CHAPTERXX.Wherein firm peace of heart and true profiting consisteth.Christ.SON, I have said,Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.All desire peace, but all care not for those things that appertain unto peace.My peace is with the humble and meek of heart; thy peace doth consist in much patience.If thou wilt hear me, and follow my voice, thou mayest enjoy much peace.Christian.What then shall I do, Lord?*Christ.In every thing attend unto thyself, what thou dost, and what thou sayest; and direct thy whole intention unto this, that thou mayest please me alone, and desire to seek nothing besides me.Of the sayings and doings of others, judge not rashly, neither do thou entangle thyself with things not committed unto thee: and doing thus, thou shalt be little or seldom troubled.Yet do not esteem highly of thyself, or account thyself to be especially beloved, if thou be in great devotion and sweetness; for the profiting and perfection of a man consists not in these things.2.Christ.Wherein then Lord?Christian.In offering thyself with thy whole heart unto the will of God, not seeking thine own, neither in great nor little, neither in time nor in eternity.So that thou keepest one and the same even countenance with thanksgiving, both in prosperity and adversity, weighing all in an equal balance.If, when inward comfort is withdrawn from thee, thou preparest thy heart to suffer greater things; and dost not justify thyself, as tho’ thou oughtest not to suffer these so great afflictions, but justifiest me in whatsoever I appoint,♦and praisest my holy name; then thou walkest in the true and right way of peace.♦duplicate word “and” removedAnd if thou attainest to the full contempt of thyself, then shalt thou enjoy abundance of peace.
Wherein firm peace of heart and true profiting consisteth.
Christ.SON, I have said,Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.
All desire peace, but all care not for those things that appertain unto peace.
My peace is with the humble and meek of heart; thy peace doth consist in much patience.
If thou wilt hear me, and follow my voice, thou mayest enjoy much peace.
Christian.What then shall I do, Lord?
*Christ.In every thing attend unto thyself, what thou dost, and what thou sayest; and direct thy whole intention unto this, that thou mayest please me alone, and desire to seek nothing besides me.
Of the sayings and doings of others, judge not rashly, neither do thou entangle thyself with things not committed unto thee: and doing thus, thou shalt be little or seldom troubled.
Yet do not esteem highly of thyself, or account thyself to be especially beloved, if thou be in great devotion and sweetness; for the profiting and perfection of a man consists not in these things.
2.Christ.Wherein then Lord?
Christian.In offering thyself with thy whole heart unto the will of God, not seeking thine own, neither in great nor little, neither in time nor in eternity.
So that thou keepest one and the same even countenance with thanksgiving, both in prosperity and adversity, weighing all in an equal balance.
If, when inward comfort is withdrawn from thee, thou preparest thy heart to suffer greater things; and dost not justify thyself, as tho’ thou oughtest not to suffer these so great afflictions, but justifiest me in whatsoever I appoint,♦and praisest my holy name; then thou walkest in the true and right way of peace.
♦duplicate word “and” removed
♦duplicate word “and” removed
♦duplicate word “and” removed
And if thou attainest to the full contempt of thyself, then shalt thou enjoy abundance of peace.
CHAPTERXXI.Of the excellent liberty which humble prayer sooner gaineth than reading.Christian.LORD, it is the work of a perfect man, never to slacken his mind from the attentive thought of heavenly things, and to pass without care among many cares; not like a dull sluggard; but by a free mind, adhering to no creature with inordinate affection.2. I beseech thee, my most gracious God, preserveme from the cares of this life, lest I be entangled thereby; and from the many necessities of the body, lest I should be caught by pleasure; and from whatsoever is an obstacle to the soul, lest broken with troubles I should be overthrown.3. O my God, who art ineffable sweetness, embitter unto me all carnal comfort, which draws me away from the love of eternal things, by the hope of present delight.Let me not be overcome, O Lord, let me not be overcome by flesh and blood. Let not the world, and the short glory thereof deceive me. Let not the devil and his subtilty supplant me.*Give me strength to resist, patience to suffer, and constancy, to persevere.Give me, instead of the comforts of the world, the unction of thy Spirit; and for carnal love pour into my soul the love of thy name.Herein, I beseech thee, let thy hand govern me, and teach me, that I may fall into no extreme.
