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ABKIIWKO, ANO PUBM8HBD IN BN(a.(«ll, BY THE REV. JOHN WESLEY, A.M. •OMETIMK VKLIX>VV OV ItNCOLN COI.LBOK. OXVOKO. HALIFAX : MILNEB AND BO'WEBBY| 1862. u 'e>N/ ^-b^v , ^^ \^(^^^ r< s» U ^ PREFACE. s> Jt As It Is Impossible for any one to know the usefulno8§ of this Treatise, till he has read it in such a manner as it deserves; instead of heaping up commendations of it, which those who have so. read it do not want, and those who have not will not believe, I have transcribed a few plain directions how to read this, or indeed any other religious book, with improvement 1. Assign some stated time ,every day for this pious employment. If any indispensable business unexpectedly robs you of your hour of retirement, take the next hour for it: when such large portions of each day aie so willingly bestowed on bodily refreshments can you scru- ple allotting some little time daily for the improvement of your immortal soul ? 2. Prepare yourself for reading by purity of intention, whereby you singly aim at your soul's benefit ; and then, in a short ejaculation, beg God's grace to enlighten your understanding, and dispose your heart for receiving what you read ; and that you may both know what he requires of you, and seriously resolve to execute his will when known. 3. Be sure to read, not curiously and hastily, but leisurely, and with great attention; and with proper iatervals and pauses, that you may allow time for the euilgiitenings of divine grace. Stop every now and then, to recollect wb%t you have read, and consider how - to Iv PREFACE. reduce it to practice*. Farther, let your reading be con- tinued and regular, not rambling and desultory. It shows a vitiated palate, to taste of many dishes without fixing upon, or be|pg satisfied with, any : not but what it will be oT great service to read over and over those pas- sages which more nearly concern yourself, and mora closely affect your own passions and inclinations ; espe- cially if you add a particular examination upon each. 4. Labour for a temper cor.'-espondent to what you read : otherwise it will prove empty and unprofitable, while it only enlightens your understanding, without in- fluencing your will, or inflaming your affections. There- fore intersperse here and there, pious aspirations to God, and petitions for his grace. Select also any re- markable sayings or advices, treasuring them up in your memory to rumxnate and consider on ; which you may either in time of need draw forth, as an arrow from a quiver against temptatioQ, against this or that vice which you are more particularly addicted to ; or make use of as incitements to humility, patience, the love of God, or any virtue. 5. Conclude all with a short cijaculation to God ; that he would preserve and prosper his good seed sown in your heart, that it may bring forth its fruit in duo season, And think not this will take up too much of your time; for you can never bestow it to so good advantage. CONTENTS. BOOK I. CHAP. PA«*R. 1. Ok the imitation of Christ, and contempt of worldly vanities j> 2. Of humility 10 3. The doctrine*of truth 11 4. Prudence in our actions 14 5. Reading the Holy Scriptures 15 6. Avoiding vain hopes and pride 16 7. Familiarity is to be shunned 17 8. Avoiding superfluity of words 17 9. Obtaining peace, and zeal for improvement .... 18 10. The usefulness of adversity 19 11. Avoiding rash judgment 22 12. Of works done out of charity 23 13. Bearing with the defects of others 24 14. Examples of the holy fathers 26 15. Love of solitude and silence 28 16. Compunction of heart 31 17. Meditation of death 33 18. Of judgment, and the punishment of sin 30 19. The zealous amendment of our whole life 37 BOOK 11. 1. Of the inward life S9 2. Humble submission ....". 42 3. Of a good and peaceable luuu 43 Vi CONTENTS. • CHAP. PAOR. 4. A pure mind and intention 45 5. Consideration of one's-self 40 6. Joy of a good conscience 47 7. Of the love of Jesus 49 8. Familiar friendship with Jesus 50 9. Want of all comfort 52 10. Thankfulness for grace 55 11. There are few who love the cross of Christ .... M IK The royal way of the cross • 58 BOOK III. 1. The inward speech of Christ unto a faithful soiil 62 *. Truth spealceth inwardly ! Q3 S. The word of God is to he heard with humility 65 4. We ought to live in truth and humility 67 5. The eflfects of divine love 69 6. Proof of a trua lover 72 7. Grace is to be guarded by humility 74 8. All things are to be referred unto God 75 8. It is a sweet thing to despise the world, and serve God 77 10. Desires are to be examined , 7{» 11. Sacred Judgments of God 80 12. How we are to be affected in every thing we desire 82 18. True comfort is to be sought in God alone .... 84 14. Our care is to be cast on God 85 15. Our suffering injuries 86 16. We are to rest in God above ,~ 1 — t.»»~4. ^.v»ii ... — 1,1 «ll iHH5 ui ail t>iic piiiiuaupucis uj uwaib, vtiiai, vy vuiXA ait that profit thee without the love of God ? Wf-' 10 THE christian's PATTERN. Vanity of vanities ! all is vanity but to lore God, and serve him only. ; 3. Jt is therefore vanity to seek after perishing riches. It is also vanity to seek honours. It is also vanity to follow the desires of the flesh, and to labiour for that for which thou must after- ward suffer grievous punishment. It is vanity to wish to live long and to be careless to live well. It is vanity to mind this present life, and not those things which are to come. It is vanity to set thy love on that which speedily passeth away ; and not to hasten thither, wher® everlasting joys remain. CHAPTER II. OfTliinhing Bumbly of Ourselves. All men naturally desire to know ; but what avail- eth knowlodge without the fear of God ? Surely an humble husbandman tliat serveth God, is better than a proud philosopher, that neglecting himself, studies the course of the heavensb, ' He that knoweth himself is vile in his own eyes, and is not pleased with the praises of men. If I understood all things in i-he »7orld, and had not charity, what would that help me in the sight of God, who will judge me according to my &zed%? 2. Cease from an inordinate desire of knowing, for therein is much distraction and deceit. TUB christian's PATTBRX. 11 Tliere are many things, to know which, doth little profit to the soul. And he is very unwise that minds any other things, than those that tend to the welfare of his soul. Many words do not satisfy the soul : but a pure conscience gi^reth confidence towards God. 8. The more thou knowest, and the better thou understandest, the more grievously shalt thou be judged, unless thy life be the more holy. Be not therefore lifted up ; but rather let the knowledge given thee make thee afraid. If thou thinkest that thou know*..- much ; yet there are many more things which thou knowest not. Be not over-wise, but rather acknowledge thine own ignorance. If thou wilt know any thing profitable, love to be unknown and of no account. 4. The highest and most profitable lesson is the true knowledge of ourselves. It is great wisdom to esteem ourselves nothing, and to think always well and highly of others. If thou shouldest see another openly sin, yet oughtest thou not to est&em thyself better than he. We are all frail ; but remember, none more frail than thyself. CHAPTER III. Of the Doctrine of Truth, llilfPY is he whom trjith itself teachetb, sot hy %»eii and words that pass away, but by an imme- diftte communication of itself. 12 THB christian's PATTERlf. Oar own opinion and our own sense often deceive us, and discern little. What availeth it to dispute about hidden things, for being ignorant of which we shall not be reproved at the day of judgment ? It is greatfolly to neglect things profitable, and . to think of curious or hurtful things. 2. And what have we to do with dry ructions ? He, to whom the Eternal Word speaketh, is deli- vered from a world of vain notions. Prom the One Word are all thinsfs, and all speak that One : and this is he who also speaketh unto us, No man understandeth o? judgeth rightly with- out him. He to whom all tnings are one, who reduceth all things to one, and seeth all things in one, maybe stable in heart, find remain peaceable in God. God, the Truth, make me one with thee, ii| everlasting love. 1 am weary of reading and hearing many things ; in thee is all that I desire. Let all creatures be silent in thy sight, speak thou alone unto me. »3. The mcfre simple any one is, the more doth he understand without labour : because he receiveth the light of knowledge from above. A pure, simple, and stable spirit, is not dissipated, though it be employed in many works ; because it does all to the glory of God, and seeks n6ritself in any thing that it doth. What hinders and troubles thee, but the unmor* tified affections of thine own heart. THE CHRISTX .^'S PATTERN. 