             shield
             of
             patience
             ,
             thou
             
             canst
             not
             be
             long
             unwounded
             .
             Moreover
             ,
             if
             thou
             fix
             not
             thy
             heart
             on
             me
             with
             a
             sincere
             will
             to
             suffer
             all
             things
             for
             me
             ,
             thou
             canst
             not
             bear
             the
             heat
             of
             this
             battel
             ,
             nor
             obtain
             the
             triumphant
             reward
             of
             the
             Saints
             in
             bliss
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             therefore
             manfully
             to
             go
             through
             all
             ,
             and
             to
             use
             a
             strong
             hand
             against
             whatsoever
             withstandeth
             thee
             .
             For
             to
             him
             that
             overcometh
             is
             manna
             given
             ;
             but
             for
             the
             negligent
             there
             remains
             much
             misery
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             If
             thou
             seekest
             rest
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             how
             wilt
             thou
             then
             attain
             to
             everlasting
             rest
             ?
             Dispose
             not
             thy self
             to
             much
             ease
             ,
             but
             to
             much
             patience
             .
             Seek
             true
             peace
             ,
             not
             in
             Earth
             ,
             but
             in
             Heaven
             ;
             not
             in
             Men
             nor
             in
             any
             other
             creature
             ,
             but
             in
             God
             alone
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             for
             the
             love
             of
             God
             willingly
             to
             undergo
             all
             things
             ,
             even
             labors
             ,
             griefs
             ,
             temptations
             ,
             vexations
             ,
             anxieties
             ,
             necessities
             ,
             infirmities
             ,
             injuries
             ,
             detractions
             ,
             reprehensions
             ,
             humblings
             ,
             shame
             ,
             corrections
             ,
             and
             contempts
             ;
             these
             help
             to
             virtue
             :
             these
             try
             a
             Novice
             of
             Christ
             ;
             these
             make
             the
             Heavenly
             Crown
             .
             I
             will
             give
             an
             everlasting
             reward
             for
             a
             short
             labor
             ,
             and
             infinite
             glory
             for
             transitory
             shame
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Thinkest
             thou
             that
             thou
             shalt
             always
             
             have
             spiritual
             consolations
             at
             will
             ?
             My
             Saints
             had
             not
             so
             ,
             but
             they
             had
             many
             afflictions
             ,
             and
             sundry
             temptations
             ,
             and
             many
             discomforts
             ;
             in
             all
             which
             they
             did
             bear
             up
             themselves
             patiently
             ,
             and
             trusted
             rather
             in
             God
             than
             in
             themselves
             ,
             knowing
             that
             the
             sufferings
             of
             this
             time
             are
             not
             condign
             to
             the
             deserving
             of
             future
             glory
             .
             Wilt
             thou
             have
             that
             straightways
             ,
             which
             many
             after
             many
             tears
             and
             great
             labors
             have
             hardly
             obtained
             ?
             Wait
             upon
             the
             Lord
             ,
             do
             manfully
             ,
             be
             of
             good
             courage
             ;
             do
             not
             despair
             ,
             do
             not
             fly
             ,
             but
             with
             constancy
             expose
             both
             body
             and
             soul
             for
             the
             glory
             of
             God.
             I
             will
             reward
             thee
             in
             most
             plentiful
             manner
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             be
             with
             thee
             in
             all
             thy
             tribulations
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXXVI
             .
             Against
             the
             vain
             judgments
             of
             Men.
             
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             cast
             thy
             heart
             constantly
             upon
             God
             ,
             and
             fear
             not
             the
             judgment
             of
             Men
             ,
             when
             thy
             conscience
             giveth
             testimony
             of
             thy
             piety
             and
             innocency
             .
             It
             is
             a
             good
             and
             happy
             thing
             to
             suffer
             in
             such
             
             a
             way
             ;
             neither
             will
             it
             be
             burdensome
             to
             an
             humble
             heart
             ,
             nor
             to
             him
             that
             trusteth
             rather
             in
             God
             than
             in
             himself
             .
             The
             most
             part
             of
             Men
             are
             given
             to
             talk
             much
             ,
             and
             therefore
             little
             heed
             is
             to
             be
             given
             them
             ;
             neither
             is
             it
             possible
             to
             satisfie
             all
             .
             Although
             Paul
             endeavored
             to
             please
             all
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             made
             himself
             all
             things
             unto
             all
             ,
             yet
             with
             him
             it
             was
             a
             very
             small
             thing
             that
             he
             should
             be
             judged
             of
             Mans
             judgment
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             He
             did
             for
             the
             edification
             and
             salvation
             of
             others
             as
             much
             as
             he
             could
             ,
             and
             lay
             in
             him
             ;
             yet
             could
             he
             not
             hinder
             but
             that
             he
             was
             sometimes
             judged
             and
             despised
             by
             others
             .
             Therefore
             he
             committed
             all
             to
             God
             ,
             who
             knew
             all
             ,
             and
             he
             defended
             himself
             with
             patience
             and
             humility
             against
             evil
             tongues
             ;
             and
             such
             as
             thought
             vanities
             and
             lies
             ,
             and
             spake
             what
             they
             listed
             :
             Yet
             sometimes
             notwithstanding
             he
             answered
             ,
             lest
             the
             weak
             should
             be
             offended
             by
             his
             silence
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Who
             art
             thou
             that
             fearest
             a
             mortal
             Man
             ?
             To
             day
             he
             is
             ,
             and
             to
             morrow
             he
             is
             not
             seen
             .
             Fear
             God
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             not
             need
             to
             fear
             the
             terrors
             of
             Men.
             What
             harm
             can
             the
             words
             or
             injuries
             of
             any
             do
             thee
             ?
             He
             rather
             hurteth
             himself
             than
             thee
             ;
             
             neither
             can
             he
             avoid
             the
             judgment
             of
             God
             ,
             whosoever
             he
             be
             .
             Have
             thou
             God
             before
             thine
             eyes
             ,
             and
             contend
             not
             with
             complaining
             words
             .
             And
             if
             for
             the
             present
             thou
             seemest
             to
             be
             worsted
             ,
             and
             to
             suffer
             shame
             without
             desert
             ;
             do
             not
             therefore
             repine
             ,
             neither
             do
             thou
             lessen
             thy
             crown
             by
             thy
             impatience
             ;
             but
             rather
             lift
             up
             thy
             eyes
             to
             me
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             who
             am
             able
             to
             deliver
             thee
             from
             all
             shame
             and
             wrong
             ,
             and
             to
             render
             to
             every
             one
             according
             to
             their
             works
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXXVII
             .
             Of
             a
             full
             and
             pure
             resignation
             of
             our selves
             ,
             for
             the
             obtaining
             freedom
             of
             heart
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             forsake
             thy self
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             find
             me
             .
             Make
             no
             self
             respecting
             choice
             of
             any
             thing
             ,
             appropriate
             nothing
             to
             thy self
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             ever
             be
             a
             gainer
             .
             For
             greater
             grace
             shall
             be
             given
             thee
             ,
             when
             thou
             dost
             perfectly
             resign
             thy self
             ,
             and
             not
             turn
             back
             to
             take
             thy self
             again
             .
          
           
             Christian.
             Lord
             ,
             how
             often
             shall
             I
             resign
             
             my self
             ;
             and
             wherein
             shall
             I
             forsake
             my self
             ?
          
           
             Christ.
             Always
             ,
             and
             every
             hour
             ,
             as
             well
             in
             little
             things
             as
             in
             great
             .
             I
             do
             except
             nothing
             ,
             but
             do
             require
             that
             thou
             be
             naked
             
               and
               void
            
             of
             all
             things
             .
             Otherwise
             how
             canst
             thou
             be
             mine
             ,
             and
             I
             thine
             ,
             unless
             both
             within
             and
             without
             thou
             be
             free
             from
             all
             self
             will
             ?
             And
             how
             much
             the
             sooner
             thou
             dost
             this
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             better
             it
             will
             be
             with
             thee
             ;
             and
             how
             much
             the
             more
             fully
             and
             sincerely
             thou
             doest
             it
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             more
             shalt
             thou
             please
             me
             ,
             and
             so
             much
             the
             more
             shalt
             thou
             gain
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Some
             there
             are
             that
             resign
             themselves
             ,
             but
             with
             some
             exception
             ;
             for
             they
             put
             not
             their
             whole
             trust
             in
             God
             ,
             and
             therefore
             they
             study
             how
             to
             provide
             for
             themselves
             .
             Some
             also
             at
             the
             first
             do
             offer
             all
             ,
             but
             afterwards
             being
             assailed
             with
             temptations
             ,
             do
             return
             again
             to
             that
             which
             they
             had
             left
             ,
             and
             therefore
             they
             go
             not
             forward
             in
             the
             way
             of
             virtue
             .
             These
             shall
             not
             attain
             to
             the
             true
             liberty
             of
             the
             pure
             heart
             ,
             nor
             to
             the
             favor
             of
             my
             sweetest
             familiarity
             ,
             unless
             they
             first
             make
             an
             entire
             resignation
             and
             a
             daily
             oblation
             of
             themselves
             unto
             me
             .
             For
             without
             this
             there
             neither
             
             is
             nor
             can
             be
             the
             fruitive
             union
             with
             me
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             I
             have
             often
             said
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             now
             again
             I
             say
             the
             same
             ,
             Forsake
             thy self
             ,
             resign
             thy self
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             enjoy
             much
             inward
             peace
             .
             Give
             all
             for
             all
             ;
             seek
             nothing
             ,
             require
             back
             nothing
             ,
             abide
             purely
             and
             with
             a
             firm
             confidence
             in
             me
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             enjoy
             me
             ;
             thou
             shalt
             be
             free
             in
             heart
             ,
             and
             darkness
             shall
             not
             have
             power
             over
             thee
             .
             Let
             this
             be
             thy
             whole
             endeavor
             ,
             let
             this
             be
             thy
             Prayer
             ,
             let
             this
             be
             thy
             desire
             ;
             that
             being
             stript
             of
             all
             selfness
             ,
             thou
             mayest
             even
             nakedly
             follow
             naked
             Jesus
             ,
             and
             dying
             to
             thy self
             ,
             mayest
             live
             eternally
             to
             me
             .
             Then
             shall
             all
             vain
             imaginations
             ,
             evil
             perturbations
             ,
             and
             superfluous
             cares
             fly
             away
             !
             then
             shall
             immoderate
             fear
             leave
             thee
             ,
             and
             inordinate
             love
             shall
             die
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXXVIII
             .
             Of
             good
             government
             in
             outward
             things
             ,
             and
             of
             recourse
             to
             God
             in
             dangers
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             thou
             oughtest
             with
             all
             diligence
             to
             procure
             ,
             that
             in
             every
             place
             and
             action
             or
             external
             business
             ,
             thou
             be
             inwardly
             free
             and
             Master
             of
             thy self
             ,
             and
             that
             all
             things
             be
             under
             thee
             ,
             and
             thou
             not
             under
             them
             ;
             that
             thou
             mayest
             be
             Lord
             and
             Master
             of
             thy
             actions
             ;
             not
             a
             servant
             or
             a
             hireling
             ,
             but
             rather
             a
             Free-man
             and
             a
             true
             Hebrew
             ,
             passing
             into
             the
             lot
             and
             freedom
             of
             the
             Sons
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             standing
             upon
             the
             things
             that
             are
             present
             ,
             view
             the
             things
             which
             are
             eternal
             ;
             who
             look
             on
             transitory
             things
             with
             the
             left
             eye
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             right
             do
             behold
             the
             things
             of
             Heaven
             ;
             whom
             temporal
             things
             cannot
             draw
             to
             cleave
             unto
             them
             ,
             but
             they
             rather
             draw
             temporal
             things
             to
             serve
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             disposed
             by
             them
             in
             such
             a
             way
             as
             they
             are
             ordained
             by
             God
             ,
             and
             appointed
             by
             the
             Creator
             of
             all
             ,
             who
             hath
             left
             nothing
             in
             his
             creatures
             without
             due
             order
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             If
             thou
             remain
             stedfast
             in
             all
             events
             ,
             
             and
             dost
             not
             weigh
             by
             the
             outward
             appearance
             ,
             nor
             with
             a
             carnal
             eye
             ,
             the
             things
             which
             thou
             seest
             and
             hearest
             ;
             but
             presently
             in
             every
             affair
             dost
             enter
             with
             Moses
             into
             the
             Tabernacle
             to
             ask
             councel
             of
             the
             Lord
             ;
             thou
             shalt
             sometimes
             hear
             the
             divine
             Oracle
             ,
             and
             shalt
             return
             instructed
             concerning
             many
             things
             both
             present
             and
             to
             come
             .
             For
             Moses
             had
             always
             recourse
             to
             the
             Tabernacle
             for
             the
             deciding
             of
             doubts
             and
             controversies
             ,
             and
             fled
             to
             the
             help
             of
             Prayer
             ,
             for
             a
             defence
             against
             the
             iniquity
             and
             dangers
             of
             Men.
             So
             oughtest
             thou
             in
             like
             manner
             to
             fly
             to
             the
             closet
             of
             thy
             heart
             ,
             earnestly
             craving
             the
             Divine
             favor
             .
             For
             the
             Scripture
             testifieth
             ,
             that
             therefore
             was
             Ioshuah
             and
             the
             Children
             of
             Israel
             deceived
             by
             the
             Gibeonites
             ,
             because
             they
             asked
             not
             councel
             at
             the
             Mouth
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             but
             giving
             too
             lightly
             credit
             to
             their
             fair
             words
             ,
             were
             deluded
             with
             their
             counterfeit
             piety
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXXIX
             .
             That
             a
             Man
             be
             not
             over-earnest
             in
             his
             affairs
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             always
             commit
             thy
             cause
             to
             me
             ,
             I
             will
             dispose
             well
             of
             it
             in
             due
             time
             ;
             wait
             for
             my
             ordering
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             find
             it
             will
             be
             for
             thy
             good
             .
          
           
             Christian.
             Lord
             ,
             I
             do
             most
             willingly
             commit
             all
             unto
             thee
             ,
             for
             my
             care
             can
             avail
             little
             .
             O
             that
             I
             cleaved
             not
             too
             much
             to
             future
             events
             ,
             but
             offered
             my self
             with
             all
             readiness
             of
             mind
             to
             thy
             good
             pleasure
             !
          
           
             2.
             
             Christ
             ,
             Son
             ,
             oftentimes
             a
             Man
             doth
             earnestly
             labor
             for
             that
             which
             he
             desireth
             ,
             and
             when
             he
             hath
             gotten
             it
             ,
             he
             beginneth
             to
             be
             of
             another
             mind
             ;
             for
             Mans
             affections
             do
             not
             long
             continue
             fixed
             on
             one
             thing
             ,
             but
             do
             pass
             from
             one
             to
             another
             .
             It
             is
             therefore
             no
             small
             thing
             for
             a
             Man
             to
             forsake
             himself
             even
             in
             the
             smallest
             things
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             The
             true
             spiritual
             profiting
             of
             a
             Man
             consisteth
             in
             the
             denying
             of
             himself
             ;
             and
             he
             that
             is
             thus
             resigned
             ,
             liveth
             in
             great
             freedom
             and
             security
             .
             But
             the
             old
             enemy
             ,
             who
             always
             sets
             himself
             against
             all
             that
             are
             
             good
             ,
             ceaseth
             at
             no
             time
             from
             tempting
             ,
             but
             day
             and
             night
             lieth
             grievously
             in
             wait
             ,
             to
             cast
             the
             unwary
             ,
             if
             he
             can
             ,
             into
             the
             snare
             of
             deceit
             .
             
               Therefore
               Watch
               and
               Pray
               ,
               saith
               our
               Lord
               ,
               that
               ye
               enter
               not
               into
               temptation
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XL.
             That
             Man
             hath
             no
             good
             of
             himself
             nor
             any
             thing
             whereof
             he
             can
             glory
             .
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             Lord
             ,
             what
             is
             Man
             that
             thou
             art
             mindful
             of
             him
             ,
             or
             the
             Son
             of
             Man
             ,
             that
             thou
             visitest
             him
             !
             What
             hath
             Man
             deserved
             that
             thou
             shouldest
             favor
             him
             ?
             Lord
             ,
             what
             cause
             have
             I
             to
             complain
             ,
             if
             thou
             forsake
             me
             ?
             Or
             if
             thou
             doest
             not
             that
             which
             I
             desire
             ,
             what
             can
             I
             justly
             say
             against
             it
             ?
             Surely
             ,
             this
             I
             may
             truly
             think
             and
             say
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             I
             am
             nothing
             ,
             I
             can
             do
             nothing
             ,
             I
             have
             nothing
             that
             is
             good
             of
             my self
             ;
             but
             in
             all
             things
             I
             am
             defective
             ,
             and
             do
             ever
             tend
             to
             nothing
             ;
             and
             unless
             thou
             help
             me
             ,
             and
             dost
             inwardly
             instruct
             me
             ,
             I
             become
             altogether
             cold
             ,
             and
             am
             dissolved
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             But
             thou
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             art
             always
             the
             same
             ,
             and
             endurest
             for
             ever
             ;
             always
             good
             ,
             just
             ,
             and
             holy
             ,
             doing
             all
             things
             well
             ,
             justly
             and
             holily
             ,
             and
             disposing
             all
             things
             with
             wisdom
             .
             But
             I
             that
             am
             more
             ready
             to
             go
             backward
             than
             forward
             ,
             do
             not
             ever
             continue
             in
             one
             estate
             ,
             for
             Seven
             times
             are
             passed
             over
             me
             ;
             yet
             doth
             it
             soon
             turn
             to
             the
             better
             ,
             when
             it
             so
             pleaseth
             thee
             ,
             and
             when
             thou
             vouchsafest
             to
             stretch
             forth
             thy
             helping
             hand
             .
             For
             thou
             alone
             canst
             help
             me
             without
             the
             aid
             of
             Man
             ,
             and
             so
             strengthen
             me
             ,
             that
             my
             countenance
             shall
             be
             no
             more
             changed
             ,
             but
             my
             heart
             shall
             be
             turned
             to
             thee
             alone
             ,
             and
             there
             shall
             rest
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Wherefore
             if
             I
             could
             once
             perfectly
             forsake
             all
             humane
             comfort
             ,
             either
             for
             the
             attaining
             of
             devotion
             ,
             or
             for
             mine
             own
             necessity
             ,
             which
             inforceth
             me
             to
             seek
             after
             thee
             ,
             (
             for
             none
             else
             can
             comfort
             me
             )
             then
             might
             I
             well
             hope
             in
             thy
             grace
             ,
             and
             rejoyce
             for
             the
             gift
             of
             new
             consolation
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Thanks
             be
             unto
             thee
             ,
             from
             whence
             all
             proceedeth
             ,
             as
             often
             as
             it
             goeth
             well
             with
             me
             ;
             but
             I
             am
             mere
             vanity
             and
             nothing
             in
             thy
             sight
             ,
             and
             unconstant
             and
             weak
             Man.
             Whereof
             then
             can
             I
             glory
             ?
             Or
             for
             what
             do
             I
             desire
             to
             be
             esteemed
             of
             ?
             Is
             
             it
             not
             even
             for
             nothing
             ?
             But
             this
             is
             most
             vain
             .
             Truly
             vain
             glory
             is
             an
             evil
             plague
             and
             a
             very
             great
             vanity
             ;
             because
             it
             draweth
             Man
             from
             true
             glory
             ,
             and
             robbeth
             him
             of
             Heavenly
             grace
             .
             For
             whilest
             a
             Man
             pleaseth
             himself
             ,
             he
             displeaseth
             thee
             ;
             whilst
             he
             gapeth
             after
             the
             praise
             of
             Men
             ,
             he
             is
             deprived
             of
             true
             virtues
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             But
             the
             true
             glory
             and
             holy
             rejoycing
             is
             for
             a
             Man
             to
             glory
             in
             thee
             ,
             and
             not
             in
             himself
             ;
             to
             rejoyce
             in
             thy
             Name
             ,
             and
             not
             in
             his
             own
             virtue
             
               or
               strength
            
             ,
             nor
             to
             delight
             in
             any
             creature
             ,
             but
             for
             thee
             .
             Praised
             be
             thy
             Name
             ,
             not
             mine
             ;
             magnified
             be
             thy
             work
             ,
             not
             mine
             .
             Let
             the
             holy
             Name
             be
             blessed
             ,
             but
             to
             me
             let
             no
             part
             of
             Mens
             praises
             be
             given
             .
             Thou
             art
             my
             glory
             ,
             thou
             art
             the
             joy
             of
             my
             heart
             .
             In
             thee
             will
             I
             glory
             and
             rejoyce
             all
             the
             day
             ;
             but
             as
             for
             my self
             I
             will
             not
             glory
             ,
             but
             in
             my
             infirmities
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             Let
             the
             Iews
             seek
             honor
             one
             of
             another
             ;
             I
             will
             desire
             this
             which
             is
             from
             God
             alone
             .
             For
             all
             humane
             glory
             ,
             all
             temporal
             honor
             ,
             all
             worldly
             highness
             ,
             compared
             to
             thy
             eternal
             glory
             ,
             is
             vanity
             and
             folly
             .
             O
             my
             Truth
             ,
             my
             mercy
             ,
             my
             God
             ,
             most
             blessed
             Trinity
             ,
             to
             thee
             alone
             be
             
             praise
             ,
             honor
             ,
             power
             and
             glory
             for
             evermore
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XLI
             .
             Of
             the
             contempt
             of
             all
             temporal
             honors
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             trouble
             not
             thy self
             ,
             if
             thou
             seest
             others
             honored
             and
             advanced
             ,
             and
             thy self
             contemned
             and
             debased
             .
             Lift
             up
             thy
             heart
             unto
             me
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             the
             contempt
             of
             Men
             on
             Earth
             will
             not
             grieve
             thee
             .
          
           
             Christian.
             Lord
             ,
             we
             are
             blind
             ,
             and
             quickly
             seduced
             with
             vanity
             .
             If
             I
             look
             well
             into
             my self
             ,
             I
             cannot
             say
             that
             any
             creature
             hath
             done
             me
             wrong
             ;
             and
             therefore
             I
             cannot
             justly
             complain
             of
             thee
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             But
             because
             I
             have
             often
             and
             grievously
             sinned
             against
             thee
             ,
             all
             creatures
             do
             justly
             take
             arms
             against
             me
             ;
             for
             shame
             and
             contempt
             is
             due
             unto
             me
             ,
             but
             unto
             thee
             praise
             ,
             honor
             and
             glory
             .
             And
             unless
             I
             frame
             my self
             with
             a
             very
             good
             will
             to
             be
             despised
             and
             forsaken
             of
             all
             creatures
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             esteemed
             nothing
             at
             all
             ;
             I
             cannot
             obtain
             inward
             peace
             and
             strength
             nor
             be
             
             spiritually
             enlightned
             ,
             nor
             fully
             united
             unto
             thee
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XLII
             .
             That
             our
             peace
             is
             not
             to
             be
             placed
             in
             Men.
             
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             if
             the
             peace
             thou
             hast
             with
             any
             be
             grounded
             upon
             the
             opinion
             which
             thou
             hast
             of
             him
             ,
             or
             upon
             the
             account
             of
             thine
             acquaintance
             with
             him
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             ever
             be
             in
             an
             unconstant
             and
             enthralled
             condition
             ;
             but
             if
             thou
             have
             recourse
             unto
             the
             everliving
             and
             eternal
             Truth
             ,
             a
             friend
             going
             from
             thee
             or
             dying
             shall
             not
             grieve
             thee
             .
             The
             love
             of
             thy
             friend
             ought
             to
             be
             grounded
             in
             me
             ;
             and
             for
             me
             is
             he
             to
             be
             beloved
             ,
             whosoever
             he
             be
             whom
             thou
             thinkest
             well
             of
             ,
             and
             is
             very
             dear
             unto
             thee
             in
             this
             life
             .
             No
             friendship
             can
             avail
             ,
             or
             continue
             without
             me
             ;
             neither
             is
             that
             love
             true
             and
             pure
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             knit
             by
             me
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             to
             be
             so
             dead
             to
             such
             affections
             of
             beloved
             friends
             ,
             that
             (
             forasmuch
             as
             appertaineth
             unto
             thee
             )
             thou
             shouldest
             wish
             to
             be
             without
             all
             company
             of
             Men.
             Man
             approacheth
             so
             much
             the
             
             nearer
             unto
             God
             ,
             by
             how
             much
             the
             further
             off
             he
             departeth
             from
             all
             Earthly
             comfort
             ;
             so
             much
             the
             higher
             also
             he
             ascendeth
             unto
             God
             by
             how
             much
             lower
             he
             descendeth
             into
             himself
             ,
             and
             how
             much
             the
             meaner
             he
             is
             in
             his
             own
             sight
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             But
             he
             that
             attributeth
             any
             good
             unto
             himself
             ,
             hindereth
             the
             coming
             of
             Gods
             grace
             unto
             him
             ;
             for
             the
             grace
             of
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ever
             seeketh
             an
             humble
             heart
             .
             If
             thou
             couldest
             perfectly
             annihilate
             thy self
             ,
             and
             empty
             thy self
             of
             all
             created
             love
             ;
             then
             should
             I
             flow
             into
             thee
             with
             great
             abundance
             of
             grace
             .
             When
             thou
             castest
             thy
             eyes
             on
             creatures
             ,
             the
             sight
             of
             thy
             Creator
             is
             taken
             from
             thee
             .
             Learn
             to
             overcome
             thy self
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             for
             the
             love
             of
             thy
             Creator
             ;
             and
             then
             shalt
             thou
             be
             able
             to
             attain
             to
             divine
             knowledge
             .
             How
             little
             soever
             the
             thing
             be
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             inordinately
             loved
             and
             regarded
             ;
             it
             defileth
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             hindereth
             the
             enjoying
             of
             the
             chiefest
             good
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XLIII
             .
             Against
             vain
             and
             secular
             knowledg
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             let
             not
             the
             fair
             speeches
             and
             subtile
             sayings
             of
             Men
             move
             thee
             .
             For
             
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               God
               consisteth
               not
               in
               word
               ,
               but
               in
               power
               .
            