Of the excellent liberty which humble prayer sooner gaineth than reading.
Christian.LORD, it is the work of a perfect man, never to slacken his mind from the attentive thought of heavenly things, and to pass without care among many cares; not like a dull sluggard; but by a free mind, adhering to no creature with inordinate affection.
2. I beseech thee, my most gracious God, preserveme from the cares of this life, lest I be entangled thereby; and from the many necessities of the body, lest I should be caught by pleasure; and from whatsoever is an obstacle to the soul, lest broken with troubles I should be overthrown.
3. O my God, who art ineffable sweetness, embitter unto me all carnal comfort, which draws me away from the love of eternal things, by the hope of present delight.
Let me not be overcome, O Lord, let me not be overcome by flesh and blood. Let not the world, and the short glory thereof deceive me. Let not the devil and his subtilty supplant me.
*Give me strength to resist, patience to suffer, and constancy, to persevere.
Give me, instead of the comforts of the world, the unction of thy Spirit; and for carnal love pour into my soul the love of thy name.
Herein, I beseech thee, let thy hand govern me, and teach me, that I may fall into no extreme.
CHAPTERXXII.That self-love most hindereth our attainment of the supreme love.Christ.SON, thou oughtest to give all for all, and to retain nothing of thyself.Know, that the love of thyself doth hurt thee more than any thing in the world.According to the love and affection thou bearest to it, every thing cleaves unto thee more or less.If thy love be pure, thou shalt not be in bondage to any thing.Covet not that which thou mayst not have. Be not willing to have that which may deprive thee of inward liberty.It is strange that thou committest not thyself wholly unto me, from the bottom of thy heart, with all things that thou canst desire or have.2. Why dost thou consume thyself with vain grief? Why art thou tired with needless cares?Stand to my will, and thou shalt suffer no detriment.*If thou seekest this or that, and wouldest be here or there, to enjoy thy own will and pleasure; thou shalt never be at quiet, nor free from care:*For in every thing somewhat will be wanting, and in every place there will be some that will cross thee.3. It availeth thee therefore not to multiply outward things, but to despise them, and utterly root them out of thy heart.Unless thou standest stedfast in me, thou mayst change, but not better thyself.For when occasion of change happens, and is embraced, thou shalt find not only those thingswhich thou soughtest to fly, but a great deal more.4.Christian.Strengthen me, O God, by the grace of thy Holy Spirit.Give me to be strengthened in my inward man, and to empty my heart of all uncomfortable care.*Not to be drawn away with the desire of any thing, either mean or precious; but to look upon all things as passing away, and myself as passing away together with them.5. Grant me, O Lord, heavenly wisdom, that I may learn above all things to seek and find thee, above all things to relish thee, and to love thee.And to think of all other things as they are, according to the disposal of thy wisdom.
That self-love most hindereth our attainment of the supreme love.
Christ.SON, thou oughtest to give all for all, and to retain nothing of thyself.
Know, that the love of thyself doth hurt thee more than any thing in the world.
According to the love and affection thou bearest to it, every thing cleaves unto thee more or less.
If thy love be pure, thou shalt not be in bondage to any thing.
Covet not that which thou mayst not have. Be not willing to have that which may deprive thee of inward liberty.
It is strange that thou committest not thyself wholly unto me, from the bottom of thy heart, with all things that thou canst desire or have.
2. Why dost thou consume thyself with vain grief? Why art thou tired with needless cares?
Stand to my will, and thou shalt suffer no detriment.
*If thou seekest this or that, and wouldest be here or there, to enjoy thy own will and pleasure; thou shalt never be at quiet, nor free from care:
*For in every thing somewhat will be wanting, and in every place there will be some that will cross thee.
3. It availeth thee therefore not to multiply outward things, but to despise them, and utterly root them out of thy heart.