13 Who hath a sharper combat than he who laboar- eth to overcome himself ? This ought to be our burlness, to conquer our- selves, and daily to advance in holiness. 4. AH perfection in this life hath some imperfec- tion mixed with it ; and no knowledge of ouri is without some darkness. An humble knowledge of thyself is a surer way to God, than a deep search after sciencie. Yet knowledge is not to be blamed, it being good in itself, and ordained by God ; bijt a good con- science, and a virtuous life, is always to be preferred before it. 5. O ! if men bestowed as much labour in the rooting out of vices, as they do in moving of ques- tions, there would not be so great wickedness, nor so inuch work done in the world. Surely, at the day of judgment we sh^U not be examined as to what we have read, but what we have done: not how well we have spoken, but how religiously we have lived. Tell me, where are now f.ll those doctors and mabters, v/ith whom thou wast well acquainted, whilst they lived and flourshed in learning ? Now others possess their preferments, and perhaps do scarce ever think of them. In their lifetime they seemed something, but now they are not spo- ken of. 6. O how quickly doth the glory of the world pass away I O that their life had been answerable to their learning I then had their study been to good purpose. u THE ^christian's PATTERN. How many perish in tb-'s world, because they rather choose to be great than humble ; therefore they become vain in their imaginations. He is truly great that is great in love. He is truly great that is little in his own eyes, and that maketh no account of any height of honour. He is truly wise that accounteth all earthly things as dung, that he may win Christ. And he is truly learned, that doth the will of God, and forsaketh his own wiU. # CHAPTER IV. Of Prudence in oitr Actio7u, Wb must not give ear to every saying or suggestion, but wanly and leisurely ponder things according to the will of God. * But, aks ! such is our weakness, that we often more easUy beUeve and speak evil of others than good. Good men do not easily give credit to every thing one tells them ; because they know human frailty IS prone to evil ; and very subject to fail in words. 2. It is great wisdom not to be rash in thy pro- ceedings,^ nor to stand stiffly in thine own opinion. It is wisdom not to believe every thing that thou hearest, nor presently to relate again to others what thou hast heard, or dost believe. Consult with a wise and conscientious man, and seek to bs iastracted hj a better than thyself, ra- ther than to follow thine own inventions. "1 THE christian's PATTERN. 15 A good life maketh a man wise acoording to God, anJ giveth him experience in many things. The humbler one is, and more resigned unto God, the xhore prudent and contented shall he be in all things. t CHAPTER. V. Of Reading the Holy Scriptures. Truth, not eloquence, is to be sought for in the scriptures. All scripture is to be read by the same spirit wlierewith it was written. We ought to read plain and devout books as wil* lingly as high and profound ones. Let not the authority of the writer, whether he be of great or small learning, but the love of pure truth draw thee to read. Search not who spake this, but m»rk what is 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 hindereth us in reading the scriptures^ when we will examine and discuss that which we should rather pass over without much ado. If thou desire to profit, read humbly, simply, and faithfully, Enquire willingly, and hear with silence the 16 THE CHRISTIAN'S PATTER^. wordg of holyimen ; dislike not the parables of the elders, for they are not spoken without cause, CHAPTER VI. Of avoiding Vain Hopes and Pride, He is vain that putteth his trust in man or crea tures. Be not ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesas Christ ; nor to be esteemed poor in this world. Presume not upon thyself, but place thy hope in God. Do what lieth in thy power, and God will assist thy good will. Trust not in thy knowledge nor in any living creature ; but rather in the grace! of God,, who helpeth the humble and humbleth the proud. 2. Glory not in wealth, nor in friends, but in God, who giveth all things, ahd desireth to give theo himself above all. Value not thyself for the strength or beauty of thy body, which is spoiled and disfigured with a little sickness. Pride not thyself in thy natural gifts or wit, lest thereby thou displease God. 3. Esteem not thyself better ihan others, lest in the sight of God thou be accounted worse than thev. Be not proud of thy good works ; for the judg- ment of God is far different from the judgment of riion If there be any good in thee, believe that there is much more in others. THB christian's PATTBRN. 17 It hurts thee not if thoa thinkest thyself worse than all men ; but it hurts thee much 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* CHAPTER VII. That too much Familiarity it 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 persons. Keep company with the humble and simple, with the devout and virtuous ; and confer with them of those things which may edify. Be not familiar with any woman ; but in general commend all good women to God. Desire to be familiar with God alone, and his word, and fly the knowledge of men. We must have charity towards all, but familiarity with all is not expedient. ■ 4 CHAPTER VIII. Of avoiding Superfluity of Words. Fly the tumult of the world as much aa thou canst* vanity. 69 B IS THE CHUISTIAN'S PATTERN. I could wish that I had oftentimes held my peace, and that I had not been in company. Why a^ we so fond of oonversHtion, when not- withstanding we seldom return to silence without hurt of conscience. We willingly talk of those things which we most love and desire, or of those which we feel most con-* trary and troublesome to us. But, alas ! oftentimes iu vain, and to no end ; for this outward comfort doth obstruct the inward consolation. Therefore we must watch and pray lest our time pass away idly. 2. If it be lawful and expedient for thee to speak, speak those things that may edify. However, devout conversation upon spiritual subjects doth greatly faither our spiritual growtli, especially where persons of one mind and spirit are joined together in God. CHAPTER IX. The obtaining of Peace, and zeal for improve- ment. We might enjoy much peace*if we would not busy oursdyes with the words and deeds of others, in whidrwe have no concern. How can he live long in peace, that meddles with the cares of others, and little or seldom recoUecteth hiinself within his own breast ? Blessed are the single-hearted ; for they ghail enjoy much peace. TUB christian's PATTERN. 19 2. We are too much taken up with our own pas- nons, and too solicitous for transitory things. We are not inflamed with a fervent desire to grow better every day ; and therefore we remain cold and indifferent. 3. If we were dead into ourselves, and disengaged from low affections, then should we relish divine things. But when any adversity befalleth us, we turn ourselves to human comfort. 4. If we would endeavour, like men of courage, to stand in the battle, we should surely feel the assistance of God from heaven ; for he furnisheth us with occasions of striving, that we may conquer. If we place our progress in religion only in out- ward observances, our devotion will quickly be at an^end. ♦ But let us lay the axe to the root, that, boing freed from inordinate passions, we may find rest to our souls. ohaI^er X. Of the Usefulness of Adversity, It is good that we have sometimes troubles and crosses ; for they often make a man enter into him- self, and consider that he ought not to place his trust in any worldly thing. It is good that we be sometimes contradicted, and that men think ill of us : and this, although we do and intend well. For then we more diligently seek God for our ,'• i 20 THE CHRISTIAN'S PATTP.Rlf. inward witness, when outwardly we are contemned by men. 2. Wherefore, a man should settle himself so fully in God, that he needs not seek comforts of men. When a man is afflicted, tempted, or tronbled with evil thoughts, tlien he underatandeth better * the great need he hath of Qod. 3. So long as we live in this world, we cannot be without temptation. Kence it is written in Job, "The life of man is a warfare upon earth." Every one, therefore, ought to take care as to his own temptations, and to watch in prayer, lest he be deceived by the devil ; who never sleepeth, but goeth about seeking whom he may devour. . 4. Temptations are often very profitable to men, though they be troublesome and grievous ; for in them a man is humbled, purified, and instructed. All the saints have passed through and profited by many tribulations and temptations. And they that would not bear temntations, became repro- bates, and fell away. ^ There is no place so secret, where there are no temptations. 