             Observe
             well
             my
             words
             ;
             for
             they
             enflame
             hearts
             ,
             and
             enlighten
             minds
             ,
             they
             cause
             compunction
             ,
             and
             bring
             sundry
             comforts
             .
             Do
             thou
             never
             read
             to
             shew
             thy self
             learned
             or
             wise
             ;
             but
             labor
             to
             mortify
             thy
             sins
             ;
             for
             that
             will
             profit
             thee
             more
             than
             the
             knowledg
             of
             many
             difficult
             questions
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             When
             thou
             shalt
             have
             read
             and
             known
             many
             things
             ;
             thou
             oughtest
             ever
             to
             return
             to
             one
             beginning
             and
             Principle
             .
             I
             am
             he
             ,
             that
             teacheth
             Man
             knowledg
             ,
             and
             give
             unto
             babes
             a
             more
             clear
             understanding
             ,
             that
             can
             be
             taught
             by
             Man.
             He
             therefore
             ,
             to
             whom
             I
             speak
             ,
             shall
             quickly
             be
             wise
             ,
             and
             shall
             profit
             much
             in
             the
             spirit
             .
             Wo
             be
             to
             them
             that
             enquire
             many
             curious
             things
             of
             Men
             ,
             and
             do
             little
             mind
             the
             way
             how
             to
             serve
             me
             .
             The
             time
             will
             come
             ,
             when
             the
             Master
             of
             Masters
             shall
             appear
             ,
             Christ
             the
             Lord
             of
             Angels
             ,
             to
             
             hear
             the
             lessons
             of
             all
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             to
             examine
             the
             consciences
             of
             every
             one
             ;
             and
             then
             he
             will
             search
             Jerusalem
             with
             a
             candle
             ,
             and
             the
             hidden
             things
             of
             darkness
             shall
             be
             laid
             open
             ,
             and
             the
             arguings
             of
             Mens
             Tongues
             shall
             be
             silent
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             I
             am
             he
             that
             in
             an
             instant
             do
             raise
             up
             the
             humble
             mind
             to
             understand
             more
             of
             the
             eternal
             truth
             ,
             than
             can
             be
             gotten
             by
             Ten
             years
             study
             in
             the
             Schools
             :
             I
             teach
             without
             the
             noise
             of
             words
             ,
             without
             the
             confounding
             of
             opinions
             ,
             without
             ambition
             of
             honor
             ,
             without
             the
             scuffling
             of
             arguments
             .
             I
             am
             he
             that
             teacheth
             to
             despise
             Earthly
             things
             ,
             to
             loath
             things
             present
             ,
             to
             seek
             the
             everlasting
             ,
             to
             relish
             the
             things
             that
             are
             eternal
             ,
             to
             flee
             honors
             ,
             to
             suffer
             injuries
             ,
             to
             place
             all
             hope
             in
             me
             ,
             to
             desire
             nothing
             out
             of
             me
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             things
             ardently
             to
             love
             me
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             For
             a
             certain
             person
             by
             loving
             me
             entirely
             ,
             learned
             divine
             things
             ,
             and
             spake
             that
             which
             was
             admirable
             ;
             he
             profited
             more
             by
             forsaking
             all
             things
             ,
             than
             in
             studying
             subtilties
             .
             To
             some
             I
             speak
             common
             things
             ,
             to
             others
             more
             special
             things
             ;
             to
             some
             I
             appear
             sweetly
             by
             signs
             and
             figures
             ,
             but
             to
             some
             I
             reveal
             mysteries
             with
             much
             
             light
             .
             The
             voice
             of
             books
             is
             indeed
             one
             ,
             but
             it
             teacheth
             not
             all
             Men
             alike
             .
             For
             I
             am
             the
             inward
             teacher
             ,
             I
             am
             the
             Truth
             ,
             I
             am
             the
             searcher
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
             the
             discerner
             of
             the
             thoughts
             ,
             the
             setter
             forwards
             of
             what
             is
             good
             ,
             distributing
             to
             every
             one
             as
             I
             judge
             meet
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XLIV
             .
             Of
             not
             drawing
             outward
             things
             to
             our selves
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             in
             many
             things
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             be
             ignorant
             ,
             and
             esteem
             thy self
             as
             dead
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             and
             as
             one
             to
             whom
             the
             whole
             world
             is
             crucified
             .
             Thou
             must
             also
             pass
             by
             many
             things
             with
             a
             deaf
             ear
             ,
             and
             rather
             think
             of
             that
             which
             appertaineth
             to
             thy
             peace
             .
             It
             is
             better
             for
             thee
             to
             turn
             thine
             eyes
             from
             what
             doth
             mislike
             thee
             ,
             and
             to
             leave
             unto
             every
             one
             his
             own
             opinion
             ,
             than
             to
             strive
             with
             contentious
             words
             .
             If
             all
             stand
             well
             betwixt
             thee
             and
             God
             ,
             and
             if
             thou
             hast
             his
             judgment
             in
             thy
             mind
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             the
             more
             easily
             bear
             if
             thou
             be
             overcome
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Christian.
             O
             Lord
             ,
             to
             what
             a
             pass
             
             are
             we
             come
             !
             Behold
             ,
             we
             bewail
             a
             temporal
             loss
             ,
             for
             a
             little
             gain
             we
             toil
             and
             run
             ;
             and
             the
             spiritual
             damage
             of
             our
             soul
             is
             forgotten
             ,
             and
             hardly
             at
             length
             called
             to
             mind
             .
             That
             which
             little
             or
             nothing
             profiteth
             ,
             is
             minded
             ;
             and
             that
             which
             is
             chiefly
             necessary
             ,
             is
             slightly
             passed
             over
             ,
             because
             the
             whole
             Man
             doth
             slide
             down
             into
             eternal
             things
             ;
             and
             unless
             he
             speedily
             repent
             ,
             he
             lieth
             immerst
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             that
             willingly
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XLV
             .
             That
             credit
             is
             not
             to
             be
             given
             to
             all
             Men
             :
             and
             how
             prone
             Man
             is
             to
             offend
             in
             words
             .
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             Help
             me
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             in
             my
             tribulation
             ,
             for
             vain
             is
             the
             help
             of
             Man.
             How
             often
             have
             I
             been
             deceived
             ,
             finding
             want
             of
             faith
             where
             I
             thought
             it
             sure
             ?
             And
             how
             often
             have
             I
             found
             faith
             where
             I
             least
             expected
             it
             ?
             It
             is
             vain
             therefore
             to
             trust
             in
             Men
             ;
             but
             the
             salvation
             of
             the
             just
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             is
             in
             thee
             .
             Blessed
             be
             thou
             my
             Lord
             God
             ,
             in
             all
             things
             that
             befal
             
             us
             .
             We
             are
             weak
             and
             inconstant
             ,
             quickly
             deceived
             ,
             and
             soon
             changed
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Who
             is
             he
             ,
             that
             in
             all
             things
             so
             warily
             and
             circumspectly
             keeps
             himself
             ,
             that
             he
             never
             falls
             into
             any
             deceit
             or
             perplexity
             ?
             But
             he
             that
             trusteth
             in
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             and
             seeketh
             thee
             with
             a
             single
             heart
             ,
             doth
             not
             so
             easily
             fail
             ;
             and
             if
             he
             fall
             into
             any
             tribulation
             ,
             be
             he
             never
             so
             much
             enthralled
             ,
             yet
             he
             shall
             quickly
             be
             either
             delivered
             or
             comforted
             by
             thee
             .
             For
             thou
             wilt
             not
             forsake
             him
             for
             ever
             that
             trusteth
             in
             thee
             .
             A
             friend
             is
             rare
             to
             be
             found
             ,
             that
             continueth
             faithful
             in
             all
             his
             friends
             distress
             ;
             but
             thou
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             thou
             alone
             art
             most
             faithful
             at
             all
             times
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             none
             like
             unto
             thee
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             O
             how
             wise
             was
             that
             holy
             soul
             that
             said
             ,
             My
             mind
             is
             firmly
             settled
             and
             grounded
             in
             Christ
             !
             If
             it
             were
             so
             with
             me
             ,
             then
             would
             not
             humane
             fear
             so
             easily
             trouble
             me
             ,
             nor
             the
             darts
             of
             words
             move
             me
             .
             Who
             can
             foresee
             all
             things
             ?
             Who
             is
             able
             to
             beware
             before-hand
             of
             future
             evils
             ?
             If
             things
             even
             foreseen
             do
             oftentimes
             hurt
             us
             ,
             how
             can
             things
             unlooked
             for
             choose
             but
             wound
             us
             grievously
             ?
             But
             why
             did
             I
             not
             provide
             better
             for
             my self
             ,
             miserable
             
             Wretch
             ?
             Why
             also
             have
             I
             so
             easily
             given
             credit
             to
             others
             ?
             But
             we
             are
             Men
             ,
             nothing
             but
             frail
             Men
             ,
             although
             by
             many
             we
             are
             reputed
             and
             called
             Angles
             .
             To
             whom
             shall
             I
             give
             credit
             ,
             Lord
             ?
             to
             whom
             but
             to
             thee
             ?
             Thou
             art
             the
             Truth
             that
             neither
             dost
             deceive
             ,
             nor
             can
             be
             deceived
             .
             And
             on
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             Every
             Man
             is
             a
             liar
             ,
             weak
             ,
             unconstant
             ,
             and
             subject
             to
             fall
             ,
             especially
             in
             words
             ;
             and
             therefore
             we
             must
             not
             easily
             give
             credit
             even
             to
             that
             ,
             which
             in
             outward
             shew
             seemeth
             at
             the
             first
             to
             be
             right
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             O
             with
             what
             wisdom
             hast
             thou
             warned
             us
             to
             beware
             of
             Men
             !
             And
             because
             a
             Mans
             foes
             are
             they
             of
             his
             own
             houshold
             ,
             not
             to
             give
             credit
             ,
             if
             one
             should
             say
             ,
             
               Lo
               here
            
             ,
             or
             
               Lo
               there
            
             .
             I
             am
             taught
             to
             my
             cost
             ,
             and
             O
             that
             I
             might
             thereby
             encrease
             my
             care
             ,
             and
             not
             my
             folly
             .
             Be
             wary
             saith
             one
             ,
             be
             wary
             ,
             keep
             to
             thy self
             what
             I
             tell
             thee
             ;
             and
             whilst
             I
             hold
             my
             peace
             ,
             and
             think
             it
             is
             secret
             ,
             he
             cannot
             keep
             that
             secret
             which
             he
             desired
             should
             be
             secret
             ,
             but
             presently
             discloseth
             me
             and
             himself
             ,
             and
             goeth
             his
             way
             .
             From
             such
             tales
             and
             such
             indiscreet
             persons
             protect
             me
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             that
             I
             fall
             not
             into
             their
             hands
             ,
             nor
             ever
             commit
             such
             things
             .
             Give
             me
             to
             observe
             truth
             
             and
             constancy
             in
             my
             words
             ,
             and
             remove
             far
             from
             me
             a
             deceitful
             Tongue
             .
             What
             I
             am
             not
             willing
             to
             suffer
             ,
             I
             ought
             by
             all
             means
             to
             avoid
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             O
             how
             good
             is
             it
             and
             tending
             to
             peace
             ,
             to
             be
             silent
             of
             others
             ,
             nor
             to
             believe
             promiscuously
             all
             that
             is
             said
             ,
             nor
             easily
             to
             report
             what
             we
             have
             heard
             ;
             to
             lay
             ones
             self
             open
             to
             few
             ;
             always
             to
             seek
             after
             thee
             who
             art
             the
             beholder
             of
             the
             heart
             ;
             not
             to
             be
             carried
             about
             with
             every
             wind
             of
             words
             ,
             but
             to
             desire
             that
             all
             things
             both
             within
             and
             without
             ,
             be
             accomplished
             according
             to
             the
             pleasure
             of
             thy
             will.
             How
             safe
             is
             it
             for
             the
             keeping
             of
             Heavenly
             grace
             ,
             to
             fly
             the
             sight
             of
             Men
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             seek
             those
             things
             that
             seem
             to
             cause
             admiration
             abroad
             ,
             but
             to
             follow
             that
             will
             all
             diligence
             ,
             which
             bringeth
             amendment
             of
             life
             and
             zeal
             of
             godliness
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             To
             how
             many
             hath
             virtue
             known
             and
             over
             hastily
             commended
             ,
             been
             hurtful
             ?
             How
             profitable
             hath
             grace
             been
             kept
             with
             silence
             in
             this
             mortal
             life
             ,
             which
             is
             nothing
             but
             a
             temptation
             and
             a
             warfare
             ?
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XLVI
             .
             Of
             putting
             our
             trust
             in
             God
             when
             evil
             words
             arise
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             be
             constant
             ,
             and
             put
             thy
             trust
             in
             me
             .
             For
             what
             are
             words
             but
             words
             ?
             They
             fly
             through
             the
             Air
             ,
             but
             hurt
             not
             so
             much
             as
             a
             stone
             .
             If
             thou
             be
             guilty
             ,
             see
             that
             thou
             be
             not
             unwilling
             to
             amend
             thy self
             ;
             if
             thou
             be
             innocent
             ,
             resolve
             to
             suffer
             this
             willingly
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             God.
             It
             is
             but
             a
             small
             matter
             to
             suffer
             sometimes
             a
             few
             words
             ,
             if
             thou
             hast
             not
             yet
             the
             courage
             to
             endure
             hard
             stripes
             .
             And
             why
             do
             small
             matters
             go
             to
             thy
             heart
             ,
             but
             for
             that
             thou
             art
             yet
             carnal
             ,
             and
             regardest
             Men
             more
             than
             thou
             oughtest
             ?
             Because
             thou
             art
             afraid
             to
             be
             despised
             ,
             therefore
             thou
             wilt
             not
             be
             reprehended
             for
             thy
             faults
             ,
             but
             seekest
             the
             shades
             of
             excuses
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             But
             look
             better
             into
             thy self
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             see
             that
             the
             world
             is
             yet
             alive
             in
             thee
             ,
             and
             a
             vain
             affection
             to
             please
             Men.
             For
             when
             thou
             shunnest
             to
             be
             humbled
             and
             reproved
             for
             thy
             faults
             ,
             it
             is
             evident
             that
             
             thou
             art
             neither
             truly
             humble
             ,
             nor
             truly
             dead
             to
             the
             world
             ,
             nor
             the
             world
             crucified
             to
             thee
             .
             But
             give
             diligent
             ear
             to
             my
             words
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             little
             regard
             Ten
             thousand
             words
             spoken
             by
             Men.
             Behold
             ,
             if
             all
             should
             be
             spoken
             against
             thee
             that
             could
             be
             most
             maliciously
             invented
             ,
             what
             would
             it
             hurt
             thee
             ,
             if
             thou
             sufferedst
             it
             to
             pass
             and
             madest
             no
             more
             reckoning
             of
             it
             than
             of
             a
             mote
             ?
             could
             all
             those
             words
             pluck
             as
             much
             as
             one
             hair
             from
             thy
             head
             ?
          
           
             3.
             
             But
             he
             that
             hath
             no
             heart
             in
             him
             ,
             nor
             hath
             God
             before
             his
             eyes
             ,
             is
             easily
             moved
             with
             a
             word
             of
             dispraise
             ;
             when
             as
             he
             that
             trusteth
             in
             me
             ,
             and
             affects
             not
             to
             confide
             in
             his
             own
             judgment
             ,
             shall
             be
             free
             from
             humane
             fears
             .
             For
             I
             am
             the
             Judge
             and
             the
             discerner
             of
             all
             secrets
             :
             I
             know
             how
             the
             matter
             passed
             ;
             I
             know
             him
             that
             offereth
             the
             injury
             ,
             and
             him
             that
             suffereth
             it
             .
             From
             me
             hath
             this
             proceded
             ;
             this
             hath
             happened
             by
             my
             permission
             ,
             that
             the
             thoughts
             of
             many
             hearts
             may
             be
             revealed
             .
             I
             shall
             judge
             the
             guilty
             ,
             and
             the
             innocent
             ;
             but
             by
             a
             secret
             judgement
             I
             would
             before
             hand
             try
             them
             both
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             The
             Testimony
             of
             Men
             oftentimes
             deceiveth
             ;
             but
             my
             judgement
             is
             true
             ,
             it
             
             shall
             stand
             and
             not
             be
             overthrown
             .
             It
             is
             commonly
             hidden
             ,
             and
             not
             known
             in
             every
             thing
             ,
             but
             to
             few
             notwithstanding
             it
             never
             erreth
             ,
             neither
             can
             it
             erre
             ,
             although
             to
             the
             eyes
             of
             the
             foolish
             it
             seems
             not
             right
             .
             Men
             ought
             therefore
             to
             have
             recourse
             to
             me
             in
             every
             judgment
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             leave
             to
             their
             own
             opinions
             .
             For
             the
             just
             Man
             will
             not
             be
             troubled
             ,
             whatsoever
             befalleth
             him
             from
             God
             ;
             and
             if
             any
             thing
             be
             wrongfully
             brought
             forth
             against
             him
             ,
             he
             will
             not
             much
             care
             ;
             neither
             will
             he
             vainly
             be
             glad
             ,
             if
             by
             others
             he
             be
             with
             reason
             excused
             .
             For
             he
             considereth
             that
             I
             am
             he
             that
             searcheth
             the
             heart
             and
             reins
             ,
             and
             do
             judge
             not
             according
             to
             the
             outward
             face
             ,
             nor
             humane
             appearance
             .
             For
             that
             is
             oftentimes
             found
             culpable
             in
             my
             sight
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             Judgment
             of
             Men
             is
             thought
             to
             be
             commendable
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Christian.
             O
             Lord
             God
             ,
             the
             just
             judg
             ,
             strong
             and
             patient
             ,
             thou
             who
             knowest
             the
             frailty
             and
             pravity
             of
             Man
             ,
             be
             thou
             my
             strength
             ,
             and
             all
             my
             trust
             ,
             for
             mine
             own
             conscience
             sufficeth
             me
             not
             .
             Thou
             knowest
             that
             which
             I
             know
             not
             ,
             and
             therefore
             in
             every
             reproof
             I
             ought
             to
             have
             humbled
             my self
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             born
             meekly
             ;
             
             vouchsafe
             mercifully
             to
             pardon
             me
             ,
             as
             often
             as
             I
             have
             failed
             herein
             ,
             and
             give
             me
             again
             grace
             of
             greater
             sufferance
             .
             For
             thy
             abundant
             mercy
             is
             more
             available
             to
             me
             for
             the
             obtaining
             of
             pardon
             ,
             than
             my
             conceived
             justice
             for
             the
             defence
             of
             my
             hidden
             conscience
             .
             Although
             I
             know
             nothing
             by
             my self
             ,
             yet
             I
             cannot
             hereby
             justifie
             my self
             ;
             for
             without
             thy
             mercy
             no
             Man
             living
             shall
             be
             justified
             in
             thy
             sight
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XLVII
             .
             That
             all
             grievous
             things
             are
             to
             be
             endured
             for
             life
             everlasting
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             be
             not
             dismaied
             with
             the
             painful
             labors
             which
             thou
             hast
             undertaken
             for
             me
             ,
             neither
             be
             thou
             wholly
             discomforted
             for
             the
             tribulations
             which
             do
             befal
             thee
             ;
             but
             let
             my
             promise
             strengthen
             and
             comfort
             thee
             in
             all
             events
             .
             I
             am
             able
             to
             reward
             thee
             infinitely
             and
             above
             all
             measure
             .
             Thou
             shalt
             not
             long
             toil
             here
             ,
             nor
             always
             be
             pressed
             with
             griefs
             .
             Wait
             a
             while
             and
             thou
             shalt
             see
             a
             speedy
             end
             of
             thy
             evils
             .
             There
             will
             come
             an
             hour
             when
             all
             
             labor
             and
             trouble
             shall
             cease
             .
             Little
             and
             short
             is
             all
             that
             which
             passeth
             away
             with
             time
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Do
             what
             thou
             dost
             ;
             labor
             faithfully
             in
             my
             Vineyard
             ,
             I
             will
             be
             thy
             reward
             .
             Write
             ,
             read
             ,
             sing
             ,
             mourn
             ,
             keep
             silence
             ,
             pray
             ,
             suffer
             crosses
             manfully
             ;
             life
             everlasting
             is
             worthy
             of
             all
             these
             yea
             and
             greater
             combats
             .
             Peace
             shall
             come
             in
             the
             day
             which
             is
             known
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             there
             shall
             be
             neither
             day
             nor
             night
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             of
             this
             time
             ,
             but
             everlasting
             light
             ,
             infinite
             brightness
             ,
             stedfast
             peace
             ,
             and
             secure
             rest
             .
             Then
             thou
             shalt
             not
             say
             ,
             
               Who
               shall
               deliver
               me
               from
               the
               body
               of
               this
               death
               ?
            
             Nor
             cry
             ,
             
               Wo
               is
               me
               ,
               that
               my
               sojourning
               is
               prolonged
               !
            
             For
             death
             shall
             be
             thrown
             down
             ,
             and
             salvation
             shall
             appear
             which
             never
             shall
             have
             end
             ,
             there
             shall
             be
             no
             anxiety
             ;
             but
             blessed
             joy
             ,
             sweet
             and
             lovely
             company
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             O
             ,
             if
             thou
             hadst
             seen
             the
             everlasting
             Crowns
             of
             the
             Saints
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             with
             how
             great
             glory
             they
             now
             rejoyce
             who
             in
             times
             past
             were
             contemptible
             to
             this
             world
             ,
             and
             esteemed
             unworthy
             of
             life
             it self
             ;
             truly
             thou
             wouldest
             presently
             humble
             thy self
             even
             unto
             the
             Earth
             ;
             and
             wouldest
             rather
             seek
             to
             be
             under
             the
             feet
             of
             all
             ,
             than
             to
             have
             
             command
             so
             much
             as
             over
             one
             ;
             neither
             wouldest
             thou
             desire
             the
             pleasant
             days
             of
             this
             life
             ,
             but
             rather
             rejoyce
             to
             suffer
             affliction
             for
             God
             ,
             and
             esteem
             it
             thy
             greatest
             gain
             to
             be
             reputed
             as
             nothing
             amongst
             Men.
             
          
           
             4.
             
             O
             if
             thou
             hadst
             a
             relishing
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             and
             didst
             suffer
             them
             to
             sink
             into
             the
             bottom
             of
             thy
             heart
             ,
             how
             durst
             thou
             so
             much
             as
             once
             to
             complain
             ?
             Are
             not
             all
             painful
             labors
             to
             be
             endured
             for
             everlasting
             life
             ?
             It
             is
             no
             small
             matter
             ,
             to
             lose
             or
             to
             gain
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             .
             Lift
             up
             thy
             face
             therefore
             unto
             Heaven
             ;
             behold
             I
             ,
             and
             all
             my
             Saints
             with
             me
             ,
             who
             in
             this
             world
             had
             great
             conflicts
             ,
             do
             now
             rejoyce
             ,
             now
             are
             comforted
             ,
             now
             are
             secure
             ,
             now
             are
             at
             rest
             ,
             and
             shall
             remain
             with
             me
             everlastingly
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             my
             Father
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XLVIII
             .
             Of
             the
             everlasting
             day
             ,
             and
             shortness
             of
             this
             life
             .
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             O
             most
             blessed
             mansion
             of
             the
             Heavenly
             City
             !
             O
             most
             clear
             day
             of
             Eternity
             ,
             which
             night
             obscureth
             not
             ,
             but
             the
             highest
             Truth
             ever
             enlightneth
             ;
             a
             day
             of
             continual
             joy
             ,
             of
             perpetual
             quietness
             ,
             and
             never
             changing
             into
             a
             contrary
             state
             !
             O
             that
             that
             day
             would
             once
             appear
             ,
             and
             all
             these
             temporal
             things
             were
             at
             an
             end
             !
             To
             the
             Saints
             it
             shineth
             glistering
             with
             evelasting
             brightness
             ,
             but
             to
             those
             that
             are
             Pilgrims
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             it
             appeareth
             only
             afar
             off
             ,
             and
             as
             it
             were
             through
             a
             glass
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             Citizens
             of
             Heaven
             do
             know
             how
             joyful
             that
             day
             is
             ;
             but
             the
             banished
             Children
             of
             Eve
             bewail
             the
             bitterness
             and
             tediousness
             of
             this
             .
             The
             daies
             of
             this
             life
             are
             short
             and
             evil
             ,
             full
             of
             sorrow
             and
             anguish
             ;
             where
             Man
             is
             defiled
             with
             many
             sins
             ,
             incumbred
             with
             many
             passions
             ,
             disquieted
             with
             many
             fears
             ,
             filled
             with
             many
             cares
             ,
             distracted
             with
             many
             curiosities
             ,
             intangled
             
             with
             many
             vanities
             ,
             compassed
             about
             with
             many
             errors
             ,
             worn
             away
             with
             many
             labors
             ,
             vexed
             with
             temptations
             ,
             weakned
             with
             pleasures
             ,
             tormented
             with
             want
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             O
             ,
             when
             shall
             these
             evils
             be
             at
             an
             end
             !
             when
             shall
             I
             be
             delivered
             from
             the
             miserable
             bondage
             of
             sin
             !
             When
             shall
             I
             think
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             of
             thee
             alone
             !
             When
             shall
             I
             fully
             rejoyce
             in
             thee
             !
             When
             shall
             I
             enjoy
             true
             liberty
             without
             all
             impediments
             whatsoever
             ,
             without
             all
             trouble
             of
             mind
             and
             body
             !
             When
             shall
             I
             have
             solid
             peace
             ,
             secure
             and
             undisturbed
             peace
             ,
             peace
             within
             and
             without
             ,
             peace
             every
             way
             assured
             !
             O
             good
             Jesus
             when
             shall
             I
             stand
             to
             behold
             thee
             !
             When
             shall
             I
             contemplate
             the
             glory
             of
             thy
             Kingdom
             !
             When
             wilt
             thou
             be
             unto
             me
             All
             in
             all
             !
             O
             when
             shall
             I
             be
             with
             thee
             in
             thy
             Kingdom
             ,
             which
             thou
             hast
             prepared
             for
             thy
             beloved
             from
             all
             eternity
             !
             I
             am
             left
             a
             poor
             and
             banished
             Man
             in
             the
             land
             of
             mine
             enemies
             ,
             where
             there
             are
             daily
             wars
             and
             great
             calamities
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Comfort
             my
             banishment
             ,
             asswage
             my
             sorrow
             ;
             for
             my
             whole
             desire
             fighteth
             after
             thee
             .
             For
             all
             is
             burdensome
             to
             me
             whatsoever
             this
             world
             offereth
             for
             my
             comfort
             .
             
             I
             long
             to
             enjoy
             thee
             most
             inwardly
             but
             I
             cannot
             attain
             unto
             it
             .
             My
             desire
             is
             that
             I
             may
             be
             wholly
             given
             up
             to
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             but
             temporal
             things
             and
             unmortified
             passions
             weigh
             me
             down
             .
             With
             the
             mind
             I
             would
             be
             above
             all
             things
             ,
             but
             with
             the
             flesh
             I
             am
             inforced
             to
             be
             subject
             against
             my
             will.
             Thus
             unhappy
             Man
             that
             I
             am
             ,
             I
             fight
             against
             my self
             ,
             and
             am
             become
             grievous
             to
             my self
             ,
             whilst
             my
             spirit
             seeketh
             to
             be
             above
             ,
             and
             my
             flesh
             to
             be
             below
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             O
             what
             do
             I
             inwardly
             suffer
             ,
             when
             in
             my
             mind
             I
             consider
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             and
             presently
             in
             my
             prayers
             a
             multitude
             of
             carnal
             imaginations
             present
             themselves
             before
             me
             !
             My
             God
             ,
             be
             not
             far
             from
             me
             ,
             depart
             not
             in
             thy
             wrath
             from
             thy
             Servant
             .
             Cast
             forth
             thy
             lightning
             ,
             and
             disperse
             them
             ;
             send
             out
             thy
             darts
             ,
             and
             break
             all
             the
             imaginations
             which
             my
             enemy
             casts
             in
             .
             Gather
             in
             ,
             call
             home
             my
             senses
             unto
             thee
             ,
             make
             me
             forget
             all
             the
             things
             of
             this
             world
             :
             grant
             me
             to
             cast
             away
             speedily
             the
             imaginations
             of
             wickedness
             .
             Succor
             me
             ,
             O
             thou
             the
             everlasting
             Truth
             ,
             that
             no
             vanity
             may
             move
             me
             .
             Come
             Heavenly
             sweetness
             and
             let
             all
             impurity
             fly
             from
             before
             thee
             .
             Pardon
             
             me
             also
             ,
             and
             mercifully
             forgive
             me
             as
             often
             as
             I
             think
             upon
             any
             thing
             else
             besides
             thee
             in
             prayer
             .
             I
             do
             truly
             confess
             ,
             that
             I
             am
             wont
             to
             be
             subject
             to
             many
             distractions
             ;
             for
             oftentimes
             I
             am
             not
             there
             ,
             where
             I
             do
             corporally
             stand
             ,
             or
             sit
             ,
             but
             I
             am
             rather
             there
             ,
             whither
             my
             thoughts
             do
             carry
             me
             .
             Where
             my
             thought
             is
             ,
             there
             am
             I
             :
             there
             is
             oftentimes
             my
             thought
             ,
             where
             my
             affection
             is
             .
             That
             quickly
             offereth
             it self
             unto
             me
             ,
             which
             is
             naturally
             delightsom
             ,
             or
             by
             custom
             is
             pleasing
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             And
             for
             this
             cause
             ,
             thou
             that
             art
             Truth
             it self
             hast
             plainly
             said
             .
             
               Where
               thy
               treasure
               is
               ,
               there
               is
               also
               thy
               heart
               .
            
             If
             I
             love
             Heaven
             ,
             I
             willingly
             think
             of
             Heavenly
             things
             .
             If
             I
             love
             the
             world
             ,
             I
             rejoyce
             at
             the
             felicity
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             grieve
             for
             the
             adversity
             thereof
             .
             If
             I
             love
             the
             flesh
             ,
             I
             shall
             fancy
             oftentimes
             those
             things
             that
             are
             pleasing
             to
             the
             flesh
             ;
             If
             I
             love
             the
             spirit
             ,
             I
             delight
             to
             think
             of
             spiritual
             things
             .
             For
             whatsoever
             I
             love
             ,
             thereof
             do
             I
             willingly
             speak
             ,
             and
             hear
             ,
             and
             carry
             home
             with
             me
             the
             forms
             ,
             
               the
               Ideas
               and
               representations
            
             thereof
             .
             But
             blessed
             is
             that
             Man
             ,
             that
             for
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             dismisseth
             all
             creatures
             ,
             that
             violently
             resisteth
             nature
             ,
             and
             through
             fervor
             
             of
             spirit
             crucifieth
             the
             lusts
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             that
             so
             with
             a
             serene
             conscience
             he
             may
             offer
             pure
             prayer
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             be
             meet
             to
             be
             admitted
             into
             the
             Angelical
             quire
             ,
             all
             earthly
             things
             both
             outwardly
             and
             inwardly
             being
             excluded
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XLIX
             .
             Of
             the
             desire
             of
             everlasting
             life
             ,
             and
             how
             great
             rewards
             are
             promised
             to
             those
             that
             fight
             valiantly
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             when
             thou
             perceivest
             the
             desire
             of
             everlasting
             bliss
             to
             be
             given
             thee
             from
             above
             ,
             and
             desirest
             to
             depart
             out
             of
             the
             Tabernacle
             of
             this
             body
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             behold
             my
             brightness
             without
             shaddow
             of
             turning
             ;
             open
             thy
             heart
             wide
             ,
             and
             receive
             this
             holy
             inspiration
             with
             thy
             whole
             desire
             .
             Give
             greatest
             thanks
             to
             the
             Heavenly
             goodness
             ,
             that
             dealeth
             with
             thee
             so
             favorably
             ,
             visiteth
             thee
             mercifully
             ,
             stirreth
             thee
             up
             fervently
             ,
             holdeth
             thee
             up
             powerfully
             ,
             lest
             through
             thine
             own
             weight
             thou
             fall
             down
             to
             the
             things
             of
             Earth
             .
             Neither
             dost
             thou
             obtain
             this
             by
             thy
             own
             
             thought
             or
             endeavor
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             mere
             dignation
             of
             Heavenly
             grace
             and
             divine
             favor
             ;
             to
             the
             end
             that
             thou
             mayest
             make
             a
             further
             progress
             in
             holiness
             ,
             and
             obtain
             greater
             humility
             ,
             and
             prepare
             thy self
             for
             future
             battels
             ,
             and
             endeavor
             to
             cleave
             unto
             me
             with
             the
             whole
             affection
             of
             thy
             heart
             ,
             and
             serve
             me
             with
             a
             fervent
             desire
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Son
             ,
             the
             fire
             burneth
             many
             times
             ,
             but
             the
             flame
             ascendeth
             not
             up
             without
             smoak
             ;
             so
             likewise
             the
             desires
             of
             some
             Men
             burn
             towards
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             and
             yet
             they
             are
             not
             free
             from
             temptation
             of
             carnal
             affection
             ;
             and
             therefore
             it
             is
             not
             altogether
             purely
             for
             the
             honor
             of
             God
             that
             which
             they
             so
             exactly
             request
             of
             him
             .
             Such
             is
             also
             oftentimes
             thy
             desire
             ,
             which
             thou
             hast
             pretended
             to
             be
             so
             serious
             .
             For
             that
             is
             not
             pure
             and
             perfect
             ,
             which
             is
             tinctured
             with
             the
             love
             of
             thine
             own
             proper
             commodity
             and
             interest
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Ask
             not
             that
             which
             is
             delightful
             and
             profitable
             to
             thee
             ,
             but
             that
             which
             is
             acceptable
             to
             me
             ,
             and
             appertaineth
             to
             my
             honor
             ;
             for
             if
             thou
             judgest
             aright
             ,
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             prefer
             and
             follow
             my
             appointment
             ,
             rather
             than
             thine
             own
             desire
             ,
             or
             any
             desired
             thing
             .
             I
             know
             thy
             desire
             ,
             and
             have
             heard
             
             thy
             frequent
             groans
             .
             Now
             thou
             wouldest
             enjoy
             the
             glorious
             liberty
             of
             the
             Sons
             of
             God
             ;
             now
             doth
             the
             everlasting
             habitation
             ,
             and
             the
             Heavenly
             Country
             replenished
             with
             all
             joy
             ,
             delight
             thee
             ;
             but
             that
             hour
             is
             not
             yet
             come
             ;
             as
             yet
             there
             is
             another
             time
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             a
             time
             of
             war
             ,
             a
             time
             of
             labor
             and
             trial
             .
             Thou
             desirest
             to
             be
             filled
             with
             the
             chiefest
             good
             ,
             but
             thou
             canst
             not
             attain
             it
             for
             the
             present
             .
             I
             am
             he
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             whom
             thou
             must
             patiently
             wait
             for
             ,
             until
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             doth
             come
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Thou
             art
             yet
             to
             be
             tryed
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             exercised
             in
             many
             things
             .
             Comfort
             shall
             be
             sometimes
             given
             thee
             ,
             but
             the
             abundant
             fulness
             thereof
             shall
             not
             be
             granted
             .
             Take
             courage
             therefore
             ,
             and
             be
             valiant
             as
             well
             in
             doing
             as
             in
             suffering
             things
             contrary
             to
             nature
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             to
             put
             on
             the
             new
             Man
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             changed
             into
             another
             Man.
             Thou
             must
             oftentimes
             do
             that
             which
             thou
             wouldest
             not
             ,
             and
             leave
             undone
             that
             thou
             wouldest
             do
             .
             That
             which
             is
             pleasing
             to
             others
             ,
             shall
             go
             well
             forward
             ;
             that
             which
             thou
             wishest
             ,
             shall
             not
             speed
             .
             That
             which
             others
             say
             ,
             shall
             be
             heard
             ;
             what
             thou
             sayest
             ,
             shall
             be
             nothing
             regarded
             .
             
