BOOKIV.

CHAPTERXXXVII.Of the different motions of nature and grace.Christ.SON, mark diligently the motions of nature and grace, for they move in a very subtle manner, and cannot be discerned but by him that is spiritually enlightened.All men pretend some good in their words and deeds; and therefore under the shew of good many are deceived.Nature is crafty, and seduceth, entangleth, and deceiveth many, and always proposeth herself for her end:But grace walketh in simplicity, useth no deceit, and doth all things purely for God’s 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:But grace studieth 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 to God; and for God, is ready humbly to obey all men.Nature striveth for her own advantage, andconsidereth what profit she may reap by another;But grace considereth not what is profitable unto herself, but what is profitable to many.Nature willingly receiveth honour and respect.But grace faithfully attributeth all honour and glory unto God.3. Nature feareth shame and contempt;But grace rejoiceth to suffer reproach for the name of Jesus.Nature loveth ease and bodily rest;But grace cannot be idle, but willingly embraceth labour.Nature seeketh to have those things that are beautiful, and abhorreth that which is mean or coarse;But grace delighteth in plain and humble things, and despiseth not rough things, that are old and mean.Nature respecteth temporal things, rejoiceth 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 at losses, nor disquieted with hard words; because 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 her own things;But grace is bountiful to all, shunneth private interest, is content with a little, thinketh it more blessed to give than to receive.Nature inclines to the creatures, to her own flesh, to vanities and wanderings;But grace draweth unto God, and unto goodness, renounceth creatures, flieth the world, hateth the desires of the flesh, restraineth wanderings abroad, blusheth to be seen in public.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 profit; she can do nothing but for benefit she hopeth to obtain, either that which is equal or better, either praise or favour, and coveteth to have her works and gifts much esteemed:But grace requireth no other reward than God alone; nor desireth more of temporals, than may serve her for the obtaining of things eternal.6. Nature rejoiceth to have many friends and kinsfolks; glorieth in noble place and birth; is obsequious to the powerful, fawneth upon the rich, and applaudeth those that are like herself;But grace loveth her enemies, and is not puffed up with multitudes of friends, nor esteemeth place or birth, but where it is joined with virtue:She rather favoureth the poor than the rich; hath more tenderness for the innocent than thepowerful; rejoiceth in the true, not in the deceitful:Always exhorting good men to labour for more excellent gifts; and by goodness to resemble the Son of God.Nature quickly complaineth of want and trouble; grace with constancy endureth need: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 curious matters;She teacheth to restrain the senses, to avoid vanity and ostentation; and in every thing and every knowledge to seek the praise and honour of God.She will not have praise, but desireth that God should be praised in his gifts, who of mere love bestoweth all things.

Of the different motions of nature and grace.

Christ.SON, mark diligently the motions of nature and grace, for they move in a very subtle manner, and cannot be discerned but by him that is spiritually enlightened.

All men pretend some good in their words and deeds; and therefore under the shew of good many are deceived.

Nature is crafty, and seduceth, entangleth, and deceiveth many, and always proposeth herself for her end:

But grace walketh in simplicity, useth no deceit, and doth all things purely for God’s 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:

But grace studieth 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 to God; and for God, is ready humbly to obey all men.

Nature striveth for her own advantage, andconsidereth what profit she may reap by another;

But grace considereth not what is profitable unto herself, but what is profitable to many.

Nature willingly receiveth honour and respect.

But grace faithfully attributeth all honour and glory unto God.

3. Nature feareth shame and contempt;

But grace rejoiceth to suffer reproach for the name of Jesus.

Nature loveth ease and bodily rest;

But grace cannot be idle, but willingly embraceth labour.

Nature seeketh to have those things that are beautiful, and abhorreth that which is mean or coarse;

But grace delighteth in plain and humble things, and despiseth not rough things, that are old and mean.

Nature respecteth temporal things, rejoiceth 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 at losses, nor disquieted with hard words; because 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 her own things;

But grace is bountiful to all, shunneth private interest, is content with a little, thinketh it more blessed to give than to receive.

Nature inclines to the creatures, to her own flesh, to vanities and wanderings;

But grace draweth unto God, and unto goodness, renounceth creatures, flieth the world, hateth the desires of the flesh, restraineth wanderings abroad, blusheth to be seen in public.

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 profit; she can do nothing but for benefit she hopeth to obtain, either that which is equal or better, either praise or favour, and coveteth to have her works and gifts much esteemed:

But grace requireth no other reward than God alone; nor desireth more of temporals, than may serve her for the obtaining of things eternal.

6. Nature rejoiceth to have many friends and kinsfolks; glorieth in noble place and birth; is obsequious to the powerful, fawneth upon the rich, and applaudeth those that are like herself;

But grace loveth her enemies, and is not puffed up with multitudes of friends, nor esteemeth place or birth, but where it is joined with virtue:

She rather favoureth the poor than the rich; hath more tenderness for the innocent than thepowerful; rejoiceth in the true, not in the deceitful:

Always exhorting good men to labour for more excellent gifts; and by goodness to resemble the Son of God.

Nature quickly complaineth of want and trouble; grace with constancy endureth need:

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 curious matters;

She teacheth to restrain the senses, to avoid vanity and ostentation; and in every thing and every knowledge to seek the praise and honour of God.

She will not have praise, but desireth that God should be praised in his gifts, who of mere love bestoweth all things.

