CHAPTERIV.That we ought to live in truth and humility before God.Christ.SON, walk before me in truth, and ever seek me in simplicity of heart.He that walketh before me in truth, shall be defended from evil; and the truth shall deliver him from seducers, and from the detractions of the wicked.If the truth have made thee free, thou shalt be free indeed.Christian.Lord, it is true. According as thou saidst, so I beseech thee let it be with me; let thy truth teach me, and keep me and bring me safe to an happy end.Let it deliver me from all evil affection and inordinate love: and I shall walk with thee in great freedom of heart.2.Christ.I will teach thee those things that are right and pleasing in my sight.Think of thy sins with great displeasure and grief, and never esteem thyself any thing for thy good works.Thou art in very deed a sinner, thou art subject to, and encumbered with many passions.Of thyself thou always tendest to nothing:thou art quickly cast down, quickly overcome, quickly troubled, quickly dissolved.Thou hast nothing wherein thou canst glory, but many things for which thou oughtest to despise thyself; for thou art much weaker than thou art able to comprehend.3. Make no account therefore of any thing that thou dost.Let nothing seem great, nothing precious and wonderful; let nothing seem worthy of estimation, nothing high, nothing truly praise-worthy and desirable, but that which is everlasting.Let the eternal truth above all things please thee. Let thy own great unworthiness always displease thee.Fear nothing, fly nothing so much as thy vices and sins.Some walk not sincerely in my sight: but will know my secrets, and understand the high things of God, neglecting themselves and their own salvation.These often, because I resist them, fall into great temptations and sins.4. Fear the judgments of God; dread the wrath of the Almighty. But discuss not the works of the highest. Search thine own iniquities, how much thou hast offended, and how much good thou hast neglected.Some place their religion only in books, some in images, some in outward forms and ceremonies.Some have me in their mouths, but little in their hearts.There are others that being illuminated in their understandings, and purged in their affection, continually pant after things eternal; these perceive what the spirit of truth speaketh in them.Because it teacheth them to despise earthly, and love heavenly things; to neglect the world, and all the day and night to desire heaven.
That we ought to live in truth and humility before God.
Christ.SON, walk before me in truth, and ever seek me in simplicity of heart.
He that walketh before me in truth, shall be defended from evil; and the truth shall deliver him from seducers, and from the detractions of the wicked.
If the truth have made thee free, thou shalt be free indeed.
Christian.Lord, it is true. According as thou saidst, so I beseech thee let it be with me; let thy truth teach me, and keep me and bring me safe to an happy end.
Let it deliver me from all evil affection and inordinate love: and I shall walk with thee in great freedom of heart.
2.Christ.I will teach thee those things that are right and pleasing in my sight.
Think of thy sins with great displeasure and grief, and never esteem thyself any thing for thy good works.
Thou art in very deed a sinner, thou art subject to, and encumbered with many passions.
Of thyself thou always tendest to nothing:thou art quickly cast down, quickly overcome, quickly troubled, quickly dissolved.
Thou hast nothing wherein thou canst glory, but many things for which thou oughtest to despise thyself; for thou art much weaker than thou art able to comprehend.
3. Make no account therefore of any thing that thou dost.
Let nothing seem great, nothing precious and wonderful; let nothing seem worthy of estimation, nothing high, nothing truly praise-worthy and desirable, but that which is everlasting.
Let the eternal truth above all things please thee. Let thy own great unworthiness always displease thee.
Fear nothing, fly nothing so much as thy vices and sins.
Some walk not sincerely in my sight: but will know my secrets, and understand the high things of God, neglecting themselves and their own salvation.
These often, because I resist them, fall into great temptations and sins.
4. Fear the judgments of God; dread the wrath of the Almighty. But discuss not the works of the highest. Search thine own iniquities, how much thou hast offended, and how much good thou hast neglected.
Some place their religion only in books, some in images, some in outward forms and ceremonies.
Some have me in their mouths, but little in their hearts.
There are others that being illuminated in their understandings, and purged in their affection, continually pant after things eternal; these perceive what the spirit of truth speaketh in them.
Because it teacheth them to despise earthly, and love heavenly things; to neglect the world, and all the day and night to desire heaven.
CHAPTERV.Of the wonderful effects of divine love.*Christian.IPRAISE thee, O heavenly Father, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, for that thou hast vouchsafed to remember me a poor creature.O Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, thanks be unto thee, who, with thy comfort refreshest me, unworthy of all comfort.I ever bless and glorify thee, with thy only begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever.*O Lord God, the holy lover of my soul, when thou shalt come into my heart, all that is within me will rejoice.Thou art my glory and the joy of my heart.Thou art my hope and refuge in the day of my tribulation.2. But because I am still weak in love, I haveneed therefore to be strengthened and comforted by thee.Visit me therefore often, and instruct♦me with thy holy discipline.♦“we” replaced with “me”*Deliver me from evil passions, and heal my heart of all inordinate affections; that being healed within, I may be made fit to love, strong to suffer, and constant to persevere.3.Christ.Love is a great thing, which alone maketh every burden light, and beareth all the vicissitudes of life.*For it carrieth a burden without a burden, and maketh every thing that is bitter, sweet and savoury.The love of Jesus impelleth to do great things, and stirreth up continually to desire greater perfection.Love will be aloft, and not kept down with any earthly thing.Love will be free and loose from all worldly affection, lest its inward sight be hindered, lest it be entangled by any temporal prosperity, or subdued by adversity.*Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing is stronger, nothing higher, nothing more large, nothing more pleasant, nothing fuller nor better in heaven or in earth.Because love is born of God, and cannot rest but in God, above all creatures.4. He that loveth, flieth, runneth and rejoiceth; he is free and not bound.*He giveth all for all, and hath all in all; for he resteth in the supreme One, from whom all good proceedeth.He respecteth not the gifts, but turneth himself above all goods unto the Giver.Love often knoweth no measure, but is inflamed above all measure.*Love feeleth no burden, weigheth no pains, desireth above its strength; complaineth not of impossibility; for it thinketh all things possible.*It is therefore able to undertake all things, and performeth and bringeth many things to pass; whereas he that doth not love, fainteth and sinketh under them.*5. Love watcheth, and sleeping sleepeth not.*Being tired is not weary, straitened is not pressed: frightened is not disturbed: but like a lively flame, it bursteth out aloft, and securely passeth through all.If any one loveth, he knoweth what this meaneth.The ardent affection of the soul crieth aloud in the ears of God, when it saith,My God, my love, thou art wholly mine, and I am wholly thine.*6.Christian.Enlarge me in love, that with the inward mouth of my heart I may taste how sweet it is to love, and to be melted and swim in thy love.Let me be possessed by love, mounting above myself with excessive fervour and admiration.Let me sing the song of love, let me follow thee on high, my beloved: let my soul die away in thy praise, rejoicing through love.*Let me love thee more than myself, and not myself but for thee, and all in thee that truly love thee, as the law of love commandeth, which shineth out from thee.*5.Christ.Love is swift, sincere, pious, pleasant, and delightful: strong, patient, faithful, prudent, long-suffering, manly; and never seeking itself.For where one seeketh himself, there he falleth from love.*Love is circumspect, humble, and upright: not soft, nor light, nor attending unto vain things; but sober, chaste, constant, quiet, and guarded in all the senses.Love is subject and obedient to superiors, vile, and despicable to itself, devout and thankful unto God, trusting and hoping always in him.*8. He that is not ready to suffer all things, and to stand to the will of his beloved, is not worthy to be called a lover.A lover ought to embrace willingly all that is hard and distasteful for his beloved.