             Others
             shall
             ask
             and
             shall
             receive
             :
             Thou
             shalt
             ask
             and
             not
             obtain
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Others
             shall
             be
             great
             in
             the
             praise
             of
             Men
             ,
             but
             of
             thee
             there
             shall
             be
             no
             speech
             .
             To
             others
             this
             or
             that
             shall
             be
             committed
             ,
             but
             thou
             shalt
             be
             accounted
             fit
             for
             nothing
             .
             At
             this
             nature
             will
             sometimes
             be
             troubled
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             much
             if
             thou
             bearest
             it
             with
             silence
             .
             In
             these
             and
             many
             such
             like
             ,
             a
             faithful
             Servant
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             wont
             to
             be
             tried
             how
             he
             can
             deny
             and
             break
             himself
             in
             all
             things
             .
             There
             is
             scarce
             any
             thing
             ,
             wherein
             thou
             hast
             had
             such
             need
             to
             dye
             to
             thy self
             ,
             as
             in
             seeing
             and
             suffering
             those
             things
             that
             are
             contrary
             to
             thy
             will
             ;
             especially
             when
             that
             is
             commanded
             ,
             which
             seemeth
             unto
             thee
             inconvenient
             ,
             or
             less
             profitable
             .
             And
             for
             that
             thou
             being
             placed
             under
             authority
             darest
             not
             resist
             higher
             power
             ,
             therefore
             it
             seemeth
             hard
             to
             thee
             to
             walk
             at
             the
             beck
             of
             another
             ,
             and
             to
             leave
             all
             thine
             own
             opinion
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             But
             consider
             ,
             Son
             ,
             the
             fruit
             of
             these
             labors
             ,
             the
             end
             near
             at
             hand
             ,
             and
             the
             reward
             exceeding
             great
             ;
             and
             thou
             shalt
             be
             so
             far
             from
             sustaining
             them
             grievously
             ,
             that
             thou
             wilt
             take
             great
             comfort
             of
             thy
             patience
             .
             For
             in
             regard
             of
             that
             little
             of
             thy
             
             will
             ,
             which
             now
             thou
             willingly
             forsakest
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             always
             have
             thy
             will
             in
             Heaven
             .
             There
             thou
             shalt
             find
             all
             that
             thou
             wilt
             or
             canst
             desire
             ;
             there
             thou
             shalt
             enjoy
             all
             good
             without
             fear
             of
             losing
             it
             ;
             there
             shall
             thy
             will
             be
             ever
             one
             with
             me
             ;
             it
             shall
             not
             covet
             any
             outward
             or
             private
             thing
             .
             There
             no
             Man
             shall
             withstand
             thee
             ,
             no
             Man
             complain
             of
             thee
             ,
             no
             Man
             hinder
             thee
             ,
             nothing
             come
             against
             thee
             ;
             but
             all
             things
             desired
             shall
             be
             there
             together
             present
             ,
             and
             refresh
             thy
             whole
             affection
             ,
             and
             fill
             it
             up
             to
             the
             brim
             .
             There
             I
             will
             give
             thee
             glory
             for
             the
             reproach
             which
             here
             thou
             sufferedst
             ;
             the
             garment
             of
             praise
             for
             heaviness
             ;
             for
             the
             lowest
             place
             a
             kingly
             Throne
             for
             ever
             ;
             there
             shall
             the
             fruit
             of
             obedience
             appear
             ,
             the
             labor
             of
             repentance
             rejoyce
             ,
             and
             humble
             subjection
             shall
             be
             gloriously
             crowned
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             Now
             therefore
             be
             humbly
             obedient
             unto
             all
             ,
             and
             regard
             not
             who
             said
             or
             commanded
             this
             ;
             but
             take
             great
             heed
             ,
             that
             whether
             thy
             Superior
             ,
             or
             thy
             inferior
             ,
             or
             thine
             equal
             ,
             require
             any
             thing
             of
             thee
             ,
             or
             do
             insinuate
             their
             desire
             ;
             thou
             take
             it
             all
             in
             good
             part
             ,
             and
             endeavor
             to
             fulfil
             it
             with
             a
             sincere
             will.
             Let
             one
             seek
             this
             ,
             another
             
             that
             ;
             let
             him
             '
             glory
             in
             this
             ,
             the
             other
             in
             that
             ,
             and
             be
             praised
             a
             thousand
             thousand
             times
             ;
             but
             do
             thou
             neither
             rejoyce
             in
             this
             ,
             nor
             in
             that
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             contempt
             of
             thy self
             ,
             and
             only
             in
             my
             good
             pleasure
             and
             honor
             .
             This
             art
             thou
             to
             wish
             ,
             that
             whether
             it
             be
             thy
             life
             or
             death
             ,
             God
             may
             be
             always
             glorified
             in
             thee
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             L.
             How
             a
             disconsolate
             person
             ought
             to
             offer
             himself
             into
             the
             hands
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             Lord
             God
             ,
             Holy
             Father
             be
             thou
             blessed
             both
             now
             and
             for
             evermore
             ,
             because
             as
             thou
             wilt
             ,
             so
             is
             it
             done
             ,
             and
             what
             thou
             doest
             ,
             is
             good
             .
             Let
             thy
             Servant
             rejoyce
             in
             thee
             ,
             not
             in
             himself
             nor
             in
             any
             thing
             else
             ;
             for
             thou
             alone
             art
             the
             true
             gladness
             ,
             thou
             art
             my
             hope
             and
             my
             crown
             ,
             thou
             art
             my
             joy
             and
             my
             honor
             .
             O
             Lord.
             What
             hath
             thy
             Servant
             ,
             but
             what
             he
             hath
             received
             from
             thee
             ,
             even
             without
             any
             merit
             of
             his
             ?
             Thine
             is
             all
             that
             thou
             hast
             given
             ,
             and
             whatsoever
             thou
             hast
             made
             .
             I
             am
             poor
             ,
             and
             in
             labors
             from
             my
             
             youth
             ;
             and
             sometimes
             my
             soul
             is
             sorrowful
             even
             unto
             tears
             ;
             sometimes
             also
             it
             is
             troubled
             in
             it self
             by
             reason
             of
             evils
             which
             hang
             over
             mine
             head
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             I
             long
             after
             the
             joy
             of
             peace
             ,
             I
             earnestly
             crave
             the
             peace
             of
             thy
             Children
             that
             are
             fed
             by
             thee
             in
             the
             light
             of
             thy
             comfort
             .
             If
             thou
             give
             peace
             ,
             if
             thou
             pour
             into
             my
             heart
             holy
             joy
             ;
             the
             soul
             of
             thy
             Servant
             shall
             be
             full
             of
             gladness
             ,
             and
             shall
             become
             devout
             in
             thy
             praise
             ;
             but
             if
             thou
             withdraw
             thy self
             ,
             (
             as
             many
             times
             thou
             doest
             )
             he
             will
             not
             be
             able
             to
             run
             the
             ways
             of
             thy
             commandments
             ,
             but
             rather
             he
             will
             bow
             his
             knees
             ,
             and
             knock
             his
             breast
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             not
             now
             with
             him
             as
             it
             was
             heretofore
             ,
             when
             thy
             candle
             shined
             upon
             his
             Head
             ,
             and
             he
             was
             protected
             under
             the
             shadow
             of
             thy
             wings
             ,
             from
             the
             temptations
             which
             violently
             assaulted
             him
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             O
             righteous
             Father
             ,
             and
             ever
             to
             be
             praised
             ,
             the
             hour
             is
             come
             ,
             that
             thy
             Servant
             is
             to
             be
             tryed
             !
             Behold
             dear
             Father
             ,
             meet
             it
             is
             that
             in
             this
             hour
             thy
             Servant
             suffer
             something
             for
             thy
             sake
             .
             O
             Father
             ,
             evermore
             to
             be
             honored
             ,
             the
             hour
             is
             come
             ,
             which
             from
             all
             eternity
             thou
             didst
             foreknow
             should
             come
             ;
             that
             for
             a
             short
             time
             
             thy
             Servant
             should
             outwardly
             be
             oppressed
             ,
             but
             inwardly
             live
             for
             ever
             with
             thee
             ;
             that
             he
             should
             be
             a
             little
             despised
             ,
             humbled
             ,
             and
             made
             as
             an
             abject
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             Men
             ,
             and
             much
             afflicted
             with
             passions
             and
             infirmities
             ;
             that
             he
             may
             rise
             again
             with
             thee
             in
             the
             morning
             of
             the
             new
             light
             ,
             and
             be
             glorified
             in
             Heaven
             .
             Holy
             Father
             ,
             thou
             hast
             so
             appointed
             it
             and
             wilt
             have
             it
             so
             ;
             and
             this
             is
             fulfilled
             which
             thy self
             hast
             commanded
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             It
             is
             a
             favor
             to
             thy
             friend
             that
             he
             may
             suffer
             ,
             and
             be
             afflicted
             in
             the
             world
             for
             love
             of
             thee
             ,
             how
             often
             soever
             ,
             and
             by
             whom
             soever
             ,
             thou
             permittest
             it
             to
             fall
             upon
             him
             .
             For
             in
             the
             world
             nothing
             cometh
             to
             pass
             ,
             without
             thy
             councel
             ,
             without
             thy
             providence
             ,
             or
             without
             a
             cause
             why
             .
             It
             is
             good
             for
             me
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             that
             thou
             hast
             afflicted
             me
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             learn
             thy
             righteous
             judgments
             ,
             and
             cast
             away
             all
             haughtiness
             of
             heart
             ,
             and
             presumption
             .
             It
             is
             profitable
             to
             me
             ,
             that
             shame
             hath
             covered
             my
             face
             that
             I
             may
             rather
             seek
             to
             thee
             for
             comfort
             than
             to
             Men.
             I
             have
             learned
             also
             hereby
             to
             dread
             thy
             unsearchable
             judgments
             ,
             who
             afflictest
             the
             just
             with
             the
             wicked
             ,
             but
             not
             without
             equity
             and
             justice
             .
          
           
           
             5.
             
             I
             give
             thee
             thanks
             ,
             for
             that
             thou
             hast
             not
             spared
             my
             sins
             ,
             but
             hast
             worn
             me
             away
             with
             bitter
             stripes
             ,
             inflicting
             sorrows
             ,
             and
             sending
             griefs
             within
             and
             without
             .
             There
             is
             none
             under
             Heaven
             that
             can
             comfort
             me
             ,
             but
             thou
             my
             Lord
             God
             ,
             the
             Heavenly
             Physician
             of
             souls
             ,
             that
             strikest
             and
             healest
             ,
             bringest
             down
             to
             Hell
             and
             bringest
             back
             again
             ;
             let
             thy
             correction
             be
             upon
             me
             ,
             and
             let
             thy
             rod
             instruct
             me
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             Behold
             dear
             Father
             ,
             I
             am
             in
             thy
             hands
             .
             I
             bow
             my self
             under
             the
             rod
             of
             thy
             correction
             ;
             strike
             my
             back
             and
             my
             neck
             too
             ,
             that
             my
             crookedness
             may
             be
             conformed
             to
             thy
             will.
             Make
             me
             an
             holy
             and
             humble
             disciple
             of
             thine
             ,
             (
             as
             thou
             art
             wont
             well
             to
             do
             )
             that
             I
             may
             be
             ready
             at
             every
             beck
             of
             thy
             divine
             pleasure
             .
             I
             commend
             my self
             and
             all
             mine
             unto
             thee
             to
             be
             corrected
             .
             It
             is
             better
             to
             be
             corrected
             here
             ,
             than
             hereafter
             .
             Thou
             knowest
             all
             and
             every
             thing
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             nothing
             in
             the
             conscience
             of
             Man
             which
             can
             be
             hidden
             from
             thee
             .
             Before
             things
             are
             done
             ,
             thou
             knowest
             that
             they
             will
             come
             to
             pass
             ,
             and
             hast
             no
             need
             that
             any
             should
             teach
             thee
             ,
             or
             admonish
             thee
             of
             those
             things
             which
             are
             done
             on
             Earth
             .
             Thou
             knowest
             what
             is
             expedient
             for
             my
             
             profiting
             ,
             and
             how
             much
             tribulation
             is
             fit
             to
             scour
             off
             the
             rust
             of
             my
             sins
             .
             Do
             with
             me
             according
             to
             thy
             desired
             good
             pleasure
             ,
             and
             disdain
             me
             not
             for
             my
             sinful
             life
             ,
             better
             and
             more
             clearly
             known
             to
             none
             than
             to
             thee
             alone
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             Grant
             me
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             to
             know
             that
             which
             is
             to
             be
             known
             ,
             to
             love
             that
             which
             is
             to
             be
             loved
             ,
             to
             praise
             that
             which
             pleaseth
             thee
             most
             ,
             to
             esteem
             that
             which
             is
             precious
             unto
             thee
             ,
             to
             despise
             that
             which
             is
             contemptible
             in
             thy
             sight
             ;
             suffer
             me
             not
             to
             judge
             according
             to
             the
             sight
             of
             the
             outward
             eyes
             ,
             nor
             to
             give
             sentence
             according
             to
             the
             hearing
             of
             the
             ears
             of
             ignorant
             Men
             ;
             but
             to
             discern
             of
             visible
             and
             spiritual
             things
             with
             a
             true
             judgement
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             things
             ever
             to
             search
             after
             thy
             good
             will
             and
             pleasure
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             The
             minds
             of
             Men
             are
             often
             deceived
             in
             their
             judging
             ;
             the
             lovers
             of
             the
             world
             are
             also
             deceived
             in
             loving
             only
             visible
             things
             .
             What
             is
             a
             Man
             the
             better
             ,
             for
             that
             he
             is
             esteemed
             great
             by
             Man
             ?
             The
             deceitful
             in
             exalting
             the
             deceitful
             ,
             the
             vain
             Man
             in
             Extolling
             the
             vain
             ,
             the
             blind
             in
             commending
             the
             blind
             ,
             the
             weak
             in
             magnifying
             the
             weak
             ,
             deceiveth
             him
             and
             doth
             
             verily
             more
             shame
             him
             ,
             while
             he
             doth
             vainly
             praise
             him
             .
             For
             how
             much
             every
             one
             is
             in
             thy
             sight
             ,
             so
             much
             he
             is
             ,
             and
             no
             more
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             LI.
             That
             a
             Man
             ought
             to
             imploy
             himself
             in
             works
             of
             humility
             ,
             when
             strength
             is
             wanting
             for
             higher
             imployments
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             thou
             art
             not
             able
             always
             to
             continue
             in
             the
             more
             fervent
             desire
             of
             virtue
             ,
             nor
             to
             persist
             in
             the
             higher
             pitch
             of
             contemplation
             ;
             but
             thou
             must
             sometimes
             of
             necessity
             by
             reason
             of
             original
             corruption
             descend
             to
             inferior
             things
             ,
             and
             bear
             the
             burden
             of
             this
             corruptible
             life
             though
             against
             thy
             will
             ,
             and
             with
             grief
             .
             As
             long
             as
             thou
             carriest
             a
             mortal
             body
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             feel
             trouble
             and
             heaviness
             of
             heart
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             therefore
             in
             the
             flesh
             oftentimes
             to
             bewail
             the
             burden
             of
             the
             flesh
             ;
             for
             that
             thou
             canst
             not
             always
             continue
             in
             spiritual
             exercises
             and
             divine
             contemplation
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             It
             is
             then
             expedient
             for
             thee
             to
             flie
             
             to
             humble
             and
             exterior
             works
             ,
             and
             to
             refresh
             thy self
             with
             good
             actions
             ;
             to
             expect
             with
             a
             firm
             confidence
             my
             coming
             and
             Heavenly
             visitation
             ,
             to
             bear
             patiently
             thy
             banishment
             and
             the
             dryness
             of
             thy
             mind
             ,
             till
             I
             visit
             thee
             again
             ,
             and
             deliver
             thee
             from
             all
             anxieties
             .
             For
             I
             will
             make
             thee
             forget
             thy
             former
             pains
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             inward
             quietness
             .
             I
             will
             lay
             open
             before
             thee
             the
             pleasant
             fields
             of
             Holy
             Scripture
             ,
             that
             with
             an
             enlarged
             heart
             thou
             mayest
             begin
             to
             run
             the
             way
             of
             my
             commandments
             .
             And
             thou
             shalt
             say
             ,
             
               That
               the
               sufferings
               of
               this
               present
               time
               are
               not
               worthy
               of
               the
               glory
               to
               come
               ,
               that
               shall
               be
               revealed
               in
               us
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             LII
             .
             That
             a
             Man
             ought
             to
             esteem
             himself
             not
             worthy
             of
             comfort
             ,
             but
             rather
             to
             deserve
             stripes
             .
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             Lord
             ,
             I
             am
             not
             worthy
             of
             thy
             comfort
             ,
             nor
             of
             any
             spiritual
             visitation
             ;
             and
             therefore
             thou
             dealest
             justly
             with
             me
             ,
             when
             thou
             leavest
             me
             poor
             and
             desolate
             .
             For
             though
             I
             could
             shed
             a
             Sea
             of
             tears
             ,
             yet
             I
             were
             not
             worthy
             of
             thy
             comfort
             .
             
             For
             (
             alas
             )
             I
             deserve
             nothing
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             scourged
             and
             punished
             ,
             in
             that
             I
             have
             grievously
             and
             often
             offended
             thee
             ,
             and
             have
             sinned
             greatly
             in
             many
             things
             .
             All
             things
             therefore
             duly
             considered
             ,
             I
             am
             not
             worthy
             even
             of
             the
             least
             comfort
             .
             But
             thou
             O
             gracious
             and
             merciful
             God
             ,
             who
             wilt
             not
             that
             thy
             works
             should
             perish
             ,
             to
             shew
             the
             riches
             of
             thy
             goodness
             upon
             the
             vessels
             of
             mercy
             ,
             even
             beyond
             his
             desert
             vouchsafest
             to
             comfort
             thy
             Servant
             above
             the
             manner
             of
             Men.
             For
             thy
             comforts
             are
             not
             like
             to
             the
             words
             of
             Men.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             What
             have
             I
             done
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             that
             thou
             shouldest
             bestow
             any
             Heavenly
             comfort
             upon
             me
             ?
             I
             remember
             not
             that
             I
             have
             done
             any
             good
             ,
             but
             have
             been
             always
             prone
             to
             sin
             ,
             and
             slow
             to
             amendment
             .
             This
             is
             true
             ,
             and
             I
             cannot
             deny
             it
             .
             If
             I
             should
             say
             otherwise
             ,
             thou
             wouldest
             stand
             against
             me
             ,
             and
             there
             would
             be
             none
             to
             defend
             me
             .
             What
             have
             I
             deserved
             for
             my
             sins
             ,
             but
             Hell
             and
             everlasting
             fire
             ?
             I
             confess
             in
             very
             truth
             that
             I
             am
             worthy
             of
             all
             scorn
             and
             contempt
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             not
             fit
             that
             I
             should
             be
             remembred
             amongst
             thy
             holy
             ones
             .
             And
             although
             I
             be
             unwilling
             to
             hear
             this
             ,
             yet
             notwithstanding
             for
             the
             
             truths
             sake
             I
             will
             lay
             open
             my
             sins
             against
             my self
             ,
             that
             so
             the
             sooner
             I
             may
             obtain
             mercy
             at
             thy
             hand
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             What
             shall
             I
             say
             being
             guilty
             and
             full
             of
             all
             confusion
             ?
             I
             have
             nothing
             to
             say
             but
             this
             ,
             I
             have
             sinned
             .
             Lord
             ,
             I
             have
             sinned
             ;
             have
             mercy
             on
             me
             ,
             pardon
             me
             ;
             suffer
             me
             a
             little
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             bewail
             my
             grief
             ,
             before
             I
             go
             unto
             the
             land
             of
             darkness
             ,
             a
             land
             covered
             with
             the
             shadow
             of
             death
             ;
             What
             dost
             thou
             so
             much
             require
             of
             a
             guilty
             and
             miserable
             sinner
             ,
             as
             that
             he
             be
             contrite
             ,
             and
             humble
             himself
             for
             his
             offences
             ?
             Of
             true
             contrition
             and
             humbling
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
             ariseth
             hope
             of
             forgiveness
             ;
             the
             troubled
             conscience
             is
             reconciled
             
               to
               God
            
             ,
             the
             favor
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             was
             lost
             ,
             is
             recovered
             ;
             Man
             is
             preserved
             from
             the
             wrath
             to
             come
             ,
             and
             God
             and
             the
             penitent
             soul
             meet
             together
             with
             an
             holy
             kiss
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Humble
             contrition
             for
             sins
             is
             an
             acceptable
             sacrifice
             unto
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             savoring
             much
             sweeter
             in
             thy
             presence
             than
             the
             perfume
             of
             frankincense
             .
             This
             is
             also
             the
             pleasant
             ointment
             ,
             which
             thou
             wouldest
             should
             be
             poured
             upon
             thy
             sacred
             feet
             ;
             for
             thou
             never
             despisest
             a
             contrite
             and
             humbled
             heart
             .
             There
             is
             the
             place
             of
             refuge
             ,
             
             from
             the
             angry
             face
             of
             the
             enemy
             ;
             there
             is
             amended
             and
             washed
             away
             ,
             whatsoever
             defilement
             elsewhere
             was
             contracted
             ,
             and
             whatsoever
             is
             polluted
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             LIII
             .
             That
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             doth
             not
             joyn
             it self
             with
             those
             that
             savor
             of
             Earthly
             things
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             my
             grace
             is
             precious
             ,
             it
             suffereth
             not
             it self
             to
             be
             mingled
             with
             external
             things
             ,
             nor
             earthly
             comforts
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             therefore
             to
             cast
             away
             all
             hindrances
             of
             grace
             ,
             if
             thou
             desire
             to
             receive
             the
             infusion
             thereof
             .
             Choose
             therefore
             a
             secret
             place
             to
             thy self
             ,
             love
             to
             live
             alone
             with
             thy self
             ,
             desire
             the
             conversation
             of
             none
             ;
             but
             rather
             pour
             out
             devout
             Prayers
             unto
             God
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             keep
             thy
             mind
             in
             compunction
             ,
             and
             thy
             conscience
             pure
             .
             Esteem
             the
             whole
             world
             as
             nothing
             ;
             prefer
             attendance
             upon
             God
             before
             all
             outward
             things
             ;
             for
             thou
             canst
             not
             attend
             upou
             me
             ,
             and
             be
             delighted
             also
             in
             transitory
             vanities
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             to
             sequester
             thy self
             from
             thy
             acquaintance
             and
             friends
             ,
             
             and
             to
             keep
             thy
             mind
             void
             of
             all
             temporal
             comfort
             .
             So
             the
             blessed
             Apostle
             Peter
             required
             ,
             that
             the
             faithful
             of
             Christ
             should
             keep
             themselves
             as
             strangers
             and
             pilgrims
             in
             this
             world
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             O
             how
             great
             a
             confidence
             shall
             he
             have
             at
             the
             hour
             of
             death
             ,
             whom
             no
             affection
             to
             any
             Earthly
             thing
             detaineth
             in
             the
             world
             !
             but
             the
             sickly
             mind
             is
             not
             yet
             capable
             of
             so
             retired
             a
             heart
             ;
             neither
             doth
             the
             carnal
             Man
             understand
             the
             liberty
             of
             him
             who
             is
             inwardly
             recollected
             .
             Notwithstanding
             if
             he
             will
             be
             truly
             spiritual
             ,
             he
             ought
             to
             renounce
             as
             well
             those
             which
             are
             strangers
             ,
             as
             those
             which
             are
             near
             unto
             him
             ;
             and
             to
             beware
             of
             no
             Man
             more
             than
             of
             himself
             .
             If
             thou
             perfectly
             overcome
             thy self
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             with
             more
             ease
             subdue
             the
             rest
             .
             It
             is
             a
             perfect
             victory
             to
             triumph
             over
             our selves
             .
             For
             he
             that
             keepeth
             himself
             subject
             in
             such
             sort
             that
             his
             sensuality
             be
             subdued
             to
             reason
             ,
             and
             reason
             in
             all
             things
             be
             obedient
             to
             me
             ;
             he
             is
             truly
             a
             conqueror
             of
             himself
             ,
             and
             Lord
             of
             the
             world
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             If
             thou
             desire
             to
             mount
             unto
             this
             height
             ,
             thou
             must
             set
             out
             couragiously
             ,
             and
             lay
             the
             Ax
             to
             the
             root
             ;
             that
             thou
             
             mayst
             pluck
             up
             and
             destroy
             that
             hidden
             inordinate
             inclination
             to
             thy self
             ,
             and
             unto
             all
             private
             and
             Earthly
             good
             .
             Of
             this
             sin
             (
             that
             Man
             too
             inordinately
             loveth
             himself
             )
             almost
             all
             dependeth
             ,
             whatsoever
             is
             throughly
             to
             be
             overcome
             ;
             which
             evil
             being
             once
             overcome
             ,
             and
             subdued
             ,
             there
             will
             presently
             ensue
             great
             peace
             and
             tranquillity
             .
             But
             for
             that
             few
             endeavor
             perfectly
             to
             die
             unto
             themselves
             ,
             and
             altogether
             to
             go
             out
             of
             themselves
             ,
             therefore
             they
             remain
             intangled
             in
             themselves
             ,
             and
             cannot
             be
             lifted
             up
             in
             spirit
             above
             themselves
             .
             But
             he
             that
             desireth
             to
             walk
             freely
             with
             me
             ,
             it
             is
             necessary
             that
             he
             mortifie
             all
             evil
             and
             inordinate
             affections
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             should
             not
             earnestly
             adhere
             unto
             any
             creature
             by
             private
             love
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             LIV.
             Of
             the
             different
             motions
             of
             Nature
             and
             Grace
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             mark
             diligently
             the
             motions
             of
             Nature
             and
             Grace
             ;
             for
             in
             a
             very
             contrary
             and
             subtil
             manner
             these
             are
             