CHAPTERXXXVIII.Of the corruption of nature, and efficacy of Divine grace.Christian.OLORD, my God, who♦hast created me after thy likeness, grant me this grace which thou hast shewed to be so necessaryto salvation, that I may overcome my wicked nature, which draweth me to sin and perdition.♦“has” replaced with “hast” per ErrataFor I feel in my flesh the law of sin contradicting the law of my mind; neither can I resist, unless thy most holy grace, infused into my heart, assist me.2. 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.Arts, riches, beauty, strength, wit, eloquence, are of no value with thee, O Lord, without thy grace.3. O most blessed grace, that makest the poor in spirit rich in virtue, 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 dryness of mind.O Lord, 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, while thy grace is with me:This is stronger than all enemies, and wiser than all the wise.Let thy grace, O Lord, always prevent me, andfollow me, and make me ever diligent in good works, through Jesus Christ thy Son.Amen.

Of the corruption of nature, and efficacy of Divine grace.

Christian.OLORD, my God, who♦hast created me after thy likeness, grant me this grace which thou hast shewed to be so necessaryto salvation, that I may overcome my wicked nature, which draweth me to sin and perdition.

♦“has” replaced with “hast” per Errata

For I feel in my flesh the law of sin contradicting the law of my mind; neither can I resist, unless thy most holy grace, infused into my heart, assist me.

2. 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.

Arts, riches, beauty, strength, wit, eloquence, are of no value with thee, O Lord, without thy grace.

3. O most blessed grace, that makest the poor in spirit rich in virtue, 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 dryness of mind.

O Lord, 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, while thy grace is with me:

This is stronger than all enemies, and wiser than all the wise.

Let thy grace, O Lord, always prevent me, andfollow me, and make me ever diligent in good works, through Jesus Christ thy Son.Amen.

CHAPTERXXXIX.That we ought to deny ourselves and imitate Christ.Christ.FOLLOW Me, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.I am the way, which thou oughtest to follow; the truth which thou oughtest to trust; the life which thou oughtest to hope for.I am the strait way, the supreme truth, the true life: yea, the blessed life, the uncreated life.If thou remainest in my way, thou shalt know the truth, and the truth shall make thee free, and thou shalt lay hold on everlasting life.2.Christian.Lord Jesus, forasmuch as thy life was poor 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 life, for therein my salvation consists.Whatsoever I read or heard besides it, doth not refresh or delight me fully.3.Christ.Son, now thou knowest 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 myself unto him, and 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.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 Christian is the cross; but yet it is a guide to paradise.I have begun, I may not go back, neither is it fit to leave that which I have undertaken.Behold, our King goeth before us, who also will fight for us.Let us follow him manfully, let none be dismayed, but be ready to die valiantly in the battle, and let us not blemish our glory by flying from the cross.

That we ought to deny ourselves and imitate Christ.

Christ.FOLLOW Me, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

I am the way, which thou oughtest to follow; the truth which thou oughtest to trust; the life which thou oughtest to hope for.

I am the strait way, the supreme truth, the true life: yea, the blessed life, the uncreated life.

If thou remainest in my way, thou shalt know the truth, and the truth shall make thee free, and thou shalt lay hold on everlasting life.

2.Christian.Lord Jesus, forasmuch as thy life was poor 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 life, for therein my salvation consists.

Whatsoever I read or heard besides it, doth not refresh or delight me fully.

3.Christ.Son, now thou knowest 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 myself unto him, and 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.

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 Christian is the cross; but yet it is a guide to paradise.

I have begun, I may not go back, neither is it fit to leave that which I have undertaken.

Behold, our King goeth before us, who also will fight for us.

Let us follow him manfully, let none be dismayed, but be ready to die valiantly in the battle, and let us not blemish our glory by flying from the cross.

CHAPTERXL.That a man be not too much dejected when he feeleth some defect.Christ.SON, patience and humility in adversity are more pleasing to me, than much devotion in prosperity.Why art thou grieved for every little trifle spoken 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.Thou art valiant enough, as long as no adversity happeneth.Thou canst give good counsel, and strengthen others with thy words; but when tribulation cometh to thy door, thou art destitute of counsel and strength.I yet live, saith the Lord, ready to help thee, and to give thee greater comfort than before, if thou puttest thy trust in me, and callest devoutly upon me.2. Be patient, and prepare thyself to greater sufferings.All is not lost, if thou feelest thyself afflicted, or grievously tempted.I am he, who will strengthen with health them that mourn, and raise up unto glory those that know their own infirmity.3.Christian.Lord, blessed be thy word, more sweet unto my mouth than honey, and the honey-comb.What should I do in tribulations, unless thou didst comfort me with thy holy words?What matter is it, how much and what I suffer,so I may at length attain 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 in the right way to thy kingdom.Amen.

That a man be not too much dejected when he feeleth some defect.

Christ.SON, patience and humility in adversity are more pleasing to me, than much devotion in prosperity.

Why art thou grieved for every little trifle spoken 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.

Thou art valiant enough, as long as no adversity happeneth.

Thou canst give good counsel, and strengthen others with thy words; but when tribulation cometh to thy door, thou art destitute of counsel and strength.

I yet live, saith the Lord, ready to help thee, and to give thee greater comfort than before, if thou puttest thy trust in me, and callest devoutly upon me.

2. Be patient, and prepare thyself to greater sufferings.

All is not lost, if thou feelest thyself afflicted, or grievously tempted.