5. There is no man that is altogether secure from temptations whilst he liveth. When one temptation goeth away, another Com- eth ; and we shall ever have something to suffer. Many seek to fly temptations, and fall more grievously into them. By flight alone we cannot overcome, but by patience and humility we con- quer all our enemies. THE CHHISTIAN^d PATTBRlf. 31 lan IS a 6. He that ouly avoideth them outwardly, and doth not pluck them up by the roots, shall profit little ; yea, temptations will soon return unto him, and he shall feel them worse than before. By patience (through God*s help) thou shalt more easily overcome, than by harsh and disquieting eiforts in thy own strength. Often take counsel iii temptations ; and deal not roughly with him thb is tempted. 7. The beginning of temptation is inconstancy of mind, and little confidence in God. For as a ship without a rudder is tossed to and fro with the waves ; so, the man that is negligent is many ways tempted. Fire trieth iron, and temptation a just man. We know not often what we are able to do : but temptations show us what we are. We must be watching, especially in the beginning of the temptation ; for an 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, " Withstand the beginning ; for an after-remedy comes too late.'* First there occurreth to the mind a simple evil thought ; then, a strong imagination ; afterwards, delight ; and lastly, consent. And so by little and little our malicious enemy getteth entrance, when he is not resisted in the beginnintr. And the longer one is slack in resisting, the weaker he becomes daily, and the enemf strongex against him. S3 r ilB CUUIsTIAN'S PATlKRIf. 1$, Some Buffer the greatest temptation in the Ibeginning of their conversion ; others, in the latter end. Others again are much troubled, almost f^ironghout their life. I^om^ i^re but slightly tempt ''<1, according to the Wisdom v#hich weigheth the states of men, and ordereth all things for the good of his people. 9. We ought therefore, when we are tempted, so much the more fervently to pray unto God, who surely will make with the temptation a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it. Let us, therefore, humble ourselves under the hand of God, in all temp- tations and tribulations ; for he will exalt the hum- ble in spirit. 10. In temptations and afflictions man is proved how much he hath profited. 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 bears himself patiently, there is hope then of great proficiency. Some are kept from great temptations; that being humbled, they may never trust themselves in great matters, who are baffled in so many things. CHAPTER XI. Of avoiding Hash J udgmenin. Turn thine ear unto thyself, and beware thou judge not th^ d^eds of other men. In j l^is^g of others, a man laboureth in vain, nftfin t-ry* ■. \ jHI f^n>''^\v ninnpt.h • hnt. in inHointr tx\\t\ J % J J _. J Q — g examiDvi5| ■. »s it he labours faithfully. THE CHRISTIAN'S PATTKUW. 23 We often judge of, things according' as we fanoy them ; for affection hereaves ub easily of ft right judgment. If God were always oar desire, we should not be so much troubled when our inclinations are opposed. 2. But oftentimes something lurks within, which draweth us ah^r It. Maty secreliy seek themselves in their iCtions, butknuwir not. Th^y live in peace of mind, when things are done according to their will ; but if things succeed other- wise than their desire, they are straijjhtway troubled. Diversity of inclinations and opinions often cause ilissensions between religious persons, between friends and countrymen. 3. And old custom is hardly broken, and no man is willing t'^ be led farther than himself can see. If thou dost more rely upon thine own reason, thau upon Jesus Christ, late, if ever^ Shalt thou be Illuminated. CHAPTER XII. Of Works done out of Charity, The outward work, without charity, profiteth no- ihiUg ; but whatsoever is done out of charity, be it ever so little or contemptible in the sight of the world, is wholly fruitful. For God weisheth more with how much love out worketh, than how mucli he doeth. % He doeth much, that loveth much. ^1^ 24 THE christian's PATTBllN. He doeth much, that doeth n thing well. He doeth well that serTeth his neighbour, and not his own will. Often it seemeth to be charity, when it is rather carnality ; because natural inclination, self-will, hope of reward, the desire of our own interest, are motives that men are rarely free from. 3. He that hath pure and perfect charity secketh himself in nothing ; but only desireth in all things that God should be exalted. He envieth none, be- cause he seeketh not his own satisfaction ; neither rejoiceth in himself, but chooseth God only for his poition. He attributeth nothing that is good to any man, but wholly referreth it unto C jd ; from whom, as from the fountain, all things proceeded ; and in whom finally all the saints rest. that he had but one spark of true charity ! Then he would certainly discern that all earthly things are full of vanity. CHAPTER XIIL 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 orders things otherwise. Think, that perhaps it b better so, for thy trial and patience. 2. If one that b once or twice warned will not cive over, nnntand ««* w^uu ui i . . - .__, — ,^.„^ ^„„ ^,„j „jm , pjj^ commit aiito God, that his will may be done, and his name hon- THE CHRloTIAN'S PATTERN, iU> oured in all his serfants, who well knoweth bow to tiirn evil into good. Study to be patient in bearing with the defects and infirmities of others, of what sort soever they may be, for that thou thyself also hast many, which must be suffered by others. If thou canst not makeihyself sMch a one as thou wouldest, 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. We would have others exactly corrected, and yet we will not be corrected ourselves. The liberty of others displeaseth us, and yet we will not have our own desires denied. Thus it appears, how seldom we weigh our neigh- bour in the same balance with ourselves. 3. If all men were perfect, what should we have to suffer of our neiglibour for God 1 But now God hath thus ordered it, that we may learn to bear one another's burdens ; for no man is without fault : no man but hath his burden ; no man is self-sufficient ; no man hath wisdom enough for himself ; but we ought to bear with one another ; comfort, help, instruct, and admonish one another. Occasions of adversity best discover how great virtue each one hatl». For occasions maKe not a man frail, but show what he is. 26 THE christian's PATTERN. CHAPTER XIT. Of the Examples of the Holy Fatheri. Consider the lively examples of the holy Fathers, in whom true religion sho^^e ; and thoi\i shalt see how little it is, and almost nothing, which we do now. Alas ! what is our life if it be compared to theirs ? Those saints and friends of Christ served the Lord in Imnger and thirst, in cold and nakedness, in labour and weariness, in watching s and fastingf;, in persecutions and many reproaches. 2. how many and grievous tribulations suffered the apostles, martyrs, confessors, virgins, and all the rest tiiat would follow the steps of Christ ! They hated their lives in this world, that they might pos- sess tlieir souls in everlasting life. O how strict and self-renouncing a life led those holy fathers in the wilderness! How long and grievous temptations 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 they had of their spiritual proficiency ! How strong a combat had they for the overcoming of their lust ! How pure and upright an intention did they })reserve unto God ! All the day they laboured, and spent part of the night in prayer ; althouiuch even while they laboured, they did not cease from mental prayer. THE christian's PATTERN. '27 3. They spent all their time usefully ; all their hours of devotion seemed short ; and by reason of the great sweetness they felt in contemplations, they for'-^ot the necessity of corporal refreshments. They renounced all riches, dignities, honours, friends, and kinsfolk ; they desired to have nothing of the world ; they took no more of any thmg than was necessary for the sustenance of life. ^ ^ They were poor in earthly things, but nch in grace. Outwardly they wanted, but inwardly were re- freshed with divine consolation. t • a 4. They were strangers to the world, but friends to God. ,. J They seemed to themselves as nothings and were despised by the world ; but they were precious m the eyes of God. j „ , . , They were grounded in humility, walked in love and patience, and therefore profited daUy in spirit. Help me, O Lord God, in thy holy service, and grant that I may now, this day, begin perfectly ; for that which I have done hitherto is nothing. Much diligence is necessary to him that will profit much. , ., ,u u * If he that firmly purposeth often faileth, what shall he do that seldom or feebly purposeth any thing? , , It may fall out sundry ways that we break our resolution ; and a little omission of spiritual exer- cises seldom passes without some loss. The purpose of just men depends not so much upon their own wisdom as upon the grace of ^rou, 28 THE CHRISTIAN'S PATTERN. on whom they always rely in whatsoever they take in hand. For man doth purpose. But God doth dispose ; neither is the way of man in himself. 