Unless thou standest stedfast in me, thou mayst change, but not better thyself.
For when occasion of change happens, and is embraced, thou shalt find not only those thingswhich thou soughtest to fly, but a great deal more.
4.Christian.Strengthen me, O God, by the grace of thy Holy Spirit.
Give me to be strengthened in my inward man, and to empty my heart of all uncomfortable care.
*Not to be drawn away with the desire of any thing, either mean or precious; but to look upon all things as passing away, and myself as passing away together with them.
5. Grant me, O Lord, heavenly wisdom, that I may learn above all things to seek and find thee, above all things to relish thee, and to love thee.
And to think of all other things as they are, according to the disposal of thy wisdom.
CHAPTERXXIII.How we ought to call upon God, and bless him in tribulation.Christian.BLESSED, O Lord, be thy name for ever, who art pleased that this temptation and tribulation should come upon me.I cannot fly it; but must needs fly to thee, that thou mayst help me, and turn it to my good.Lord, I am now afflicted. I am much troubled with this present suffering.And now, dear Father, what shall I say? I am in a strait, save me from this hour.Yet therefore came I unto this hour, that thou mayst be glorified, when I shall have been brought very low, and then delivered by thee.Let it please thee, Lord, to deliver me; for, what can I do, and whither shall I go without thee?Grant me patience, Lord, at this time also.Help me, my God, and then I will not fear, how grievously soever I be afflicted.2. And now, in these my troubles, what shall I say? Lord, thy will be done, I have deserved to be afflicted.Surely I ought to bear it; and O that I could bear it with patience, until the tempest be passed over!But thy hand is able to take even this temptation from me, and to assuage the violence thereof, that I utterly sink not under it, as often heretofore thou hast done unto me, O my God, my merciful God.And the more hard it is to me, the more easy is this change to the right hand of the Most High.
How we ought to call upon God, and bless him in tribulation.
Christian.BLESSED, O Lord, be thy name for ever, who art pleased that this temptation and tribulation should come upon me.
I cannot fly it; but must needs fly to thee, that thou mayst help me, and turn it to my good.
Lord, I am now afflicted. I am much troubled with this present suffering.
And now, dear Father, what shall I say? I am in a strait, save me from this hour.
Yet therefore came I unto this hour, that thou mayst be glorified, when I shall have been brought very low, and then delivered by thee.
Let it please thee, Lord, to deliver me; for, what can I do, and whither shall I go without thee?
Grant me patience, Lord, at this time also.
Help me, my God, and then I will not fear, how grievously soever I be afflicted.
2. And now, in these my troubles, what shall I say? Lord, thy will be done, I have deserved to be afflicted.
Surely I ought to bear it; and O that I could bear it with patience, until the tempest be passed over!
But thy hand is able to take even this temptation from me, and to assuage the violence thereof, that I utterly sink not under it, as often heretofore thou hast done unto me, O my God, my merciful God.
And the more hard it is to me, the more easy is this change to the right hand of the Most High.
CHAPTERXXIV.Of craving the divine aid, and confidence of recovering grace.Christ.SON, I am the Lord, that giveth strength in the day of tribulation.Come unto me when it is not well with thee.This is that which most of all hindereth heavenly consolation, that thou art slow in turning thyself unto prayer.For before thou dost earnestly pray unto me, thou seekest many comforts, and triest to refresh thyself with outward things.And hence it comes to pass that all doth little profit thee, until thou considerest, that I am he that delivers those that trust in me; that out of me is neither powerful help, nor profitable counsel, nor lasting remedy.But now having recovered breath after the tempest, gather strength again in the light of my mercies, for I am at hand to repair all, not only entirely, but also abundantly.2. Is there any thing hard to me? Or am I like unto him that promiseth and performeth not?Where is thy faith? Be firm and constant.Take courage and be patient; comfort will come to thee in due time.Wait, wait for me, I will come and heal thee.Let not thy heart be troubled, neither let it fear.Believe in me, and put thy trust in my mercy.When thou thinkest thyself farthest off from me, often I am nearest unto thee.When thou judgest, almost all is lost, then often is the greatest opportunity of improvement.That which I have given I can take away; and restore it again when I please.*3. When I give it, it is mine; when I withdraw it, I take not any thing that is thine; for mine is every good and perfect gift.If I send any cross, repine not, nor let thy heart fail: I can quickly succour thee, and turn all thy heaviness into joy.Nevertheless I am righteous, and greatly to be praised, when I deal thus with thee.As my Father hath loved me, I also love you, said I unto my beloved disciples; whom I sent not to temporal joys, but to great conflicts: not to honours, but to contempts; not to idleness, but to labours; not to rest, but to bring forth much fruit with patience.My son, remember these words.