I am he, who will strengthen with health them that mourn, and raise up unto glory those that know their own infirmity.

3.Christian.Lord, blessed be thy word, more sweet unto my mouth than honey, and the honey-comb.

What should I do in tribulations, unless thou didst comfort me with thy holy words?

What matter is it, how much and what I suffer,so I may at length attain 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 in the right way to thy kingdom.Amen.

CHAPTERXLI.Of searching the secret judgments of God.Christ.SON, beware thou disputest not of high matters, nor of the secret judgments of God.Why this man is left, and that man taken into favour; why this is so much afflicted, and that so greatly advanced:These things are beyond the reach of man; neither can reason search out the judgments of God.When the enemy therefore suggesteth these things unto thee, answer; thou art just, O Lord, and thy judgments are right.And again, the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.Thy judgments are to be feared, not to be discussed; they are such as cannot be comprehended by the understanding of man.2. Neither enquire or dispute of the merits of saints, which of them is holier than the other.3. 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 honoured in every one.

Of searching the secret judgments of God.

Christ.SON, beware thou disputest not of high matters, nor of the secret judgments of God.

Why this man is left, and that man taken into favour; why this is so much afflicted, and that so greatly advanced:

These things are beyond the reach of man; neither can reason search out the judgments of God.

When the enemy therefore suggesteth these things unto thee, answer; thou art just, O Lord, and thy judgments are right.

And again, the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

Thy judgments are to be feared, not to be discussed; they are such as cannot be comprehended by the understanding of man.

2. Neither enquire or dispute of the merits of saints, which of them is holier than the other.

3. 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 honoured in every one.

CHAPTERXLII.That all our hope and trust is to be fixed in God alone.Christian.LORD, what is my trust in this life? Or what is my greatest comfort of all things under heaven?Is it 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 had rather chuse 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 I cannot but sigh, and cry, and pray unto thee.For I have none to trust in, none that can help me in my necessities, but thee alone, my God.*Thou art my hope, thou art my trust, thou art my comfort, and most faithful unto me in all things.2. All men seek their own; thou only seekest my salvation, 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 a thousand ways.In which thou oughtest no less to be loved and praised, than if thou didst fill me with heavenly comforts.3. In thee therefore, O Lord God, I put my whole hope and refuge:On thee I rest in all tribulation and anguish.For I find all to be weak and inconstant, whatsoever I behold out of thee.*For neither can my friends avail, nor strong helpers aid, nor wise counsellors give any profitable answer, nor the books of the learned comfort, nor any wealth deliver, nor any secret or pleasant place defend: if thou thyself dost not assist, help, strengthen, comfort, instruct, and keep us.4. For all things that seem to make for peace, without thee are nothing, and 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; inthee O my God, the Father of mercies, I put my trust.*Bless and sanctify my soul with thy heavenly blessing, 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 the 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.

That all our hope and trust is to be fixed in God alone.

Christian.LORD, what is my trust in this life? Or what is my greatest comfort of all things under heaven?

Is it 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 had rather chuse 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 I cannot but sigh, and cry, and pray unto thee.

For I have none to trust in, none that can help me in my necessities, but thee alone, my God.

*Thou art my hope, thou art my trust, thou art my comfort, and most faithful unto me in all things.

2. All men seek their own; thou only seekest my salvation, 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 a thousand ways.

In which thou oughtest no less to be loved and praised, than if thou didst fill me with heavenly comforts.

3. In thee therefore, O Lord God, I put my whole hope and refuge:

On thee I rest in all tribulation and anguish.

For I find all to be weak and inconstant, whatsoever I behold out of thee.

*For neither can my friends avail, nor strong helpers aid, nor wise counsellors give any profitable answer, nor the books of the learned comfort, nor any wealth deliver, nor any secret or pleasant place defend: if thou thyself dost not assist, help, strengthen, comfort, instruct, and keep us.

4. For all things that seem to make for peace, without thee are nothing, and 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; inthee O my God, the Father of mercies, I put my trust.

*Bless and sanctify my soul with thy heavenly blessing, 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 the 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.

An Extract of theCHRISTIAN PATTERN:Or, a treatise on the imitation of Christ. Written in Latin byThomas a Kempis.BOOKIV.AnExhortationunto theHoly Communion.The voice of Christ.COME unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden and I will refresh you.The bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world.Take, eat, this♦is my body that is given for you: do this in remembrance of me.♦“in” replaced with “is”He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.The words which I speak unto you are spirit and life.

An Extract of theCHRISTIAN PATTERN:

Or, a treatise on the imitation of Christ. Written in Latin byThomas a Kempis.

AnExhortationunto theHoly Communion.

The voice of Christ.

COME unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden and I will refresh you.

The bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world.

Take, eat, this♦is my body that is given for you: do this in remembrance of me.

♦“in” replaced with “is”

He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

The words which I speak unto you are spirit and life.