Of the wonderful effects of divine love.
*Christian.IPRAISE thee, O heavenly Father, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, for that thou hast vouchsafed to remember me a poor creature.
O Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, thanks be unto thee, who, with thy comfort refreshest me, unworthy of all comfort.
I ever bless and glorify thee, with thy only begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever.
*O Lord God, the holy lover of my soul, when thou shalt come into my heart, all that is within me will rejoice.
Thou art my glory and the joy of my heart.
Thou art my hope and refuge in the day of my tribulation.
2. But because I am still weak in love, I haveneed therefore to be strengthened and comforted by thee.
Visit me therefore often, and instruct♦me with thy holy discipline.
♦“we” replaced with “me”
♦“we” replaced with “me”
♦“we” replaced with “me”
*Deliver me from evil passions, and heal my heart of all inordinate affections; that being healed within, I may be made fit to love, strong to suffer, and constant to persevere.
3.Christ.Love is a great thing, which alone maketh every burden light, and beareth all the vicissitudes of life.
*For it carrieth a burden without a burden, and maketh every thing that is bitter, sweet and savoury.
The love of Jesus impelleth to do great things, and stirreth up continually to desire greater perfection.
Love will be aloft, and not kept down with any earthly thing.
Love will be free and loose from all worldly affection, lest its inward sight be hindered, lest it be entangled by any temporal prosperity, or subdued by adversity.
*Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing is stronger, nothing higher, nothing more large, nothing more pleasant, nothing fuller nor better in heaven or in earth.
Because love is born of God, and cannot rest but in God, above all creatures.
4. He that loveth, flieth, runneth and rejoiceth; he is free and not bound.
*He giveth all for all, and hath all in all; for he resteth in the supreme One, from whom all good proceedeth.
He respecteth not the gifts, but turneth himself above all goods unto the Giver.
Love often knoweth no measure, but is inflamed above all measure.
*Love feeleth no burden, weigheth no pains, desireth above its strength; complaineth not of impossibility; for it thinketh all things possible.
*It is therefore able to undertake all things, and performeth and bringeth many things to pass; whereas he that doth not love, fainteth and sinketh under them.
*5. Love watcheth, and sleeping sleepeth not.
*Being tired is not weary, straitened is not pressed: frightened is not disturbed: but like a lively flame, it bursteth out aloft, and securely passeth through all.
If any one loveth, he knoweth what this meaneth.
The ardent affection of the soul crieth aloud in the ears of God, when it saith,My God, my love, thou art wholly mine, and I am wholly thine.
*6.Christian.Enlarge me in love, that with the inward mouth of my heart I may taste how sweet it is to love, and to be melted and swim in thy love.
Let me be possessed by love, mounting above myself with excessive fervour and admiration.
Let me sing the song of love, let me follow thee on high, my beloved: let my soul die away in thy praise, rejoicing through love.
*Let me love thee more than myself, and not myself but for thee, and all in thee that truly love thee, as the law of love commandeth, which shineth out from thee.
*5.Christ.Love is swift, sincere, pious, pleasant, and delightful: strong, patient, faithful, prudent, long-suffering, manly; and never seeking itself.
For where one seeketh himself, there he falleth from love.
*Love is circumspect, humble, and upright: not soft, nor light, nor attending unto vain things; but sober, chaste, constant, quiet, and guarded in all the senses.
Love is subject and obedient to superiors, vile, and despicable to itself, devout and thankful unto God, trusting and hoping always in him.
*8. He that is not ready to suffer all things, and to stand to the will of his beloved, is not worthy to be called a lover.
A lover ought to embrace willingly all that is hard and distasteful for his beloved.
CHAPTERVI.Of a proof of a true lover.Christ.SON, thou art not a valiant and prudent lover.Christian.Wherefore, Lord?Christ.Because thou givest over thy undertakings for a small difficulty, and too greedily seekest after comfort.A valiant lover standeth firmly in temptations, and giveth not credit to the crafty persuasions of the enemy.2. A prudent lover considereth not so much the gift of his lover, as the love of the giver.He regardeth the love more than the value, and valueth his beloved above all his gifts.A generous lover resteth not in the gift, but in me above every gift.3. Know that thy ancient enemy doth ever strive to hinder thy desire to good, and to divert thee from all religious exercises; to wit, from the devout memory of my passion, from the profitable remembrance of thy sins, from the guard of thine own heart, and from the firm purpose of profiting in virtue.He injecteth many evil thoughts, that he may cause a weariness in thee, to drive thee from prayer and holy reading.Humble prayer is displeasing unto him; and if he could, he would cause thee to cease from receiving the sacrament.Care not for him, although he should often set snares for thee.If he suggest evil thoughts, say unto him,Away unclean spirit; blush, miserable wretch; thou art very unclean, that bringest such things to mine ears.Away from me, thou shalt have no part in me; Jesus shall be with me as a strong warrior, and thou shalt stand confounded.The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?Though hosts of men rise up against me, yet shall not my heart be afraid.The Lord is my helper and my Redeemer.
Of a proof of a true lover.
Christ.SON, thou art not a valiant and prudent lover.
Christian.Wherefore, Lord?
Christ.Because thou givest over thy undertakings for a small difficulty, and too greedily seekest after comfort.
A valiant lover standeth firmly in temptations, and giveth not credit to the crafty persuasions of the enemy.
2. A prudent lover considereth not so much the gift of his lover, as the love of the giver.
He regardeth the love more than the value, and valueth his beloved above all his gifts.