Of craving the divine aid, and confidence of recovering grace.
Christ.SON, I am the Lord, that giveth strength in the day of tribulation.
Come unto me when it is not well with thee.
This is that which most of all hindereth heavenly consolation, that thou art slow in turning thyself unto prayer.
For before thou dost earnestly pray unto me, thou seekest many comforts, and triest to refresh thyself with outward things.
And hence it comes to pass that all doth little profit thee, until thou considerest, that I am he that delivers those that trust in me; that out of me is neither powerful help, nor profitable counsel, nor lasting remedy.
But now having recovered breath after the tempest, gather strength again in the light of my mercies, for I am at hand to repair all, not only entirely, but also abundantly.
2. Is there any thing hard to me? Or am I like unto him that promiseth and performeth not?
Where is thy faith? Be firm and constant.
Take courage and be patient; comfort will come to thee in due time.
Wait, wait for me, I will come and heal thee.
Let not thy heart be troubled, neither let it fear.
Believe in me, and put thy trust in my mercy.
When thou thinkest thyself farthest off from me, often I am nearest unto thee.
When thou judgest, almost all is lost, then often is the greatest opportunity of improvement.
That which I have given I can take away; and restore it again when I please.
*3. When I give it, it is mine; when I withdraw it, I take not any thing that is thine; for mine is every good and perfect gift.
If I send any cross, repine not, nor let thy heart fail: I can quickly succour thee, and turn all thy heaviness into joy.
Nevertheless I am righteous, and greatly to be praised, when I deal thus with thee.
As my Father hath loved me, I also love you, said I unto my beloved disciples; whom I sent not to temporal joys, but to great conflicts: not to honours, but to contempts; not to idleness, but to labours; not to rest, but to bring forth much fruit with patience.
My son, remember these words.
CHAPTERXXV.Of the contempt of all creatures, in order to find out the Creator.*Christian.LORD, I stand in need of greater grace, to attain that state wherein no man or creature may be a hindrance to me.For as long as any thing detains me, I cannot freely take my flight unto thee.What is more quiet than a single eye? Andwhat more free than he that desireth nothing upon earth?And unless a man be free from the affections of all creatures, he cannot freely attend unto divine things.Long shall he be little, and lie groveling below, that esteemeth any thing great, but the one infinite and eternal good.For whatsoever is not God, is nothing, and ought to be accounted as nothing.Christ.Son, thou canst not possess perfect liberty, unless thou wholly renounce thyself.All who are lovers of themselves are in bondage, full of desires, curious wanderers, seeking self-indulgence, and not the things of Jesus Christ, but often devising and framing that which shall not stand.For all that is not of God shall perish.*Keep this short and perfect saying, Forsake all, and thou shalt find all; leave desire, and thou shalt find rest.Consider this well, and when thou hast fulfilled it, thou shalt understand all things.2.Christian.Lord, that is not one day’s work; yea, in this short word is contained all perfection.Christ.Son, thou must not go back, nor straitways be dejected, when thou hearest of the ways of the perfect; but rather be stirred up to higher things, and at least desire and sigh after them.I would thou wert come to this, that thou wertno longer a lover of thyself, but didst stand merely at my beck.Then thou wouldst please me, and all thy life would pass away in joy and peace.Thou hast yet many things to forsake; which, unless thou wholly resignest up unto me, thou shalt not attain that which thou desirest.I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayst be rich: that is, heavenly wisdom, which treadeth under foot all earthly things.Cast away earthly wisdom, and all study to please others or thyself.He that is wise, and well instructed in spirit, standeth fast, not heeding any thing, but that the whole intention of his mind may tend to the right end.For thus he may continue one, and the selfsame, and unshaken in the midst of so many various events, directing continually the single eye of his intention unto me.3. And the purer the eye of the intention is, the more steadily doth he pass through various storms.But in many things the eye of a pure intention waxeth dim, for it quickly looketh upon any delightsome object that occurs.And it is rare to find one that is wholly free from all blemish of self-seeking.So the Jews of old came to Bethany to Marthaand Mary, not for Jesus alone, but to see Lazarus also.The eye of thy intention therefore is to be purged, that it may be single and right, directed unto me beyond the manifold earthly objects that come between.