             moved
             ,
             and
             can
             hardly
             be
             discerned
             but
             by
             him
             that
             is
             spiritually
             and
             inwardly
             enlightned
             .
             All
             Men
             indeed
             desire
             that
             which
             is
             good
             ,
             and
             pretend
             some
             good
             in
             their
             words
             and
             deeds
             ;
             and
             therefore
             uuder
             the
             shew
             of
             good
             ,
             many
             are
             deceived
             .
             Nature
             is
             crafty
             ,
             and
             seduceth
             ,
             intangleth
             ,
             and
             deceiveth
             many
             ,
             and
             always
             proposeth
             her self
             for
             her
             end
             ;
             but
             Grace
             walketh
             in
             simplicity
             ,
             and
             avoideth
             all
             shew
             of
             evil
             ,
             pretendeth
             not
             deceits
             ,
             and
             doth
             all
             things
             purely
             for
             Gods
             sake
             ,
             in
             whom
             also
             she
             finally
             resteth
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Nature
             will
             not
             willingly
             die
             ,
             nor
             be
             kept
             down
             ,
             nor
             be
             overcome
             ,
             nor
             be
             subject
             to
             any
             ,
             nor
             be
             subdued
             ;
             but
             Grace
             mindeth
             self
             mortification
             ,
             resisteth
             sensuality
             ,
             seeketh
             to
             be
             subject
             ,
             is
             willing
             to
             be
             kept
             under
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             use
             her
             own
             liberty
             ;
             she
             loveth
             to
             be
             kept
             under
             discipline
             ,
             and
             desireth
             not
             to
             rule
             any
             ,
             but
             always
             to
             live
             and
             remain
             wholly
             subject
             unto
             God
             ,
             and
             for
             God
             is
             ready
             humbly
             to
             bow
             unto
             all
             Men.
             Nature
             striveth
             for
             her
             own
             commodity
             ;
             and
             considereth
             what
             profit
             she
             may
             reap
             by
             another
             ;
             but
             Grace
             considereth
             not
             what
             is
             profitable
             and
             commodious
             unto
             her self
             ,
             but
             rather
             what
             is
             
             profitable
             to
             many
             .
             Nature
             willingly
             receiveth
             honor
             and
             reverence
             ;
             but
             Grace
             faithfully
             attributeth
             all
             honor
             and
             glory
             unto
             God.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             Nature
             feareth
             shame
             and
             contempt
             ;
             but
             Grace
             rejoyceth
             to
             suffer
             reproach
             for
             the
             Name
             of
             Jesus
             .
             Nature
             loveth
             idleness
             and
             bodily
             rest
             ;
             but
             Grace
             cannot
             be
             idle
             ,
             but
             willingly
             imbraceth
             labor
             .
             Nature
             seeketh
             to
             have
             those
             things
             that
             be
             curious
             and
             glorious
             ,
             abhorreth
             that
             which
             is
             mean
             and
             course
             ;
             but
             Grace
             delighteth
             in
             plain
             and
             humble
             things
             ,
             despiseth
             not
             rough
             things
             ,
             nor
             refuseth
             to
             wear
             that
             which
             is
             old
             and
             torn
             .
             Nature
             respecteth
             temporal
             things
             ,
             rejoyceth
             at
             Earthly
             gain
             ,
             sorroweth
             for
             loss
             ,
             is
             moved
             with
             every
             little
             injurious
             word
             ;
             but
             Grace
             thinketh
             on
             that
             which
             is
             everlasting
             ,
             and
             cleaveth
             not
             to
             temporal
             things
             ,
             she
             is
             not
             troubled
             with
             losses
             ,
             nor
             disquieted
             with
             hard
             words
             ;
             for
             that
             she
             hath
             placed
             her
             treasure
             and
             joy
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             where
             nothing
             perisheth
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Nature
             is
             covetous
             ,
             and
             doth
             more
             willingly
             receive
             than
             give
             ,
             she
             loveth
             proper
             and
             private
             things
             ;
             but
             Grace
             is
             bountiful
             and
             liberal
             to
             all
             ;
             shunneth
             private
             
             interest
             ,
             is
             content
             with
             a
             little
             ,
             thinketh
             that
             it
             is
             more
             blessed
             to
             give
             than
             to
             receive
             .
             Nature
             is
             bent
             to
             the
             creatures
             ,
             to
             her
             own
             flesh
             ,
             to
             vanities
             ,
             and
             to
             many
             vagaries
             ;
             but
             Grace
             draweth
             unto
             God
             and
             unto
             goodness
             renounceth
             creatures
             ,
             flyeth
             the
             world
             ,
             hateth
             the
             desires
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             restraineth
             wandrings
             abroad
             ,
             blusheth
             to
             be
             seen
             in
             publick
             ;
             Nature
             is
             willing
             to
             have
             some
             outward
             comfort
             ,
             wherein
             she
             may
             be
             sensibly
             delighted
             ;
             but
             Grace
             seeketh
             comfort
             in
             God
             alone
             ,
             and
             delighteth
             above
             all
             visible
             things
             in
             the
             highest
             good
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Nature
             worketh
             all
             for
             her
             own
             gain
             and
             profit
             ,
             she
             can
             do
             nothing
             freely
             ,
             but
             for
             bestowed
             benefits
             she
             hopeth
             to
             obtain
             either
             that
             which
             is
             equal
             ,
             or
             better
             ,
             either
             praise
             or
             favor
             ,
             and
             coveteth
             to
             have
             her
             works
             and
             gifts
             much
             esteemed
             ;
             but
             Grace
             seeketh
             no
             temporal
             thing
             ,
             nor
             desireth
             any
             other
             reward
             than
             God
             alone
             ;
             nor
             asketh
             more
             of
             temporal
             necessaries
             ,
             than
             what
             may
             serve
             her
             for
             the
             obtaining
             of
             things
             eternal
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Nature
             rejoyceth
             to
             have
             many
             friends
             and
             kinsfolks
             ,
             she
             glorieth
             of
             noble
             place
             and
             birth
             ;
             pleaseth
             the
             powerful
             ,
             fawneth
             
             upon
             the
             rich
             ,
             applaudeth
             those
             that
             are
             like
             her self
             ;
             but
             Grace
             loveth
             even
             her
             enemies
             ,
             and
             is
             not
             puffed
             up
             with
             multitude
             of
             friends
             ;
             nor
             esteemeth
             place
             or
             birth
             ,
             but
             where
             it
             is
             joyned
             with
             greater
             virtue
             ;
             she
             rather
             favoreth
             the
             poor
             than
             the
             rich
             ;
             hath
             more
             compassion
             of
             the
             innocent
             than
             the
             powerful
             ;
             rejoyceth
             in
             the
             true
             ,
             not
             in
             the
             deceitful
             ;
             always
             exhorteth
             good
             Men
             to
             labor
             for
             the
             better
             gifts
             ;
             and
             by
             goodness
             to
             resemble
             the
             Son
             of
             God.
             Nature
             quickly
             complaineth
             of
             want
             and
             trouble
             ;
             Grace
             constantly
             endureth
             need
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             Nature
             referreth
             all
             things
             to
             her self
             ,
             striveth
             and
             contendeth
             for
             her self
             ;
             but
             Grace
             reduceth
             all
             to
             God
             ,
             from
             whence
             originally
             they
             proceed
             ;
             she
             ascribeth
             no
             good
             to
             her self
             ,
             neither
             doth
             she
             arrogantly
             presume
             ;
             she
             contendeth
             not
             ,
             nor
             preferreth
             her
             opinion
             before
             others
             ;
             but
             in
             every
             apprehension
             and
             opinion
             submitteth
             her self
             unto
             the
             eternal
             wisdom
             and
             to
             the
             divine
             judgment
             .
             Nature
             coveteth
             to
             know
             secrets
             ,
             and
             to
             hear
             news
             ;
             she
             will
             appear
             abroad
             ,
             and
             make
             proof
             of
             many
             things
             by
             her
             own
             senses
             ;
             she
             desireth
             to
             be
             known
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             those
             things
             ,
             for
             which
             she
             may
             
             be
             praised
             and
             admired
             ;
             but
             Grace
             careth
             not
             for
             hearing
             news
             ,
             nor
             to
             understand
             curious
             matters
             ;
             for
             that
             all
             this
             springeth
             from
             the
             old
             corruption
             of
             Man
             ,
             seeing
             here
             is
             nothing
             new
             and
             durable
             upon
             Earth
             .
             She
             teacheth
             therefore
             to
             restrain
             the
             senses
             ,
             to
             avoid
             vain
             pleasing
             and
             ostentation
             ,
             humbly
             to
             hide
             those
             things
             that
             are
             worthy
             of
             praise
             and
             admiration
             ;
             and
             of
             every
             thing
             and
             every
             knowledg
             to
             seek
             profitable
             fruit
             ,
             and
             the
             praise
             and
             honor
             of
             God
             ;
             she
             will
             not
             have
             her self
             nor
             hers
             publickly
             praised
             ,
             but
             desireth
             that
             God
             should
             be
             blessed
             in
             his
             gifts
             ,
             who
             of
             mere
             love
             bestoweth
             all
             things
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             This
             Grace
             is
             a
             supernatural
             light
             ,
             and
             a
             certain
             special
             gift
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             proper
             mark
             of
             the
             elect
             ,
             and
             pledg
             of
             everlasting
             salvation
             ;
             which
             raiseth
             up
             a
             Man
             from
             Earthly
             things
             to
             love
             the
             things
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             of
             a
             carnal
             maketh
             him
             a
             spiritual
             Man.
             How
             much
             the
             more
             therefore
             Nature
             is
             depressed
             and
             subdued
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             greater
             Grace
             is
             infused
             ,
             and
             the
             inward
             Man
             daily
             by
             new
             visitations
             more
             reformed
             according
             to
             the
             image
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             LV.
             Of
             the
             corruption
             of
             Nature
             ,
             and
             efficacy
             of
             divine
             Grace
             .
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             O
             Lord
             my
             God
             ,
             who
             hast
             created
             me
             after
             thy
             Image
             and
             likeness
             ,
             grant
             me
             this
             grace
             which
             thou
             hast
             shewed
             to
             be
             so
             great
             and
             so
             necessary
             to
             salvation
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             overcome
             my
             wicked
             nature
             ,
             which
             draweth
             me
             to
             sin
             and
             to
             perdition
             .
             For
             I
             feel
             in
             my
             flesh
             the
             Law
             of
             sin
             ,
             contradicting
             the
             Law
             of
             my
             mind
             ,
             and
             leading
             me
             captive
             to
             the
             obeying
             of
             sensuality
             in
             many
             things
             ;
             neither
             can
             I
             resist
             the
             passions
             thereof
             ,
             unless
             thy
             most
             holy
             grace
             fervently
             infused
             into
             my
             heart
             ,
             do
             assist
             me
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Thy
             grace
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             and
             great
             grace
             is
             needful
             ,
             that
             nature
             may
             be
             overcome
             ,
             which
             is
             ever
             prone
             to
             evil
             from
             her
             youth
             .
             For
             by
             Adam
             the
             first
             Man
             ,
             nature
             being
             fallen
             and
             corrupted
             by
             sin
             ,
             the
             penalty
             of
             this
             stain
             hath
             descended
             upon
             all
             Mankind
             ,
             in
             such
             sort
             ,
             that
             nature
             it self
             which
             by
             thee
             was
             created
             good
             and
             upright
             ,
             is
             now
             accounted
             for
             the
             sin
             and
             for
             the
             infirmity
             of
             corrupted
             nature
             ;
             for
             
             that
             the
             motion
             thereof
             left
             unto
             it self
             draweth
             to
             evil
             and
             to
             inferior
             things
             .
             For
             the
             little
             power
             which
             remaineth
             ,
             is
             like
             a
             certain
             spark
             lying
             hidden
             in
             ashes
             .
             This
             is
             natural
             reason
             it self
             ,
             encompassed
             about
             with
             great
             darkness
             ,
             yet
             still
             retaining
             power
             to
             discern
             good
             and
             evil
             ,
             and
             the
             difference
             between
             true
             and
             false
             ;
             although
             it
             be
             unable
             to
             fulfil
             all
             that
             it
             approveth
             ;
             and
             enjoyeth
             not
             now
             the
             full
             light
             of
             truth
             ,
             nor
             the
             soundness
             of
             her
             affections
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Hence
             it
             is
             ,
             my
             God
             ,
             that
             after
             the
             inward
             Man
             I
             delight
             in
             thy
             Law
             ,
             knowing
             thy
             commandments
             to
             be
             good
             ,
             just
             ,
             and
             holy
             ,
             reproving
             also
             all
             evil
             and
             sin
             ,
             teaching
             that
             it
             is
             to
             be
             avoided
             .
             But
             with
             the
             flesh
             I
             serve
             the
             law
             of
             sin
             ,
             whilst
             I
             rather
             obey
             sensuality
             than
             reason
             .
             Hence
             it
             is
             that
             to
             will
             to
             do
             good
             is
             present
             with
             me
             ,
             but
             how
             to
             perform
             it
             I
             find
             not
             .
             For
             this
             cause
             I
             often
             purpose
             many
             good
             things
             ,
             but
             because
             I
             want
             grace
             to
             help
             my
             weakness
             ,
             upon
             a
             light
             resistance
             I
             go
             back
             and
             faint
             .
             Hence
             it
             is
             that
             I
             know
             the
             way
             of
             perfection
             ,
             and
             see
             clearly
             enough
             what
             I
             ought
             to
             do
             ;
             but
             pressed
             down
             with
             the
             weight
             of
             mine
             own
             corruption
             ,
             
             I
             rise
             not
             unto
             what
             is
             more
             perfect
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             O
             Lord
             ,
             how
             exceeding
             needful
             is
             thy
             grace
             for
             me
             ,
             to
             begin
             any
             good
             work
             ,
             to
             go
             forward
             ,
             and
             to
             accomplish
             it
             ;
             For
             without
             it
             I
             can
             do
             nothing
             ,
             but
             in
             thee
             I
             can
             do
             all
             things
             ,
             when
             thy
             grace
             doth
             strengthen
             me
             .
             O
             Heavenly
             grace
             indeed
             ,
             without
             which
             our
             most
             worthy
             actions
             are
             nothing
             ,
             and
             no
             gifts
             of
             nature
             are
             to
             be
             esteemed
             .
             Arts
             ,
             riches
             ,
             beauty
             or
             strength
             ,
             wit
             or
             eloquence
             ,
             are
             of
             no
             value
             with
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             without
             thy
             grace
             .
             For
             gifts
             of
             nature
             are
             common
             to
             good
             and
             bad
             ,
             but
             the
             peculiar
             gift
             of
             the
             elect
             is
             grace
             and
             love
             ;
             and
             they
             that
             bear
             this
             honorable
             mark
             ,
             are
             esteemed
             worthy
             of
             everlasting
             life
             .
             This
             grace
             is
             so
             eminent
             ,
             that
             neither
             the
             gift
             of
             prophesie
             ,
             nor
             the
             working
             of
             miracles
             ;
             nor
             any
             speculation
             (
             how
             high
             soever
             )
             is
             of
             any
             esteem
             without
             it
             .
             Neither
             faith
             nor
             hope
             ,
             nor
             other
             virtues
             are
             acceptable
             unto
             thee
             without
             love
             and
             grace
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             O
             most
             blessed
             Grace
             ,
             that
             makest
             the
             poor
             in
             spirit
             rich
             in
             virtues
             ,
             and
             makest
             the
             rich
             in
             many
             blessings
             to
             be
             humble
             in
             heart
             ;
             come
             ,
             come
             down
             unto
             me
             ,
             replenish
             
             me
             early
             with
             thy
             comfort
             ,
             lest
             my
             soul
             should
             faint
             for
             weariness
             and
             driness
             of
             mind
             .
             I
             beseech
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             find
             grace
             in
             thy
             sight
             ;
             for
             thy
             grace
             is
             sufficient
             for
             me
             ,
             though
             other
             things
             that
             nature
             desireth
             be
             wanting
             .
             If
             I
             be
             tempted
             and
             vexed
             with
             many
             tribulations
             ,
             I
             will
             not
             fear
             any
             evils
             ,
             whilst
             thy
             grace
             is
             with
             me
             ;
             that
             is
             my
             strength
             ;
             that
             giveth
             advice
             and
             help
             ;
             that
             is
             stronger
             than
             all
             enemies
             ,
             and
             wiser
             than
             all
             the
             wise
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             Thy
             grace
             is
             the
             mistress
             of
             truth
             ,
             the
             teacher
             of
             discipline
             ,
             the
             light
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
             the
             solace
             in
             affliction
             ,
             the
             driver
             away
             of
             sorrow
             ,
             the
             expeller
             of
             fear
             ,
             the
             nurse
             of
             devotion
             ,
             the
             mother
             of
             tears
             .
             What
             am
             I
             without
             it
             ,
             but
             a
             withered
             piece
             of
             wood
             ,
             and
             an
             unprofitable
             stalk
             only
             meet
             to
             be
             cast
             away
             ?
             Let
             thy
             grace
             therefore
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             always
             prevent
             me
             and
             follow
             me
             ,
             and
             make
             me
             ever
             diligent
             in
             good
             works
             ,
             through
             Jesus
             Christ
             thy
             Son.
             
          
           
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             LVI
             .
             That
             we
             ought
             to
             deny
             our selves
             ,
             and
             imitate
             Christ
             by
             the
             Cross.
             
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             look
             how
             much
             thou
             goest
             out
             of
             thy self
             ,
             so
             much
             mayst
             thou
             enter
             into
             me
             .
             As
             to
             be
             void
             of
             all
             desire
             of
             external
             things
             ,
             maketh
             inward
             peace
             ;
             so
             the
             forsaking
             of
             our selves
             inwardly
             ,
             joyneth
             unto
             God.
             I
             will
             have
             thee
             learn
             the
             perfect
             leaving
             of
             thy self
             to
             my
             will
             ,
             without
             contradiction
             and
             complaint
             .
             Follow
             me
             ,
             I
             am
             the
             Way
             ,
             the
             Truth
             ,
             and
             the
             Life
             .
             Without
             the
             way
             there
             is
             no
             going
             aright
             ,
             without
             truth
             there
             is
             no
             knowledge
             ,
             without
             life
             there
             is
             no
             living
             .
             I
             am
             the
             way
             which
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             follow
             ;
             the
             truth
             which
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             trust
             ;
             the
             life
             for
             which
             thou
             oughtest
             to
             hope
             .
             I
             am
             the
             way
             inviolable
             ,
             the
             truth
             infallible
             ,
             the
             life
             which
             cannot
             end
             .
             I
             am
             the
             most
             straight
             way
             ,
             the
             supreme
             truth
             ,
             the
             true
             life
             ,
             yea
             the
             blessed
             life
             ,
             the
             uncreated
             life
             .
             If
             thou
             remain
             in
             my
             way
             thou
             shalt
             keep
             the
             
             truth
             ,
             and
             the
             truth
             shall
             make
             thee
             free
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             lay
             hold
             on
             everlasting
             life
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             If
             thou
             wilt
             enter
             into
             life
             ,
             keep
             the
             commandments
             .
             If
             thou
             wilt
             know
             the
             truth
             ,
             believe
             me
             .
             If
             thou
             wilt
             be
             perfect
             ,
             sell
             all
             .
             If
             thou
             wilt
             be
             my
             Disciple
             ,
             deny
             thy self
             .
             If
             thou
             wilt
             possess
             a
             blessed
             life
             ,
             despise
             this
             present
             life
             .
             If
             thou
             wilt
             be
             exalted
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             humble
             thy self
             upon
             Earth
             .
             If
             thou
             wilt
             reign
             with
             me
             ,
             bear
             the
             Cross
             with
             me
             .
             For
             only
             the
             Servants
             of
             the
             Cross
             find
             the
             way
             of
             bliss
             and
             true
             light
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Christian.
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             forasmuch
             as
             thy
             way
             is
             narrow
             and
             contemptible
             unto
             the
             world
             ,
             grant
             me
             grace
             to
             imitate
             thee
             in
             suffering
             worldly
             contempt
             .
             For
             the
             Servant
             is
             not
             greater
             than
             his
             Lord
             ,
             nor
             the
             Disciple
             above
             his
             Master
             .
             Let
             thy
             Servant
             be
             exercised
             in
             thy
             holy
             life
             ,
             for
             therein
             my
             salvation
             and
             the
             true
             holiness
             doth
             consist
             ;
             whatsoever
             I
             read
             or
             hear
             besides
             it
             ,
             doth
             not
             recreate
             or
             delight
             me
             fully
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Christ.
             Son
             ,
             now
             that
             thou
             knowest
             and
             hast
             read
             these
             things
             ,
             happy
             shalt
             thou
             be
             ,
             if
             thou
             do
             them
             .
             He
             that
             hath
             
             my
             commandments
             and
             keepeth
             them
             ,
             he
             it
             is
             that
             loveth
             me
             ;
             and
             I
             will
             love
             him
             ,
             and
             will
             manifest
             my self
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             will
             make
             him
             sit
             with
             me
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             my
             Father
             .
          
           
             Christian.
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             as
             thou
             hast
             said
             and
             promised
             ,
             so
             let
             it
             come
             to
             pass
             ,
             and
             grant
             that
             I
             may
             not
             wholly
             undeserve
             this
             favor
             .
             I
             have
             received
             the
             Cross
             ,
             I
             have
             received
             it
             from
             thy
             hand
             ;
             I
             will
             bear
             it
             ,
             and
             bear
             it
             till
             death
             ,
             as
             thou
             hast
             laid
             it
             upon
             me
             .
             Truly
             the
             life
             of
             a
             good
             retired
             person
             is
             the
             Cross
             ,
             but
             yet
             it
             is
             a
             guide
             to
             Paradise
             .
             It
             is
             now
             begun
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             lawful
             to
             go
             back
             ,
             neither
             is
             it
             fit
             to
             leave
             that
             which
             I
             have
             undertaken
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Let
             us
             then
             take
             courage
             ,
             my
             Brethren
             ,
             and
             go
             forwards
             together
             ,
             Jesus
             will
             be
             with
             us
             .
             For
             Jesus's
             sake
             we
             have
             undertaken
             this
             Cross
             ,
             for
             Jesus's
             sake
             let
             us
             persevere
             in
             the
             Cross.
             He
             will
             be
             our
             helper
             ,
             who
             is
             our
             guide
             and
             forerunner
             .
             Behold
             our
             King
             goeth
             before
             us
             ,
             who
             also
             will
             fight
             for
             us
             ;
             let
             us
             follow
             him
             manfully
             ,
             let
             none
             be
             dismaid
             ;
             but
             be
             we
             ready
             to
             die
             valiantly
             in
             the
             battle
             ,
             and
             let
             us
             not
             blemish
             our
             glory
             by
             flying
             from
             the
             Cross.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             LVII
             .
             That
             a
             Man
             be
             not
             too
             much
             dejected
             ,
             when
             he
             falleth
             into
             some
             defects
             .
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             ,
             patience
             and
             humility
             in
             adversities
             are
             more
             pleasing
             to
             me
             ,
             than
             much
             comfort
             and
             devotion
             in
             prosperities
             .
             Why
             art
             thou
             grieved
             for
             every
             little
             trifle
             spoken
             and
             done
             against
             thee
             ?
             Although
             it
             had
             been
             much
             more
             thou
             oughtest
             not
             to
             have
             been
             moved
             .
             But
             now
             let
             it
             pass
             ;
             it
             is
             not
             the
             first
             that
             hath
             happened
             ,
             nor
             is
             it
             any
             new
             thing
             ,
             neither
             shall
             it
             be
             the
             last
             ,
             if
             thou
             live
             long
             .
             Thou
             art
             manly
             enough
             ,
             as
             long
             as
             no
             adversity
             happeneth
             .
             Thou
             canst
             give
             good
             counsel
             also
             ,
             and
             canst
             strengthen
             others
             with
             thy
             words
             ;
             but
             when
             any
             tribulation
             suddenly
             comes
             to
             thy
             door
             ,
             thou
             art
             destitute
             of
             counsel
             and
             strength
             .
             See
             therefore
             thy
             great
             frailty
             which
             thou
             often
             hast
             experience
             of
             in
             every
             small
             occurrence
             .
             It
             is
             notwithstanding
             intended
             for
             thy
             good
             ,
             when
             these
             and
             such
             like
             things
             befal
             thee
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Put
             it
             out
             of
             thy
             heart
             the
             best
             thou
             
             canst
             ,
             and
             if
             it
             touch
             thee
             yet
             let
             it
             not
             deject
             thee
             ,
             nor
             trouble
             thee
             long
             ;
             bear
             it
             at
             least
             patiently
             ,
             if
             thou
             canst
             not
             joyfully
             .
             Although
             thou
             be
             unwilling
             to
             hear
             it
             ,
             and
             conceivest
             indignation
             thereat
             ,
             yet
             restrain
             thy self
             ,
             and
             suffer
             no
             inordinate
             word
             to
             pass
             out
             of
             thy
             mouth
             ,
             whereby
             the
             little
             ones
             may
             be
             offended
             .
             The
             storm
             which
             now
             is
             raised
             shall
             quickly
             be
             appeased
             ,
             and
             inward
             grief
             shall
             be
             sweetned
             by
             the
             return
             of
             grace
             .
             I
             yet
             live
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             am
             ready
             to
             help
             thee
             ,
             and
             to
             give
             thee
             greater
             comfort
             than
             before
             ,
             if
             thou
             put
             thy
             trust
             in
             me
             and
             callest
             devoutly
             upon
             me
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Be
             more
             patient
             ,
             and
             prepare
             thy self
             to
             greater
             suffering
             .
             All
             is
             not
             lost
             ,
             if
             thou
             feel
             thy self
             often
             afflicted
             or
             grievously
             tempted
             .
             Thou
             art
             a
             Man
             ,
             and
             not
             God
             ;
             thou
             art
             flesh
             ,
             not
             an
             Angel.
             How
             canst
             thou
             look
             to
             continue
             ever
             in
             the
             same
             state
             of
             virtue
             ,
             when
             an
             Angel
             in
             Heaven
             hath
             fallen
             ,
             as
             also
             the
             first
             Man
             in
             Paradise
             ?
             I
             am
             he
             who
             will
             strengthen
             with
             health
             them
             that
             mourn
             ,
             and
             do
             raise
             up
             unto
             divine
             glory
             those
             that
             know
             their
             own
             infirmity
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Christian.
             Lord
             ,
             blessed
             be
             thy
             
             word
             ,
             more
             sweet
             unto
             my
             mouth
             than
             the
             hony
             and
             the
             hony-comb
             .
             What
             should
             I
             do
             in
             these
             my
             so
             great
             tribulations
             and
             straits
             ,
             unless
             thou
             didst
             comfort
             me
             with
             thy
             holy
             words
             ?
             What
             matter
             is
             it
             ,
             how
             much
             ,
             and
             what
             I
             suffer
             ,
             so
             as
             I
             may
             at
             length
             attain
             to
             the
             port
             of
             salvation
             ?
             Grant
             me
             a
             good
             end
             ,
             grant
             me
             a
             happy
             passage
             out
             of
             this
             world
             .
             Be
             mindful
             of
             me
             ,
             O
             my
             God
             ,
             and
             direct
             me
             the
             right
             way
             to
             thy
             Kingdom
             ,
          
           
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             LVIII
             .
             Of
             not
             searching
             into
             high
             matters
             and
             into
             the
             secret
             judgments
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             CHrist.
             Son
             beware
             thou
             dispute
             not
             of
             high
             matters
             ,
             nor
             of
             the
             secret
             judgments
             of
             God
             ,
             why
             this
             Man
             is
             left
             ,
             and
             that
             Man
             taken
             into
             so
             great
             favor
             ;
             why
             also
             this
             Man
             is
             so
             much
             afflicted
             ,
             and
             that
             Man
             so
             greatly
             advanced
             ,
             these
             things
             are
             beyond
             the
             reach
             of
             Man
             ,
             neither
             can
             any
             reason
             or
             disputation
             search
             out
             the
             judgment
             of
             God.
             When
             the
             enemy
             therefore
             suggesteth
             these
             things
             unto
             thee
             ,
             
             or
             some
             curious
             people
             enquire
             of
             thee
             ,
             answer
             that
             of
             the
             Prophet
             ,
             
               Thou
               art
               just
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               and
               thy
               judgment
               is
               right
               .
            
             And
             again
             ,
             
               The
               judgments
               of
               the
               Lord
               are
               true
               and
               righteous
               altogether
               .
            
             My
             judgments
             are
             to
             be
             feared
             ,
             not
             to
             be
             discussed
             ;
             for
             they
             are
             such
             as
             cannot
             be
             comprehended
             by
             the
             understanding
             of
             Man.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             In
             like
             manner
             I
             advise
             thee
             not
             to
             enquire
             ,
             nor
             dispute
             of
             the
             merits
             of
             the
             Saints
             ,
             which
             of
             them
             is
             holier
             than
             the
             other
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             greater
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             These
             things
             oftentimes
             breed
             strife
             and
             unprofitable
             contentions
             ,
             they
             nourish
             also
             pride
             and
             vain
             glory
             ;
             from
             whence
             do
             spring
             envy
             and
             dissentions
             ,
             whilst
             one
             will
             proudly
             prefer
             this
             ,
             and
             the
             other
             ,
             another
             .
             To
             desire
             to
             know
             and
             search
             out
             such
             things
             ,
             is
             to
             no
             purpose
             ;
             nor
             would
             it
             please
             the
             Saints
             ;
             for
             I
             am
             not
             the
             God
             of
             dissention
             ,
             but
             of
             peace
             ;
             which
             peace
             consisteth
             rather
             in
             true
             humility
             ,
             than
             in
             self
             exaltation
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Some
             are
             carried
             with
             zeal
             of
             affection
             ,
             to
             love
             these
             or
             those
             most
             ;
             but
             this
             love
             is
             rather
             humane
             than
             divine
             .
             I
             am
             He
             who
             made
             all
             the
             Saints
             ,
             and
             have
             given
             
             them
             grace
             ;
             I
             have
             given
             them
             glory
             ,
             I
             know
             what
             every
             one
             hath
             deserved
             ;
             I
             have
             prevented
             them
             with
             the
             blessings
             of
             my
             goodness
             .
             I
             foreknew
             my
             beloved
             before
             the
             beginning
             of
             the
             world
             .
             I
             chose
             them
             out
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             they
             chose
             not
             me
             first
             ,
             I
             called
             them
             by
             grace
             ,
             I
             drew
             them
             by
             mercy
             ,
             I
             led
             them
             through
             sundry
             temptations
             .
             I
             have
             poured
             into
             them
             glorious
             comforts
             ,
             I
             have
             given
             them
             perseverance
             ,
             I
             have
             crowned
             their
             patience
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             I
             know
             both
             the
             first
             and
             the
             last
             ;
             I
             embrace
             all
             with
             inestimable
             love
             .
             I
             am
             to
             be
             praised
             in
             all
             my
             Saints
             ;
             I
             am
             to
             be
             blessed
             above
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             honored
             in
             every
             one
             ;
             whom
             I
             have
             thus
             gloriously
             exalted
             and
             predestinated
             without
             any
             precedent
             merits
             of
             their
             own
             .
             He
             therefore
             that
             contemneth
             one
             of
             the
             least
             of
             my
             Saints
             ,
             honoreth
             not
             the
             greatest
             ;
             for
             that
             I
             made
             both
             the
             less
             and
             the
             greater
             ;
             and
             he
             that
             dispraifeth
             any
             of
             my
             Saints
             ,
             dispraiseth
             also
             me
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             rest
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             .
             There
             all
             are
             one
             through
             the
             bond
             of
             love
             ;
             they
             think
             the
             same
             ,
             they
             will
             the
             same
             ,
             and
             they
             all
             love
             one
             another
             .
          