A generous lover resteth not in the gift, but in me above every gift.
3. Know that thy ancient enemy doth ever strive to hinder thy desire to good, and to divert thee from all religious exercises; to wit, from the devout memory of my passion, from the profitable remembrance of thy sins, from the guard of thine own heart, and from the firm purpose of profiting in virtue.
He injecteth many evil thoughts, that he may cause a weariness in thee, to drive thee from prayer and holy reading.
Humble prayer is displeasing unto him; and if he could, he would cause thee to cease from receiving the sacrament.
Care not for him, although he should often set snares for thee.
If he suggest evil thoughts, say unto him,
Away unclean spirit; blush, miserable wretch; thou art very unclean, that bringest such things to mine ears.
Away from me, thou shalt have no part in me; Jesus shall be with me as a strong warrior, and thou shalt stand confounded.
The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?
Though hosts of men rise up against me, yet shall not my heart be afraid.
The Lord is my helper and my Redeemer.
CHAPTERVII.That grace is to be guarded by humility.Christ.THINK, when thou art in grace, how miserable thou art wont to be without grace.The way of man is not in his power, but it belongeth to God to comfort when he will, and how much he will, and whom he will; as it shall please him, and no more.They that are unacquainted in the way of the Lord, unless they govern themselves by the counsel of discreet persons, may easily be deceived and overthrown.2. And if they will rather follow their own judgment, than give credit to others that are experienced, the event will be dangerous.Christian.Shall I speak unto my Lord who am dust and ashes?If I esteem better of myself, behold thou standestagainst me, and my iniquities bear true witness against me, neither can I contradict it.But if I know myself to be nothing, if I renounce all self-esteem, and account myself to be but dust; thy grace will be favourable unto me, and thy light will be near my heart.And all self-esteem, how little soever, shall be swallowed up, and perish everlastingly.Thou shewest myself unto me, what I am, and what I have been; for I am nothing, and I knew it not.And if I be left to myself, behold I become all weakness.But if thou lookest upon me, I am made strong.And it is a great marvel, that I am suddenly lifted up, and so graciously embraced by thee, who by my own weight always sink downward.3. Thy love is the cause thereof, freely preventing me, and relieving me in so many necessities; preserving me also from grievous dangers, and delivering me from innumerable evils.For by inordinate loving myself, I lost myself; and by seeking thee alone, and loving thee, I have found both myself and thee, and by that love have more deeply brought myself to nothing.For thou, O most sweet Lord, dealest with me above all desert, above all that I dare hope or ask.*4. Blessed be thou, my God; for although I be unworthy of any benefits; yet thy bounty, and thy infinite goodness, never ceaseth to do good even to the ungrateful, and them that are far from thee.*Turn us unto thee, O Lord, that we may be thankful, humble, and holy; for thou art our power, and our strength, and our salvation.
That grace is to be guarded by humility.
Christ.THINK, when thou art in grace, how miserable thou art wont to be without grace.
The way of man is not in his power, but it belongeth to God to comfort when he will, and how much he will, and whom he will; as it shall please him, and no more.
They that are unacquainted in the way of the Lord, unless they govern themselves by the counsel of discreet persons, may easily be deceived and overthrown.
2. And if they will rather follow their own judgment, than give credit to others that are experienced, the event will be dangerous.
Christian.Shall I speak unto my Lord who am dust and ashes?
If I esteem better of myself, behold thou standestagainst me, and my iniquities bear true witness against me, neither can I contradict it.
But if I know myself to be nothing, if I renounce all self-esteem, and account myself to be but dust; thy grace will be favourable unto me, and thy light will be near my heart.
And all self-esteem, how little soever, shall be swallowed up, and perish everlastingly.
Thou shewest myself unto me, what I am, and what I have been; for I am nothing, and I knew it not.
And if I be left to myself, behold I become all weakness.
But if thou lookest upon me, I am made strong.
And it is a great marvel, that I am suddenly lifted up, and so graciously embraced by thee, who by my own weight always sink downward.
3. Thy love is the cause thereof, freely preventing me, and relieving me in so many necessities; preserving me also from grievous dangers, and delivering me from innumerable evils.
For by inordinate loving myself, I lost myself; and by seeking thee alone, and loving thee, I have found both myself and thee, and by that love have more deeply brought myself to nothing.
For thou, O most sweet Lord, dealest with me above all desert, above all that I dare hope or ask.
*4. Blessed be thou, my God; for although I be unworthy of any benefits; yet thy bounty, and thy infinite goodness, never ceaseth to do good even to the ungrateful, and them that are far from thee.
*Turn us unto thee, O Lord, that we may be thankful, humble, and holy; for thou art our power, and our strength, and our salvation.
CHAPTERVIII.That all things are to be referred unto God, as unto their last end.Christ.SON, I ought to be thy last end, if thou desirest to be truly blessed.By this intention thy affection shall be purified, which is often inordinately bent down to itself, and unto creatures.For if in any thing thou seekest thyself, thou soon fallest into a langour.Refer therefore all things unto me, for I am he that hath given all.*2. Out of me, as out of a living fountain, the little and the great, the poor and the rich, draw the water of life: and they that willingly and freely serve me, shall receive grace for grace.But he that will glory out of me, or be delighted in any good that tends not to me, shallnot be grounded in true joy, nor enlarged in his heart, but shall be many ways incumbered and straitned.Thou oughtest therefore to ascribe nothing of good unto thyself, nor attribute goodness unto any man; but give all unto God, without whom man hath nothing.I have bestowed all, and will that all be returned unto me again: and with great strictness, I require thanks.3. This is the truth that putteth to flight vain-glory.And if true love enter in, there shall be no envy, or straitness of heart, neither shall there be any place for self-love.If thou art truly wise, in me alone thou wilt rejoice, in me alone thou wilt hope: for none is good but God alone, who is to be praised above all things, and to be blessed in all.
That all things are to be referred unto God, as unto their last end.
Christ.SON, I ought to be thy last end, if thou desirest to be truly blessed.
By this intention thy affection shall be purified, which is often inordinately bent down to itself, and unto creatures.
For if in any thing thou seekest thyself, thou soon fallest into a langour.
Refer therefore all things unto me, for I am he that hath given all.
*2. Out of me, as out of a living fountain, the little and the great, the poor and the rich, draw the water of life: and they that willingly and freely serve me, shall receive grace for grace.
But he that will glory out of me, or be delighted in any good that tends not to me, shallnot be grounded in true joy, nor enlarged in his heart, but shall be many ways incumbered and straitned.