5. If any accustomed exercise he sometimes omitted, either for some act of piety, or proof to thy brother, it may easily afterwards be recovered again. But to omit it out of sloth, or carelessness, is very blameable, and will be found pernicious. We must diligently search into, and regulate, botii the outward and inward man ; because both contribute to our advancement. Gird thy loins as a man, against the assaults of the devil ; bridle thy appetite, and thou shalt the more easily bridle all the motions of the flesh. Be thou at no time idle ; but either be reading, or writing, or praying, or meditating, or endeavour- ing something for the public good. " Blessed is that servant whom, when his Lord Cometh, he shall find watching : Verily, I say unto you, he shall make him ruler over all his goods.** CHAPTER XV. Of the Love of Solitude and Silence. Seek a convenient time to retire into thyself. Meddle not with curiosities. Read such things as may rather yield compunc- tion of heart, than busy thy head. If thou wilt withdraw thyself from superfluous talk and useless visits, as also from hearkening after news and rumours, thou shalt find sufficient leisure to meditate on good things. TUB christian's PATTERN. «29 2. One said, " As often as I have been among men, I returned like a man ;* and this we often find true, when we have been long in company. It is easier not to speak at all, than not to speak more than we should. It is easier to keep at home, than to be sufficiently upon our guard when we are abroad. He, therefore, that intends to attain to inward and spiritual things, must with Jesus, retire from the multitude. No man safely goes abroad, but he who is willing to stay at home. . mv No man can speak safely, but he who is willing to hold his peace. No man ruleth safely, but he that is willing to be ruled. ♦ VI J No man safely commands, but he that hath learned readily to obey. No man safely rejoiceth, unless he hath withm 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 careless and humble m themselves, because they shone outwardly with grace and great virtues. 3. Those have often, through confidence in them- selves, fallen into the greatest dangers, who have been in the greatest esteem among men. Wherefore, it is more profitable to many not to be altogether free from temptations, lest they should 1 .^ *i ,u««l/1 Vio TiiiflPpH nn with be too secure J lesi wiojr bii-u«x« ..^^ ^ • r pride, or too freely inclined to worldly comforts. 30 THE christian's PATTERN. O how good a conscience would he keep, that would never seek after transitory joys, or entangle himself with the things of this world ! O how great peace and quietness would lie possess that would cut off all vain solicitude, and think only upon divine things, and such as are profitable for his soul ! If thou desirest compunction of heart, enter into thy closet, and shut out the tumults of the world, according to the advice of the Psalmist, "Commune ■ with your own iieart, and in your chamber, and be still." (Ps. iv. 5.) In thy closet thou shalt find, what abroad thou often losest. The more thou frequentest thy closet, the more thou wilt like it ; the less thou comest thereunto, the more thou wilt loathe it. If in the beginning of thy conversion thou pas- sest much time in thy closet, it will afterwards be to thee a dear friend and pleasant comfort. 4. In silence and in stillness a religious soul pro- fiteth, and learneth the hidden truth of the Holy Scriptures. There she findeth rivers of joys, and may be so much the more familiar with her Creator, by how much the farther off she liveth from all worldly tumult. 5. Why art thou desirous to see that which is unlawful for thee to enjoy ! For the world passeth away, and the desires thereof. Our sinful desires draw us to rove abroad ; but when the time is passed, what carriest thou home with thee, but a burdened conscience, and a dissi- pated heart I THE christian's PATTERN. 31 A merry going out often bringeth a mournful return, and a joyful evening a sad morning. So all carnal joys enter pleasantly, but in the end bite and sting to death. What canst thou see elsewhere, which thou canst not see here ? Behold the heavens and the earth, and all the elements ; for of these are all things created. 6, What canst thou see any where that can long continue under the sun ? lliou thinkest, perhaps, to satisfy thyself? but thou canst never attain it. Shouldest thou see all the things of this world, what were it but a vain sight ? Lift up tliine eyes to God in the highest, and pray to him to pardon all thy sins. Leave vain things to tlie vain ; but be thou intent upon those things which God commandetli thee. Shut thy door upon thee ; and call unto thee Jesub 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 rumours, thou mightest the better have re- mained in peace ; as long as thou delightest to hear novelties, thou must endure trouble of heart. CHAPTER XVI. Of Compunction of Heart. If thou wilt make any progress, keep thyseii in lae fear of God, and use not too much liberty. 32 THE OHRISTiAN'S PATTERN, Keep all thy senses ander discipline, and give not thyself over to trifling mirth. 2. The levity of our minds, and want of concern for our faults, make us lose the sense of our inward state, and often laugh when we have cause to weep. There is no true liberty, nor right gladness, but in the fear of God, and a good conscience. Happy is he that can avoid all distracting impe- diments, and recollect himself in holy compunction. Happy is he that can abandon all that may detile or burden his conscience. Resist manfully : one custom overcometh another. 3. Busy not thyself in matters which appertain to others ; neither trouble thyself with the affairs of thy betters. Still have an eye to thyself first, and be sure to admonish thyself, before any of thy friends. If thou hast not the favour of men, be not grieved at it ; but grieve that thou dost not carry thyself so warily and circumspectly as becometh the servant of God. It is often better and safer that a man hath not many consolations in this life, especially worldly ones. But that we have not any, or seldom, divine consolations, is our own fault, because we do not altogether forsake vain comforts. 4. Didst thou oftener think of thy death, than of thy living long, there is no question but thou wouldest be more zealous to amend. I believe thou wouldest willingly undergo any luVkniiv ni» onrrAW nr flilHtftritV. if thoU didst COnsi- der within thyself the pains of a future state. THE CHHISTIAN'S PATTRHN. m But because these things enter not into the heart, and we still love the things of the world, therefore we remain cold and slothful. Miserable thou art, wheresoever thou be, or whithersoever thou tnmest, unless thou turn to God. Who is in the best case ? He who can suffer something for God. brother, quit not thy hope of profiting in spi- ritual things. There, is yet time, the hour is not yet past. 5. Why wilt thou defer thy good purpose ? Arise, begin this instant, and say. Now is the time to be doing, now is the time to be striving, now is the time to amend. But unless thou doest violence to thyself, thou shalt never get the victory over sin. CHAPTER XVII. Of the Meditation of Death. This life will soon be at an end ! Consider, there- fore, how thy affairs stand as to the next. Man is here to-day, to-morrow he is soon forgotten. Thou shouldest so order thyself in all thy thoughts, and all thy actions, as if thou wert to die to-day. Hadst thou a clear conscience, thou couldest not fear death. It were better to avoid sin, than to flee death. If thou art not prepared to-day, how wilt thou be to-morrow? To-morrow is uncertain, and how knowest thou that thou shalt liv« till to-morrow i . 69 c • »4 THB christian's PATTERN. t 2. What availeth it to live long, when we are so little the better. Alas! long life does not always mend us ; but often inoreaaeth guilU O that we had spent bat one day well in this world. 3. When it is morning, think thou mayest die before night. When evening comes dare not to promise thyself the next morning. Be, therefore, always in readiness ; and so live, that death may never take thee unprepared. Many die suddenly, and when they look not for it • for " in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man Cometh." (Mat. xxiv. 44.) When that last hour shall come, thou wilt have a far different opinion of thy whole life. 4. How wise and happy is he, that labourath to be such in his life, as he wisheth to be found at the hour of his death. Whilst thou art in health, thou mayest do much good, but when thou art sick, I know not what thou wilt be able to do. Few by sickness grow better : and they who travel much are seldom sanctifi 'id. 6. Trust not in friends and kindred, neither put off the care of thy soul till hereafter ; for men will sooner forget thee than thou art aware of. If thou art not careful for thyself now, who will "be careful for thee hereafter ? The time present is very precious ; now is the day of salvation, now is the acceptable time. TUB CHIUSTIAN'S PATTBUN. 