           
           
             5.
             
             But
             yet
             (
             which
             is
             much
             more
             high
             )
             they
             love
             me
             more
             than
             themselves
             ,
             and
             are
             drawn
             out
             of
             all
             themselves
             or
             any
             merits
             of
             their
             own
             .
             For
             being
             ravished
             above
             self-love
             ,
             they
             are
             wholly
             carried
             out
             to
             love
             me
             ,
             in
             whom
             also
             they
             do
             fruitively
             rest
             .
             Nothing
             can
             turn
             them
             back
             ,
             nothing
             can
             press
             them
             down
             ;
             for
             being
             full
             of
             the
             eternal
             Truth
             ,
             they
             burn
             with
             the
             fire
             of
             unquenchable
             love
             .
             Let
             therefore
             carnal
             and
             natural
             Men
             who
             can
             affect
             no
             other
             but
             their
             private
             joys
             ,
             forbear
             to
             dispute
             of
             the
             state
             of
             Saints
             .
             They
             add
             and
             take
             away
             according
             to
             their
             own
             fancies
             ,
             not
             as
             it
             pleaseth
             the
             eternal
             Truth
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             Many
             are
             ignorant
             ,
             but
             specially
             those
             that
             be
             slenderly
             enlightned
             ;
             and
             these
             can
             seldom
             love
             any
             with
             a
             perfect
             spiritual
             love
             .
             They
             are
             as
             yet
             much
             drawn
             by
             a
             natural
             affection
             and
             humane
             friendship
             to
             this
             Man
             or
             to
             that
             ;
             and
             according
             to
             the
             experience
             they
             have
             of
             themselves
             in
             their
             Earthly
             affections
             ,
             so
             they
             frame
             an
             imagination
             of
             Heavenly
             things
             .
             But
             there
             is
             an
             incomparable
             distance
             between
             the
             things
             which
             the
             imperfect
             ones
             imagine
             in
             their
             conceits
             ,
             and
             those
             which
             
             the
             illuminated
             ones
             do
             see
             by
             revelation
             from
             above
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             Beware
             therefore
             ,
             my
             Son
             ,
             that
             thou
             treat
             not
             curiously
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             which
             exceed
             thy
             knowledg
             ;
             but
             rather
             so
             apply
             thy
             endeavors
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             at
             least
             have
             the
             meanest
             place
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             .
             And
             if
             any
             one
             did
             know
             which
             of
             the
             Saints
             exceed
             others
             in
             sanctity
             ,
             or
             were
             greater
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             ;
             what
             would
             this
             knowledg
             avail
             him
             ,
             unless
             he
             should
             thereby
             humble
             himself
             the
             more
             in
             my
             sight
             ,
             and
             should
             rise
             up
             into
             the
             greater
             praising
             of
             my
             name
             ?
             He
             pleaseth
             God
             much
             better
             that
             thinketh
             of
             the
             greatness
             of
             his
             sins
             ,
             and
             the
             smalness
             of
             his
             graces
             ,
             and
             how
             far
             off
             he
             is
             from
             the
             perfection
             of
             the
             Saints
             ;
             than
             he
             that
             disputeth
             of
             their
             greatness
             or
             littleness
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             They
             are
             well
             and
             right
             well
             contented
             ,
             if
             Men
             could
             content
             themselves
             ,
             and
             refrain
             from
             these
             vain
             discourses
             .
             They
             glory
             not
             of
             their
             own
             merits
             ,
             for
             they
             ascribe
             no
             good
             unto
             themselves
             ,
             but
             attribute
             all
             to
             me
             ,
             who
             of
             my
             infinite
             love
             have
             given
             them
             all
             things
             .
             They
             are
             filled
             with
             so
             great
             love
             of
             the
             Divinity
             ,
             and
             with
             such
             an
             overflowing
             joy
             ,
             that
             there
             
             is
             no
             glory
             nor
             happiness
             ,
             that
             is
             or
             can
             be
             wanting
             unto
             them
             .
             All
             the
             Saints
             ,
             how
             much
             the
             higher
             they
             be
             in
             glory
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             more
             humble
             they
             are
             in
             themselves
             ,
             and
             nearer
             and
             dearer
             unto
             me
             ;
             And
             therefore
             it
             is
             written
             ,
             That
             they
             did
             cast
             their
             Crowns
             before
             God
             ,
             and
             fell
             down
             upon
             their
             face
             before
             the
             Lamb
             ,
             and
             adored
             him
             that
             liveth
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             .
          
           
             9.
             
             Many
             inquire
             who
             is
             greatest
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             know
             not
             whether
             they
             shall
             ever
             be
             numbred
             there
             amongst
             the
             least
             .
             It
             is
             a
             great
             thing
             to
             be
             even
             the
             least
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             where
             all
             are
             great
             ;
             for
             that
             all
             there
             shall
             be
             called
             ,
             and
             shall
             be
             indeed
             ,
             the
             Sons
             of
             God.
             
               The
               least
               shall
               become
               a
               Thousand
               ;
               and
               the
               sinner
               of
               an
               Hundred
               years
               shall
               die
               .
            
             For
             when
             the
             Disciples
             asked
             who
             should
             be
             greatest
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             they
             received
             this
             answer
             ,
             Unless
             you
             be
             converted
             ,
             and
             be
             come
             as
             little
             Children
             ,
             you
             shall
             not
             enter
             into
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             :
             Whosoever
             therefore
             shall
             humble
             himself
             as
             this
             little
             Child
             ,
             the
             same
             is
             greatest
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             .
          
           
             10.
             
             Wo
             be
             unto
             them
             that
             disdain
             to
             
             humble
             themselves
             willingly
             with
             little
             Children
             .
             For
             the
             low
             gate
             of
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             will
             not
             give
             them
             entrance
             .
             And
             wo
             be
             to
             the
             rich
             ,
             that
             have
             their
             comforts
             here
             ;
             for
             whilest
             the
             poor
             enter
             into
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
             they
             shall
             stand
             lamenting
             without
             .
             Rejoyce
             you
             that
             be
             humble
             ,
             and
             you
             that
             be
             poor
             be
             you
             glad
             ,
             for
             yours
             is
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
             if
             you
             walk
             according
             to
             the
             truth
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             LIX
             .
             That
             all
             our
             hope
             and
             trust
             is
             to
             be
             fixed
             in
             God
             alone
             .
          
           
             CHristian
             .
             Lord
             ,
             what
             trust
             have
             I
             in
             this
             life
             ?
             Or
             what
             is
             the
             greatest
             comfort
             ,
             that
             all
             things
             under
             Heaven
             do
             yield
             me
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             thou
             ,
             my
             Lord
             God
             ,
             whose
             mercies
             are
             without
             number
             ?
             Where
             hath
             it
             been
             well
             with
             me
             without
             thee
             ?
             Or
             when
             could
             it
             be
             ill
             with
             me
             ,
             when
             thou
             wert
             present
             ?
             I
             had
             rather
             be
             poor
             for
             thee
             ,
             
             than
             rich
             without
             thee
             .
             I
             rather
             choose
             to
             be
             a
             pilgrim
             on
             Earth
             with
             thee
             ,
             than
             to
             possess
             Heaven
             without
             thee
             .
             Where
             thou
             art
             ,
             there
             is
             Heaven
             ;
             and
             there
             is
             death
             and
             Hell
             ,
             where
             thou
             art
             not
             ,
             Thou
             art
             my
             desire
             ,
             and
             therefore
             it
             behoveth
             me
             to
             sigh
             and
             cry
             and
             pray
             unto
             thee
             .
             For
             I
             have
             none
             fully
             to
             trust
             in
             ,
             none
             that
             can
             seasonably
             help
             me
             in
             my
             necessities
             ,
             but
             thee
             alone
             ,
             my
             God.
             Thou
             art
             my
             hope
             ,
             thou
             art
             my
             trust
             ;
             thou
             art
             my
             comforter
             ,
             and
             most
             faithful
             unto
             me
             in
             all
             things
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             All
             Men
             seek
             their
             own
             gain
             ;
             thou
             only
             seekest
             my
             salvation
             and
             my
             profit
             ,
             and
             turnest
             all
             things
             to
             my
             good
             .
             Although
             thou
             exposest
             me
             to
             divers
             temptations
             and
             adversities
             ,
             yet
             thou
             orderest
             all
             this
             to
             my
             advantage
             ,
             who
             art
             wont
             to
             try
             thy
             beloved
             ones
             a
             Thousand
             wayes
             .
             In
             which
             trial
             thou
             oughtest
             no
             less
             to
             be
             loved
             and
             praised
             ,
             then
             if
             thou
             didst
             fill
             me
             with
             Heavenly
             comforts
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             In
             thee
             therefore
             ,
             O
             Lord
             God
             ,
             I
             put
             my
             whole
             hope
             and
             refuge
             ;
             in
             thee
             I
             place
             my
             tribulation
             and
             anguish
             ;
             for
             I
             find
             all
             to
             be
             weak
             and
             unconstant
             ,
             whatsoever
             I
             behold
             out
             of
             thee
             .
             For
             neither
             can
             many
             
             friends
             avail
             ,
             nor
             strong
             helpers
             aid
             ,
             nor
             wise
             councellors
             give
             any
             profitable
             answer
             ,
             nor
             the
             Books
             of
             the
             learned
             comfort
             ,
             nor
             any
             wealth
             deliver
             ,
             nor
             any
             secret
             or
             pleasant
             place
             defend
             ;
             if
             thou
             thy self
             dost
             not
             assist
             ,
             help
             ,
             strengthen
             ,
             comfort
             ,
             instruct
             ,
             and
             keep
             us
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             For
             all
             things
             that
             seem
             to
             belong
             to
             the
             attainment
             of
             peace
             and
             felicity
             ,
             without
             thee
             are
             nothing
             ,
             and
             do
             bring
             indeed
             no
             felicity
             at
             all
             .
             Thou
             therefore
             art
             the
             end
             of
             all
             that
             is
             good
             ,
             the
             height
             of
             life
             ,
             the
             depth
             of
             wisdom
             ,
             and
             the
             strongest
             comfort
             of
             thy
             servants
             is
             to
             trust
             in
             thee
             above
             all
             things
             .
             To
             thee
             therefore
             do
             I
             lift
             up
             mine
             eyes
             ,
             in
             thee
             O
             my
             God
             ,
             the
             Father
             of
             mercies
             ,
             I
             put
             my
             trust
             .
             Bless
             and
             sanctifie
             my
             soul
             with
             thy
             Heavenly
             blessings
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             be
             made
             thy
             holy
             habitation
             ,
             and
             the
             seat
             of
             thy
             eternal
             glory
             ;
             and
             that
             nothing
             may
             be
             found
             in
             the
             Temple
             of
             thy
             glory
             ,
             that
             may
             offend
             the
             eyes
             of
             thy
             Majesty
             .
             According
             to
             the
             greatness
             of
             thy
             goodness
             ,
             and
             multitude
             of
             thy
             mercies
             look
             upon
             me
             ,
             and
             hear
             the
             prayer
             of
             thy
             poor
             Servant
             ,
             who
             is
             far
             exiled
             from
             thee
             in
             the
             land
             
             of
             the
             shadow
             of
             death
             .
             Protect
             and
             keep
             the
             soul
             of
             thy
             Servant
             ,
             amidst
             so
             many
             dangers
             of
             this
             corruptible
             life
             ,
             and
             by
             thy
             grace
             accompanying
             me
             direct
             it
             by
             the
             way
             of
             peace
             ,
             to
             the
             country
             of
             everlasting
             light
             ,
          
           
             Amen
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           THE
           FOURTH
           BOOK
           .
           A
           devout
           Exhortation
           unto
           the
           holy
           Communion
           .
        
         
           The
           voice
           of
           Christ.
           
        
         
           COme
           unto
           me
           ,
           all
           ye
           that
           labor
           and
           are
           burdened
           ,
           and
           I
           will
           refresh
           you
           ,
           saith
           the
           Lord.
           The
           bread
           which
           I
           will
           give
           ,
           is
           my
           flesh
           ,
           for
           the
           life
           of
           the
           world
           .
           Take
           ye
           and
           eat
           ,
           that
           is
           my
           body
           that
           is
           given
           for
           you
           .
           Do
           this
           in
           remembrance
           of
           me
           .
           He
           that
           eateth
           my
           flesh
           ,
           and
           drinketh
           my
           blood
           ,
           dwelleth
           in
           me
           and
           I
           in
           him
           .
           The
           words
           which
           I
           have
           spoken
           unto
           you
           ,
           are
           spirit
           and
           life
           .
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             With
             how
             great
             reverence
             Christ
             ought
             to
             be
             received
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             disciple
             .
          
           
             THese
             are
             thy
             words
             ,
             O
             Christ
             the
             everlasting
             Truth
             ,
             though
             not
             spoken
             all
             at
             one
             time
             ,
             nor
             written
             in
             one
             and
             the
             self
             same
             place
             .
             Because
             therefore
             they
             are
             thine
             and
             true
             ,
             they
             are
             all
             thankfully
             and
             faithfully
             to
             be
             received
             by
             me
             .
             They
             are
             thine
             ,
             and
             thou
             hast
             spoken
             them
             ;
             and
             they
             are
             mine
             also
             ,
             because
             thou
             hast
             spoken
             them
             for
             my
             salvation
             .
             I
             willingly
             receive
             them
             from
             thy
             mouth
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             the
             deeper
             imprinted
             in
             my
             heart
             .
             These
             so
             gracious
             words
             ,
             so
             full
             of
             sweetness
             and
             love
             ,
             do
             encourage
             me
             ,
             but
             mine
             own
             offences
             do
             dishearten
             me
             ,
             and
             my
             impure
             conscience
             driveth
             me
             back
             from
             the
             receiving
             of
             so
             great
             mysteries
             .
             The
             sweetness
             of
             thy
             words
             doth
             encourage
             me
             ,
             but
             the
             multitude
             of
             my
             sins
             doth
             oppress
             me
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Thou
             commandest
             me
             to
             come
             confidently
             unto
             thee
             ,
             if
             I
             will
             have
             part
             with
             
             thee
             ;
             and
             to
             receive
             the
             food
             of
             immortality
             ,
             if
             I
             desire
             to
             obtain
             everlasting
             life
             and
             glory
             .
             Come
             ,
             saist
             thou
             ,
             unto
             me
             ,
             all
             ye
             that
             labor
             and
             are
             burdened
             ,
             and
             I
             wil
             refresh
             you
             .
             O
             sweet
             and
             loving
             word
             in
             the
             ear
             of
             a
             sinner
             ,
             that
             thou
             ,
             my
             Lord
             God
             ,
             shouldest
             invite
             the
             poor
             and
             needy
             to
             the
             participation
             of
             thy
             most
             holy
             body
             !
             But
             who
             am
             I
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             presume
             to
             approach
             unto
             thee
             ?
             Behold
             the
             Heavens
             cannot
             contain
             thee
             ,
             and
             thou
             saist
             ,
             Come
             ye
             all
             unto
             me
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             What
             meaneth
             this
             so
             gracious
             a
             condescension
             ,
             and
             this
             so
             loving
             invitation
             ?
             How
             shall
             I
             dare
             to
             come
             ,
             that
             know
             not
             any
             good
             in
             my self
             ,
             whereupon
             I
             may
             presume
             ?
             How
             shall
             I
             bring
             thee
             unto
             my
             House
             ,
             that
             have
             so
             often
             offended
             thy
             most
             gracious
             countenance
             ?
             The
             Angels
             and
             the
             Archangels
             honor
             thee
             ,
             the
             Saints
             and
             just
             Men
             do
             fear
             thee
             ,
             and
             saist
             thou
             ,
             Come
             ye
             all
             unto
             me
             ?
             Unless
             thou
             O
             Lord
             ,
             didst
             say
             it
             ,
             who
             would
             believe
             it
             to
             be
             true
             ?
             And
             unless
             thou
             didst
             command
             it
             ,
             who
             would
             attempt
             to
             come
             unto
             thee
             ?
             Behold
             Noah
             a
             just
             Man
             labored
             a
             Hundred
             years
             in
             the
             making
             of
             the
             Ark
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             be
             saved
             with
             a
             few
             ,
             and
             how
             can
             I
             
             in
             one
             hours
             space
             prepare
             my self
             to
             receive
             with
             reverenee
             the
             Maker
             of
             the
             world
             ?
          
           
             4.
             
             Moses
             thy
             great
             Servant
             ,
             and
             thy
             especial
             friend
             ,
             made
             an
             Ark
             of
             incorruptible
             wood
             ,
             which
             also
             he
             covered
             with
             most
             pure
             Gold
             ,
             to
             put
             the
             Tables
             of
             the
             Law
             therein
             ;
             and
             I
             a
             corruptible
             creature
             ,
             how
             shall
             I
             dare
             so
             lightly
             to
             receive
             the
             Maker
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             and
             the
             giver
             of
             life
             ?
             Solomon
             the
             wisest
             of
             the
             Kings
             of
             Israel
             bestowed
             Seven
             years
             in
             building
             a
             magnificent
             Temple
             to
             the
             praise
             of
             thy
             Name
             ,
             and
             celebrated
             the
             feast
             of
             Dedication
             thereof
             Eight
             days
             together
             ;
             he
             offered
             a
             Thousand
             peace-offerings
             ,
             and
             he
             solemnly
             set
             the
             Ark
             in
             the
             place
             prepared
             for
             it
             ,
             with
             the
             sound
             of
             Trumpets
             ,
             and
             joy
             ;
             and
             I
             the
             most
             miserable
             and
             poorest
             of
             Men
             ,
             how
             shall
             I
             bring
             thee
             into
             my
             House
             ,
             that
             can
             scarce
             spend
             one
             half
             hour
             religiously
             ?
             And
             I
             wish
             I
             could
             once
             spend
             about
             one
             half
             hour
             in
             a
             worthy
             and
             due
             manner
             !
          
           
             5.
             
             O
             my
             God
             ,
             how
             much
             did
             they
             endeavor
             to
             please
             thee
             ,
             and
             alas
             how
             little
             is
             that
             which
             I
             do
             !
             How
             little
             time
             do
             I
             spend
             to
             prepare
             my self
             to
             receive
             !
             I
             am
             
             seldom
             wholly
             recollected
             ,
             very
             seldom
             free
             from
             all
             distraction
             ;
             and
             yet
             surely
             no
             unbecoming
             thought
             ought
             to
             appear
             in
             the
             comfortable
             presence
             of
             thy
             Deity
             ,
             nor
             any
             creature
             wholly
             take
             me
             up
             ;
             for
             I
             am
             not
             to
             harbor
             an
             Angel
             ,
             but
             the
             Lord
             of
             Angels
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             And
             yet
             there
             is
             great
             difference
             between
             the
             Ark
             of
             the
             Covenant
             with
             its
             reliques
             ,
             and
             thy
             most
             pure
             body
             with
             its
             unspeakable
             virtues
             ;
             between
             those
             legal
             Sacrifices
             ,
             figures
             of
             future
             things
             ,
             and
             the
             true
             Sacrifice
             of
             thy
             body
             ,
             the
             complement
             of
             all
             antient
             Sacrifices
             .
             Why
             therefore
             am
             I
             not
             more
             zealous
             in
             thy
             venerable
             presence
             ?
             Wherefore
             do
             I
             not
             prepare
             my self
             with
             greater
             care
             to
             receive
             thy
             holy
             things
             ;
             sith
             those
             holy
             antient
             Patriarchs
             and
             Prophets
             ,
             yea
             Kings
             also
             and
             Princes
             ,
             with
             the
             whole
             people
             ,
             have
             shewed
             such
             an
             affectionateness
             of
             devotion
             to
             thy
             divine
             service
             ?
          
           
             7.
             
             The
             most
             devout
             King
             David
             danced
             before
             the
             Ark
             of
             God
             with
             all
             his
             might
             ,
             calling
             to
             mind
             the
             benefits
             bestowed
             in
             times
             past
             upon
             his
             Forefathers
             .
             He
             made
             instruments
             of
             sundry
             kinds
             ,
             he
             published
             Psalms
             ,
             and
             appointed
             them
             to
             be
             sung
             
             with
             joy
             ;
             he
             also
             oftentimes
             sung
             to
             the
             harp
             ,
             being
             inspired
             with
             the
             grace
             of
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             .
             He
             taught
             the
             people
             of
             Israel
             to
             praise
             God
             with
             their
             whole
             heart
             ,
             and
             with
             pleasant
             voices
             every
             day
             to
             bless
             and
             praise
             him
             .
             If
             so
             great
             devotion
             was
             then
             used
             ,
             and
             such
             celebrating
             of
             divine
             praise
             before
             the
             Ark
             of
             the
             Testament
             ;
             what
             reverence
             and
             devotion
             is
             now
             to
             be
             performed
             by
             me
             and
             all
             Christian
             people
             at
             the
             Sacrament
             ,
             in
             receiving
             the
             most
             precious
             body
             of
             Christ
             ?
          
           
             8.
             
             O
             God
             the
             invisible
             Creator
             of
             the
             world
             how
             wonderfully
             dost
             thou
             deal
             with
             us
             !
             how
             sweetly
             and
             graciously
             dost
             thou
             dispose
             of
             all
             things
             with
             thine
             elect
             ,
             to
             whom
             thou
             offerest
             thy self
             to
             be
             received
             in
             the
             Sacrament
             !
             O
             this
             exceedeth
             all
             understanding
             !
             This
             chiefly
             draweth
             the
             hearts
             of
             the
             religious
             and
             inflameth
             their
             affections
             .
             For
             thy
             true
             faithful
             Servants
             that
             dispose
             their
             whole
             life
             to
             amendment
             ,
             by
             this
             most
             precious
             Sacrament
             ,
             oftentimes
             gain
             much
             of
             the
             grace
             of
             devotion
             ,
             and
             love
             of
             holiness
             ..
          
           
             9.
             
             O
             the
             admirable
             and
             hidden
             grace
             of
             this
             Sacrament
             ,
             which
             only
             the
             faithful
             ones
             of
             Christ
             do
             know
             ;
             but
             the
             unbelieving
             ,
             
             and
             such
             as
             are
             slaves
             unto
             sin
             ,
             cannot
             have
             experience
             thereof
             !
             In
             this
             Sacrament
             spiritual
             grace
             is
             given
             ,
             and
             strength
             which
             was
             lost
             is
             restored
             in
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             the
             beauty
             disfigured
             by
             sin
             returneth
             again
             .
             This
             grace
             is
             sometimes
             so
             great
             ,
             that
             out
             of
             the
             fulness
             of
             devotion
             which
             is
             here
             given
             ,
             not
             only
             the
             mind
             ,
             but
             the
             weak
             body
             also
             ,
             feeleth
             great
             increase
             of
             strength
             .
          
           
             10.
             
             Our
             coldness
             and
             negligence
             surely
             is
             much
             to
             be
             wailed
             and
             pittied
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             not
             drawn
             with
             greater
             affection
             to
             receive
             Christ
             ,
             in
             whom
             all
             the
             hope
             and
             merit
             of
             those
             that
             are
             to
             be
             saved
             doth
             consist
             .
             For
             he
             is
             our
             sanctification
             and
             redemption
             ;
             he
             is
             the
             comfort
             of
             those
             who
             are
             here
             but
             travellers
             ,
             and
             the
             everlasting
             fruition
             of
             Saints
             .
             It
             is
             much
             therefore
             to
             be
             lamented
             that
             many
             do
             so
             little
             consider
             this
             comfortable
             mystery
             ,
             which
             rejoyceth
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             preserveth
             the
             whole
             world
             .
             O
             the
             blindness
             and
             hardness
             of
             Mans
             heart
             ,
             that
             doth
             not
             more
             deeply
             weigh
             so
             unspeakable
             a
             gift
             ;
             but
             rather
             cometh
             by
             the
             daily
             use
             thereof
             to
             regard
             it
             little
             or
             nothing
             !
          
           
             11.
             
             For
             if
             this
             most
             holy
             Sacrament
             
             should
             be
             celebrated
             in
             one
             place
             only
             ,
             and
             consecrated
             by
             one
             only
             Minister
             in
             the
             world
             ;
             with
             how
             great
             desires
             dost
             thou
             think
             would
             Men
             be
             affected
             to
             that
             place
             ,
             and
             to
             such
             a
             Minister
             ,
             that
             they
             might
             enjoy
             the
             celebration
             of
             these
             divine
             mysteries
             ?
             But
             now
             there
             are
             many
             Ministers
             ,
             and
             Christ
             is
             offered
             in
             many
             places
             ;
             that
             so
             the
             grace
             and
             love
             of
             God
             to
             Man
             may
             appear
             so
             much
             the
             greater
             ,
             how
             much
             the
             more
             this
             sacred
             Communion
             is
             spread
             through
             the
             world
             .
             Thanks
             be
             unto
             thee
             good
             Jesus
             ,
             the
             everlasting
             shepherd
             ,
             that
             hast
             vouchsafed
             to
             refresh
             us
             who
             are
             poor
             and
             in
             a
             state
             of
             banishment
             ,
             with
             thy
             precious
             body
             and
             blood
             ,
             and
             to
             invite
             us
             to
             the
             receiving
             of
             these
             mysteries
             with
             the
             words
             of
             thy
             own
             mouth
             ,
             saying
             ,
             Come
             unto
             me
             all
             ye
             that
             labor
             and
             are
             burdened
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             refresh
             you
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             That
             the
             great
             goodness
             and
             love
             of
             God
             is
             exhibited
             to
             Man
             in
             this
             Sacrament
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             Disciple
             .
          