Thou oughtest therefore to ascribe nothing of good unto thyself, nor attribute goodness unto any man; but give all unto God, without whom man hath nothing.
I have bestowed all, and will that all be returned unto me again: and with great strictness, I require thanks.
3. This is the truth that putteth to flight vain-glory.
And if true love enter in, there shall be no envy, or straitness of heart, neither shall there be any place for self-love.
If thou art truly wise, in me alone thou wilt rejoice, in me alone thou wilt hope: for none is good but God alone, who is to be praised above all things, and to be blessed in all.
CHAPTERIX.That it is a sweet thing to despise the world, and serve God.Christian.NOW I will speak again, O Lord, and will not be silent; I will speak in the ears of my God, my Lord, and my King that is on high.*O how great is the abundance of thy goodness,O Lord, which thou hast laid up for those that fear thee!*But what art thou to them that love thee? What to them that serve thee with their whole heart?*Truly, unspeakable is the sweetness of contemplating thee, which thou bestowest on them that love thee.In this chiefly thou hast shewed me the sweetness of thy love: in that when I was not, thou madest me; and when I went astray a far off from thee, thou broughtest me back again, that I might serve thee.2. O fountain of everlasting love, what shall I say of thee?How can I forget thee, that hast vouchsafed to remember me, even after I had pined away, and perished?Thou hast shewed mercy to thy servant beyond all my expectation.Thou hast exhibited thy favour and friendship beyond all my desert.What shall I return to thee for this favour?Is it much that I should serve thee, whom all creatures are bound to serve?*It ought not to seem much unto me to serve thee: but this rather seemeth much and marvellous unto me, that thou vouchsafest to receive into thy service one so poor and unworthy, and to join him with thy beloved servants.*3. Behold, all is thine which I have, and whereby I serve thee.*And yet, contrary-wise, thou rather servest me, than I thee.*Behold heaven and earth, which thou hast created for the service of man, are ready at hand, and all daily perform whatsoever thou dost command.*And this is little: thou hast also appointed the angels to the service of man.*But that which excelleth all this is, that thou thyself hast vouchsafed to serve man, and hast 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!Verily, thou art worthy of all service, of all honour, 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 is wanting unto me, vouchsafe, I beseech thee to supply.
That it is a sweet thing to despise the world, and serve God.
Christian.NOW I will speak again, O Lord, and will not be silent; I will speak in the ears of my God, my Lord, and my King that is on high.
*O how great is the abundance of thy goodness,O Lord, which thou hast laid up for those that fear thee!
*But what art thou to them that love thee? What to them that serve thee with their whole heart?
*Truly, unspeakable is the sweetness of contemplating thee, which thou bestowest on them that love thee.
In this chiefly thou hast shewed me the sweetness of thy love: in that when I was not, thou madest me; and when I went astray a far off from thee, thou broughtest me back again, that I might serve thee.
2. O fountain of everlasting love, what shall I say of thee?
How can I forget thee, that hast vouchsafed to remember me, even after I had pined away, and perished?
Thou hast shewed mercy to thy servant beyond all my expectation.
Thou hast exhibited thy favour and friendship beyond all my desert.
What shall I return to thee for this favour?
Is it much that I should serve thee, whom all creatures are bound to serve?
*It ought not to seem much unto me to serve thee: but this rather seemeth much and marvellous unto me, that thou vouchsafest to receive into thy service one so poor and unworthy, and to join him with thy beloved servants.
*3. Behold, all is thine which I have, and whereby I serve thee.
*And yet, contrary-wise, thou rather servest me, than I thee.
*Behold heaven and earth, which thou hast created for the service of man, are ready at hand, and all daily perform whatsoever thou dost command.
*And this is little: thou hast also appointed the angels to the service of man.
*But that which excelleth all this is, that thou thyself hast vouchsafed to serve man, and hast 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!
Verily, thou art worthy of all service, of all honour, 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 is wanting unto me, vouchsafe, I beseech thee to supply.
CHAPTERX.That the desires of our hearts are to be examined.Christ.SON, thou must still learn many things, which thou hast not yet well learned.Christian.What are those, Lord?Christ.That thou frame thy desires wholly according to my pleasure: and be not a lover of thyself, but a zealous follower of my will.Thy desires often inflame thee, and that vehemently; but consider, whether thou art moved rather for my honour, or for thine own profit.If I be the cause, thou wilt be well content, howsoever 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 presently to be followed: nor every affection that at first seemeth evil to be avoided.It is expedient to use a restraint even in good desires and endeavours, lest by importunity of desire thou incur distraction of mind, and bywant of self-government be a scandal to others, or being gainsayed by others, thou be suddenly troubled and fall.But thou oughtest to use violence, and resist manfully 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 will, and to yield thyself to all subjection.3. Be zealous against thyself, and suffer not pride to live in thee.*Shew thyself so lowly, such a little child, that every one may go over thee, and tread thee as dirt under their feet.*Vain man, what hast thou to complain of?*Vile sinner, what canst thou answer to them who reproach thee, who hast so often offended God, and so many times deserved hell?But mine eye hath spared thee, because thy soul was precious in my sight:That thou mightest know my love and always remain thankful for my benefits.And that thou mightest continually study true subjection and humility, and patiently endure to be despiseth.
That the desires of our hearts are to be examined.
Christ.SON, thou must still learn many things, which thou hast not yet well learned.
Christian.What are those, Lord?
Christ.That thou frame thy desires wholly according to my pleasure: and be not a lover of thyself, but a zealous follower of my will.
Thy desires often inflame thee, and that vehemently; but consider, whether thou art moved rather for my honour, or for thine own profit.
If I be the cause, thou wilt be well content, howsoever 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 presently to be followed: nor every affection that at first seemeth evil to be avoided.
It is expedient to use a restraint even in good desires and endeavours, lest by importunity of desire thou incur distraction of mind, and bywant of self-government be a scandal to others, or being gainsayed by others, thou be suddenly troubled and fall.
But thou oughtest to use violence, and resist manfully 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 will, and to yield thyself to all subjection.
3. Be zealous against thyself, and suffer not pride to live in thee.
*Shew thyself so lowly, such a little child, that every one may go over thee, and tread thee as dirt under their feet.
*Vain man, what hast thou to complain of?
*Vile sinner, what canst thou answer to them who reproach thee, who hast so often offended God, and so many times deserved hell?
But mine eye hath spared thee, because thy soul was precious in my sight:
That thou mightest know my love and always remain thankful for my benefits.