85 But, alas! that thou ahouldest spend thy time no better here, where thou mightest purchase life eter- nal ! The time will come, when thou shalt desire one day or hour to amend in ; and I cannot say it will be granted thee. 6. Ah, fool I why dost thou think to live long, when thou canst not promise to thyself one day. How many have been deceived, and suddenly snatched away ! How often dost thou hear, such a man is slain, another is drowned, a third has broke his neck with a fall ; this man died eating, and that playing ! One perished by fire, another by sword, another of the plague, another was slain by thieves. Thus death is the end of all ; and man's life suddenly passeth away, like a shadow. 7. 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 be after thy death. Now, while thou hast time, lay up for thyself everlasting riches. Think of nothing but the salvation of thy soul ; care for nothing but the things of God. 8. Keep thyself as a stranger and pilgrim upon earth, who has nothing to do with the affairs of this world. Keep thy heart free, and lifted up to God, be- cause thou hast here no abiding city. Send thither thy daily prayers, and sighs, and tears, that after death thy spirit may happily pass to the Lord. Amen. 86 TUB ClIllISTIAN'S PATTERN. CHAPTER XVIII. OfJudgmentf and the Punishment of Sin. In all things remember the end, and how thou wilt be able to stand before that severe Judge, from whom nothing is hid ; which is not pacified with gifts, noradmitteth any excuses; but will judge according to right. O wretched and foolish sinner, who sometimes hast feared the countenance of an angry man ; what answer wilt thou make to God who knoweth all thy wickedness ? Why dost thou not provide for thyself 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 ? 2. What is it which that infernal fire feeds upon but thy sins ? The more thou sparest thyself now, and f ollowest the flesh j so much the more hereafter shall be thy punishment, and thou stowest up greater fuel for the flame In what thing a man hath sinned, in the same shall he be punished. There is no quiet, no comfort for the damned there. Here we have some intermission of our labours, and enjoy the comfort of our friends. Be now solicitous and sorrowful because of thy sins, that at the day of judgment thou mayest be secure with the blessed. ,TIIB CHRISTIAN'S tATTEUxi. 3(7 For then shall the righteous stand with great boldness before such as hav^|f xed and oppressed them. ^ Then shall he stand to judge, who doth now hum- bly suhmit himself to the judgment of others. Then shall the poor and humble have great con- fidence ; but the proud shall be compassed with fear on every side. 3. Then will it appear, that he was wise in this world, who had learned to be a fool and despised for Christ *B sake. Then shall every affliction, patiently undergone, delight us ; and the mouth of iniquity^shall be stopped. Then shall the devout rejoice, and the profane mourn. Then shall he more rejoice, that hath mortified his flesh, than he that hath abounded in all pleasure. Then shall the poor attire shine gloriously, and the precious robes appear vile. 4. Suppose thou hadst hitherto lived always in honour and delights ; what would this avail thee, if thou wert to die this instant ? All, therefore, is vanity, but to love God and serve him only. For he that loveth God with all his heart, is nei- ther afraid of death nor judgment, nor hell. CHAPTER XIX. Of the Zealom Amendment of our whole Life. Whbn one that was in great anxiety of mind, often wavering between fear and hope, did once humbly 38 THE christian's PATTERN. prostrate himself in prayer, and said, " O ! if I knew that I should |psevere !" he presently heard within him an answW from God, which said, " If thou didst know it, what wouldest thou do ? Do what thou wouldest do then, and thou shalt be safe." And being herewith comforted and strengthened, he committed himself wholly to the will of God, and his anxiety ceased : Neither had he any mind to search curiously far- ther what should befal him ; but rather laboured to understand what was the perfect and acceptable will of God, for the beginning and accomplishment of every good work. 2. "Hope in the Lord, and do good," saith the Prophet, " 80 shalt thou inherit the land, and thou Shalt be fed." One thing there is that draweth many back from a spiritual progress and diligent amendment ; the hour of difficulty, or the labour of the combat. But they improve most in virtue, that endeavour most to overcome those things which are grievous and contrary to them. For there a man improveth more, and obtaineih greater grace, where he more overcometh himself and mortifieth himself in spirit. 3. Gather some profit to thy soul wheresoever thou be : so if thou seest or hearest of any good examples, stir up thyself to the imitation thereof. But if thou seest any thing worthy of reproof, beware thou dost not the same. And, if at any time thou hast done it, labour quickly to amend it. 4. Be mindful of the profession thou hast made, THB christian's PATTERN. S9 and have always before thine eyes the remembrance of thy saviour crucified. , , , . «*^ Thou hast good cause to be ashamed, looking unto the life of Jesus Christ, seeing tlio^^^^^*/^* ^^ more endeavoured to conform thyself unto h.m, though thou hast wasted a long time m the ways "^ A religious person that exercises himself seriously and devoutly in the most holy life and passion of our Lord, shall there abundantly ^^^^'^^I'^.'T cessary and profitable for him ; neither shall he need seek any better thing out of Jesus. O if Jesus crucified would come into our hearts, how quickly and fully should we be instructed m all truth'. #rf <»<»»» M« <<<« M »*»»»» rf»<»<^i<** #i #* ^ BOOK II. CHAPTER I. Of the Inward Life. "THB kingdom of God i« within yo«," saithth. JrT T^ thee witu thy whole heart ™t» he ^e trZCd foraake thU wretched world and thy "SeSfto'dipt 'exterior things, and to give tl^- Vin^dom Of God to come unto thee. _ .*,<>' t'^««^"8 dc^'of God is peace and joy in the ttoiy ubo.u 40 THE CHRISTIAN'S PATTERN. 2. O faithful soul, make ready thy heart for this Bridegroom, that he may vouchsafe to come unto thee, and dwell within thee ! Forhesaith, "If a man love me, he will keep my words, and we will come unto him, and will make our ahode with him." Give, therefore admit- tance 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 helper in all things, so as thou shalt not need to trust in men. 3. For men are soon changed, and quickly fail ; hut Christ remaineth for ever, and is with us even unto the end. We ought not to put trust in man, frail and mor- tal as he is, though he be friendly and serviceable ; nor should we be grieved, although he cross and oppose OS* They that to-day take thy part, to-morrow may be against thee ; and so on the contrary : they often turn like the wind. Put thy whole 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 ; .%nd where- soever thou be, thou art a stranger and pilgrim ; neither shalt thou ever have rest, unless thou be intimately united unto Christ. 4. Why dost thou here gaze about, since this is not the place of thy rest ? Heaven ought to be thy dwelling, and all earthly things are to be looked _jj J , — ,T-i-.— r-'j J- - - 1.« r s i "w* ■ All things pass away, and thou together with THE christian's pattern. 41 them. Beware thou cleave not unto them, lest thou be entangled and perish. Let thy thoughts be on the Highest, and thy prayer directed unto Christ without ceasing. If thou canst not contemplate on high and hea- venly things, rest thyself in the passion of Christ, and dwell willingly in his holy wounds. For if thou flee devoutly unto the wounds and precious marks of the Lord Jesus, thou shalt feel great comfort in tribulation ; neither wilt thou re- gard being despised of men, and wilt easily hear words of detraction. 5. Christ was also despised of men, and in his greatest necessity forsaken by his acquaintance and friends. Christ chose to suffer and be despised: and darest thou complain of any thing ? Christ had adversaries and slanderers : and wilt thou have all men thy friends and benefactors ? How shall thy patience be crowned, if no adver- sity happen unto thee ? If thou wilt suffer nothing, how wilt thou be the friend of Christ ? Suffer with Christ, and for Christ, if thou desirest to reign with Christ. 