           
             IN
             confidence
             of
             thy
             goodness
             and
             great
             mercy
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             being
             sick
             ,
             I
             approach
             unto
             my
             Savior
             ,
             being
             hungry
             and
             thirsty
             to
             the
             Fountain
             of
             life
             ,
             needy
             to
             the
             King
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             a
             Servant
             unto
             my
             Lord
             ,
             a
             creature
             to
             my
             Creator
             ,
             being
             disconsolate
             I
             come
             to
             thee
             my
             merciful
             comforter
             .
             But
             whence
             is
             this
             to
             me
             ,
             that
             thou
             vouch-safest
             to
             come
             unto
             me
             ?
             Who
             am
             I
             that
             thou
             shouldest
             give
             thy self
             unto
             me
             ?
             How
             dare
             a
             sinner
             appear
             before
             thee
             ?
             And
             how
             is
             it
             that
             thou
             dost
             vouchsafe
             to
             come
             unto
             a
             sinner
             ?
             Thou
             knowest
             thy
             Servant
             and
             seest
             that
             he
             hath
             no
             good
             thing
             in
             him
             ,
             for
             which
             thou
             shouldest
             bestow
             this
             favor
             upon
             him
             .
             I
             confess
             therefore
             my
             unworthiness
             ,
             and
             I
             acknowledg
             thy
             goodness
             ;
             I
             praise
             thy
             mercy
             ,
             and
             give
             thee
             thanks
             for
             this
             thy
             transcendent
             love
             .
             For
             thou
             dost
             this
             for
             thine
             own
             sake
             ,
             not
             for
             any
             
             merits
             of
             mine
             ;
             to
             the
             end
             that
             thy
             goodness
             may
             be
             better
             known
             unto
             me
             ,
             thy
             love
             more
             abundantly
             shewed
             ,
             and
             thy
             gracious
             condescension
             may
             be
             the
             more
             eminently
             set
             forth
             .
             Since
             therefore
             it
             is
             thy
             pleasure
             ,
             and
             thou
             hast
             commanded
             that
             it
             should
             be
             so
             ,
             this
             thy
             favor
             is
             also
             dearly
             pleasing
             to
             me
             ,
             and
             I
             wish
             that
             my
             sins
             may
             be
             no
             hindrance
             herein
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             O
             most
             sweet
             and
             benign
             Jesus
             ,
             how
             great
             reverence
             and
             thanks
             together
             with
             perpetual
             praise
             ,
             is
             due
             unto
             thee
             for
             the
             receiving
             of
             thy
             sacred
             body
             ,
             whose
             preciousness
             no
             Man
             is
             able
             to
             express
             !
             But
             what
             shall
             I
             think
             of
             at
             this
             Communion
             ,
             now
             that
             I
             am
             to
             approach
             unto
             my
             Lord
             ,
             whom
             I
             am
             not
             able
             duly
             to
             honor
             ,
             and
             yet
             I
             desire
             to
             receive
             him
             with
             devotion
             ?
             What
             can
             I
             think
             better
             ,
             and
             more
             profitable
             ,
             than
             to
             humble
             my self
             wholly
             before
             thee
             ,
             and
             to
             exalt
             thy
             infinite
             goodness
             above
             me
             ?
             I
             praise
             thee
             my
             God
             ,
             and
             will
             exalt
             thee
             for
             ever
             ;
             and
             I
             do
             despise
             and
             submit
             my self
             unto
             thee
             ,
             in
             a
             deep
             sense
             of
             my
             own
             unworthiness
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Behold
             thou
             art
             the
             Holy
             of
             Holies
             ,
             and
             I
             the
             skum
             of
             sinners
             !
             Behold
             thou
             inclinest
             unto
             me
             ,
             who
             am
             not
             worthy
             so
             
             much
             as
             to
             look
             up
             unto
             thee
             !
             Behold
             thou
             comest
             unto
             me
             !
             It
             is
             thy
             will
             to
             be
             with
             me
             ,
             thou
             invitest
             me
             to
             thy
             banquet
             .
             Thou
             wilt
             give
             me
             the
             food
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             bread
             of
             Angels
             to
             eat
             ,
             which
             is
             no
             other
             indeed
             than
             thy self
             ,
             the
             living
             bread
             ,
             that
             descendest
             from
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             givest
             life
             unto
             the
             world
             .
             world
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Behold
             from
             whence
             doth
             this
             love
             proceed
             !
             What
             a
             gracious
             condescension
             of
             thine
             appeareth
             herein
             !
             How
             great
             thanks
             and
             praises
             are
             due
             unto
             thee
             for
             these
             benefits
             !
             O
             how
             good
             and
             profitable
             was
             thy
             councel
             ,
             when
             thou
             ordainedst
             it
             !
             How
             sweet
             and
             pleasant
             the
             banquet
             ,
             when
             thou
             gavest
             thy self
             to
             be
             our
             food
             !
             How
             wonderful
             is
             this
             thy
             doing
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             how
             mighty
             is
             thy
             power
             ,
             how
             unspeakable
             is
             thy
             truth
             !
             For
             thou
             sayest
             the
             word
             ,
             and
             all
             things
             were
             made
             ;
             and
             this
             was
             done
             which
             thou
             commandest
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             A
             thing
             of
             great
             admiration
             ,
             that
             thou
             ,
             my
             Lord
             God
             ,
             true
             God
             ,
             and
             Man
             ,
             shouldest
             be
             exhibited
             unto
             us
             by
             the
             Elements
             of
             Bread
             and
             Wine
             .
             Thou
             who
             art
             the
             Lord
             of
             all
             things
             and
             standest
             in
             need
             of
             none
             ,
             had
             pleased
             to
             dwell
             in
             us
             by
             means
             of
             this
             thy
             Sacrament
             ;
             preserve
             my
             
             heart
             and
             body
             unspotted
             ,
             that
             with
             a
             chearful
             and
             pure
             conscience
             I
             may
             often
             celebrate
             thy
             mysteries
             ,
             and
             receive
             them
             to
             my
             everlasting
             health
             ;
             which
             thou
             hast
             chiefly
             ordained
             and
             instituted
             for
             thy
             honor
             and
             for
             a
             perpetual
             memorial
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             Rejoyce
             ,
             O
             my
             soul
             ,
             and
             give
             thanks
             unto
             God
             for
             so
             noble
             a
             gift
             ,
             and
             so
             singular
             a
             comfort
             left
             unto
             thee
             in
             this
             vale
             of
             tears
             .
             For
             as
             often
             as
             thou
             callest
             to
             mind
             this
             mystery
             ,
             and
             receivest
             the
             body
             of
             Christ
             ;
             so
             often
             dost
             thou
             remember
             the
             work
             of
             thy
             redemption
             ,
             and
             art
             made
             partaker
             of
             all
             the
             merits
             of
             Christ.
             For
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             is
             never
             diminished
             ,
             and
             the
             greatness
             of
             his
             propitiation
             is
             never
             exhausted
             .
             Therefore
             thou
             oughtest
             always
             to
             dispose
             thy self
             hereunto
             by
             a
             fresh
             renewing
             of
             thy
             mind
             ,
             and
             to
             weigh
             with
             attentive
             consideration
             this
             great
             mystery
             of
             thy
             salvation
             .
             So
             great
             ,
             new
             ,
             and
             joyful
             it
             ought
             to
             seem
             unto
             thee
             ,
             when
             thou
             comest
             to
             these
             holy
             mysteries
             ;
             as
             if
             the
             same
             day
             Christ
             first
             descending
             into
             the
             womb
             of
             the
             Virgin
             ,
             were
             become
             Man
             ;
             or
             hanging
             on
             the
             Cross
             did
             suffer
             and
             die
             for
             salvation
             of
             Mankind
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             That
             it
             is
             profitable
             to
             communicate
             often
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             Disciple
             .
          
           
             BEhold
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             I
             come
             unto
             thee
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             be
             comforted
             in
             thy
             gift
             ,
             and
             be
             delighted
             in
             thy
             holy
             banquet
             ,
             which
             thou
             ,
             O
             God
             ,
             hast
             prepared
             in
             thy
             goodness
             for
             the
             poor
             .
             Behold
             in
             thee
             is
             all
             whatsoever
             I
             can
             or
             ought
             to
             desire
             ;
             thou
             art
             my
             salvation
             and
             my
             redemption
             ,
             my
             hope
             and
             my
             strength
             ,
             my
             honor
             and
             my
             glory
             ,
             make
             joyful
             therefore
             this
             day
             the
             soul
             of
             thy
             Servant
             ,
             for
             that
             I
             have
             lifted
             it
             up
             to
             thee
             .
             O
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             I
             desire
             to
             receive
             thee
             now
             with
             devotion
             and
             reverence
             .
             I
             do
             long
             to
             bring
             thee
             into
             my
             house
             ,
             that
             with
             Zacheus
             I
             may
             obtain
             to
             be
             blessed
             by
             thee
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             numbred
             amongst
             the
             Children
             of
             Abraham
             .
             My
             soul
             thirsteth
             to
             receive
             thy
             body
             ,
             my
             heart
             desireth
             to
             be
             united
             with
             thee
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Give
             thy self
             to
             me
             ,
             and
             it
             sufficeth
             ;
             for
             besides
             thee
             no
             comfort
             is
             available
             .
             I
             cannot
             be
             without
             thee
             ,
             nor
             live
             without
             thy
             visitation
             .
             And
             therefore
             I
             must
             often
             
             come
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             receive
             thee
             for
             the
             welfare
             of
             my
             soul
             ;
             lest
             perhaps
             I
             faint
             in
             the
             way
             ,
             if
             I
             be
             deprived
             of
             thy
             Heavenly
             food
             .
             For
             so
             ,
             most
             merciful
             Jesus
             ,
             thou
             once
             didst
             say
             ,
             preaching
             to
             the
             people
             and
             curing
             sundry
             diseases
             ,
             
               I
               will
               not
               send
               them
               home
               fasting
               ,
               lest
               they
               faint
               in
               the
               way
               .
            
             Deal
             thou
             therefore
             in
             like
             manner
             now
             with
             me
             ,
             who
             hast
             vouchsafed
             to
             leave
             thy self
             in
             the
             Sacrament
             for
             the
             comfort
             of
             the
             faithful
             .
             For
             thou
             art
             the
             sweet
             refection
             of
             the
             soul
             ;
             and
             he
             that
             eateth
             thee
             worthily
             ,
             shall
             be
             partaker
             and
             heir
             of
             everlasting
             glory
             .
             It
             is
             necessary
             for
             me
             ,
             that
             do
             often
             fall
             and
             sin
             ,
             and
             so
             quickly
             wax
             dull
             and
             faint
             ,
             that
             by
             frequent
             prayer
             and
             confession
             ,
             and
             receiving
             of
             thy
             holy
             body
             ,
             I
             renew
             ,
             cleanse
             ,
             and
             inflame
             my self
             ;
             lest
             perhaps
             by
             long
             abstaining
             I
             should
             fall
             from
             my
             holy
             purpose
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             For
             the
             imaginations
             of
             Man
             are
             prone
             unto
             evil
             from
             his
             youth
             ,
             and
             unless
             some
             divine
             remedy
             help
             him
             ,
             he
             quickly
             slideth
             to
             worse
             .
             This
             holy
             Communion
             therefore
             draweth
             back
             from
             evil
             and
             strengtheneth
             in
             good
             .
             For
             if
             I
             be
             now
             so
             often
             slack
             and
             cold
             when
             I
             communicate
             ,
             or
             celebrate
             ;
             what
             would
             become
             of
             me
             if
             I
             
             received
             not
             this
             remedy
             ,
             and
             sought
             not
             after
             so
             great
             an
             help
             ?
             Though
             every
             day
             I
             be
             not
             fit
             ,
             nor
             well
             prepared
             to
             communicate
             ;
             I
             will
             endeavor
             notwithstanding
             at
             due
             times
             to
             receive
             the
             divine
             mysteries
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             partaker
             of
             so
             great
             a
             grace
             .
             For
             this
             is
             one
             chief
             comfort
             of
             a
             faithful
             soul
             ,
             whilest
             she
             wandreth
             from
             thee
             in
             this
             mortal
             body
             ,
             that
             being
             often
             mindful
             of
             her
             God
             ,
             she
             receive
             her
             beloved
             with
             a
             devout
             mind
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             O
             the
             wonderful
             condescent
             of
             thy
             mercy
             towards
             us
             ,
             that
             thou
             O
             Lord
             God
             ,
             the
             Creator
             and
             giver
             of
             life
             to
             all
             spirits
             ,
             dost
             vouchsafe
             to
             come
             unto
             a
             poor
             soul
             ;
             and
             with
             thy
             whole
             Deity
             and
             Humanity
             to
             replenish
             her
             hunger
             !
             O
             happy
             mind
             and
             blessed
             soul
             ,
             that
             obtains
             to
             receive
             thee
             ,
             her
             Lord
             God
             ,
             with
             devout
             affection
             ,
             and
             in
             receiving
             of
             thee
             to
             be
             filled
             with
             spiritual
             joy
             !
             O
             how
             great
             a
             Lord
             doth
             she
             entertain
             !
             How
             beloved
             a
             guest
             doth
             she
             harbor
             !
             How
             pleasant
             a
             companion
             doth
             she
             receive
             !
             How
             faithful
             a
             friend
             doth
             she
             take
             in
             !
             How
             lovely
             and
             noble
             a
             spouse
             doth
             she
             embrace
             !
             She
             embraceth
             him
             who
             is
             to
             be
             loved
             above
             all
             that
             is
             beloved
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             things
             that
             may
             
             be
             desired
             .
             Let
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             and
             all
             their
             furniture
             be
             silent
             in
             thy
             presence
             ;
             for
             what
             praise
             and
             beauty
             soever
             they
             have
             ,
             it
             is
             received
             from
             thy
             bounty
             ,
             and
             shall
             not
             equal
             the
             beauty
             of
             thy
             Name
             ,
             whose
             wisdom
             is
             infinite
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             That
             many
             benefits
             are
             bestowed
             upon
             them
             that
             communicate
             devoutly
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             Disciple
             .
          
           
             MY
             Lord
             God
             ,
             prevent
             thy
             Servant
             with
             the
             blessings
             of
             thy
             sweetness
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             approach
             worthily
             and
             devoutly
             to
             thy
             glorious
             Sacrament
             ;
             stir
             up
             my
             heart
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             deliver
             me
             from
             all
             dulness
             ;
             visit
             me
             with
             thy
             salvation
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             taste
             in
             spirit
             thy
             sweetness
             ,
             which
             plentifully
             lieth
             hid
             in
             this
             Sacrament
             ,
             as
             in
             a
             fountain
             .
             Enlighten
             also
             my
             eyes
             to
             behold
             so
             great
             a
             mystery
             ,
             and
             strengthen
             me
             to
             believe
             it
             with
             undoubted
             faith
             .
             For
             it
             is
             thy
             work
             ,
             and
             not
             Mans
             power
             ;
             thy
             sacred
             institution
             ,
             not
             Mans
             invention
             .
             For
             no
             Man
             is
             of
             himself
             able
             to
             comprehend
             
             and
             understand
             these
             things
             ,
             which
             surpass
             the
             understanding
             even
             of
             Angels
             .
             What
             therefore
             shall
             I
             unworthy
             sinner
             ,
             dust
             and
             ashes
             ,
             be
             able
             to
             search
             and
             comprehend
             of
             so
             high
             and
             sacred
             a
             mystery
             ?
          
           
             2.
             
             O
             Lord
             ,
             in
             the
             simplicity
             of
             my
             heart
             ,
             with
             a
             good
             and
             firm
             faith
             ,
             and
             at
             thy
             commandment
             ,
             I
             come
             unto
             thee
             with
             hope
             and
             reverence
             ,
             and
             do
             truly
             believe
             that
             thou
             art
             present
             in
             the
             Sacrament
             .
             Thy
             will
             is
             ,
             that
             I
             receive
             thee
             ,
             and
             that
             by
             love
             I
             unite
             my self
             unto
             thee
             .
             Wherefore
             I
             implore
             thy
             mercy
             ,
             and
             do
             crave
             thy
             special
             grace
             ,
             to
             the
             end
             I
             may
             wholly
             melt
             and
             flow
             over
             with
             love
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             hereafter
             never
             harbor
             any
             external
             comfort
             .
             For
             this
             most
             high
             and
             worthy
             Sacrament
             is
             the
             health
             of
             the
             soul
             and
             body
             ,
             the
             remedy
             of
             all
             spiritual
             weakness
             ;
             hereby
             my
             vices
             are
             cured
             ,
             my
             passions
             bridled
             ,
             temptations
             overcome
             or
             weakned
             ,
             greater
             grace
             is
             infused
             ,
             virtue
             begun
             increased
             ,
             faith
             confirmed
             ,
             hope
             strengthened
             and
             love
             inflamed
             ,
             and
             enlarged
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             For
             thou
             hast
             bestowed
             ,
             and
             still
             oftentimes
             dost
             bestow
             many
             benefits
             in
             this
             Sacrament
             upon
             thy
             beloved
             ones
             that
             
             communicate
             devoutly
             ,
             O
             my
             God
             ,
             the
             Protector
             of
             my
             soul
             ,
             the
             strengthner
             of
             humane
             frailty
             ,
             and
             the
             giver
             of
             all
             inward
             comfort
             .
             Thou
             impartest
             unto
             them
             much
             comfort
             against
             sundry
             tribulations
             ;
             and
             liftest
             them
             up
             from
             the
             depth
             of
             their
             own
             dejectedness
             ,
             to
             hope
             in
             thy
             protection
             ;
             and
             dost
             inwardly
             refresh
             and
             illustrate
             them
             with
             new
             grace
             ,
             so
             that
             they
             who
             before
             Communion
             felt
             themselves
             heavy
             and
             indisposed
             ,
             afterwards
             being
             refreshed
             with
             Heavenly
             meat
             and
             drink
             ,
             do
             find
             in
             themselves
             a
             great
             change
             to
             the
             better
             .
             And
             in
             such
             a
             way
             of
             dispensation
             thou
             dealest
             with
             thy
             elect
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             truly
             acknowledg
             ,
             and
             patiently
             prove
             ,
             how
             great
             their
             own
             infirmity
             is
             ,
             and
             what
             goodness
             and
             grace
             they
             receive
             from
             thee
             .
             For
             they
             of
             themselves
             are
             cold
             ,
             dull
             and
             undevout
             ;
             but
             by
             thee
             they
             are
             made
             fervent
             ,
             chearful
             ,
             and
             full
             of
             devotion
             .
             For
             who
             is
             there
             ,
             that
             approaching
             humbly
             unto
             the
             fountain
             of
             sweetness
             ,
             doth
             not
             carry
             away
             from
             thence
             at
             least
             some
             little
             sweetness
             ?
             Or
             who
             standing
             by
             a
             great
             fire
             ,
             receiveth
             not
             some
             small
             heat
             thereby
             ?
             Thou
             art
             a
             fountain
             always
             full
             and
             overflowing
             ,
             a
             fire
             ever
             burning
             and
             never
             decaying
             .
          
           
           
             4.
             
             Wherefore
             if
             I
             cannot
             draw
             out
             of
             the
             full
             fountain
             it self
             ,
             nor
             drink
             my
             fill
             ;
             I
             will
             notwithstanding
             set
             my
             lips
             to
             the
             mouth
             of
             this
             Heavenly
             conduit
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             draw
             from
             thence
             at
             least
             some
             small
             drop
             to
             refresh
             my
             thirst
             ;
             that
             so
             I
             may
             not
             be
             wholly
             dried
             up
             .
             And
             though
             I
             be
             not
             altogether
             Heavenly
             ,
             nor
             so
             inflamed
             as
             the
             Cherubins
             and
             Seraphins
             ,
             notwithstanding
             I
             will
             endeavor
             to
             apply
             my self
             to
             devotion
             ,
             and
             prepare
             my
             heart
             to
             obtain
             some
             small
             spark
             of
             divine
             fire
             ,
             by
             humble
             receiving
             of
             this
             enlivening
             Sacrament
             .
             And
             whatsoever
             is
             hereunto
             wanting
             in
             me
             ,
             good
             Jesus
             ,
             most
             holy
             Saviour
             ,
             do
             thou
             supply
             for
             me
             ,
             most
             bountifully
             and
             graciously
             ,
             who
             hast
             vouchsafed
             to
             call
             us
             unto
             thee
             ,
             saying
             ,
             Come
             unto
             me
             all
             ye
             that
             labor
             and
             are
             burdened
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             refresh
             you
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             I
             indeed
             labor
             in
             the
             sweat
             of
             my
             brows
             ,
             I
             am
             vexed
             with
             grief
             of
             heart
             ,
             I
             am
             burdened
             with
             sins
             ,
             I
             am
             troubled
             with
             temptations
             ,
             I
             am
             intangled
             and
             oppressed
             with
             many
             evill
             passions
             ;
             and
             there
             is
             none
             to
             help
             me
             ,
             none
             to
             deliver
             and
             save
             me
             ,
             but
             thou
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             my
             Saviour
             ,
             to
             whom
             I
             commit
             my self
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             is
             mine
             ,
             that
             thou
             
             mayest
             keep
             me
             and
             bring
             me
             to
             life
             everlasting
             .
             Receive
             me
             to
             the
             honor
             and
             glory
             of
             thy
             Name
             ,
             who
             hast
             prepared
             thy
             Body
             and
             Blood
             to
             be
             my
             meat
             and
             drink
             .
             Grant
             ,
             Lord
             God
             ,
             my
             Saviour
             ,
             that
             by
             frequenting
             thy
             mysteries
             ,
             the
             zeal
             of
             my
             devotion
             may
             increase
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             V.
             Of
             the
             dignity
             of
             this
             Sacrament
             ,
             and
             Ministerial
             function
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             Christ.
             
          
           
             IF
             thou
             hadst
             Angelical
             purity
             ,
             and
             the
             sanctity
             of
             St.
             Iohn
             Baptist
             ,
             thou
             wert
             not
             worthy
             to
             receive
             this
             Sacrament
             .
             For
             it
             is
             not
             within
             the
             compass
             of
             the
             deserts
             of
             Men
             ,
             that
             Man
             should
             consecrate
             the
             Sacrament
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             receive
             for
             food
             the
             Bread
             of
             Angels
             .
             A
             great
             mystery
             ,
             and
             great
             is
             the
             dignity
             of
             the
             Ministers
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             whom
             is
             given
             that
             which
             is
             not
             given
             to
             the
             Angels
             .
             It
             is
             proper
             for
             Ministers
             rightly
             instituted
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             to
             have
             power
             to
             celebrate
             ,
             and
             consecrate
             the
             Body
             of
             Christ.
             The
             Priest
             is
             the
             Minister
             
             of
             God
             ,
             using
             the
             word
             of
             God
             ,
             by
             Gods
             Commandment
             and
             appointment
             ;
             but
             God
             is
             there
             the
             principal
             Author
             ,
             and
             invisible
             Worker
             ;
             to
             whom
             is
             subject
             all
             that
             he
             pleaseth
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             he
             commandeth
             doth
             obey
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Thou
             oughtest
             therefore
             more
             to
             believe
             God
             Almighty
             in
             this
             most
             excellent
             Sacrament
             ,
             than
             thine
             own
             sense
             ,
             or
             any
             visible
             sign
             .
             And
             therefore
             thou
             art
             to
             come
             unto
             this
             mystery
             with
             fear
             and
             reverence
             .
             Consider
             attentively
             with
             thy self
             ,
             and
             see
             what
             that
             is
             ,
             whereof
             the
             Ministery
             is
             delivered
             unto
             thee
             by
             the
             imposition
             of
             the
             hands
             of
             the
             Bishop
             .
             Behold
             thou
             art
             made
             a
             Priest
             ,
             and
             consecrated
             to
             celebrate
             ;
             see
             now
             that
             in
             due
             time
             thou
             doest
             this
             faithfully
             and
             devoutly
             ,
             and
             carry
             thy self
             so
             ,
             as
             thou
             mayest
             be
             without
             reproof
             .
             Thou
             hast
             not
             lightned
             thy
             burden
             ,
             but
             art
             now
             bound
             with
             a
             straiter
             band
             of
             discipline
             ,
             and
             art
             obliged
             to
             a
             more
             perfect
             degree
             of
             sanctity
             .
             A
             Minister
             ought
             to
             be
             adorned
             with
             all
             graces
             ,
             and
             to
             give
             example
             of
             good
             life
             to
             others
             .
             His
             conversation
             should
             not
             be
             according
             to
             the
             ordinary
             and
             common
             course
             of
             Men
             ,
             but
             like
             to
             the
             Angels
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             or
             to
             perfect
             Men
             on
             Earth
             .
          
           
           
             3.
             
             A
             Minister
             is
             the
             Vicegerent
             of
             Christ
             ,
             to
             pray
             humbly
             with
             a
             prostrate
             mind
             unto
             God
             for
             himself
             and
             the
             whole
             People
             .
             Neither
             ought
             he
             to
             cease
             from
             prayer
             till
             he
             obtain
             grace
             and
             mercy
             .
             When
             a
             Minister
             doth
             celebrate
             ,
             he
             honoreth
             God
             ,
             rejoyceth
             the
             Angels
             ,
             edifieth
             the
             Church
             ,
             helpeth
             the
             living
             ;
             and
             maketh
             himself
             partaker
             of
             all
             good
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VI.
             An
             interrogation
             of
             the
             exercise
             before
             Communion
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             Disciple
             .
          
           
             WHen
             I
             weigh
             thy
             worthiness
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             and
             my
             unworthiness
             ,
             I
             tremble
             ,
             and
             am
             confounded
             in
             my self
             .
             For
             if
             I
             come
             not
             unto
             thee
             ,
             I
             fly
             from
             life
             ;
             and
             if
             I
             unworthily
             intrude
             my self
             ,
             I
             incur
             thy
             displeasure
             .
             What
             therefore
             shall
             I
             do
             my
             God
             ,
             my
             helper
             ,
             and
             my
             counceller
             ,
             in
             necessity
             ?
          
           
             2.
             
             Teach
             me
             the
             right
             way
             ,
             appoint
             me
             some
             exercise
             sutable
             to
             this
             holy
             Communion
             .
             For
             it
             is
             good
             for
             me
             to
             know
             
             how
             I
             should
             reverently
             and
             religiously
             prepare
             my
             heart
             for
             thee
             ,
             for
             the
             profitable
             receiving
             of
             thy
             Sacrament
             ,
             or
             for
             the
             celebrating
             of
             so
             great
             and
             divine
             a
             Sacrifice
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VII
             .
             Of
             the
             discussing
             of
             our
             own
             conscience
             and
             purpose
             of
             amendment
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             beloved
             .
          
           
             ABove
             all
             things
             ,
             The
             Minister
             of
             God
             ought
             to
             come
             to
             celebrate
             ,
             and
             receive
             this
             Sacrament
             with
             great
             humility
             of
             heart
             ,
             and
             lowly
             reverence
             ,
             with
             a
             full
             faith
             ,
             and
             a
             pious
             intending
             of
             the
             honor
             of
             God.
             Examine
             diligently
             thy
             conscience
             ,
             and
             to
             thy
             power
             purge
             and
             cleanse
             it
             with
             true
             contrition
             and
             humble
             confession
             ;
             so
             as
             there
             may
             be
             nothing
             in
             thee
             ,
             that
             may
             be
             burdensome
             unto
             thee
             ,
             or
             that
             may
             breed
             in
             thee
             remorse
             of
             conscience
             ,
             and
             hinder
             thy
             free
             access
             .
             Repent
             thee
             of
             all
             thy
             sins
             in
             general
             ,
             and
             in
             particular
             bewail
             and
             lament
             thy
             daily
             offences
             .
             And
             if
             thou
             hast
             time
             ,
             confess
             
             unto
             God
             in
             the
             secret
             of
             thy
             heart
             ,
             all
             the
             evils
             of
             thy
             disordered
             passions
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Lament
             and
             grieve
             ,
             that
             thou
             art
             yet
             so
             carnal
             ,
             so
             worldly
             ,
             so
             unmortified
             in
             thy
             passions
             ,
             so
             full
             of
             the
             motions
             of
             concupiscence
             ,
             so
             unwatchful
             over
             thy
             outward
             senses
             ,
             so
             often
             intangled
             with
             many
             vain
             fantasies
             ,
             so
             vehemently
             inclined
             to
             outward
             things
             ,
             so
             negligent
             in
             the
             interior
             ,
             so
             prone
             to
             laughter
             and
             immodesty
             ,
             so
             indisposed
             to
             tears
             and
             compunction
             ,
             so
             prompt
             to
             ease
             and
             pleasures
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             so
             dull
             to
             strictness
             and
             life
             of
             zeal
             ,
             so
             curious
             to
             hear
             news
             and
             see
             glorious
             sights
             ,
             so
             slack
             to
             imbrace
             what
             is
             humble
             and
             low
             ,
             so
             covetous
             of
             abundance
             ,
             so
             niggardly
             in
             giving
             ,
             so
             fast
             in
             keeping
             ,
             so
             inconsiderate
             in
             speeh
             ,
             so
             unbridled
             to
             silence
             ,
             so
             loose
             in
             manners
             ,
             so
             importune
             in
             action
             ,
             so
             greedy
             to
             meat
             ,
             so
             deaf
             to
             the
             word
             of
             God
             ,
             so
             hasty
             to
             rest
             ,
             so
             slow
             to
             labor
             ,
             so
             watchful
             to
             tales
             ,
             so
             drowsie
             to
             watch
             in
             the
             service
             of
             God
             ,
             so
             hasty
             to
             the
             end
             thereof
             ,
             so
             inconstant
             in
             attention
             ,
             so
             cold
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             so
             undevout
             in
             celebrating
             ,
             so
             dry
             in
             receiving
             ,
             so
             quickly
             distracted
             ,
             so
             seldom
             wholly
             gathered
             into
             thy self
             ,
             so
             suddenly
             moved
             to
             anger
             ,
             so
             
             apt
             to
             take
             displeasure
             against
             another
             ,
             so
             prone
             to
             judge
             ,
             so
             severe
             to
             reprehend
             ,
             so
             joyful
             in
             prosperity
             ,
             so
             weak
             in
             adversity
             ,
             so
             often
             purposing
             much
             good
             ,
             and
             yet
             performing
             little
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             These
             and
             other
             thy
             defects
             being
             confessed
             ,
             and
             bewailed
             with
             sorrow
             and
             great
             dislike
             of
             thine
             own
             infirmity
             ,
             make
             a
             firm
             purpose
             always
             to
             amend
             thy
             life
             ,
             and
             to
             endeavor
             still
             after
             a
             farther
             progress
             in
             holiness
             .
             Then
             with
             full
             resignation
             ,
             and
             with
             thy
             whole
             will
             ,
             do
             thou
             to
             the
             honor
             of
             my
             Name
             ,
             offer
             up
             thy self
             a
             perpetual
             sacrifice
             on
             the
             Altar
             of
             thy
             heart
             ,
             faithfully
             committing
             thy
             body
             and
             soul
             unto
             me
             ,
             that
             so
             thou
             mayest
             come
             worthily
             to
             celebrate
             this
             Eucharistical
             sacrifice
             ,
             and
             to
             receive
             profitably
             the
             Sacrament
             of
             my
             body
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             For
             Man
             hath
             no
             oblation
             more
             worthy
             ,
             nor
             greater
             ,
             for
             the
             destroying
             of
             sin
             ,
             than
             to
             offer
             up
             himself
             unto
             God
             purely
             and
             wholly
             in
             the
             holy
             Communion
             .
             And
             when
             a
             Man
             shall
             have
             done
             what
             lieth
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             shall
             be
             truly
             penitent
             ,
             and
             shall
             come
             to
             me
             for
             pardon
             and
             grace
             ,
             as
             I
             live
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             who
             will
             not
             the
             death
             of
             a
             sinner
             ,
             but
             rather
             that
             he
             be
             converted
             and
             
             live
             ,
             I
             will
             not
             remember
             his
             sins
             any
             more
             ,
             but
             they
             shall
             be
             all
             forgiven
             him
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VIII
             .
             Of
             the
             oblation
             of
             Christ
             on
             the
             Cross
             and
             resignation
             of
             our selves
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             Beloved
             .
          