CHAPTERI.With how great reverence Christ ought to be received.The voice of the disciple.THESE are thy words, O Christ, the everlasting truth.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 gracious words, so full of sweetness and love, encourage me; but mine own offences drive me back from receiving so great mysteries.2. Thou commandest me to come confidently unto thee, if I will have part with thee; to receive the food of immortality, if I desire to obtain everlasting glory.Thou sayest, Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.O sweet and friendly words in the ear of sinners, that thou, my Lord God, shouldst invite the poor and needy to the participation of thy most holy body?*But who am I, Lord, that I should presume to approach unto thee?*Behold, the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, and thou sayest come ye all unto me!3. What meaneth this so gracious condescension, this so friendly invitation?How shall I dare to come, that know no good in myself?How shall I bring thee into my house, that have so often offended thy most gracious countenance?*The angels and archangels revere thee, and the saints and just men fear thee, and thou sayest, 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 dare to come unto thee?*Behold, Noah, a just man, laboured an hundred years in making of the ark, that he might be saved with a few; and how can I in one hour prepare myself to receive, with reverence the maker of the world?4. Moses, thy great servant, and thy special friend, made an ark of incorruptible wood, whichalso he covered with most pure gold, to put the tables of the law therein; and I a corruptible creature, how shall I dare 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.He celebrated the feast of the dedication thereof eight days together; he offered a thousand peace-offerings, and he solemnly set the ark on 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 devoutly? Yea would I could once spend near half an hour in a due manner!5. O my God, how much did they do out of an endeavour to please thee! And, alas, how little is that which I do! How little time do I spend to prepare myself to receive!I am very seldom wholly recollected, very seldom free from all distraction;And yet surely no unbecoming thought ought to appear in the presence of the Deity, nor any creature find any place in me, for I am not to harbour an angel, but the Lord of angels.6. And yet there is great difference between the ark of the covenant, and thy most pure body! Between those legal sacrifices, figures of futurethings, and the completion of all antient sacrifices.Why therefore am I not more inflamed at thy venerable presence?7. The devout KingDaviddanced before the ark of God with all his might, calling to mind the benefits bestowed upon his fore-fathers.He often 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 joint voices every day to bless and praise him.If so great devotion was then shewn, and there was such celebrating of the divine praise before the ark of the testament; what reverence is now to be performed in receiving the most precious body and blood 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 for thine elect, to whom thou offerest thyself to be received in this sacrament!This exceedeth all understanding! This strongly draweth the hearts of the devout, and inflameth their affections.9. O the admirable and hidden grace of this sacrament, which only the faithful ones of Christ know: but the unbelieving, and such as are slaves unto sin, cannot experience;In this sacrament spiritual grace is given, and strength which was lost restored in the soul, and the beauty disfigured by sin returns again.This grace is sometimes so great, that not only the mind, but the weak body also, feeleth great increase of strength.10. Our coldness and negligence is much to be bewailed, 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 consists.For he is our sanctification and redemption: he is the comforter of us travellers, and the everlasting fruition of saints.O the blindness and hardness of man’s heart, that doth not more deeply weigh so unspeakable a gift!11. If the most holy sacrament was celebrated in one place only, and consecrated by one only person in the world, with how great desire would men be affected to that place, and to such a priest, that they might enjoy these divine mysteries!But now there are many priests, and Christ is offered in many places; that so the grace and love of God to men may appear greater, the more this sacred communion is spread through the world.Thanks be unto thee gracious Jesus, the everlasting shepherd, who hast vouchsafed to refresh us poor exiles with thy precious body and blood,and to invite us to the receiving of these mysteries with the words of thine own mouth, saying, Come unto me all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.

With how great reverence Christ ought to be received.

The voice of the disciple.

THESE are thy words, O Christ, the everlasting truth.

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 gracious words, so full of sweetness and love, encourage me; but mine own offences drive me back from receiving so great mysteries.

2. Thou commandest me to come confidently unto thee, if I will have part with thee; to receive the food of immortality, if I desire to obtain everlasting glory.

Thou sayest, Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.

O sweet and friendly words in the ear of sinners, that thou, my Lord God, shouldst invite the poor and needy to the participation of thy most holy body?

*But who am I, Lord, that I should presume to approach unto thee?

*Behold, the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, and thou sayest come ye all unto me!

3. What meaneth this so gracious condescension, this so friendly invitation?

How shall I dare to come, that know no good in myself?

How shall I bring thee into my house, that have so often offended thy most gracious countenance?

*The angels and archangels revere thee, and the saints and just men fear thee, and thou sayest, 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 dare to come unto thee?

*Behold, Noah, a just man, laboured an hundred years in making of the ark, that he might be saved with a few; and how can I in one hour prepare myself to receive, with reverence the maker of the world?

4. Moses, thy great servant, and thy special friend, made an ark of incorruptible wood, whichalso he covered with most pure gold, to put the tables of the law therein; and I a corruptible creature, how shall I dare 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.

He celebrated the feast of the dedication thereof eight days together; he offered a thousand peace-offerings, and he solemnly set the ark on 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 devoutly? Yea would I could once spend near half an hour in a due manner!

5. O my God, how much did they do out of an endeavour to please thee! And, alas, how little is that which I do! How little time do I spend to prepare myself to receive!

I am very seldom wholly recollected, very seldom free from all distraction;

And yet surely no unbecoming thought ought to appear in the presence of the Deity, nor any creature find any place in me, for I am not to harbour an angel, but the Lord of angels.

6. And yet there is great difference between the ark of the covenant, and thy most pure body! Between those legal sacrifices, figures of futurethings, and the completion of all antient sacrifices.

Why therefore am I not more inflamed at thy venerable presence?

7. The devout KingDaviddanced before the ark of God with all his might, calling to mind the benefits bestowed upon his fore-fathers.

He often 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 joint voices every day to bless and praise him.