And that thou mightest continually study true subjection and humility, and patiently endure to be despiseth.
CHAPTERXI.Of the considering the secret judgments of God, lest we be exalted on account of our good deeds.Christian.THOU thunderest forth thy judgments over me, O Lord; thou shakest all my bones with fear and trembling, and my soul is sore afraid.I stand astonished, when I consider that the heavens are not pure in thy sight.If thou hast found wickedness in angels, and hast not pardoned them, what shall become of me?Stars fell from heaven; and am I, who am dust, proud?2. There is therefore no sanctity, if thou, O Lord, withdrawest thy hand.No wisdom availeth, if thou ceasest to govern.No strength helpeth, if thou leavest to defend.No chastity is secure, if thou dost not protect it.No vigilance profits, if thy sacred watchfulness be not present.For if we be left, we sink and perish: but if thou visitest us, we are raised up and live.We are inconstant, but by thee we are established; we grow cold, but by thee we are inflamed.3. O how meanly ought I to think of myself! How nothing ought I to esteem it, if I seem to have any good!O Lord, with what profound humility ought I to submit myself to thy inscrutable judgments: where I find myself to be a very nothing! O unmeasurable height! O unpassable sea, where I find myself to be altogether nothing! Where then is the hiding-place of glory? Where is the confidence I once conceived of my own virtue?All 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 frameth it?How can he be lifted up with vain words, whose heart is truly subject to God?All the world cannot lift him up whom the truth hath subjected unto itself; neither shall he be moved with the tongues of all his praisers, that hath set 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.
Of the considering the secret judgments of God, lest we be exalted on account of our good deeds.
Christian.THOU thunderest forth thy judgments over me, O Lord; thou shakest all my bones with fear and trembling, and my soul is sore afraid.
I stand astonished, when I consider that the heavens are not pure in thy sight.
If thou hast found wickedness in angels, and hast not pardoned them, what shall become of me?
Stars fell from heaven; and am I, who am dust, proud?
2. There is therefore no sanctity, if thou, O Lord, withdrawest thy hand.
No wisdom availeth, if thou ceasest to govern.
No strength helpeth, if thou leavest to defend.
No chastity is secure, if thou dost not protect it.
No vigilance profits, if thy sacred watchfulness be not present.
For if we be left, we sink and perish: but if thou visitest us, we are raised up and live.
We are inconstant, but by thee we are established; we grow cold, but by thee we are inflamed.
3. O how meanly ought I to think of myself! How nothing ought I to esteem it, if I seem to have any good!
O Lord, with what profound humility ought I to submit myself to thy inscrutable judgments: where I find myself to be a very nothing! O unmeasurable height! O unpassable sea, where I find myself to be altogether nothing! Where then is the hiding-place of glory? Where is the confidence I once conceived of my own virtue?
All 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 frameth it?
How can he be lifted up with vain words, whose heart is truly subject to God?
All the world cannot lift him up whom the truth hath subjected unto itself; neither shall he be moved with the tongues of all his praisers, that hath set 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.
CHAPTERXII.How we are to be affected, and what we are to say, in every thing which we desire.Christ.SON, say thus, in every thing; Lord if it be pleasing 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 seemeth 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 not moved by thine own spirit.Many are deceived in the end, who at first seemed to be led by a good spirit.2. Always therefore, whatsoever seemeth desirable to thee, let it be desired and prayed for in the fear of God, and with humility of heart.And above all, thou oughtest to resign thyself, 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 what thou wilt, and how much thou wilt, and when thou wilt.Deal with me as thou thinkest good, and as best pleaseth thee, and is most for thy honour.Set me where thou wilt, and deal with me in all things according to thy will.I am in thy hand; turn me, and turn me again, which way soever thou pleasest.Behold, I am thy servant, prepared for all things; for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto thee: and O that I could do it worthily and perfectly!3. Grant me thy grace, O most gracious Jesus, that it may be with me, and labour 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 willest 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 be known in this world.Grant that above all things that can be desired, I may rest in thee, may quiet my heart in thee.Thou art the true peace of the heart, thou art the only rest; out of thee all things are troublesome and unquiet.In this very peace, that is in thee, the one eternal good, may I sleep and rest.Amen.”
How we are to be affected, and what we are to say, in every thing which we desire.
Christ.SON, say thus, in every thing; Lord if it be pleasing 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 seemeth 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 not moved by thine own spirit.
Many are deceived in the end, who at first seemed to be led by a good spirit.
2. Always therefore, whatsoever seemeth desirable to thee, let it be desired and prayed for in the fear of God, and with humility of heart.
And above all, thou oughtest to resign thyself, 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 what thou wilt, and how much thou wilt, and when thou wilt.
Deal with me as thou thinkest good, and as best pleaseth thee, and is most for thy honour.
Set me where thou wilt, and deal with me in all things according to thy will.
I am in thy hand; turn me, and turn me again, which way soever thou pleasest.
Behold, I am thy servant, prepared for all things; for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto thee: and O that I could do it worthily and perfectly!
3. Grant me thy grace, O most gracious Jesus, that it may be with me, and labour 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 willest 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 be known in this world.
Grant that above all things that can be desired, I may rest in thee, may quiet my heart in thee.
Thou art the true peace of the heart, thou art the only rest; out of thee all things are troublesome and unquiet.
In this very peace, that is in thee, the one eternal good, may I sleep and rest.Amen.”
CHAPTERXIII.That true comfort is to be sought in God alone.MY soul, thou canst not be fully comforted, but in God, the comforter of the poor, and the helper of the humble.Wait♦awhile, O my soul, wait the divine promise, and thou shalt have abundance of all good things.♦“awile” replaced with “awhile” per Errata*Use temporal things, desire eternal.Thou canst not be satisfied with any temporal good, because thou art not created to enjoy them.Although thou hadst all created good, yet wouldst thou not be happy or blessed; but in God, that 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 with him Jesus his comforter, and saith unto him, “Be present with me, Lord Jesus, in every place and time.*Let this be my comfort, to be willing to want all human comfort.And if thy comfort be wanting, let thy will, and just proving of me, be unto me as the greatest comfort: for thou wilt not be angry always, neither wilt thou threaten for ever.”
That true comfort is to be sought in God alone.
MY soul, thou canst not be fully comforted, but in God, the comforter of the poor, and the helper of the humble.
Wait♦awhile, O my soul, wait the divine promise, and thou shalt have abundance of all good things.