           
             AS
             I
             willingly
             offered
             up
             my self
             unto
             God
             my
             Father
             for
             thy
             sins
             ,
             my
             hands
             being
             stretched
             forth
             on
             the
             Cross
             ,
             and
             my
             body
             naked
             ,
             so
             that
             nothing
             remained
             in
             me
             that
             was
             not
             wholly
             turned
             into
             a
             sacrifice
             for
             the
             appeasing
             of
             the
             divine
             Majesty
             ;
             so
             oughtest
             thou
             also
             to
             offer
             up
             thy self
             willingly
             unto
             me
             every
             day
             ,
             as
             a
             pure
             and
             holy
             oblation
             ,
             with
             all
             thy
             might
             and
             affections
             ,
             in
             as
             hearty
             a
             manner
             as
             thou
             canst
             .
             What
             do
             I
             require
             of
             thee
             more
             ,
             than
             that
             thou
             entirely
             resign
             thy self
             unto
             me
             ?
             Whatsoever
             thou
             givest
             besides
             thy self
             ,
             is
             of
             little
             account
             in
             my
             sight
             ,
             for
             I
             seek
             not
             any
             gift
             of
             thine
             ,
             but
             thy self
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             As
             it
             would
             not
             suffice
             thee
             to
             have
             
             all
             things
             whatsoever
             ,
             besides
             me
             ;
             so
             neither
             can
             it
             please
             me
             ,
             whatsoever
             thou
             givest
             ,
             if
             thou
             offerest
             not
             thy self
             .
             Offer
             up
             thy self
             unto
             me
             ,
             and
             give
             thy self
             wholly
             for
             God
             ,
             and
             thy
             offering
             shall
             be
             acceptable
             .
             Behold
             I
             offered
             up
             my self
             wholly
             unto
             my
             Father
             for
             thee
             ,
             and
             gave
             my
             whole
             body
             and
             blood
             for
             thy
             food
             ,
             that
             I
             might
             be
             wholly
             thine
             ,
             and
             thou
             remain
             mine
             .
             But
             if
             thou
             abidest
             in
             thy self
             ,
             and
             dost
             not
             offer
             thy self
             up
             freely
             unto
             my
             will
             ;
             thy
             oblation
             is
             not
             entire
             ,
             neither
             will
             the
             union
             between
             us
             be
             perfect
             .
             Therefore
             a
             free
             offering
             up
             of
             thy self
             into
             the
             hands
             of
             God
             ,
             ought
             to
             go
             before
             all
             thy
             actions
             ,
             if
             thou
             wilt
             obtain
             freedom
             and
             grace
             .
             For
             this
             cause
             so
             few
             become
             inwardly
             free
             and
             illuminated
             ,
             for
             that
             they
             are
             loth
             wholly
             to
             deny
             themselves
             .
             My
             saying
             is
             undoubtedly
             true
             ,
             
               unless
               a
               Man
               forsake
               all
               ,
               he
               cannot
               be
               my
               Disciple
               .
            
             If
             thou
             therefore
             desirest
             to
             be
             my
             Disciple
             ,
             offer
             up
             thy self
             unto
             me
             with
             thy
             whole
             affections
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             IX
             .
             That
             we
             ought
             to
             offer
             up
             our selves
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             is
             ours
             unto
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             pray
             for
             all
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             Disciple
             .
          
           
             THine
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             are
             all
             things
             that
             are
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             in
             Earth
             .
             I
             desire
             to
             offer
             up
             my self
             unto
             thee
             ,
             as
             a
             free
             oblation
             ,
             and
             to
             remain
             always
             thine
             .
             O
             Lord
             ,
             in
             the
             simplicity
             of
             my
             heart
             I
             offer
             my self
             unto
             thee
             this
             day
             ,
             for
             a
             sacrifice
             of
             a
             perpetual
             praise
             ,
             to
             be
             thy
             Servant
             for
             ever
             .
             Receive
             me
             with
             this
             holy
             oblation
             of
             thy
             precious
             body
             ;
             and
             may
             this
             be
             for
             my
             good
             and
             the
             good
             of
             all
             thy
             People
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             I
             offer
             unto
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             all
             my
             sins
             and
             offences
             ,
             which
             I
             have
             committed
             before
             thee
             and
             thy
             holy
             Angels
             ,
             from
             the
             day
             wherein
             I
             first
             could
             sin
             ,
             to
             this
             hour
             ,
             upon
             thy
             merciful
             altar
             ;
             that
             thou
             mayest
             consume
             and
             burn
             them
             all
             with
             the
             fire
             of
             thy
             love
             ,
             and
             wash
             out
             all
             the
             stains
             of
             my
             sins
             ,
             and
             cleanse
             my
             conscience
             from
             all
             offences
             ,
             and
             restore
             to
             me
             again
             thy
             
             grace
             ,
             which
             I
             lost
             by
             sin
             ,
             forgiving
             me
             all
             my
             offences
             ,
             and
             receiving
             me
             mercifully
             to
             the
             kiss
             of
             peace
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             What
             can
             I
             do
             with
             my
             sins
             ,
             but
             humbly
             confess
             and
             bewail
             them
             ,
             and
             intreat
             always
             thy
             favor
             ?
             I
             beseech
             thee
             ,
             hear
             me
             graciously
             ,
             when
             I
             stand
             before
             thee
             my
             God.
             All
             my
             sins
             are
             very
             displeasing
             unto
             me
             .
             I
             will
             never
             commit
             them
             any
             more
             ;
             but
             I
             bewail
             ,
             and
             will
             bewail
             them
             as
             long
             as
             I
             live
             ,
             and
             am
             purposed
             to
             repent
             and
             according
             to
             my
             utmost
             power
             to
             please
             thee
             .
             Forgive
             me
             ,
             O
             God
             ,
             forgive
             me
             my
             sins
             for
             thy
             holy
             Names
             sake
             ;
             save
             my
             soul
             which
             thou
             hast
             redeemed
             with
             thy
             most
             precious
             blood
             .
             Behold
             I
             commit
             my self
             unto
             thy
             mercy
             ,
             I
             resign
             my self
             into
             thy
             Hands
             .
             Do
             with
             me
             according
             to
             thy
             goodness
             ,
             not
             according
             to
             my
             wickedness
             and
             iniquity
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             I
             offer
             up
             also
             unto
             thee
             all
             whatsoever
             is
             good
             in
             me
             ,
             although
             it
             be
             very
             little
             and
             imperfect
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             amend
             and
             sanctify
             it
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             make
             it
             grateful
             and
             acceptable
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             always
             perfect
             it
             more
             and
             more
             ;
             and
             bring
             me
             also
             ,
             who
             am
             a
             slothful
             and
             unprofitable
             
             profitable
             creature
             ,
             to
             a
             good
             and
             blessed
             end
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             I
             offer
             up
             also
             unto
             thee
             all
             the
             godly
             desires
             of
             pious
             persons
             ,
             the
             necessities
             of
             parents
             ,
             friends
             ,
             brethren
             ,
             sisters
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             those
             that
             are
             dear
             unto
             me
             ,
             and
             that
             have
             done
             good
             either
             to
             my self
             or
             to
             others
             for
             thy
             love
             ,
             and
             that
             have
             desired
             and
             begged
             of
             me
             to
             pray
             for
             them
             and
             all
             theirs
             ;
             that
             they
             all
             may
             receive
             the
             help
             of
             thy
             grace
             and
             comfort
             ,
             protection
             from
             dangers
             ,
             deliverance
             from
             pain
             ;
             and
             being
             freed
             from
             all
             evils
             ,
             may
             joyfully
             give
             worthy
             thanks
             unto
             thee
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             I
             offer
             up
             also
             unto
             thee
             my
             Prayers
             ,
             especially
             for
             them
             who
             have
             in
             any
             thing
             wronged
             ,
             grieved
             ,
             or
             slandered
             me
             ,
             or
             have
             done
             me
             any
             damage
             or
             displeasure
             ;
             and
             for
             those
             also
             ,
             whom
             I
             have
             at
             any
             time
             sadded
             ,
             troubled
             ,
             grieved
             ,
             and
             scandalized
             by
             words
             or
             deeds
             ,
             wittingly
             or
             at
             unawares
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             please
             thee
             to
             forgive
             us
             all
             our
             sins
             and
             offences
             ,
             one
             against
             another
             .
             Take
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             from
             our
             hearts
             all
             jealousy
             ,
             indignation
             ,
             wrath
             ,
             and
             contention
             ,
             and
             whatsoever
             may
             hurt
             charity
             ,
             and
             lessen
             brotherly
             love
             .
             Have
             mercy
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             have
             mercy
             on
             those
             that
             crave
             
             thy
             mercy
             ;
             give
             grace
             unto
             them
             that
             stand
             in
             need
             thereof
             ,
             and
             grant
             that
             we
             may
             be
             counted
             worthy
             to
             enjoy
             thy
             grace
             ,
             and
             attain
             to
             life
             everlasting
             ,
          
           
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             X.
             That
             the
             holy
             communion
             is
             not
             lightly
             to
             be
             forborn
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             beloved
             .
          
           
             THou
             oughtest
             often
             to
             have
             recourse
             to
             the
             Fountain
             of
             grace
             and
             of
             divine
             mercy
             ,
             to
             the
             Fountain
             of
             goodness
             and
             of
             all
             benignity
             ;
             that
             thou
             maist
             be
             healed
             of
             thy
             sins
             and
             passions
             ,
             and
             be
             made
             more
             strong
             and
             vigilant
             against
             all
             the
             temptations
             and
             deceits
             of
             the
             Devil
             .
             The
             enemy
             knowing
             the
             great
             good
             and
             advantage
             which
             comes
             by
             the
             holy
             Communion
             ,
             endeavoreth
             by
             all
             means
             and
             occasions
             to
             withdraw
             and
             hinder
             faithful
             and
             pious
             persons
             from
             it
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Some
             when
             they
             purpose
             to
             fit
             themselves
             for
             the
             holy
             Communion
             ,
             suffer
             worse
             assaults
             of
             the
             Devil
             .
             For
             that
             wicked
             spirit
             (
             as
             it
             is
             written
             in
             Iob
             )
             cometh
             
             amongst
             the
             sons
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             trouble
             them
             according
             to
             his
             accustomed
             malice
             ,
             or
             to
             make
             them
             over
             fearful
             and
             perplexed
             ,
             that
             so
             he
             may
             diminish
             their
             affection
             ,
             or
             by
             subtile
             assaults
             take
             away
             their
             faith
             ,
             to
             the
             end
             they
             may
             either
             altogether
             forbear
             the
             Communion
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             come
             unto
             it
             but
             coldly
             .
             But
             there
             is
             no
             heed
             to
             be
             taken
             of
             his
             frauds
             and
             suggestions
             ,
             be
             they
             never
             so
             filthy
             and
             hideous
             ,
             but
             all
             is
             to
             be
             turned
             back
             upon
             his
             own
             head
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             to
             contemn
             and
             scorn
             him
             a
             miserable
             wretch
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             omit
             the
             holy
             Communion
             for
             his
             assaults
             ,
             and
             the
             troubles
             which
             he
             raiseth
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Oftentimes
             also
             an
             excessive
             care
             for
             the
             obtaining
             such
             a
             degree
             of
             devotion
             ,
             and
             some
             anxiety
             about
             confessing
             thy
             sins
             hindereth
             thee
             .
             Follow
             herein
             the
             counsel
             of
             the
             wise
             ,
             and
             put
             away
             all
             doubt
             and
             scruple
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             an
             hindrance
             to
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             prejudiceth
             the
             devotion
             of
             the
             mind
             .
             For
             every
             small
             vexation
             and
             trouble
             omit
             not
             the
             holy
             Communion
             ,
             but
             the
             sooner
             confess
             thy
             sins
             ,
             and
             willingly
             forgive
             others
             whatsoever
             offences
             they
             have
             done
             against
             thee
             ;
             and
             if
             thou
             hast
             offended
             any
             ,
             humbly
             crave
             
             pardon
             ,
             and
             God
             will
             readily
             forgive
             thee
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             What
             availeth
             it
             to
             delay
             long
             the
             confession
             of
             thy
             sins
             ,
             or
             to
             defer
             the
             holy
             Communion
             ?
             Purge
             thy self
             with
             speed
             ,
             spit
             out
             the
             venome
             presently
             ,
             make
             hast
             to
             apply
             this
             sovereign
             remedy
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             find
             it
             to
             be
             better
             with
             thee
             ,
             than
             if
             thou
             deferredst
             it
             long
             .
             If
             thou
             omittest
             it
             to
             day
             for
             this
             cause
             ,
             perhaps
             to
             morrow
             some
             greater
             will
             fall
             out
             ;
             and
             so
             thou
             maist
             be
             hindred
             a
             long
             time
             from
             the
             Communion
             ,
             and
             become
             more
             unfit
             .
             With
             all
             possible
             speed
             shake
             off
             from
             thy self
             all
             present
             heaviness
             and
             sloth
             ,
             for
             it
             will
             not
             avail
             thee
             to
             continue
             long
             in
             disquietness
             and
             trouble
             of
             mind
             ,
             and
             for
             daily
             occurring
             impediments
             to
             withdraw
             thy self
             from
             the
             divine
             mysteries
             .
             Yea
             it
             is
             very
             prejudicial
             to
             defer
             the
             Communion
             long
             ,
             for
             this
             usually
             causeth
             a
             greater
             dulness
             and
             undisposedness
             .
             Alas
             ,
             some
             cold
             and
             dissolute
             people
             do
             willingly
             delay
             confession
             and
             defer
             the
             sacred
             Communion
             ,
             lest
             they
             should
             be
             engaged
             to
             the
             greater
             watch
             over
             themselves
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             O
             how
             little
             is
             their
             charity
             ,
             and
             how
             weak
             is
             their
             devotion
             ,
             that
             so
             easily
             omit
             
             the
             holy
             Communion
             !
             How
             happy
             is
             he
             and
             acceptable
             to
             God
             ,
             who
             so
             ordereth
             his
             life
             ,
             and
             keepeth
             his
             conscience
             in
             such
             purity
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             ready
             and
             fit
             to
             communicate
             every
             day
             ,
             if
             it
             were
             convenient
             and
             might
             be
             done
             without
             others
             taking
             notice
             .
             If
             one
             doth
             sometimes
             abstain
             out
             of
             humility
             ,
             or
             by
             reason
             of
             some
             lawful
             impediment
             ,
             he
             is
             to
             be
             commended
             for
             the
             reverence
             which
             therein
             he
             sheweth
             .
             But
             if
             it
             proceedeth
             of
             dull
             slothfulness
             ,
             he
             must
             stir
             himself
             up
             ,
             and
             do
             what
             lieth
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             God
             will
             assist
             his
             desire
             for
             the
             good
             will
             he
             hath
             thereto
             ,
             which
             God
             doth
             chiefly
             respect
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             And
             when
             any
             lawful
             hindrance
             doth
             happen
             ,
             he
             must
             yet
             always
             have
             that
             good
             will
             ,
             and
             a
             pious
             intention
             to
             communicate
             ,
             and
             so
             shall
             he
             not
             lose
             the
             fruit
             of
             the
             Sacrament
             .
             For
             every
             good
             Man
             may
             every
             day
             and
             hour
             profitably
             and
             without
             let
             receive
             Christ
             spiritually
             ;
             and
             yet
             on
             certain
             daies
             ,
             and
             at
             time
             appointed
             he
             ought
             to
             receive
             Sacramentally
             with
             an
             affectionate
             reverence
             the
             body
             of
             his
             Redeemer
             ,
             and
             rather
             seek
             the
             honor
             and
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             than
             his
             own
             comfort
             .
             For
             he
             communicateth
             mystically
             and
             is
             invisibly
             ,
             
             as
             often
             as
             he
             devoutly
             calleth
             to
             mind
             the
             mysterie
             of
             the
             Incarnation
             ,
             and
             the
             Passion
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             is
             inflamed
             with
             his
             love
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             He
             that
             prepareth
             not
             himself
             ,
             but
             when
             a
             Festival
             draweth
             near
             ,
             and
             when
             custome
             compelleth
             him
             thereunto
             ,
             shall
             usually
             be
             found
             to
             be
             unprepared
             for
             it
             .
             Blessed
             is
             he
             that
             offereth
             himself
             up
             as
             a
             Sacrifice
             to
             the
             Lord
             ,
             as
             often
             as
             he
             doth
             celebrate
             or
             communicate
             .
             Be
             not
             too
             long
             ,
             nor
             too
             short
             in
             celebrating
             ,
             but
             keep
             the
             accustomed
             manner
             of
             those
             with
             whom
             thou
             livest
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             not
             to
             be
             tedious
             and
             troublesom
             to
             others
             ,
             but
             to
             observe
             the
             received
             custom
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             appointment
             of
             thy
             Superiors
             ;
             and
             rather
             frame
             thy self
             to
             the
             profit
             of
             others
             ,
             than
             to
             thine
             own
             devotion
             or
             desire
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XI
             .
             That
             the
             Body
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             holy
             Scriptures
             ,
             are
             most
             necessary
             unto
             a
             faithful
             soul.
             
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             Disciple
             .
          
           
             O
             Sweetest
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             how
             great
             sweetness
             hath
             an
             holy
             soul
             that
             feasteth
             with
             thee
             in
             thy
             banquet
             ,
             where
             there
             is
             set
             no
             other
             food
             to
             be
             eaten
             but
             thy self
             ,
             her
             only
             beloved
             ,
             and
             most
             to
             be
             desired
             above
             all
             the
             desires
             of
             her
             heart
             !
             And
             verily
             it
             should
             be
             a
             sweet
             thing
             unto
             me
             to
             pour
             out
             tears
             from
             the
             very
             bottom
             of
             my
             heart
             in
             thy
             presence
             ;
             and
             with
             holy
             Magdalene
             to
             wash
             thy
             feet
             with
             my
             tears
             .
             But
             where
             is
             this
             devotion
             ?
             Where
             is
             there
             any
             so
             plentiful
             shedding
             of
             holy
             tears
             ?
             Surely
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             thee
             and
             thy
             holy
             Angels
             ,
             my
             whole
             heart
             should
             be
             inflamed
             and
             even
             weep
             for
             joy
             .
             For
             I
             enjoy
             thee
             in
             the
             Sacrament
             truly
             present
             ,
             though
             hidden
             under
             another
             representation
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             For
             to
             behold
             thee
             in
             thine
             own
             divine
             brightness
             ,
             mine
             eyes
             would
             not
             be
             
             able
             to
             endure
             it
             ,
             neither
             could
             the
             whole
             world
             stand
             in
             the
             brightness
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             thy
             Majesty
             .
             I
             do
             really
             enjoy
             and
             adore
             him
             ,
             whom
             the
             Angels
             adore
             in
             Heaven
             ;
             but
             I
             ,
             as
             yet
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             ,
             by
             faith
             ,
             they
             by
             sight
             ,
             and
             without
             a
             veil
             .
             I
             ought
             to
             be
             content
             with
             the
             light
             of
             true
             faith
             ,
             and
             to
             walk
             therein
             ,
             until
             the
             day
             of
             everlasting
             brightness
             break
             forth
             ,
             and
             the
             shadowes
             of
             figures
             pass
             away
             .
             But
             when
             that
             shall
             come
             which
             is
             perfect
             ,
             the
             use
             of
             Sacraments
             shall
             cease
             .
             For
             the
             blessed
             in
             Heavenly
             glory
             need
             not
             any
             Sacramental
             remedy
             ,
             but
             rejoyce
             without
             end
             in
             the
             presence
             of
             God
             ,
             beholding
             his
             glory
             face
             to
             face
             ,
             and
             being
             transformed
             from
             glory
             to
             glory
             into
             the
             Image
             of
             the
             incomprehensible
             Deity
             ,
             they
             tast
             the
             word
             of
             God
             made
             flesh
             ,
             as
             he
             was
             from
             the
             beginning
             ;
             and
             as
             he
             remaineth
             for
             ever
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Whilest
             I
             mind
             these
             wonderful
             things
             ,
             even
             all
             spiritual
             comfort
             whatsoever
             becometh
             tedious
             unto
             me
             ;
             for
             that
             as
             long
             as
             I
             behold
             not
             my
             Lord
             openly
             in
             his
             glory
             ,
             I
             make
             no
             account
             at
             all
             of
             whatsoever
             I
             see
             or
             hear
             in
             this
             world
             .
             Thou
             art
             my
             witness
             ,
             O
             God
             ,
             that
             nothing
             can
             
             comfort
             me
             ,
             no
             creature
             can
             give
             me
             rest
             ,
             but
             thou
             my
             God
             ,
             whom
             I
             desire
             to
             behold
             everlastingly
             .
             But
             this
             is
             not
             possible
             whilest
             I
             remain
             in
             this
             mortal
             life
             .
             Therefore
             I
             must
             frame
             my self
             to
             much
             patience
             ;
             and
             submit
             my self
             to
             thee
             in
             all
             my
             desires
             .
             For
             thy
             Saints
             also
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             who
             now
             rejoyce
             with
             thee
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             whilst
             they
             lived
             ,
             expected
             in
             faith
             and
             great
             patience
             the
             coming
             of
             thy
             glory
             .
             What
             they
             believed
             ,
             I
             believe
             ;
             what
             they
             hoped
             for
             ,
             I
             also
             hope
             for
             ;
             whither
             they
             are
             come
             ,
             I
             trust
             I
             shall
             come
             by
             thy
             grace
             .
             In
             the
             mean
             time
             I
             will
             go
             forward
             in
             faith
             ,
             strengthened
             by
             the
             examples
             of
             the
             Saints
             ;
             I
             have
             also
             godly
             books
             for
             my
             comfort
             and
             for
             the
             glass
             of
             my
             life
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             these
             ,
             thy
             most
             holy
             body
             for
             a
             singular
             remedy
             and
             refuge
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             For
             I
             perceive
             Two
             things
             to
             be
             chiefly
             necessary
             for
             me
             in
             the
             life
             without
             which
             this
             miserable
             life
             would
             be
             unsupportable
             unto
             me
             .
             Whilst
             I
             am
             kept
             in
             the
             prison
             of
             this
             body
             ,
             I
             acknowledge
             my self
             to
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             Two
             things
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             food
             ,
             and
             light
             .
             Thou
             hast
             therefore
             given
             unto
             me
             a
             weak
             creature
             ,
             thy
             sacred
             Body
             for
             the
             nourishment
             of
             my
             soul
             and
             
             body
             ;
             and
             thou
             hast
             set
             thy
             word
             as
             a
             light
             unto
             my
             feet
             ;
             without
             these
             Two
             I
             could
             not
             well
             live
             .
             For
             the
             word
             of
             God
             is
             the
             light
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             thy
             Sacrament
             ,
             the
             bread
             of
             life
             .
             These
             also
             may
             be
             called
             the
             Two
             Tables
             set
             on
             the
             one
             side
             and
             the
             other
             ,
             in
             the
             store-house
             of
             the
             holy
             Church
             .
             One
             is
             the
             holy
             Table
             having
             the
             holy
             bread
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             precious
             body
             of
             Christ
             ;
             the
             other
             is
             that
             of
             the
             divine
             Law
             ,
             containing
             holy
             Doctrine
             ,
             teaching
             the
             true
             faith
             ,
             and
             certainly
             leading
             to
             that
             within
             the
             veil
             ,
             where
             is
             the
             holy
             of
             Holies
             .
             Thanks
             be
             unto
             thee
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             the
             light
             of
             everlasting
             light
             ,
             for
             the
             table
             of
             holy
             Doctrine
             ,
             which
             thou
             hast
             afforded
             us
             by
             thy
             Servants
             ,
             the
             Prophets
             and
             Apostles
             and
             other
             Teachers
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Thanks
             be
             unto
             thee
             ,
             Creator
             and
             Redeemer
             of
             Man
             ,
             who
             to
             manifest
             thy
             love
             to
             the
             whole
             world
             ,
             hast
             prepared
             a
             great
             supper
             wherein
             thou
             hast
             set
             before
             us
             to
             be
             eaten
             (
             not
             the
             typical
             Lamb
             ,
             but
             )
             thine
             own
             most
             sacred
             Body
             and
             Blood
             ,
             rejoycing
             all
             the
             faithful
             with
             thy
             holy
             banquet
             ,
             and
             replenishing
             them
             to
             the
             full
             with
             thy
             Cup
             of
             salvation
             ,
             in
             which
             are
             all
             the
             delights
             of
             Paradise
             ;
             and
             the
             holy
             
             Angels
             do
             feast
             with
             us
             ,
             but
             yet
             with
             a
             more
             happy
             sweetness
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             O
             how
             great
             and
             honorable
             is
             the
             office
             of
             Gods
             Ministers
             ,
             to
             whom
             it
             is
             given
             with
             sacred
             words
             to
             consecrate
             (
             the
             Sacrament
             of
             )
             the
             Lord
             of
             glory
             ;
             with
             their
             lips
             to
             bless
             ,
             with
             their
             hands
             to
             hold
             ,
             with
             their
             mouth
             to
             receive
             ,
             and
             also
             to
             administer
             to
             others
             !
             O
             how
             clean
             ought
             to
             be
             those
             hands
             ,
             how
             pure
             that
             mouth
             ,
             how
             holy
             that
             body
             ,
             how
             unspotted
             that
             heart
             ,
             where
             the
             Author
             of
             purity
             so
             often
             entreth
             !
             Nothing
             but
             what
             is
             holy
             ,
             no
             word
             but
             good
             and
             profitable
             ought
             to
             proceed
             from
             his
             mouth
             ,
             which
             so
             often
             receiveth
             the
             Sacrament
             of
             Christ.
             
          
           
             7.
             
             Simple
             and
             chaste
             ought
             to
             be
             the
             eyes
             that
             use
             to
             behold
             the
             body
             of
             Christ
             ;
             the
             hands
             pure
             and
             lifted
             up
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             that
             use
             to
             receive
             the
             Creator
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             .
             Unto
             the
             Priests
             especially
             it
             is
             said
             in
             the
             Law
             ,
             be
             ye
             holy
             for
             that
             I
             your
             Lord
             God
             am
             holy
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             Assist
             us
             ,
             Almighty
             God
             ,
             with
             thy
             grace
             ,
             that
             we
             who
             have
             undertaken
             the
             office
             of
             Priest-hood
             ,
             may
             serve
             thee
             worthily
             and
             devoutly
             in
             all
             purity
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             good
             conscience
             .
             And
             if
             we
             live
             not
             in
             
             so
             great
             innocency
             as
             we
             ought
             to
             do
             ,
             grant
             us
             notwithstanding
             in
             due
             manner
             to
             bewail
             the
             sins
             which
             we
             have
             committed
             ;
             and
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             humility
             and
             with
             the
             full
             purpose
             of
             a
             good
             will
             to
             serve
             thee
             hereafter
             more
             fervently
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XII
             .
             That
             he
             who
             is
             to
             communicate
             ought
             to
             prepare
             himself
             with
             great
             diligence
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             beloued
             .
          
           
             I
             Am
             the
             lover
             of
             purity
             ,
             and
             the
             giver
             of
             all
             sanctity
             .
             I
             seek
             a
             pure
             heart
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             the
             place
             of
             my
             rest
             .
             Make
             ready
             and
             adorn
             for
             me
             the
             great
             Chamber
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             keep
             with
             thee
             the
             Passover
             amongst
             my
             Disciples
             .
             If
             thou
             wilt
             have
             me
             come
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             remain
             with
             thee
             ;
             purge
             out
             the
             old
             leaven
             ,
             and
             make
             clean
             the
             habitation
             of
             thy
             heart
             ;
             shut
             out
             the
             whole
             world
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             throng
             of
             sins
             ;
             sit
             like
             a
             sparrow
             solitary
             upon
             the
             house-top
             ,
             and
             think
             of
             thy
             offences
             in
             the
             bitterness
             of
             thy
             soul.
             For
             every
             lover
             prepareth
             the
             best
             and
             fairest
             room
             for
             his
             beloved
             ;
             and
             
             herein
             is
             known
             the
             affection
             of
             him
             that
             entertaineth
             his
             beloved
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Know
             thou
             notwithstanding
             ,
             that
             the
             merit
             of
             no
             action
             of
             thine
             is
             able
             to
             make
             this
             preparation
             sufficient
             ,
             although
             thou
             shouldest
             prepare
             thy self
             a
             whole
             year
             together
             ,
             and
             think
             on
             nothing
             else
             .
             Thou
             art
             of
             my
             mere
             grace
             and
             favor
             suffered
             to
             come
             to
             my
             Table
             ,
             like
             a
             beggar
             invited
             to
             dinner
             to
             a
             rich
             Man
             ,
             who
             hath
             nothing
             else
             to
             return
             him
             for
             his
             benefits
             ,
             but
             to
             humble
             himself
             and
             give
             him
             thanks
             .
             Do
             what
             lieth
             in
             thee
             ,
             and
             do
             it
             diligently
             ;
             not
             for
             custome
             ,
             not
             for
             necessity
             ,
             but
             with
             fear
             and
             reverence
             ,
             and
             affection
             ;
             receive
             the
             body
             of
             thy
             beloved
             Lord
             God
             ,
             who
             vouchsafeth
             to
             come
             unto
             thee
             .
             I
             am
             he
             that
             have
             called
             thee
             ,
             I
             have
             commanded
             it
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             I
             will
             supply
             what
             is
             wanting
             in
             thee
             ;
             come
             and
             receive
             me
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             When
             I
             bestow
             the
             grace
             of
             devotion
             ,
             give
             thanks
             to
             thy
             God
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             given
             thee
             ,
             not
             for
             that
             thou
             art
             worthy
             ,
             but
             because
             I
             have
             mercy
             on
             thee
             .
             If
             thou
             have
             it
             not
             ,
             but
             rather
             dost
             feel
             thy self
             dry
             ;
             continue
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             sigh
             and
             knock
             ,
             and
             give
             not
             over
             until
             thou
             art
             meet
             to
             receive
             some
             crum
             or
             drop
             of
             saving
             grace
             .
             