If so great devotion was then shewn, and there was such celebrating of the divine praise before the ark of the testament; what reverence is now to be performed in receiving the most precious body and blood 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 for thine elect, to whom thou offerest thyself to be received in this sacrament!

This exceedeth all understanding! This strongly draweth the hearts of the devout, and inflameth their affections.

9. O the admirable and hidden grace of this sacrament, which only the faithful ones of Christ know: but the unbelieving, and such as are slaves unto sin, cannot experience;

In this sacrament spiritual grace is given, and strength which was lost restored in the soul, and the beauty disfigured by sin returns again.

This grace is sometimes so great, that not only the mind, but the weak body also, feeleth great increase of strength.

10. Our coldness and negligence is much to be bewailed, 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 consists.

For he is our sanctification and redemption: he is the comforter of us travellers, and the everlasting fruition of saints.

O the blindness and hardness of man’s heart, that doth not more deeply weigh so unspeakable a gift!

11. If the most holy sacrament was celebrated in one place only, and consecrated by one only person in the world, with how great desire would men be affected to that place, and to such a priest, that they might enjoy these divine mysteries!

But now there are many priests, and Christ is offered in many places; that so the grace and love of God to men may appear greater, the more this sacred communion is spread through the world.

Thanks be unto thee gracious Jesus, the everlasting shepherd, who hast vouchsafed to refresh us poor exiles with thy precious body and blood,and to invite us to the receiving of these mysteries with the words of thine own mouth, saying, Come unto me all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.

CHAPTERII.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 mercy, I come, O Lord, a sick man unto my Saviour, hungry and thirsty to the fountain of life, needy to the king of heaven, a servant unto my Lord, a creature to my Creator, disconsolate to thee my merciful comforter.But whence is this to me, that thou vouchsafest to come unto me? Who am I, that thou shouldst give thyself 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 shouldst bestow this favour upon him.I confess my unworthiness; I acknowledge thy goodness; I praise thy mercy, and give thee thanks for thy transcendent love.For thou dost this for thine own sake, not for any merits of mine: that thy goodness may be better known unto me, thy love more abundantly shewn, and thy gracious condescension the more eminently displayed.Since therefore it is thy pleasure, and thou hast commanded that it should be so, this thy favour is also pleasing to me, and may my sins be no hindrance.2. O most sweet and benign Jesu, how great reverence and thanks♦are due unto thee for the receiving of thy sacred body, whose preciousness no man is able to express!♦“is” replaced with “are” per ErrataBut what shall I think, now I am to approach unto my Lord, whom I am not able duly to honour, and yet I desire to receive him with devotion?What can I think better and more profitable, than to humble myself wholly before thee, and to exalt thine infinite goodness over me?I praise thee, my God, and will exalt thee for ever. I despise and submit myself unto thee, in a deep sense of my own unworthiness.3. Behold thou art the holy of holies, and I the vilest 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 thyself, the living bread, that descended from heaven and giveth life unto the world.4. From whence doth this love proceed! What a gracious condescension appeareth herein! How great thanks and praises are due unto thee for these benefits!O how good and profitable was thy counsel, when thou ordainedst it! How sweet and pleasant the banquet when thou gavest thyself to be our food!How wonderful is thy operation, O Lord, how mighty is thy power, how unspeakable is thy truth!For thou saidst the word, and all things were made; and this was done which thou commandedst.5. A thing of great admiration, that thou my Lord God, shouldst 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, hast pleased to dwell in us by means of this thy sacrament.*Preserve my heart and body undefiled, that, with a chearful and pure conscience, I may celebrate thy mysteries, and receive them to my everlasting health: which thou hast ordained and instituted for thy honour and for a perpetual memorial.6. Rejoice O my soul, and give thanks unto God for so excellent a gift, so singular a comfort left unto me in this vale of tears.For as often as thou receivest, so often art thou 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 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, was become man; or hanging on the cross, did suffer and die for the salvation of mankind.

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 mercy, I come, O Lord, a sick man unto my Saviour, hungry and thirsty to the fountain of life, needy to the king of heaven, a servant unto my Lord, a creature to my Creator, disconsolate to thee my merciful comforter.

But whence is this to me, that thou vouchsafest to come unto me? Who am I, that thou shouldst give thyself 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 shouldst bestow this favour upon him.

I confess my unworthiness; I acknowledge thy goodness; I praise thy mercy, and give thee thanks for thy transcendent love.

For thou dost this for thine own sake, not for any merits of mine: that thy goodness may be better known unto me, thy love more abundantly shewn, and thy gracious condescension the more eminently displayed.

Since therefore it is thy pleasure, and thou hast commanded that it should be so, this thy favour is also pleasing to me, and may my sins be no hindrance.

2. O most sweet and benign Jesu, how great reverence and thanks♦are due unto thee for the receiving of thy sacred body, whose preciousness no man is able to express!

♦“is” replaced with “are” per Errata

But what shall I think, now I am to approach unto my Lord, whom I am not able duly to honour, and yet I desire to receive him with devotion?

What can I think better and more profitable, than to humble myself wholly before thee, and to exalt thine infinite goodness over me?

I praise thee, my God, and will exalt thee for ever. I despise and submit myself unto thee, in a deep sense of my own unworthiness.

3. Behold thou art the holy of holies, and I the vilest 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 thyself, the living bread, that descended from heaven and giveth life unto the world.