6. If thou hadst but once entered into Jesus, then wouldest thou not be careful about thine own advan- tage or disadvantage, but wouldest rather rejoice at slanders cast upon thee : for the love of Jesus maketh a man despise himself. A lover of Jesus, a true inward Christian, free from inordinate affections, can freely turn himself to God, and lift himself above himself. 42 THE christian's PATTERN. 7. He that relishes all things as they are, and not as they are esteemed, is truly wise, and taught by God. He that can live inwardly, and make small reck- oning of outward things, neither requireth places, nor attendeth times, forthe exercise of his devotions. An interior man soon recoUecteth himself, be- cause he is never wholly intent upon outward things. He is not hindered by outward labour or busi- ness ; but as things fall out, so he suiteth himself unto them. He that hath well ordered and disposed all things within, careth not for the perverse carriage of men. So much is a man hindered and distracted, by how much he cleaveth to outward things. 8. If all went well with thee, and thou wert well purified, all things would tend to thy good. But, therefore, many things displease and trouble khee, because thou an not yet dead unto thyself, nor separated from all earthly things. Nothings© defiletb and entangleth the heart of man, as the impure love of creatures. . CHAPTER II. Of Humble Submission, Find not much who is with thee, or who is against thje ; but take care that God may be with thee in every thing thou doest. ir<*Ar> o nt\r\i\ nnnRP.iAn«A. and God will defend thee. For whom God will help, no man can hur* THE christian's PATTERN. 43 If thou canst hold thy peace and suffer, without douht thou Shalt see the salvation of the Lord. He knoweth the time and manner how to deliver thee ; and therefore thou oughtest to resign thyself unto him. , ,. , «« It helongs to God to help and deliver us from all shame. It is often profitable for the keeping us humble, that others know and > pprehend our faults. 2 When a man humbleth himself for his faults, he easily pacifieth those that are offended with him. God protecteth and delivereth the humble ; unto the humble man he inclineth himself ; unto the humble he giveth great grace ; and after his humi- liation he raiseth him up unto glory. Unto the humble he revealeth his secrets ; and sweetly draweth him unto himself. The humble person, though he suffer shame, is yet in peace ; for that he resteth in God and not m the world. _ , ,, . Do not think that thou hast profited any thing, unless thou esteem thyself inferior to all CHAPTER III. Of a Good avd Peaceable Man, First, keep thyself in peace, and then mayest thou ^^Ze^Ze man doeth more good than a learned °^®; _-_..««*. Tnan tiirneth good Into evil, and easily believeth the worst. 14 THE christian's PATTERN. A peaceable man turneth all things into good. He that is in peace is not suspicious of any ; but he that is discontented, is neither quiet himself, nor suffereth others to be quiet. He often speaketh that which he ought not to speak, and omitteth that which he ought to do. He considereth what others are bound to do ; and neglects that which he is bound to do himself. First, therefore, have a careful zeal over thyself, and then show thyself zealous for thy neighbour's good. 2. Thou knowest well how to excuse thine own deeds, and thou wilt not receive the excuses of others. It were more just to accuse thyself, and excuse thy brother* If thou wilt be borns with, bear also with others. Behold, how far thou art yet from true charity and humility, which knoweth not to be angry with any, but one's self. It is no great matter to live peaceably with the good and gentle ; for every one willingly enjoyeth peace, and loveth those that are of his own mind : But to be able to live peaceably with unquiet and perversje men, or such as cross us, is a great grace. 3. Some mere are, that keep themselves in peace, and are in peace also with others. And there are some, that neither are in peace themseV.es, nor suffer others to be in peace ; who are troublesome to others, but always more trou- blesome to themselves. a,m.>«v< ■«'V««-_-«>J ■us.z'ua.is Utu, VtJ-CkV Xi.'C'CU bli^&XXSCi T wS iH peace, and labour to bring others into peace. THE CHRISTIAN'S PATTERN. 45 Oar whole peace in this life consisting rather in humble suflFering, than in not feeling adversities. He that knows best how to suffer, will best keep hir^pBlf in peace. He is a conqueror of himself, a lordof the world, a friend of Christ, and an heir of heaven. CHAPTER IV. Of a pure Mind, and simple Intention, Simplicity and purity are the two wings by which a man is lifted above all earthly things. Simplicity is in the intention ; purity in the affec- tion: simplicity tends to God; purity apprehends and tastes him. No good action will hinder thee, if thou be in- wardly free frdtn inordinate affection. If thou intend and seek nothing but the will of God, and the good of thy neighbour, thou shalt en- joy internal liberty. If thy heart were right, then every creature would be a looking-glass of life, and a book of holy doctrine. There is no creature so little and abject, that re- presents not the goodness of God. 2. If thou wert inwardly pure, thou wouldest see and understand all chings without an 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 aflfliction, an evil conscience feels it. 46 THE christian's PATTERN. As iron put into the fire loseth its rust, and be- Cometh all bright like fire ; so he that wholly turn- eth himself unto God is purified from all sin, and changed into the likeness of God. j(|| 3. When a man beginneth to grow lukewarm, then he is afraid of a little labour ; but when he once beginneth to overcome himself, then he es' teemeth those things light, which before seemed grievous unto him. CHAPTER V. Of the Consideration of One'z-self We should not trust too much in ourselves, because we have often neither grace nor understanding. There is but little light in ns, and that we quickly lose by negligence. We reprehend small things in others, and pass over greater in ourselves. We quickly feel and weigh what we suffer from others ; but we mind not what others suffer from us. He that doeth well, and rightly considers his own work, will fin^. little cause to judge hardly of another. 2. The inward Christian preferreth the care of himself before all other cares. He that diligently attendeth unto himself, easily holds his peace concerning others. Thou wilt never be inwardly religions, unless thou v^Qoa Avrrkv r\^Viaw »¥liftV*'M vir» n4*^i^«>a tfkTnyl 1/%/\l9 #%»«\/%^ >li. yLr,-:\3 xjfax. VV«£C!& lAXrsiX a iXXaUbCi.a, CK1X\A XWB. 7BL7CVMS£2T to thyself. THE CHBlSTIAN'S PATTERN. 47 If thou attend wholly unto God and thyself, thou wilt be little moved with whatsoever thou seest abroad. Where art thou, when thou art not with thyself? and when thou hast run over all, what hast thou profited, if thou hast neglected thyself. If thou desirest peace of mind, thou must reject all other cares, and look only to thyself. 3. Thou shalt profit much if thou keep thyself free from all temporal cares. Thou shalt greatly fail if thou esteem any thing of this world. Let nothing be great, nothing high, nothing pleasing to thee, but only God himself, or that which is of God. Esteem all comfort vain which proceedeth from any creature. A soul that loveth God, despiseth aU things but God. God alone, who is everlasting, immense, filling all things, is the comfort of the soul, and the ♦true joy of the heart. CHAPTER VI. Of the Joy of a good Conscience. The glory of a good man is the testimony of a good conscience. Have & good conscience, and thou shalt ever have joy. Thou shalt rest sweetly, if thy heart condemn thee not. Never rejoice, but when thou hast done well. 48 THE christian's PATTERN. Sinners have never true joy, nor feel inward peace ; because "There is no peace to the wicked," saith the Lord. 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 their joy is of the truth. He enjoyeth great peace of mind, that careth neither for the praise nor for the dispraise of men. 8. He will easily be content whose conscience is pure. Thou art not the more holy, though thou art prais- ed ; nor the more abject, though thou art dispraised. What thou art, thou art ; neither canst thou be said to be greater than thou art in the sight of God. If thou coDsiderest what thou art within, thou wilt not care what men say af thee. Man seeth the face ; but God looketh into the heart. Man considereth the deeds ; but God weigheth the intention. To do always well, and to disesteem himself, is a sign of a humble soul. 4. He that seeketh no witness for himself with- out, doth show that he hath wholly committed Him- self unto God. "For not he who commendeth himself is ap- THE CHRISTIAN'S PATTBaN. 49 proved;* saith St. Paul, " but whom God cora- mendeth.