Of the contempt of all creatures, in order to find out the Creator.
*Christian.LORD, I stand in need of greater grace, to attain that state wherein no man or creature may be a hindrance to me.
For as long as any thing detains me, I cannot freely take my flight unto thee.
What is more quiet than a single eye? Andwhat more free than he that desireth nothing upon earth?
And unless a man be free from the affections of all creatures, he cannot freely attend unto divine things.
Long shall he be little, and lie groveling below, that esteemeth any thing great, but the one infinite and eternal good.
For whatsoever is not God, is nothing, and ought to be accounted as nothing.
Christ.Son, thou canst not possess perfect liberty, unless thou wholly renounce thyself.
All who are lovers of themselves are in bondage, full of desires, curious wanderers, seeking self-indulgence, and not the things of Jesus Christ, but often devising and framing that which shall not stand.
For all that is not of God shall perish.
*Keep this short and perfect saying, Forsake all, and thou shalt find all; leave desire, and thou shalt find rest.
Consider this well, and when thou hast fulfilled it, thou shalt understand all things.
2.Christian.Lord, that is not one day’s work; yea, in this short word is contained all perfection.
Christ.Son, thou must not go back, nor straitways be dejected, when thou hearest of the ways of the perfect; but rather be stirred up to higher things, and at least desire and sigh after them.
I would thou wert come to this, that thou wertno longer a lover of thyself, but didst stand merely at my beck.
Then thou wouldst please me, and all thy life would pass away in joy and peace.
Thou hast yet many things to forsake; which, unless thou wholly resignest up unto me, thou shalt not attain that which thou desirest.
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayst be rich: that is, heavenly wisdom, which treadeth under foot all earthly things.
Cast away earthly wisdom, and all study to please others or thyself.
He that is wise, and well instructed in spirit, standeth fast, not heeding any thing, but that the whole intention of his mind may tend to the right end.
For thus he may continue one, and the selfsame, and unshaken in the midst of so many various events, directing continually the single eye of his intention unto me.
3. And the purer the eye of the intention is, the more steadily doth he pass through various storms.
But in many things the eye of a pure intention waxeth dim, for it quickly looketh upon any delightsome object that occurs.
And it is rare to find one that is wholly free from all blemish of self-seeking.
So the Jews of old came to Bethany to Marthaand Mary, not for Jesus alone, but to see Lazarus also.
The eye of thy intention therefore is to be purged, that it may be single and right, directed unto me beyond the manifold earthly objects that come between.