♦“awile” replaced with “awhile” per Errata
♦“awile” replaced with “awhile” per Errata
♦“awile” replaced with “awhile” per Errata
*Use temporal things, desire eternal.
Thou canst not be satisfied with any temporal good, because thou art not created to enjoy them.
Although thou hadst all created good, yet wouldst thou not be happy or blessed; but in God, that 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 with him Jesus his comforter, and saith unto him, “Be present with me, Lord Jesus, in every place and time.
*Let this be my comfort, to be willing to want all human comfort.
And if thy comfort be wanting, let thy will, and just proving of me, be unto me as the greatest comfort: for thou wilt not be angry always, neither wilt thou threaten for ever.”
CHAPTERXIV.That all our care is to be cast on God.Christ.SON, 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 very totteringly, that casteth not his whole care upon thee.Lord, so that my will may remain right and firm towards thee, do with me whatsoever shall please thee.For it cannot but be good, whatsoever thou dost with me.2. If it be thy will I should be in darkness, be thou blessed; and if it be thy will I should be in light, be thou again blessed.*If thou vouchsafest to comfort me, be thou blessed; and if thou wilt afflict me, be thou equally blessed.Christ.Son, such must be thy disposition, if thou wilt walk with me.Thou must be as ready to suffer as to rejoice.Thou oughtest to be as willing to be poor and needy, as full and rich.3.Christian.Lord, I willingly suffer for thee whatsoever thy pleasure is shall befall me.I will receive indifferently from thy hand good and evil, sweet and bitter, delightful and sorrowful, and give thee thanks for all that befalleth me.*Keep me from all sin, and I will neither fear death nor hell.So thou dost not for ever cast me from thee, nor blot me out of the book of life, what tribulation soever befalleth me shall not hurt me.
That all our care is to be cast on God.
Christ.SON, 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 very totteringly, that casteth not his whole care upon thee.
Lord, so that my will may remain right and firm towards thee, do with me whatsoever shall please thee.
For it cannot but be good, whatsoever thou dost with me.
2. If it be thy will I should be in darkness, be thou blessed; and if it be thy will I should be in light, be thou again blessed.
*If thou vouchsafest to comfort me, be thou blessed; and if thou wilt afflict me, be thou equally blessed.
Christ.Son, such must be thy disposition, if thou wilt walk with me.
Thou must be as ready to suffer as to rejoice.
Thou oughtest to be as willing to be poor and needy, as full and rich.
3.Christian.Lord, I willingly suffer for thee whatsoever thy pleasure is shall befall me.
I will receive indifferently from thy hand good and evil, sweet and bitter, delightful and sorrowful, and give thee thanks for all that befalleth me.
*Keep me from all sin, and I will neither fear death nor hell.
So thou dost not for ever cast me from thee, nor blot me out of the book of life, what tribulation soever befalleth me shall not hurt me.
CHAPTERXV.Of suffering injuries; and who is proved to be truly patient.Christ.WHAT is it thou sayest, son? Cease to complain, considering my passion, and that of my other saints.Thou hast not yet resisted unto blood.Do not say, I cannot suffer these things at the hand of such a person, nor ought I to suffer these things; for he hath done me great wrong, and upbraided me with those things which I never thought of: but of another I will willingly suffer.Such a thought is foolish, it considereth not the virtue of patience, nor by whom it shall becrowned; 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.*But the truly patient man mindeth not by whom he is exercised, whether by his superior, or his equal, or by his inferior: whether by a good and holy man, or by a perverse and unworthy person.*But indifferently from all creatures, how much soever, or how often soever any adversity befalleth him, he taketh all thankfully from the hands of God, and esteemeth it great gain;*Seeing nothing how little soever, so it be suffered for God, shall pass without its reward.3. Be thou therefore prepared for the fight, if thou wilt have the victory.Without a combat thou canst not attain unto the crown of patience.If thou wilt not suffer, thou refusest to be crowned;But if thou desirest to be crowned, fight manfully and endure patiently.Without labour there 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 adversity ariseth.Let every exercise of tribulation be made amiable unto me, and be welcome for thy name; for to suffer and to be troubled for thy sake is very profitable for my soul.I will confess against me my unrighteousness; I will confess unto thee, O Lord, my infirmities.It is often a small matter that grieveth and dejecteth me.I purpose to act with courage; but when a small temptation cometh, it bringeth me into great straits.It is sometimes a very trifle, from whence great temptations proceed.And whilst I think myself safe, when I least expect it, I am overcome with a small blast.5. Behold, therefore, Lord, 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 labour 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.
Of suffering injuries; and who is proved to be truly patient.
Christ.WHAT is it thou sayest, son? Cease to complain, considering my passion, and that of my other saints.
Thou hast not yet resisted unto blood.
Do not say, I cannot suffer these things at the hand of such a person, nor ought I to suffer these things; for he hath done me great wrong, and upbraided me with those things which I never thought of: but of another I will willingly suffer.
Such a thought is foolish, it considereth not the virtue of patience, nor by whom it shall becrowned; 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.
*But the truly patient man mindeth not by whom he is exercised, whether by his superior, or his equal, or by his inferior: whether by a good and holy man, or by a perverse and unworthy person.
*But indifferently from all creatures, how much soever, or how often soever any adversity befalleth him, he taketh all thankfully from the hands of God, and esteemeth it great gain;
*Seeing nothing how little soever, so it be suffered for God, shall pass without its reward.
3. Be thou therefore prepared for the fight, if thou wilt have the victory.
Without a combat thou canst not attain unto the crown of patience.
If thou wilt not suffer, thou refusest to be crowned;
But if thou desirest to be crowned, fight manfully and endure patiently.
Without labour there 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 adversity ariseth.
Let every exercise of tribulation be made amiable unto me, and be welcome for thy name; for to suffer and to be troubled for thy sake is very profitable for my soul.
I will confess against me my unrighteousness; I will confess unto thee, O Lord, my infirmities.
It is often a small matter that grieveth and dejecteth me.
I purpose to act with courage; but when a small temptation cometh, it bringeth me into great straits.
It is sometimes a very trifle, from whence great temptations proceed.
And whilst I think myself safe, when I least expect it, I am overcome with a small blast.
5. Behold, therefore, Lord, 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 labour 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.