             Thou
             hast
             need
             of
             me
             ,
             not
             I
             of
             thee
             ,
             neither
             comest
             thou
             to
             sanctifie
             me
             ,
             but
             I
             come
             to
             sanctifie
             and
             make
             thee
             better
             .
             Thou
             comest
             that
             thou
             maist
             be
             sanctified
             by
             me
             ,
             and
             united
             unto
             me
             ,
             that
             thou
             maist
             receive
             new
             grace
             ,
             and
             be
             stirred
             up
             again
             to
             amendment
             .
             Neglect
             not
             this
             grace
             ,
             but
             prepare
             thy
             heart
             with
             all
             diligence
             ,
             and
             receive
             thy
             beloved
             into
             thy
             soul.
             
          
           
             4.
             
             But
             thou
             oughtest
             not
             only
             to
             prepare
             thy self
             to
             devotion
             before
             Communion
             ,
             but
             carefully
             also
             to
             conserve
             thy self
             therein
             ,
             after
             thou
             hast
             received
             the
             Sacrament
             .
             Neither
             is
             the
             careful
             guard
             of
             thy self
             afterwards
             less
             required
             ,
             than
             devout
             preparation
             before
             .
             For
             a
             good
             guard
             afterwards
             ,
             is
             the
             best
             preparation
             again
             for
             the
             obtaining
             of
             greater
             grace
             ;
             because
             that
             a
             Man
             becometh
             therefore
             very
             indisposed
             ,
             if
             he
             presently
             pour
             himself
             out
             overmuch
             to
             outward
             comforts
             .
             Beware
             of
             much
             talk
             ,
             remain
             in
             some
             secret
             place
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             thy
             God.
             For
             thou
             hast
             him
             ,
             whom
             all
             the
             world
             cannot
             take
             from
             thee
             .
             I
             am
             he
             ,
             to
             whom
             thou
             oughtest
             wholly
             to
             give
             thy self
             ,
             thatso
             thou
             maist
             live
             hereafter
             ,
             not
             in
             thy self
             ,
             but
             in
             me
             ,
             without
             all
             solicitude
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XIII
             .
             That
             a
             devout
             soul
             ought
             to
             desire
             with
             her
             whole
             heart
             ,
             to
             be
             united
             unto
             Christ
             in
             the
             Sacrament
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             Disciple
             .
          
           
             HOw
             may
             I
             obtain
             this
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             find
             thee
             alone
             ,
             and
             open
             my
             whole
             heart
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             thee
             as
             my
             soul
             desireth
             ?
             And
             that
             no
             Man
             may
             look
             towards
             me
             ,
             nor
             any
             creature
             move
             me
             or
             eye
             me
             ,
             but
             thou
             alone
             maist
             speak
             unto
             me
             ,
             and
             I
             to
             thee
             ,
             as
             the
             beloved
             is
             wont
             to
             speak
             to
             his
             beloved
             ,
             and
             a
             friend
             to
             banquet
             with
             his
             friend
             ?
             This
             I
             pray
             for
             ,
             this
             I
             desire
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             be
             wholly
             united
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             may
             withdraw
             my
             heart
             from
             all
             created
             things
             ,
             and
             more
             and
             more
             by
             sacred
             Communion
             and
             often
             celebrating
             ,
             learn
             to
             relish
             Heavenly
             and
             eternal
             things
             .
             O
             Lord
             God
             ,
             when
             shall
             I
             be
             wholly
             united
             to
             thee
             ,
             and
             absorpt
             by
             thee
             ,
             and
             be
             altogether
             forgetful
             of
             my self
             ?
             Thou
             in
             me
             ,
             and
             I
             in
             thee
             ,
             and
             so
             grant
             us
             both
             to
             continue
             in
             one
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Thou
             art
             truly
             my
             beloved
             ,
             the
             
             choicest
             amongst
             Thousands
             ,
             in
             whom
             my
             soul
             is
             well
             pleased
             to
             dwell
             all
             the
             days
             of
             her
             life
             .
             Thou
             art
             indeed
             my
             peacemaker
             ,
             in
             whom
             is
             greatest
             peace
             and
             true
             rest
             ,
             without
             whom
             is
             labor
             and
             sorrow
             and
             infinite
             misery
             .
             Thou
             art
             indeed
             a
             God
             that
             hidest
             thy self
             ,
             and
             thy
             counsel
             is
             not
             with
             the
             wicked
             ,
             but
             thy
             speech
             is
             with
             the
             humble
             and
             simple
             of
             heart
             .
             O
             Lord
             ,
             how
             sweet
             is
             thy
             spirit
             ,
             who
             to
             the
             end
             thou
             mightest
             shew
             thy
             sweetness
             toward
             thy
             Children
             ,
             vouchsafest
             to
             feed
             them
             with
             the
             bread
             which
             descendeth
             from
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             is
             full
             of
             all
             sweetness
             !
             Surely
             there
             is
             no
             other
             Nation
             so
             great
             ,
             that
             hath
             God
             nigh
             unto
             them
             ,
             as
             thou
             our
             God
             art
             present
             to
             all
             thy
             faithful
             ones
             ,
             unto
             whom
             for
             their
             daily
             comfort
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             raising
             up
             of
             their
             hearts
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             thou
             givest
             thy self
             to
             be
             eaten
             and
             enjoyed
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             For
             what
             other
             Nation
             ,
             is
             there
             so
             famous
             ,
             as
             the
             Christian
             People
             ?
             or
             what
             creature
             under
             heaven
             so
             beloved
             ,
             as
             a
             religious
             soul
             to
             whom
             God
             himself
             cometh
             to
             feed
             her
             with
             his
             glorious
             flesh
             ?
             O
             unspeakable
             grace
             !
             O
             admirable
             condescent
             !
             O
             infinite
             love
             singularly
             bestowed
             upon
             
             Man
             !
             But
             what
             shall
             I
             give
             unto
             the
             Lord
             in
             return
             of
             his
             grace
             ,
             for
             so
             eminent
             an
             expression
             of
             thy
             love
             ?
             There
             is
             no
             other
             thing
             more
             acceptable
             that
             I
             am
             able
             to
             give
             ,
             than
             to
             give
             my
             heart
             wholly
             to
             my
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             unite
             it
             most
             inwardly
             unto
             him
             .
             Then
             shall
             all
             my
             inward
             parts
             rejoyce
             ,
             when
             my
             soul
             shall
             be
             perfectly
             united
             unto
             God.
             Then
             he
             will
             say
             unto
             me
             ;
             if
             thou
             wilt
             be
             with
             me
             ,
             I
             will
             be
             with
             thee
             .
             And
             I
             will
             answer
             him
             ,
             Vouchsafe
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             to
             remain
             with
             me
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             gladly
             be
             with
             thee
             .
             This
             is
             my
             whole
             desire
             ,
             that
             my
             heart
             be
             united
             unto
             thee
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIV
             .
             Of
             the
             fervent
             desire
             of
             some
             devout
             Persons
             ,
             to
             receive
             the
             Body
             of
             Christ.
             
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             Discipie
             .
          
           
             O
             How
             great
             is
             thy
             goodness
             O
             Lord
             ,
             which
             thou
             hast
             laid
             up
             for
             them
             that
             fear
             thee
             !
             When
             I
             remember
             some
             devout
             persons
             who
             come
             unto
             thy
             Sacrament
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             with
             greatest
             devotion
             and
             affection
             ,
             I
             am
             oftentimes
             confounded
             and
             
             blush
             within
             my self
             ,
             that
             I
             come
             so
             formally
             and
             coldly
             to
             thy
             Table
             of
             the
             holy
             Communion
             ,
             that
             I
             remain
             so
             dry
             ,
             and
             without
             heart
             affection
             ,
             That
             I
             am
             not
             wholly
             inflamed
             in
             thy
             presence
             ,
             my
             God
             ,
             nor
             so
             earnestly
             drawn
             and
             affected
             ,
             as
             many
             devout
             persons
             have
             been
             ,
             who
             out
             of
             a
             vehement
             desire
             of
             the
             Communion
             ,
             and
             a
             feeling
             affection
             of
             heart
             ,
             could
             not
             contain
             themselves
             from
             weeping
             ;
             but
             with
             the
             desire
             both
             of
             soul
             and
             body
             ,
             they
             earnestly
             longed
             after
             thee
             ,
             O
             God
             the
             living
             Fountain
             ,
             being
             not
             otherwise
             able
             to
             allay
             nor
             satisfie
             their
             hunger
             ,
             but
             by
             receiing
             thy
             body
             with
             all
             joy
             and
             spiritual
             greediness
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             O
             the
             most
             ardent
             faith
             of
             those
             persons
             !
             A
             clear
             argument
             of
             thy
             sacred
             presence
             .
             For
             they
             truly
             know
             their
             Lord
             in
             the
             breaking
             of
             bread
             ,
             whose
             heart
             burneth
             so
             mightily
             within
             them
             ,
             whilst
             thou
             ,
             O
             blessed
             Jesus
             ,
             conversest
             with
             them
             .
             Such
             desire
             and
             devotion
             ,
             so
             vehement
             love
             and
             fervency
             ,
             is
             oftentimes
             far
             from
             me
             .
             Be
             merciful
             unto
             me
             good
             Jesus
             ,
             sweet
             and
             gracious
             Lord
             ,
             and
             grant
             me
             thy
             poor
             needy
             creature
             ,
             to
             feed
             sometimes
             ,
             at
             least
             in
             this
             holy
             Communion
             ,
             
             somewhat
             of
             thy
             hearty
             affectionate
             love
             ,
             that
             my
             faith
             may
             be
             more
             strengthened
             ,
             my
             hope
             in
             thy
             goodness
             increased
             ,
             and
             that
             my
             charity
             once
             perfectly
             enflamed
             ,
             after
             the
             tasting
             of
             Heavenly
             Manna
             ,
             may
             never
             decay
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Thy
             mercy
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             is
             able
             to
             give
             me
             the
             grace
             I
             desire
             ,
             and
             to
             visit
             me
             most
             mercifully
             with
             the
             spirit
             of
             fervor
             ,
             when
             it
             shall
             please
             thee
             .
             For
             although
             I
             burn
             not
             with
             so
             great
             desire
             as
             those
             that
             are
             so
             singularly
             devoted
             to
             thee
             ;
             yet
             notwithstanding
             by
             thy
             grace
             ,
             I
             desire
             to
             have
             this
             great
             inflamed
             desire
             ,
             praying
             and
             craving
             that
             I
             may
             participate
             with
             all
             such
             thy
             fervent
             lovers
             ,
             and
             be
             numbred
             among
             them
             in
             their
             holy
             company
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XV.
             That
             the
             grace
             of
             devotion
             is
             obtained
             by
             humility
             and
             denial
             of
             our selves
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             Beloved
             .
          
           
             THou
             oughtest
             to
             seek
             the
             grace
             of
             devotion
             instantly
             ,
             to
             ask
             it
             earnestly
             ,
             to
             expect
             it
             patiently
             and
             with
             confidence
             
             to
             receive
             it
             gratefully
             ,
             to
             keep
             it
             humbly
             ,
             to
             work
             with
             it
             diligently
             ,
             and
             to
             commit
             the
             term
             and
             manner
             of
             this
             Heavenly
             visitation
             to
             God
             ,
             until
             it
             shall
             please
             him
             to
             come
             unto
             thee
             .
             Thou
             oughtest
             chiefly
             to
             humble
             thy self
             ,
             when
             thou
             feelest
             inwardly
             little
             or
             no
             devotion
             ,
             and
             yet
             not
             to
             be
             too
             much
             dejected
             ,
             nor
             to
             grieve
             inordinately
             .
             God
             often
             giveth
             in
             a
             short
             moment
             ,
             that
             which
             he
             hath
             long
             time
             denied
             ;
             he
             giveth
             sometimes
             in
             the
             end
             ,
             that
             which
             in
             the
             beginning
             of
             prayer
             he
             deferred
             to
             grant
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             If
             grace
             should
             be
             always
             presently
             given
             ,
             and
             at
             hand
             ever
             with
             a
             wish
             ,
             the
             weak
             Man
             could
             not
             well
             bear
             it
             .
             Therefore
             the
             grace
             of
             devotion
             is
             to
             be
             expected
             with
             good
             hope
             and
             humble
             patience
             ;
             yet
             impute
             it
             to
             thy self
             and
             thy
             sins
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             not
             given
             thee
             ,
             or
             when
             it
             is
             secretly
             taken
             away
             .
             It
             is
             sometimes
             a
             small
             matter
             that
             hindereth
             and
             hideth
             grace
             
               from
               us
            
             ,
             if
             yet
             it
             be
             to
             be
             called
             small
             ,
             and
             not
             rather
             a
             great
             matter
             ,
             that
             hindereth
             so
             great
             a
             good
             .
             And
             if
             thou
             remove
             this
             ,
             be
             it
             great
             or
             small
             ,
             and
             perfectly
             overcome
             it
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             have
             thy
             desire
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             For
             presently
             as
             soon
             as
             thou
             from
             thy
             
             whole
             heart
             givest
             thy self
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             seekest
             not
             this
             nor
             that
             ,
             for
             thine
             own
             pleasure
             or
             will
             ,
             but
             setlest
             thy self
             wholly
             in
             him
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             find
             thy self
             united
             and
             quiet
             ;
             for
             nothing
             will
             relish
             so
             well
             ,
             and
             please
             thee
             so
             much
             ,
             as
             the
             good
             pleasure
             of
             the
             divine
             will.
             Whosoever
             therefore
             ,
             with
             a
             single
             heart
             lifteth
             up
             his
             intention
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             purgeth
             himself
             from
             all
             inordinate
             love
             or
             dislike
             of
             any
             created
             thing
             ,
             he
             shall
             be
             the
             most
             fit
             to
             receive
             grace
             ,
             and
             meet
             for
             the
             gist
             of
             devotion
             .
             For
             the
             Lord
             bestoweth
             his
             blessings
             there
             ,
             where
             he
             findeth
             the
             vessels
             empty
             .
             And
             how
             much
             the
             more
             perfectly
             one
             forsaketh
             these
             low
             things
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             he
             dieth
             to
             himself
             by
             contempt
             of
             himself
             ;
             so
             much
             the
             more
             speedily
             grace
             shall
             come
             ,
             and
             enter
             in
             more
             plentifully
             ,
             and
             raise
             up
             higher
             the
             heart
             that
             is
             thus
             free
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Then
             shall
             he
             see
             ,
             and
             be
             filled
             ,
             and
             wonder
             ,
             and
             his
             heart
             shall
             be
             enlarged
             within
             him
             ,
             because
             the
             hand
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             he
             hath
             put
             himself
             wholly
             into
             his
             hands
             for
             ever
             .
             Behold
             ,
             so
             shall
             the
             Man
             be
             blessed
             ,
             that
             seeketh
             God
             with
             his
             whole
             heart
             ,
             and
             busieth
             not
             his
             soul
             in
             vain
             .
             This
             man
             obtaineth
             the
             
             great
             favor
             of
             divine
             union
             ,
             in
             receiving
             the
             holy
             Eucharist
             ;
             for
             that
             he
             respecteth
             not
             his
             own
             devotion
             and
             comfort
             ,
             but
             above
             all
             devotion
             and
             comfort
             ,
             the
             honor
             and
             glory
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XVI
             .
             That
             we
             ought
             to
             manifest
             our
             necessities
             to
             Christ
             ,
             and
             crave
             his
             grace
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             Disciple
             .
          
           
             O
             Most
             sweet
             ,
             and
             loving
             Lord
             ,
             whom
             I
             now
             desire
             to
             receive
             with
             all
             devotion
             ,
             thou
             knowest
             my
             infirmity
             and
             the
             necessity
             which
             I
             endure
             ,
             with
             how
             many
             sins
             and
             evils
             I
             am
             oppressed
             ,
             how
             often
             I
             am
             grieved
             ,
             tempted
             ,
             troubled
             ,
             and
             defiled
             .
             I
             come
             unto
             thee
             for
             remedy
             ,
             I
             crave
             of
             thee
             comfort
             and
             succor
             ;
             I
             speak
             to
             him
             that
             knoweth
             all
             things
             ,
             to
             whom
             all
             my
             inward
             parts
             are
             open
             ,
             and
             who
             can
             only
             perfectly
             comfort
             and
             help
             me
             .
             Thou
             knowest
             what
             good
             things
             I
             stand
             in
             most
             need
             of
             ,
             and
             how
             poor
             I
             am
             in
             vertues
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Behold
             ,
             I
             stand
             before
             thee
             poor
             and
             
             naked
             ,
             calling
             for
             grace
             ,
             and
             craving
             mercy
             .
             Refresh
             thy
             hungry
             beggar
             ,
             inflame
             my
             coldness
             with
             the
             fire
             of
             thy
             love
             ;
             inlighten
             my
             blindness
             with
             the
             brightness
             of
             thy
             presence
             .
             Turn
             all
             earthly
             things
             to
             me
             into
             bitterness
             ,
             all
             things
             grievous
             and
             cross
             into
             patience
             ,
             all
             low
             and
             created
             things
             into
             contempt
             and
             oblivion
             .
             Lift
             up
             my
             heart
             to
             thee
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             suffer
             me
             not
             to
             wander
             upon
             Earth
             .
             Be
             thou
             only
             sweet
             unto
             me
             from
             henceforth
             for
             evermore
             ;
             for
             thou
             only
             art
             my
             meat
             and
             my
             drink
             ,
             my
             love
             and
             my
             joy
             ,
             my
             sweetness
             and
             all
             my
             good
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             O
             that
             with
             thy
             presence
             thou
             wouldest
             wholly
             inflame
             ,
             burn
             and
             conform
             me
             unto
             thy self
             ;
             that
             I
             might
             be
             made
             one
             spirit
             with
             thee
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             inward
             union
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             meltings
             of
             ardent
             love
             !
             Suffer
             me
             not
             to
             go
             from
             thee
             hungry
             and
             dry
             ,
             but
             deal
             mercifully
             with
             me
             ,
             as
             thou
             hast
             oftentimes
             dealt
             wonderfully
             with
             thy
             Saints
             .
             What
             marvel
             is
             it
             if
             I
             should
             be
             wholly
             inflamed
             by
             thee
             ,
             and
             die
             from
             my self
             ,
             sith
             thou
             art
             fire
             always
             burning
             and
             never
             decaying
             ,
             love
             purifying
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             enlightning
             the
             understanding
             ?
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XVII
             .
             Of
             fervent
             love
             and
             vehement
             desire
             to
             receive
             Christ.
             
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             Disciple
             .
             ple
             .
          
           
             WIth
             great
             devotion
             and
             ardent
             love
             ,
             with
             most
             hearty
             affection
             and
             fervor
             I
             desire
             to
             receive
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             as
             many
             Saints
             and
             devout
             persons
             have
             desired
             thee
             ,
             when
             they
             received
             thy
             Sacrament
             who
             were
             most
             pleasing
             unto
             thee
             in
             holiness
             of
             life
             ,
             and
             most
             fervent
             in
             devotion
             .
             O
             my
             God
             ,
             my
             everlasting
             love
             ;
             my
             whole
             good
             ,
             my
             happiness
             without
             end
             .
             I
             would
             gladly
             receive
             thee
             with
             the
             most
             vehement
             desire
             and
             most
             worthy
             reverence
             ,
             that
             any
             of
             the
             Saints
             ever
             had
             ,
             or
             could
             feel
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             And
             although
             I
             be
             unworthy
             to
             have
             all
             those
             feelings
             of
             devotion
             ,
             yet
             I
             offer
             unto
             thee
             the
             whole
             affection
             of
             my
             heart
             ,
             as
             if
             I
             alone
             had
             all
             those
             highly
             pleasing
             inflamed
             desires
             ;
             yea
             and
             whatsoever
             also
             an
             holy
             mind
             can
             conceive
             and
             desire
             ;
             all
             that
             ,
             with
             greatest
             reverence
             and
             most
             inward
             affection
             ,
             I
             offer
             and
             present
             unto
             thee
             .
             
             I
             desire
             to
             reserve
             nothing
             to
             my self
             ,
             but
             freely
             and
             most
             willingly
             to
             sacrifice
             my self
             and
             all
             mine
             unto
             thee
             ,
             my
             Lord
             God
             my
             Creator
             ,
             and
             my
             Redeemer
             .
             I
             desire
             to
             receive
             thee
             this
             day
             with
             such
             affection
             ,
             reverence
             ,
             praise
             and
             honor
             ,
             with
             such
             gratitude
             ,
             worthiness
             ,
             and
             love
             ,
             with
             such
             faith
             ,
             hope
             ,
             and
             purity
             ,
             as
             thy
             most
             holy
             Mother
             the
             glorious
             Virgin
             Mary
             received
             ,
             and
             desired
             thee
             ,
             when
             she
             humbly
             and
             devoutly
             answered
             the
             Angel
             ,
             who
             declared
             unto
             her
             the
             mystery
             of
             the
             Incarnation
             ,
             and
             said
             ,
             
               Behold
               the
               handmaid
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               let
               it
               be
               done
               unto
               me
               according
               to
               thy
               word
               .
            
          
           
             3.
             
             And
             as
             thy
             blessed
             Forerunner
             ,
             the
             most
             excellent
             amongst
             the
             Saints
             ,
             Iohn
             Baptist
             ,
             chearfully
             leaped
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
             whilest
             he
             was
             yet
             shut
             up
             in
             his
             Mothers
             womb
             ;
             and
             afterwards
             seeing
             Jesus
             walking
             amongst
             Men
             ,
             humbling
             himself
             very
             much
             ,
             said
             with
             devout
             affection
             ,
             
               The
               friend
               of
               the
               Bridegroom
               that
               standeth
               and
               heareth
               him
               ,
               rejoyceth
               with
               joy
               for
               the
               voice
               of
               the
               Bridegroom
            
             ;
             so
             I
             also
             wish
             to
             be
             inflamed
             with
             great
             and
             holy
             desires
             ,
             and
             to
             offer
             my self
             up
             to
             thee
             with
             my
             whole
             heart
             .
             Wherefore
             I
             offer
             also
             and
             
             present
             unto
             thee
             the
             joys
             ,
             fervent
             affections
             ,
             mental
             excesses
             ,
             and
             supernal
             illuminations
             ,
             and
             Heavenly
             visions
             of
             all
             devout
             hearts
             ,
             with
             all
             the
             vertues
             and
             praises
             celebrated
             and
             to
             be
             celebrated
             by
             all
             creatures
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ,
             for
             my self
             ,
             and
             all
             such
             as
             are
             commended
             to
             me
             in
             prayer
             ,
             that
             by
             all
             thou
             maist
             be
             worthily
             praised
             and
             glorified
             for
             ever
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Receive
             ,
             my
             Lord
             God
             ,
             my
             wishes
             and
             desires
             of
             giving
             thee
             infinite
             praise
             and
             thanks
             ,
             which
             according
             to
             the
             measure
             of
             thy
             unspeakable
             greatness
             ,
             are
             most
             worthily
             due
             unto
             thee
             .
             These
             I
             yield
             thee
             ,
             and
             desire
             to
             yield
             thee
             every
             day
             and
             moment
             .
             I
             do
             entreat
             and
             invite
             all
             Heavenly
             minds
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             devout
             Servants
             ,
             to
             give
             thanks
             and
             praises
             together
             with
             me
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Let
             all
             People
             ,
             Tribes
             ,
             and
             Tongues
             praise
             thee
             ,
             and
             magnifie
             thy
             holy
             and
             sweet
             Name
             ,
             with
             great
             joy
             and
             fervent
             devotion
             ;
             and
             let
             all
             that
             reverently
             and
             devoutly
             celebrate
             thy
             most
             high
             Sacrament
             and
             receive
             it
             with
             full
             faith
             ,
             find
             grace
             and
             mercy
             at
             thy
             hands
             ,
             and
             pray
             humbly
             for
             me
             a
             sinful
             creature
             .
             And
             when
             they
             shall
             have
             obtained
             their
             desired
             devotion
             
             and
             joyful
             union
             ,
             and
             depart
             from
             thy
             sacred
             Heavenly
             Table
             ,
             well
             comforted
             and
             marvellously
             refreshed
             ,
             let
             them
             vouchsafe
             to
             remember
             my
             poor
             soul.
             
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XVIII
             .
             That
             Man
             be
             not
             a
             curious
             searcher
             of
             the
             Sacrament
             ,
             but
             an
             humble
             follower
             of
             Christ
             ,
             submitting
             his
             sense
             to
             faith
             .
          
           
             The
             voice
             of
             the
             Beloved
             .
          
           
             THou
             oughtest
             to
             beware
             of
             curious
             and
             unprofitable
             searching
             into
             this
             most
             profound
             Sacrament
             ,
             if
             thou
             wilt
             not
             be
             plunged
             in
             the
             depths
             of
             doubts
             .
             He
             that
             is
             a
             searcher
             of
             Majesty
             ,
             shall
             be
             oppressed
             by
             thy
             glory
             .
             God
             is
             able
             to
             work
             more
             than
             Man
             can
             understand
             .
             A
             pious
             and
             humble
             inquiry
             of
             truth
             is
             tolerable
             ,
             so
             it
             be
             always
             ready
             to
             be
             taught
             ,
             and
             do
             endeavor
             to
             walk
             in
             the
             sound
             doctrines
             of
             the
             Fathers
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Blessed
             is
             that
             simplicity
             ,
             that
             forsaketh
             the
             difficult
             ways
             of
             questions
             ,
             and
             goeth
             on
             in
             the
             plain
             and
             assured
             path
             of
             Gods
             Commandments
             .
             Many
             have
             lost
             devotion
             ,
             
             whilest
             they
             would
             search
             after
             high
             things
             .
             Faith
             and
             a
             sincere
             life
             required
             at
             thy
             hands
             ,
             not
             height
             of
             understanding
             ,
             nor
             a
             diving
             deep
             into
             the
             mysteries
             of
             God.
             If
             thou
             dost
             not
             understand
             ,
             nor
             conceive
             those
             things
             that
             are
             under
             thee
             ,
             how
             shalt
             thou
             be
             able
             to
             comprehend
             those
             that
             are
             above
             thee
             ?
             Submit
             thy self
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             let
             thy
             sense
             be
             subject
             to
             faith
             ;
             and
             the
             light
             of
             knowledg
             shall
             be
             given
             thee
             in
             that
             degree
             as
             shall
             be
             profitable
             and
             necessary
             for
             thee
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Some
             are
             grievously
             tempted
             about
             faith
             and
             the
             Sacrament
             ,
             but
             this
             is
             not
             to
             be
             imputed
             to
             them
             ,
             but
             rather
             to
             the
             Enemy
             .
             Be
             not
             thou
             anxious
             nor
             dispute
             with
             thy
             thoughts
             ,
             neither
             do
             thou
             give
             answer
             to
             the
             doubts
             cast
             in
             by
             the
             Devil
             ;
             but
             believe
             the
             words
             of
             God
             ,
             believe
             his
             Saints
             and
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             the
             wicked
             Enemy
             will
             flie
             from
             thee
             .
             It
             is
             oftentimes
             very
             profitable
             to
             the
             Servant
             of
             God
             to
             suffer
             such
             things
             .
             For
             the
             Devil
             tempteth
             not
             unbelievers
             and
             sinners
             ,
             whom
             he
             already
             securely
             possesseth
             ,
             but
             he
             sundry
             ways
             tempteth
             and
             vexeth
             the
             faithful
             and
             religious
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Go
             forward
             therefore
             with
             a
             sincere
             and
             undoubted
             faith
             ,
             and
             come
             to
             the
             Sacrament
             
             with
             unfeigned
             reverence
             .
             And
             whatsoever
             thou
             art
             not
             able
             to
             understand
             ,
             commit
             securely
             to
             Almighty
             God.
             God
             deceiveth
             thee
             not
             ;
             he
             is
             deceived
             that
             trusteth
             to
             much
             to
             himself
             .
             God
             walketh
             with
             the
             simple
             ,
             revealeth
             himself
             to
             the
             humble
             ,
             giveth
             understanding
             to
             the
             little
             ones
             ,
             openeth
             the
             sense
             to
             pure
             minds
             ,
             and
             hideth
             grace
             from
             the
             curious
             and
             proud
             .
             Humane
             reason
             is
             weak
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             deceived
             ,
             but
             true
             faith
             cannot
             be
             deceived
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             All
             reason
             and
             natural
             search
             ought
             to
             follow
             faith
             ,
             not
             to
             go
             before
             ,
             nor
             infringe
             it
             .
             For
             faith
             and
             love
             do
             here
             chiefly
             excell
             ,
             and
             work
             in
             a
             hidden
             manner
             in
             this
             most
             holy
             and
             excellent
             Sacrament
             .
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             everlasting
             and
             of
             infinite
             power
             ,
             doth
             great
             and
             inscrutable
             things
             in
             Heaven
             and
             in
             Earth
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             no
             searching
             out
             of
             his
             wonderful
             works
             .
             If
             the
             works
             of
             God
             were
             such
             ,
             as
             might
             be
             easily
             comprehended
             by
             humane
             reason
             ,
             they
             were
             not
             to
             be
             called
             wonderful
             and
             unspeakable
             .
          
           
             FINIS
             .