*' To walk inwardly with God, and not to lore any thing without, is the state of a spiritual man. CHAPTER VII. Of the Love of Jesns, Blessed is he that understands what it is to love Jesus, and tur . pined away ai.' beyond M IT 78 THE CHRISTIAN 8 PATTBllN, it much that I should serve thee, whom all crea- tures are bound to serve ? * It ought not to seem maoh unto me to serve thee ; but this rather seemeth muc^ and marvellous unto me, that thou vouchsafedst to receive into thy service one so poor and unworthy, and to join him with thy beloved servants. 3. Behold, all is hine which I have, and whereby I serve thee. And yet, contrariwise, thou rather servest me than I thee. Behold, heaven and earth, which thou hast cre- ated for the service of man, are all ready at hand, and do daily perform whatsoever Ihou dost command. And this is little : Thou hast also appointed thd angels to the service of man. But that which excelleth all is this, that thou, thou thyself, hast vouchsafed to serve man, and promised to give thyself unto him. 4. What shall I give thee for all these thousands of benefits ? Would I could serve thee all the days of my life ! Would I were able, at least for one day, to do thee worthy service 1 Verily, thou art worthy of all service, of all hon- our, and everlasting praise. Verily, thou art 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. This I wish to do, this I desire ; and whatsoever 18 wanting unto me, vouchsafe, I beseech thee, to supply. THE CHIIISTIAN'S PATTBRN. 7» CHAPTER X. The Desires of our Hearts are to he Examined, Christ. — Son, thou must learn many things which thou hast not yet well learned. • Christian, — What are these, Lord? Christ* — That thou frame thy desires wholly ^ according to my pleasure : and he not a lover of thyself, hut a zealous follower of my wii|,l. Thy desires often inflame thee, and that vehe- mently ; but consider whether thou art moved rather for my honour or for thy own profit. If I be the cause, thou wilt be well content, how- soever 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 any desire conceived without asking my counsel ; lest afterward it repent thee, and thou dislikest what before pleased thee, and which thou zealously desiredst as the best. For every affection that seemeth good, is not pre- sently to be followed ; nor every affection that at first seemed evil, to be avoided. It is expedient to use restraint, even in good de- sires and endeavours, lest by importunity of desire, thou incurrest distraction of mind, and ' y thy want of self-government, be a scandal to others, or, being gainsayed by others, thou be suddenly troubled, and fall. *1 i 80 TUB CHRISTIAN S PATTERN. But thou oughtest to use violence, and resist man- fully thy sensual appetites, and respect not what the flesh would or would not ; but rather to labour, that even perforce it be subject to the spirit. Thou dust, learn to obey. Thou earth and clay, learn to humble thyself, to bow down beneath the feet of all men. Learn to break thine own wUl, and to yield thyself to all subjection. ► 3. Be zealous against thyself, and suffer not pride to live in thee. Show thyself so lowly, such a little child, that every one may go over thee, and tread thee as the dirt of the streets under their feet. _ ^ Vain man what hast thou to complain of ? Vain sinner, what canst thou answer to them that re- proach thee, who hast so often offended God, and 80 many times deserved hell ? But mine eye hath spared thee, because thy soul was precious m my That thou mightest know my love, and always remain thankful for my benefits. And that thou mightest continually study true subjection and humility, and patiently endure to be despised* CHAPTER XI. We must cG7isUer the sac ed Judgments of God, lest we be exaltedon account of our gooddeeds. C/im^ian.— Thou thunderest forth thy jadgments nTv.^.q. fKnn shakest all my bones with fear and trembling, and my soul is sore atraid. l& THE CHaiSTIAN'S PATTBllN. Gl I stand astonished when I consider that the hea- vens 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 am I, who am dust, proud. 2. There is, therefore, no sanctity, if thou, O Lord, withdraw thine hand. No wisdom availeth, if thou cease to govern. No strength helpeth, if thou leave ofif to defend. No chastity is secure, if thou do not protect it. No vigilance profits, if thy sacred watchfulness be not present. For if we be left, we sink and perish ; but if thou visit us, we are raised up and live. We are inconstant, but by thee we are estab- lished : we grow cold, but by thee we are inflamed. 3. O how meanly and humbly ought I to think of myself ! How nothing ought I to esteem it, if I seem to have any good ! Lord, with what profound humility I ought to submit myself to thy inscrutable judgments, where I find myself to be a nothing, a very nothing ! O unmeasurable height ! impassable sea, where I find myself to be nothing, how altogether nothing ! Where then is the hiding place of glory ? Where is the confidence I once conceived of my own virtue ? All vain glorying is swallowed up in the depths of thy judgments over me. 4. What is all flesh in thy sight ? Shall the clay glory against him that framed it ? How can he be lifted "p with vain words, whose heart is truly subject to God ? 09 F m THE CURISTIAN'S PATTERN. All the world cannot lift him up, whom the truth hath subjected unto itself ; neither shall he be moved with the tongues of all his praisera, that hath settled his whole hope upon God. For as for them that speak, behold, they are all nothing; they shall pass away as doth the sound of their words : but the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever. ' CHAPTER XII. Tlow we are to he affected, and tohat toe are to saj/f in every thing which we desire, \ Christ,Sov, say thus in every thing, " Lord, if it be pleasing to thee, let this be thus. « Lord, if it be to thy honour, let this be done in thy name. ♦* Lord if thou seest it expedient for me, and knowest it to be profitable, then grant me to use this unto thy honour. " 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 scemeth unto man right and good. It is hard to judge rightly, whether a good spirit, or the contrary incline thee to desire this or that, or whether thou art moved by thine own spirit. Many are deceived in the end, who at first seem to be led by a good spirit. 2. Always, therefore, whatsoever seemeth desir- able t3 thee, let it be desired and prayed for in the THE CIiniSTIAN S PATTERN. m fear of God, with humility of heart. And, above all, thou oughtest to resign thjself, and to commit the whole unto me, and say, " Lord, thou knowest what is best ; let this or that be done as thou pleasest. " Give wliat thou wilt, and how much thou wilt, and when thou wilt. " Deal with me as thou thinkest good, and as best pleaseth thed, and as Is .Tiost for thy honour. " Set me where thou wilt, and deal with me in all things according to thy will. ** I am in thy hands ; turn me, and turn me again, which way soever thou pleasest. ** Behold, I am thy servant, prepared for all things : for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto thee : and, that I could do it worthily and perfectly !" 3. *' Grant me thy grace, O most gracious Jesus, that it may be with me, and continue with me unto 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 be able to will or nill any thing else, but what thou wiliest or nillest.*' 4. ** Grant that I may die to all things that are in the world, and for thy sake love to be contemned and not to be known in this world. »11 J_ sired, I may rest in thse, may quiet my heart in thee. 84 THE christian's PATTERN. ** Thou art the true peace of the heart, thou art the only rest ; out of thee all things are troublesome and unquiet. " In this very peace that is in thee, the one chief, eternal Good, may I sleep and rest. Amen.** CHAPTER XIII. True comfort is to be sought in God alone. 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. AVait awhile, O my soul, wait the divine promises ; and thou shalt have abundance of all good things. Use temporal things ; desire eternal. Thou canst not be satisfied with any temporal goods, because thou art not created to enjoy them. Although thou hadst all created good, yet wouldest thou not be happy : but in God who hath created all things, thy whole happiness consisteth. Vain and short is all human comfort. Blessed and real is that comfort which is received inwardly from the truth. A devout man every where carrieth v;ith him Jesus his Comforter, and saith unto him, '* Be pre- sent with me Lord Jesus, in every place and time.'* Let this be my comfort, to be willing to want all human comfort. And if thy comfort be wanting, let thy will be unto me as tho greatest comfort : for thou wilt not be angry always, neither wilt thou threaten for ever. TRE christian's PATTERN. 