CHAPTERXVI.That we are to rest in God above all his gifts and benefits.Christian.ABOVE all things, and in all things, O my soul, rest in the Lord: for he is the everlasting rest of the saints.*Grant me, O most sweet and loving Jesus, to rest in thee above all creatures:Above all health and beauty, above all glory and 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 promise, above all desert and desire!Above all gifts and presents that thou canst impart unto us;Above all joy and triumph, that the mind of man can receive and feel:Lastly, above the angels and arch-angels, and above all the host of heaven, above all visible and invisible 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 powerful, 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 bestoweth on me besides thyself, or revealest unto me of thyself, whilst thou are not seen and fully obtained;For surely my heart cannot truly rest, unless it rests in thee, and surmount all gifts and creatures whatsoever.3. O my beloved bridegroom, Jesus Christ the most pure lover, the governor of all creatures!O that I had the wings of true liberty, that I might fly away and 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 love 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, thou comfort of the banished soul, with thee is my tongue without a voice, and my silence speaketh unto thee.How long doth my Lord delay to come?Let him come unto me, his poor servant, and make me glad.Let him put forth his hand, and deliver 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.5. 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 returneth, and thou speakest inwardly unto me.Christ.Behold I am here; behold I come unto thee, because thou hast called upon me.Thy tears and the desire of thy soul, thy humiliation and the contrition of thy heart, have 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 shewed 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, always mindful of his own iniquity and vileness?For there is none like unto thee in all that is wonderful in heaven and earth.Thy works are very good, thy judgments true, and by thy providence all things are governed.Praise therefore, and glory, be unto thee, O Wisdom of the Father! Let my mouth, my soul, and all creatures together praise and bless thee.
That we are to rest in God above all his gifts and benefits.
Christian.ABOVE all things, and in all things, O my soul, rest in the Lord: for he is the everlasting rest of the saints.
*Grant me, O most sweet and loving Jesus, to rest in thee above all creatures:
Above all health and beauty, above all glory and 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 promise, above all desert and desire!
Above all gifts and presents that thou canst impart unto us;
Above all joy and triumph, that the mind of man can receive and feel:
Lastly, above the angels and arch-angels, and above all the host of heaven, above all visible and invisible 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 powerful, 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 bestoweth on me besides thyself, or revealest unto me of thyself, whilst thou are not seen and fully obtained;
For surely my heart cannot truly rest, unless it rests in thee, and surmount all gifts and creatures whatsoever.
3. O my beloved bridegroom, Jesus Christ the most pure lover, the governor of all creatures!
O that I had the wings of true liberty, that I might fly away and 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 love 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, thou comfort of the banished soul, with thee is my tongue without a voice, and my silence speaketh unto thee.
How long doth my Lord delay to come?
Let him come unto me, his poor servant, and make me glad.
Let him put forth his hand, and deliver 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.
5. 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 returneth, and thou speakest inwardly unto me.
Christ.Behold I am here; behold I come unto thee, because thou hast called upon me.
Thy tears and the desire of thy soul, thy humiliation and the contrition of thy heart, have 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 shewed 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, always mindful of his own iniquity and vileness?
For there is none like unto thee in all that is wonderful in heaven and earth.
Thy works are very good, thy judgments true, and by thy providence all things are governed.
Praise therefore, and glory, be unto thee, O Wisdom of the Father! Let my mouth, my soul, and all creatures together praise and bless thee.
CHAPTERXVII.Of the remembrance of the manifold benefits of God.Christian.OPEN, O Lord, my heart in thy law, and teach me to walk in thy commandments.Grant me to understand thy will, and remember thy benefits; that henceforward I may be able worthily 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 whatsoever we possess outwardly or inwardly, naturally or supernaturally, are thy benefits,and speak thee bountiful, merciful, and good, from whom we have received all good things.Although one have received more, another less, all notwithstanding are thine, and without thee even the least cannot be had.He that hath received greater, cannot extol himself above others; for he is greater and better, that ascribeth least unto himself, and is more humble and devout in rendering thanks.And he that esteemeth himself vilest of all men, is fitter to receive greater blessings.3. And he that hath received fewer, ought not to repine, nor envy them that have greater store; but attend rather unto thee, and highly praise thy goodness, who bestowest thy gifts so bountifully, so freely, and so willingly, without respect of persons.All things proceed from thee, and therefore in all things thou art to be praised.Thou knowest what is fit to be given to every man, and why one hath less and another more.It is not ours, but thine to judge, who dost exactly know what is meet for every one.4. Nothing therefore ought so to rejoice him that loveth thee, and acknowledgeth thy benefits, as thy will in him, and the good pleasure of thy eternal appointment.With this he ought to be so contented and comforted, that he would be as willing to be the least, as another is to be the greatest.He is as peaceable and contented in the last as in the first place.*He is as willing to be despised and contemned, and to be of no esteem or account, as to be preferred in honour above all others, and to be greater in the world.For thy will, and the love of thy glory, ought to be preferred above all things:And to comfort him more, and please him better than all the benefits which either he hath received or may receive.
Of the remembrance of the manifold benefits of God.
Christian.OPEN, O Lord, my heart in thy law, and teach me to walk in thy commandments.
Grant me to understand thy will, and remember thy benefits; that henceforward I may be able worthily 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 whatsoever we possess outwardly or inwardly, naturally or supernaturally, are thy benefits,and speak thee bountiful, merciful, and good, from whom we have received all good things.
Although one have received more, another less, all notwithstanding are thine, and without thee even the least cannot be had.
He that hath received greater, cannot extol himself above others; for he is greater and better, that ascribeth least unto himself, and is more humble and devout in rendering thanks.
And he that esteemeth himself vilest of all men, is fitter to receive greater blessings.
3. And he that hath received fewer, ought not to repine, nor envy them that have greater store; but attend rather unto thee, and highly praise thy goodness, who bestowest thy gifts so bountifully, so freely, and so willingly, without respect of persons.
All things proceed from thee, and therefore in all things thou art to be praised.
Thou knowest what is fit to be given to every man, and why one hath less and another more.
It is not ours, but thine to judge, who dost exactly know what is meet for every one.
4. Nothing therefore ought so to rejoice him that loveth thee, and acknowledgeth thy benefits, as thy will in him, and the good pleasure of thy eternal appointment.
With this he ought to be so contented and comforted, that he would be as willing to be the least, as another is to be the greatest.
He is as peaceable and contented in the last as in the first place.
*He is as willing to be despised and contemned, and to be of no esteem or account, as to be preferred in honour above all others, and to be greater in the world.
For thy will, and the love of thy glory, ought to be preferred above all things:
And to comfort him more, and please him better than all the benefits which either he hath received or may receive.