CHAPTERXXVI.That God is sweet above all things, and in all things, to him that loveth.Christian.MY God and my all. What would I have more, and what greater happiness can I desire?O sweet and pleasing word! But to him that loveth the word; not the world, nor those things that are in the world.My God and my all! Enough is said to him that understandeth; and to him that loveth it is pleasant to repeat it often.For when thou art present, all things please; but when thou art absent, all things disgust.Thou givest quiet of heart, and much peace, and pleasant joy.Thou makest us think well of all things, and praise thee in all things: neither can any thing please long without thee.*But that any thing may be pleasant, thy grace must be present, and it must be seasoned with the sweetness of thy wisdom.2. What is not tasteful unto him who tasteth thee?And him who delighteth not in thee, what can delight?*3. O thou everlasting light, surpassing all created lights, dart the beams of thy brightness from above, piercing the most inward parts of my heart.Purify, rejoice, enlighten, and enliven my spirit, with all the powers thereof, that I may cleave unto thee with abundance of joy and triumph.*O when will that blessed hour come, when I shall be filled with thy presence, and thou be unto me all in all!As long as this is not granted me, I shall not have full joy.Alas! the kingdom of my soul is not yet in peace.4. But thou that rulest the raging of the sea, and stillest the waves thereof when they arise, arise and help me:Scatter the people that delight in war, destroy them in thy might.Display thy greatness, and let thy right hand be glorified; for there is no other hope nor refuge for me, but in thee, my Lord God.
That God is sweet above all things, and in all things, to him that loveth.
Christian.MY God and my all. What would I have more, and what greater happiness can I desire?
O sweet and pleasing word! But to him that loveth the word; not the world, nor those things that are in the world.
My God and my all! Enough is said to him that understandeth; and to him that loveth it is pleasant to repeat it often.
For when thou art present, all things please; but when thou art absent, all things disgust.
Thou givest quiet of heart, and much peace, and pleasant joy.
Thou makest us think well of all things, and praise thee in all things: neither can any thing please long without thee.
*But that any thing may be pleasant, thy grace must be present, and it must be seasoned with the sweetness of thy wisdom.
2. What is not tasteful unto him who tasteth thee?
And him who delighteth not in thee, what can delight?
*3. O thou everlasting light, surpassing all created lights, dart the beams of thy brightness from above, piercing the most inward parts of my heart.
Purify, rejoice, enlighten, and enliven my spirit, with all the powers thereof, that I may cleave unto thee with abundance of joy and triumph.
*O when will that blessed hour come, when I shall be filled with thy presence, and thou be unto me all in all!
As long as this is not granted me, I shall not have full joy.
Alas! the kingdom of my soul is not yet in peace.
4. But thou that rulest the raging of the sea, and stillest the waves thereof when they arise, arise and help me:
Scatter the people that delight in war, destroy them in thy might.
Display thy greatness, and let thy right hand be glorified; for there is no other hope nor refuge for me, but in thee, my Lord God.
CHAPTERXXVII.Of a pure and entire resignation of ourselves, for the obtaining freedom of heart.Christ.SON, forsake thyself, and thou shalt find me.Stand without chusing any thing and without seeking to have any thing as thy own.Resign thyself, without resuming thy claim.Christian.Lord, how often shall I resign myself? And wherein shall I forsake myself?*Christ.Always and every hour, as well in little things as in great; I except nothing, but require that thou be naked and void of all things.Otherwise how canst thou be mine, and I thine, unless both within and without thou art free from all self-will?2. Some resign themselves, but with some exception; for they put not their whole trust in God, and therefore they study how to provide for themselves.*Some also at first offer all; but afterwards being assaulted with temptation, return again to that which they had left, and therefore they go not forward in virtue.These shall not attain to the true liberty of purity of heart, nor to the favour of my sweetest familiarity,unless they first make an entire resignation, and a daily oblation of themselves unto me.3. I have often said unto thee, and now again I say the same; forsake thyself, resign thyself, and thou shalt enjoy much inward peace.* Give all for all; seek nothing, require back nothing, abide purely and with a firm confidence in me, and then thou shalt enjoy me.*Thou shalt be free in heart, and darkness shall not have any power over thee.*Let this be thy prayer, let this be thy desire; that being stript of all selfishness, thou mayst follow naked the naked Jesus, and dying to thyself, mayst live eternally with me.
Of a pure and entire resignation of ourselves, for the obtaining freedom of heart.
Christ.SON, forsake thyself, and thou shalt find me.
Stand without chusing any thing and without seeking to have any thing as thy own.
Resign thyself, without resuming thy claim.