86 iv>r cvcit CHAPTER XIV. That all our Care is to be cast on God, Chrst,—Soi^, suffer me to do with thee what I please : I know what is expedient for thee. Thou thinkest like a man, thou judgest in many things as human affection persuadeth thee. Christian.— Lord what thou sayest is true. Thy care for me is greater than all the care that I can take for myself. For he standeth 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 shall please thee. For it cannot hut be good, whatsoever thou doest with me. 2. If it be thy will I should be in darkness, be thou blessed ; end if it be thy will I should be in light, be thou again blessed. If thou vouchsafe to comfort me, be thou blessed ; and if thou wilt afflict me, be thou equally blessed. Christ.— Son, such must be thy disposition, if thou wilt v;alk with me. Thou must be as ready to suffer as to i'sjclcL'. Thou oughtesf to be as wil- ling to be poor and neecly, as full and rich. 3. Christian.— hoid, I wilhogij suffer for thee, whatsoever thy pLasure is sha)^ b al me. I will receive indifferently from thy hand, good .--,.,. -jTix, a-i^^i. isiiu L/ii/iur, Uciijiiiiiui ttiiu aOrrOwiui, and give thee thanks for all that befalleth me. 86 TliB CHRISTIAN S PATTERN. I Keep me from all sin, and I will neither fear death nor helL So thou dost not for e/er cast me from thee, nor blot me out of the Book of Life, what tribulation soever befalleth me, shall not hurt me. CHAPTER XV. 0/ suffering Injuries ; and who is proved to be truly patient. Christ»—WuAT is it thou sayest, son ? Cease to complain, consiHeriug my passion, and that of my other saints. Thou hast not yet resisted unto blood. Do not say, " I cannot suffer these things at the hand of such a person, nor ought I to suffer such things ; for he hath done me great wron^, and up- braided me with those things which I never thought of ; but of another I will willingly suffer, as proper occasions of suffering shall offer.*' Such a thought is foolish : it considereth not the yirtue of patience, nor by whom it shall be crowned ; but rather weigheth the persons and the injuries offered* 2. He is not truly patient, that will not suffer but as much as he thinketh good, and by whom he listeth. Bat the truly patient man mindeth not by whom he is exercised, whether by his superior, or some of his equals, or by his inferior ; whether by a good ftndholy man, or hy apoifverse ana auvvortay person. But indifferently from all creatures how much THE christian's PATTERN. 87 soever, or how often soever, ar*y adversity befalleth him, he taketh all thankfully from tlie hands of God, and esteemeth it great gain : Seeing nothing, how little soever, so it be suffered for God, shall pass without its reward from Him. 3. Be thou therefore prepared for the fight if tliou wilt have the victory. Without a combat, thou canst not attain unto the crown of patience. If thou wilt not suffer, thou ref usest to be crowned. But if thou desire to be crowned, fight manfully, and endure patiently. Without labour theie is no coming to rest, nor without fighting can victory be obtained. 4. 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 adversifv ariseth. v Let every exercise of tribulation be made ai.i! ; c^e unto me, and be welcome for thy name ; fo" fo suffer and to be troubled for thy sake are very pro- fitable for my soul. I will confess against toe my unrighteousness ; I will confess unto thee, Lord, my infirmities. It is often a small matter that dejecteth and grieveth me. I purpose to act with courage ; but when a small temptation cometh, it bringeth me into great straits. temptations. And whilst 1 think myself somewhat 88 THE christian's pattern. Bafe, when I least expect it, I find mjself sometimes overcome with a small blast. 5. Behold, therefore, Lord, mj low estate, and my 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 be cast down altogether. 6. O mighty God of Israel, the zealous lover of faithful souls, let it please thee to consider the la- bour 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 yet fully subject to the spirit, prevail. ^f CHAPTER XVI. tre are to rest in God above all Ms gifts and JBenefits, Christian, — Above all things and in all things, O my soul, thou shalt ever rest in the Lord : for he is tiie everlasting rest of the saints. Grant me, O most loving Jesus, to rest in thee above all creatures : Above all health and beauty, above all glory and honour, above all power and dignity, above all knowledge and subtilty, above all riches and arts, above all joy and gladness, above all hope and pro- mise, above all desert and desire : Above all gifts and presents that thou canst im- part unto us ; above all joy and triumph, that the tuind of man can receive and feel : THE christian's pattkrn. 89 Lastly, above angels and archang-'-, and above all the hosts of heaven, above all visii^Ie and invisi- ble things, and above all that thou art not, O my God. ^ 2. For thou, my Lord God, art best above all ; thou alone art most high ; thou alone most power- ful ; thou alone most full and sufficient ; thou alone most sweet and overflowing with comfort ; thou alone most lovely and loving ; thou alone most noble and glorious above all things, in whom all good things are together, and most perfectly, and ever have been and shall be : And therefore it is too little, whatsoever thou bestowest on me besides thyself, or revealest unto me of thyself, or promisest, whilst thou art not seen and fully obtained : For surely my heart cannot truly rest, unless it rest in thee, and surmount all gifts and creatures wliatsoever. 3. O my beloved Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, the most pure Lover, the Governor of all creatures I that I had the wings of true liberty, that I might i!y awajj and be at rest in thee ! O when shall it be granted me, in quietness of mind, to see how sweet thou art, my Lord God ! When shall I fully gather up myself into thee, that by reason of my loi'e to thee, I may not feel myself, but thee alone, above all sense or measure, in a manner not known unto every one ? 4. O Jesus, the brightness of the eternal glory, — ... -„.._. ...-ti^jjiivx atfiiij vvAHi muis iij niy t'nijrue without a voice, and my silence speaketh Rato thee. 90 THE CHRISTIAN'S PATTJiRX 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 me from all trouble. Come, O come ; for without thee I shall have no joyful hour ; for thou art my joy, and without thee my table is empty, A wretched creature I am until thou comfortest me with the light of thy presence, and settest me at liberty. 6. Let others seek what they please instead of thee ; but for me, nothing else doth, or 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, and thow -peak inwardly unto me. Christ— Behold, lam here; behold, I come unto thee, because th^-^ a?m called upon me. Thy tears and the distress of tl j soul, thy humiliation, and the contrition of thy heart, have inclined and brought me unto thee. Christian.— Lord, I have called thee, and have desired to enjoy thee, being ready to cast away all things for thee. For thou first hast stirred me up that I might seek thee. Blessed be thou, therefore, O Lord, that hast showed thy goodness to thy servant, according to the multitude of thy mercies. 6. What hath thy servant more to say before thee, but greatly to humble himself in thy sight, and be always mindful of his own iniquity and vileness. For there is none like unto thee in all that is wonderful in heaven and earth. ^\^ THE CIIRIgTIAN*S /ATTl '. ^f Thy works are very gooci. thy ju'^-ments true, ad I J thy providence «11 things are governed. Praise, therefore, and glory b. mto thee, Wis dom of the Father ! i^et my mouth, my soul, anrf all creatures together, praise and bless thee. CHAFFER XVII. Of the Rememhrar -e of the many Benefits of God. Ch. isHan. Open, O Lord, my heart in thy law, and teach aie to walk in ' - commandments. Gran ne to understan xy will and remember thy t. le^ ts that henceforward I may be able wor- thily to give thee thanks. But I know and confess, that I am not able to give thee due thanks for the least of thy favours. I am less than the least of all thy benefits : and when I consider thy bounty, the greatness thereof maketh my spirit to faint. 2. All that we have in our souls and bodies, and v/hatsoever we possess outwardly or inwardly, na- turally or supernaturally, are thy benefits and sp ak thee bountiful, merciful, and good, from wb i we have received all good things. Althoiigh one has received more, another less ; all notwithstanding are thine, and without thee even the least cannot be had. He that hath received greater, cannot extol him- self above others : for he is greater and better, that ascribeth lAasf nnfn liiiviool^ ««^ : 1 VI ,., -.,,^,„^..i^ cwi« ii3 iiiurc liuuiuie and devout in rendering thanks. ^. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // ^fe<^^4. / .»* 1.0 I.I 1^128 |25 £f L£ 12.0 IL25 III 1.4 lim i.6 y] ^ ^ ^T". ^ Hiotographic Sciences Corporation ^\ a