4. From whence doth this love proceed! What a gracious condescension appeareth herein! How great thanks and praises are due unto thee for these benefits!

O how good and profitable was thy counsel, when thou ordainedst it! How sweet and pleasant the banquet when thou gavest thyself to be our food!

How wonderful is thy operation, O Lord, how mighty is thy power, how unspeakable is thy truth!

For thou saidst the word, and all things were made; and this was done which thou commandedst.

5. A thing of great admiration, that thou my Lord God, shouldst 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, hast pleased to dwell in us by means of this thy sacrament.

*Preserve my heart and body undefiled, that, with a chearful and pure conscience, I may celebrate thy mysteries, and receive them to my everlasting health: which thou hast ordained and instituted for thy honour and for a perpetual memorial.

6. Rejoice O my soul, and give thanks unto God for so excellent a gift, so singular a comfort left unto me in this vale of tears.

For as often as thou receivest, so often art thou 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 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, was become man; or hanging on the cross, did suffer and die for the salvation of mankind.

CHAPTERIII.That it is profitable to communicate often.The voice of the disciple.*BEHOLD, O Lord, I come unto thee, that I may be comforted by thy gift, and delighted in thy holy banquet, which thou, O God, hast prepared in thy goodness for the poor.Behold in thee is all I can or ought to desire; thou art my salvation, and my redemption,my hope and my strength, my honour and my glory!*Make joyful, therefore, this day, the soul of thy servant, for I have lifted it up unto thee, O Lord Jesus.*I desire to receive thee now with devotion and reverence. I long to bring thee into my house; that withZaccheusI may be blessed by thee, and numbered among the children ofAbraham.My soul thirsteth to receive thy body and blood, my heart desireth to be united with thee.*2. Give me thyself, 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 haply I faint in the way, if I be deprived of thy heavenly food.For so most merciful Jesu, 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 thyself 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 of everlasting glory.3. O the wonderful condescension 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 to replenish her hunger!O happy mind and blessed soul, that receives thee, her Lord God, with devout affection, and in receiving of thee is filled with spiritual joy!O how great a Lord doth she entertain! How beloved a guest doth she harbour! How pleasant a companion doth she receive! How faithful a friend doth she take in! How lovely and glorious 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 the hosts of them, be silent in thy presence; for what praise and beauty soever they have, it is received from thy bounty, and cannot equal the beauty of thy name, of whose wisdom there is no number.

That it is profitable to communicate often.

The voice of the disciple.

*BEHOLD, O Lord, I come unto thee, that I may be comforted by thy gift, and delighted in thy holy banquet, which thou, O God, hast prepared in thy goodness for the poor.

Behold in thee is all I can or ought to desire; thou art my salvation, and my redemption,my hope and my strength, my honour and my glory!

*Make joyful, therefore, this day, the soul of thy servant, for I have lifted it up unto thee, O Lord Jesus.

*I desire to receive thee now with devotion and reverence. I long to bring thee into my house; that withZaccheusI may be blessed by thee, and numbered among the children ofAbraham.

My soul thirsteth to receive thy body and blood, my heart desireth to be united with thee.

*2. Give me thyself, 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 haply I faint in the way, if I be deprived of thy heavenly food.

For so most merciful Jesu, 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 thyself 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 of everlasting glory.

3. O the wonderful condescension 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 to replenish her hunger!

O happy mind and blessed soul, that receives thee, her Lord God, with devout affection, and in receiving of thee is filled with spiritual joy!

O how great a Lord doth she entertain! How beloved a guest doth she harbour! How pleasant a companion doth she receive! How faithful a friend doth she take in! How lovely and glorious 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 the hosts of them, be silent in thy presence; for what praise and beauty soever they have, it is received from thy bounty, and cannot equal the beauty of thy name, of whose wisdom there is no number.

CHAPTERIV.That many gifts 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 mayapproach worthily and devoutly to thy glorious sacrament.*Stir up my heart unto thee, and deliver me from a heavy numbness of mind.*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 steady faith.For it is thy work, and not man’s power; thy sacred institution, not man’s invention.For no man is of himself able to comprehend these things, which surpass the understanding even of angels.What therefore shall I, unworthy sinner, dust and ashes, be able to comprehend of so high and sacred a mystery?2. O Lord, in the simplicity of my heart, at thy commandment I come unto thee, with hope and reverence, and believe thou art present in this sacrament.Thy will is, that I receive thee, and that by love I unite myself unto thee.*Wherefore I implore thy mercy, and crave thy special grace, that I may wholly melt and overflow with love unto thee, and hereafter never seek any comfort out of thee.For this sacrament is the remedy of all spiritual weakness: hereby my vices are cured, my passions bridled, temptations overcome, grace infused,virtue begun increased, faith confirmed, hope strengthened, and love inflamed.3. For thou dost bestow many benefits in the sacrament upon thy beloved ones that communicate devoutly. O my God the protector of my soul, the repairer of human frailty, and the giver of inward comfort.Thou impartest unto them much comfort against sundry tribulations.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 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 itself, 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 drop to refresh my thirst; and not be wholly dried up.And though I be not altogether heavenly; nor so inflamed as the cherubim and seraphim; I will endeavour after some spark of divine fire, by humbly receiving of this enlivening sacrament.And whatsoever is wanting in me, O merciful Jesu, most holy Saviour, do thou bountifully and graciously supply, who hast vouchsafed to call allunto thee, Come unto me, all ye that travail and are♦heavy laden, and I will refresh you.♦“heaven” replaced with “heavy” per Errata5. I indeed labour in the sweat of my brow, I am vexed with grief of heart, I am burthened with sin, I am troubled with temptations, I am entangled and oppressed with many evil passions; and there is none to help me, none to deliver and save me, but thou O Lord, my Saviour, to whom I commit myself, and all that is mine, that thou mayst keep me, and bring me to life everlasting.