Christian.Lord, how often shall I resign myself? And wherein shall I forsake myself?
*Christ.Always and every hour, as well in little things as in great; I except nothing, but require that thou be naked and void of all things.
Otherwise how canst thou be mine, and I thine, unless both within and without thou art free from all self-will?
2. Some resign themselves, but with some exception; for they put not their whole trust in God, and therefore they study how to provide for themselves.
*Some also at first offer all; but afterwards being assaulted with temptation, return again to that which they had left, and therefore they go not forward in virtue.
These shall not attain to the true liberty of purity of heart, nor to the favour of my sweetest familiarity,unless they first make an entire resignation, and a daily oblation of themselves unto me.
3. I have often said unto thee, and now again I say the same; forsake thyself, resign thyself, and thou shalt enjoy much inward peace.
* Give all for all; seek nothing, require back nothing, abide purely and with a firm confidence in me, and then thou shalt enjoy me.
*Thou shalt be free in heart, and darkness shall not have any power over thee.
*Let this be thy prayer, let this be thy desire; that being stript of all selfishness, thou mayst follow naked the naked Jesus, and dying to thyself, mayst live eternally with me.
CHAPTERXXVIII.Of the good government of ourselves in outward things, and of recourse to God in danger.Christ.SON, thou oughtest with all diligence to endeavour, that in every place and action of business, thou be inwardly free, and master of thyself, and that things be under thee, and not thou under them.That thou mayst be lord of thy actions, not a servant or a hireling, but rather a freeman, and a true Hebrew, enjoying the liberty of the sons of God:Who stand above the things that are present, and view the things which are eternal:*Who look on transitory things with the left eye, and with the right behold the things of heaven:Whom temporal things cannot draw to cleave unto them; but they rather draw temporal things to serve them, in such a way as they are appointed by the Creator of all, who hath left nothing in his creatures without due order.2. If thou remainest stedfast in all events, and dost not weigh by the outward appearance, the things which thou seest and hearest; but presently in every affair dost enter withMosesinto the tabernacle, to ask counsel of the Lord, thou shalt hear the divine oracle, and return instructed, concerning many things both present and to come.Always fly to the closet of thy heart, earnestly craving the Divine favour.For the scripture testifieth, that therefore wereJoshuaand the children ofIsraeldeceived by theGibeonites, because they asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord.Always commit thy cause to me, I will dispose well of it in due time.Wait for my ordering of it, and thou shalt find it well for thy good.Christian.Lord, I most willingly commit all unto thee, for my care can avail little.*O that I cleaved not too much to future events, but offered myself with all readiness of mind to thy good pleasure!3.Christ.Son, a man often earnestly labours for what he desireth; and when he hath gotten it, he beginneth to be of another mind.For men’s affections do not long continue fixed on one thing.It is therefore no small thing for a man to forsake himself, even in the smallest things.4. The true profiting of a man consisteth in the denying of himself.But the old enemy ceaseth at no time from tempting, but day and night layeth grievous snares, if haply he may cast the unwary into them.Therefore watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.
Of the good government of ourselves in outward things, and of recourse to God in danger.
Christ.SON, thou oughtest with all diligence to endeavour, that in every place and action of business, thou be inwardly free, and master of thyself, and that things be under thee, and not thou under them.
That thou mayst be lord of thy actions, not a servant or a hireling, but rather a freeman, and a true Hebrew, enjoying the liberty of the sons of God:
Who stand above the things that are present, and view the things which are eternal:
*Who look on transitory things with the left eye, and with the right behold the things of heaven:
Whom temporal things cannot draw to cleave unto them; but they rather draw temporal things to serve them, in such a way as they are appointed by the Creator of all, who hath left nothing in his creatures without due order.
2. If thou remainest stedfast in all events, and dost not weigh by the outward appearance, the things which thou seest and hearest; but presently in every affair dost enter withMosesinto the tabernacle, to ask counsel of the Lord, thou shalt hear the divine oracle, and return instructed, concerning many things both present and to come.