CHAPTERXVIII.Of four things that bring much peace.Christ.SON, now will I teach thee the way of peace, and true liberty.*Endeavour to do rather the will of another than thy own.*Ever chuse rather to have less than more.*Always seek the lowest place, and to be beneath every one.*Continually wish and pray, that the will of God may be wholly fulfilled in thee.Behold such a man entereth into the♦bounds of peace and quietness.♦“bonds” replaced with “bounds” per Errata2.Christian.Lord, this thy short speech containeth much perfection.Thou, who canst do all things, and ever lovest the profiting of my soul, increase in me thy grace, that I may fulfil thy works, and work out my own salvation.My Lord God, be not far from me; my God, consider and help me; for sundry thoughts have risen up against me, afflicting my soul.How shall I pass through them without hurt? How shall I utterly break them?Christ.I will go before thee, and will humble the great ones of the earth. I will open the doors of the prison, and reveal unto thee hidden secrets.Christian.Do Lord, as thou sayest, and let all evil thoughts fly before thy face.This is my hope, my only comfort to fly unto thee in every tribulation; to trust in thee, to call upon thee from my heart, and to expect patiently thy comfort.*3. Enlighten me, O good Jesus, with a clear shining inward light, and drive away all darkness from the habitation of my heart.Repress my wandering thoughts, and drive away those temptations which violently assault me.Fight strongly for me, and vanquish those evil beasts, these enticing lusts, that so peace may be obtained by thy power, and abundance of thy praise found in the holy court of a pure conscience.*Command the winds, and the tempests; sayunto the sea, Be still, and to the north wind, Blow not, and there shall be a great calm.*4. Send forth thy light and thy truth, that they may shine upon the earth; for I am as the earth, without form, and void, until thou enlighten me.*Pour out thy grace from above, let thy heavenly dew distill upon my heart.*Supply streams of devotion, to water the face of the earth, that it may bring forth good and excellent fruit.Lift up my mind, which is pressed down by the weight of my sins. Draw up my whole desire to heavenly things; that having tasted the sweetness of supernatural happiness, it may be irksome to me even to think of earthly vanities.5. Snatch me, and deliver me from all the unlasting comfort of creatures; for no created thing can fully comfort and quiet my desire.*Join me unto thee with an inseparable band of love; for thou alone dost satisfy him that loveth thee, and without thee all things are frivolous.
Of four things that bring much peace.
Christ.SON, now will I teach thee the way of peace, and true liberty.
*Endeavour to do rather the will of another than thy own.
*Ever chuse rather to have less than more.
*Always seek the lowest place, and to be beneath every one.
*Continually wish and pray, that the will of God may be wholly fulfilled in thee.
Behold such a man entereth into the♦bounds of peace and quietness.
♦“bonds” replaced with “bounds” per Errata
♦“bonds” replaced with “bounds” per Errata
♦“bonds” replaced with “bounds” per Errata
2.Christian.Lord, this thy short speech containeth much perfection.
Thou, who canst do all things, and ever lovest the profiting of my soul, increase in me thy grace, that I may fulfil thy works, and work out my own salvation.
My Lord God, be not far from me; my God, consider and help me; for sundry thoughts have risen up against me, afflicting my soul.
How shall I pass through them without hurt? How shall I utterly break them?
Christ.I will go before thee, and will humble the great ones of the earth. I will open the doors of the prison, and reveal unto thee hidden secrets.
Christian.Do Lord, as thou sayest, and let all evil thoughts fly before thy face.
This is my hope, my only comfort to fly unto thee in every tribulation; to trust in thee, to call upon thee from my heart, and to expect patiently thy comfort.
*3. Enlighten me, O good Jesus, with a clear shining inward light, and drive away all darkness from the habitation of my heart.
Repress my wandering thoughts, and drive away those temptations which violently assault me.
Fight strongly for me, and vanquish those evil beasts, these enticing lusts, that so peace may be obtained by thy power, and abundance of thy praise found in the holy court of a pure conscience.
*Command the winds, and the tempests; sayunto the sea, Be still, and to the north wind, Blow not, and there shall be a great calm.
*4. Send forth thy light and thy truth, that they may shine upon the earth; for I am as the earth, without form, and void, until thou enlighten me.
*Pour out thy grace from above, let thy heavenly dew distill upon my heart.
*Supply streams of devotion, to water the face of the earth, that it may bring forth good and excellent fruit.
Lift up my mind, which is pressed down by the weight of my sins. Draw up my whole desire to heavenly things; that having tasted the sweetness of supernatural happiness, it may be irksome to me even to think of earthly vanities.
5. Snatch me, and deliver me from all the unlasting comfort of creatures; for no created thing can fully comfort and quiet my desire.
*Join me unto thee with an inseparable band of love; for thou alone dost satisfy him that loveth thee, and without thee all things are frivolous.
CHAPTERXIX.Of avoiding curious enquiry into the life of others.Christ.SON, be not curious, trouble not thyself with idle cares.What is this or that to thee? Follow thou me.For what is it to thee whether that man be such or no? Whether this man do or speak this or that?Thou shalt not need to answer for others, but shalt give account of thyself.Behold I know every one, and see all things that are under the sun, and understand how it is with every one; what he thinks, what he desires, and at what he aims.All things therefore are to be committed unto me; but do thou keep thyself in peace, and let him that acts, act as he will.Whatsoever he shall have done or said shall fall upon himself, for he cannot deceive me.2. Be not careful for the shadow of a great name, or for the friendship of many; nor for the affection of particular men.For these things distract and greatly darken the heart.I would willingly utter my words, and reveal my secrets unto thee, if thou didst diligently observe my coming, and open the door of thy heart unto me.Be careful and watch in prayer, and humble thyself in all things.
Of avoiding curious enquiry into the life of others.
Christ.SON, be not curious, trouble not thyself with idle cares.
What is this or that to thee? Follow thou me.
For what is it to thee whether that man be such or no? Whether this man do or speak this or that?
Thou shalt not need to answer for others, but shalt give account of thyself.
Behold I know every one, and see all things that are under the sun, and understand how it is with every one; what he thinks, what he desires, and at what he aims.
All things therefore are to be committed unto me; but do thou keep thyself in peace, and let him that acts, act as he will.
Whatsoever he shall have done or said shall fall upon himself, for he cannot deceive me.
2. Be not careful for the shadow of a great name, or for the friendship of many; nor for the affection of particular men.
For these things distract and greatly darken the heart.
I would willingly utter my words, and reveal my secrets unto thee, if thou didst diligently observe my coming, and open the door of thy heart unto me.
Be careful and watch in prayer, and humble thyself in all things.