That many gifts 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 mayapproach worthily and devoutly to thy glorious sacrament.

*Stir up my heart unto thee, and deliver me from a heavy numbness of mind.

*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 steady faith.

For it is thy work, and not man’s power; thy sacred institution, not man’s invention.

For no man is of himself able to comprehend these things, which surpass the understanding even of angels.

What therefore shall I, unworthy sinner, dust and ashes, be able to comprehend of so high and sacred a mystery?

2. O Lord, in the simplicity of my heart, at thy commandment I come unto thee, with hope and reverence, and believe thou art present in this sacrament.

Thy will is, that I receive thee, and that by love I unite myself unto thee.

*Wherefore I implore thy mercy, and crave thy special grace, that I may wholly melt and overflow with love unto thee, and hereafter never seek any comfort out of thee.

For this sacrament is the remedy of all spiritual weakness: hereby my vices are cured, my passions bridled, temptations overcome, grace infused,virtue begun increased, faith confirmed, hope strengthened, and love inflamed.

3. For thou dost bestow many benefits in the sacrament upon thy beloved ones that communicate devoutly. O my God the protector of my soul, the repairer of human frailty, and the giver of inward comfort.

Thou impartest unto them much comfort against sundry tribulations.

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 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 itself, 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 drop to refresh my thirst; and not be wholly dried up.

And though I be not altogether heavenly; nor so inflamed as the cherubim and seraphim; I will endeavour after some spark of divine fire, by humbly receiving of this enlivening sacrament.

And whatsoever is wanting in me, O merciful Jesu, most holy Saviour, do thou bountifully and graciously supply, who hast vouchsafed to call allunto thee, Come unto me, all ye that travail and are♦heavy laden, and I will refresh you.

♦“heaven” replaced with “heavy” per Errata

5. I indeed labour in the sweat of my brow, I am vexed with grief of heart, I am burthened with sin, I am troubled with temptations, I am entangled and oppressed with many evil passions; and there is none to help me, none to deliver and save me, but thou O Lord, my Saviour, to whom I commit myself, and all that is mine, that thou mayst keep me, and bring me to life everlasting.

CHAPTERV.Of the examining our 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, and a pious intending the honour of God.Examine diligently thy conscience; so that there be nothing that may breed in thee remorse of conscience, and hinder thy free access.And, if thou hast time, confess unto God in the secret of thy heart, all the miseries of thy disordered passions.2. Lament and grieve, that thou art yet so worldly, so unmortified as to thy passions;So unwatchful over thy outward senses, so often entangled with vain imaginations;So negligent and cold in prayer, so undevout in celebrating, so dry in receiving;So quickly distracted, so seldom wholly recollected;So suddenly moved to anger, so apt to take displeasure against another;So prone to judge, so severe to reprehend;*So often purposing much good, and yet performing little.3. These and other thy defects being confessed, with full resignation, and with thy whole will, offer up thyself a perpetual sacrifice to the honour of my name, on the altar of thy heart, faithfully committing thy body and soul unto me;That so thou mayst come worthily to celebrate this sacrifice, and to receive profitably the sacrament of my body.4. For a man hath no other oblation than to offer himself unto God in the holy communion.And whensoever he shall come to Me for pardon and grace, as I live, saith the Lord, who willeth 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 all be forgiven him.

Of the examining our 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, and a pious intending the honour of God.

Examine diligently thy conscience; so that there be nothing that may breed in thee remorse of conscience, and hinder thy free access.

And, if thou hast time, confess unto God in the secret of thy heart, all the miseries of thy disordered passions.

2. Lament and grieve, that thou art yet so worldly, so unmortified as to thy passions;

So unwatchful over thy outward senses, so often entangled with vain imaginations;

So negligent and cold in prayer, so undevout in celebrating, so dry in receiving;

So quickly distracted, so seldom wholly recollected;

So suddenly moved to anger, so apt to take displeasure against another;

So prone to judge, so severe to reprehend;

*So often purposing much good, and yet performing little.

3. These and other thy defects being confessed, with full resignation, and with thy whole will, offer up thyself a perpetual sacrifice to the honour of my name, on the altar of thy heart, faithfully committing thy body and soul unto me;

That so thou mayst come worthily to celebrate this sacrifice, and to receive profitably the sacrament of my body.

4. For a man hath no other oblation than to offer himself unto God in the holy communion.

And whensoever he shall come to Me for pardon and grace, as I live, saith the Lord, who willeth 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 all be forgiven him.

CHAPTERVI.Of the oblation of Christ on the cross, and resignation of ourselves.The voice of the Beloved.*AS I willingly offered up myself unto God my Father for thy sins, my hands being stretched forth on the cross, so that nothing remained in Me that was not wholly turned into a sacrifice, for the appeasing the Divine Majesty;So oughtest thou also to offer up thyself willingly unto me every day, as a pure and holy oblation, with all thy might and affection, in as hearty a manner as thou canst.What do I require of thee more than that thou entirely resign thyself unto me?Whatsoever thou givest besides thyself is of no account in my sight; for I seek not thy gifts but thyself.2. As it would not suffice thee to have all things besides me; so neither can it please me, whatsoever thou givest, if thou offerest not thyself.Offer up thyself unto me, and give thyself wholly to God, and thy offering shall be accepted.Behold I offered up myself wholly unto myFather for thee, that I might be wholly thine, and thou remain mine.But if thou dost not offer thyself up freely unto my will, thy oblation is not entire, neither will the union between us be perfect.Therefore a free offering up of thyself 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, because they cannot wholly deny themselves.My saying is unalterable, unless a man forsake all, he cannot be my disciple.Therefore, if thou desirest to be my disciple, offer up thyself unto me with thy whole affections.

Of the oblation of Christ on the cross, and resignation of ourselves.

The voice of the Beloved.

*AS I willingly offered up myself unto God my Father for thy sins, my hands being stretched forth on the cross, so that nothing remained in Me that was not wholly turned into a sacrifice, for the appeasing the Divine Majesty;

So oughtest thou also to offer up thyself willingly unto me every day, as a pure and holy oblation, with all thy might and affection, in as hearty a manner as thou canst.

What do I require of thee more than that thou entirely resign thyself unto me?

Whatsoever thou givest besides thyself is of no account in my sight; for I seek not thy gifts but thyself.

2. As it would not suffice thee to have all things besides me; so neither can it please me, whatsoever thou givest, if thou offerest not thyself.

Offer up thyself unto me, and give thyself wholly to God, and thy offering shall be accepted.

Behold I offered up myself wholly unto myFather for thee, that I might be wholly thine, and thou remain mine.

But if thou dost not offer thyself up freely unto my will, thy oblation is not entire, neither will the union between us be perfect.

Therefore a free offering up of thyself 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, because they cannot wholly deny themselves.

My saying is unalterable, unless a man forsake all, he cannot be my disciple.

Therefore, if thou desirest to be my disciple, offer up thyself unto me with thy whole affections.

CHAPTERVII.That we ought to offer up ourselves, and all that is ours untoGod, 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 myself unto thee, as a free oblation, and to remain always thine.O Lord, in the simplicity of my heart I offer myself unto thee this day, for a sacrifice of perpetual praise, to be thy servant for ever.2. I offer unto thee, O Lord, all my sins and offences, which I have committed before theeand thy holy angels, from the day wherein I first could sin, to this hour, upon thy merciful altar.Consume and burn them all with the fire of thy love, and wash out all the stains of my sins.O cleanse my conscience from all offences, and restore to me again thy grace, which I lost by sin, fully forgiving me all my offences, and receiving me mercifully to the kiss of peace!3. What can I do for my sins, but humbly confess and bewail them, and incessantly intreat thy favour?I beseech thee, hear me graciously, when I stand before thee, O 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 the utmost of my power to please thee.Forgive me, O God, forgive me my sins for thy holy name’s sake.Save my soul, which thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood.Behold, I commit myself to thy mercy, I resign myself over 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 that is good in me, although it be very little and imperfect, that thou mayst amend and sanctify it:That thou mayst make it grateful and acceptableunto thee, and always perfect it more and more.And bring me also, who am a slothful and unprofitable creature, to a good and blessed end.5. I offer up also unto thee all the pious desires of devout persons, the necessities of my parents, friends, brethren, sisters; and of all those that are dear unto me, and that have done good either to myself or others:And that have desired me to pray for them and 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 all those also, whom I have at any time troubled, grieved or scandalized by words or deeds, wittingly or 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 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 wemay be counted worthy to enjoy thy grace, and so attain life everlasting.Amen.

That we ought to offer up ourselves, and all that is ours untoGod, 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 myself unto thee, as a free oblation, and to remain always thine.

O Lord, in the simplicity of my heart I offer myself unto thee this day, for a sacrifice of perpetual praise, to be thy servant for ever.

2. I offer unto thee, O Lord, all my sins and offences, which I have committed before theeand thy holy angels, from the day wherein I first could sin, to this hour, upon thy merciful altar.

Consume and burn them all with the fire of thy love, and wash out all the stains of my sins.

O cleanse my conscience from all offences, and restore to me again thy grace, which I lost by sin, fully forgiving me all my offences, and receiving me mercifully to the kiss of peace!

3. What can I do for my sins, but humbly confess and bewail them, and incessantly intreat thy favour?

I beseech thee, hear me graciously, when I stand before thee, O 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 the utmost of my power to please thee.

Forgive me, O God, forgive me my sins for thy holy name’s sake.

Save my soul, which thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood.

Behold, I commit myself to thy mercy, I resign myself over 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 that is good in me, although it be very little and imperfect, that thou mayst amend and sanctify it:

That thou mayst make it grateful and acceptableunto thee, and always perfect it more and more.

And bring me also, who am a slothful and unprofitable creature, to a good and blessed end.

5. I offer up also unto thee all the pious desires of devout persons, the necessities of my parents, friends, brethren, sisters; and of all those that are dear unto me, and that have done good either to myself or others:

And that have desired me to pray for them and 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 all those also, whom I have at any time troubled, grieved or scandalized by words or deeds, wittingly or 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 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 wemay be counted worthy to enjoy thy grace, and so attain life everlasting.Amen.

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