Always fly to the closet of thy heart, earnestly craving the Divine favour.
For the scripture testifieth, that therefore wereJoshuaand the children ofIsraeldeceived by theGibeonites, because they asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord.
Always commit thy cause to me, I will dispose well of it in due time.
Wait for my ordering of it, and thou shalt find it well for thy good.
Christian.Lord, I most willingly commit all unto thee, for my care can avail little.
*O that I cleaved not too much to future events, but offered myself with all readiness of mind to thy good pleasure!
3.Christ.Son, a man often earnestly labours for what he desireth; and when he hath gotten it, he beginneth to be of another mind.
For men’s affections do not long continue fixed on one thing.
It is therefore no small thing for a man to forsake himself, even in the smallest things.
4. The true profiting of a man consisteth in the denying of himself.
But the old enemy ceaseth at no time from tempting, but day and night layeth grievous snares, if haply he may cast the unwary into them.
Therefore watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.
CHAPTERXXIX.That man hath no good of himself, nor any thing whereof he can glory.Christian.LORD, what is man, that thou art mindful of him; or the son of man that thou visitest him?What hath man deserved, that thou shouldst give him thy grace?Lord, what cause have I to complain, if thou forsakest me; or if thou dost not that which I desire?Surely, Lord, I am nothing, I can do nothing,I have nothing that is good of myself, but in all things I am defective, and do ever tend to nothing.And unless thou help and inwardly instruct me, I become altogether cold and dissipated.2. But thou, O Lord, art always the same, and endurest for ever; always good, just, and holy, doing all things well, justly and holily, and disposing all things with wisdom.But I, that am more ready to go backward than forward, do not ever continue in one estate; for seven times are passed over me:Yet it is soon better with me, when it so pleaseth thee, and when thou vouchsafest to stretch forth thy helping hand.For thou alone canst help me without the aid of man, and so strengthen me, that my countenance shall be no more changed, but my heart shall be turned to thee alone, and there shall rest.3. Thanks be unto thee, from whence all proceedeth, as often as it goeth well with me:But I am mere vanity in thy sight, an inconstant and weak man.Wherefore then can I glory? Or for what do I desire to be esteemed?For nothing? But this is most vain?The true glory and holy rejoicing is for a man to glory in thee, and not in himself:To rejoice in thy name and not in his ownvirtue; nor to delight in any creature but in thee.Praised be thy name, not mine: magnified be thy work, not mine.Let thy holy name be blessed; but to me let no part of men’s praise be given.Thou art my glory, thou art the joy of my heart.In thee will I glory and rejoice all the day; but as for myself I will not glory, but in my infirmities.4. Let theJewsseek honour one of another; I will desire that which is from God only.For all human glory, all temporal honour, all worldly highness is vanity and folly.O my truth, my mercy, my God, most blessed Trinity; to thee alone be praise, honour, power, and glory for evermore.
That man hath no good of himself, nor any thing whereof he can glory.
Christian.LORD, what is man, that thou art mindful of him; or the son of man that thou visitest him?
What hath man deserved, that thou shouldst give him thy grace?
Lord, what cause have I to complain, if thou forsakest me; or if thou dost not that which I desire?
Surely, Lord, I am nothing, I can do nothing,I have nothing that is good of myself, but in all things I am defective, and do ever tend to nothing.
And unless thou help and inwardly instruct me, I become altogether cold and dissipated.
2. But thou, O Lord, art always the same, and endurest for ever; always good, just, and holy, doing all things well, justly and holily, and disposing all things with wisdom.
But I, that am more ready to go backward than forward, do not ever continue in one estate; for seven times are passed over me:
Yet it is soon better with me, when it so pleaseth thee, and when thou vouchsafest to stretch forth thy helping hand.
For thou alone canst help me without the aid of man, and so strengthen me, that my countenance shall be no more changed, but my heart shall be turned to thee alone, and there shall rest.
3. Thanks be unto thee, from whence all proceedeth, as often as it goeth well with me:
But I am mere vanity in thy sight, an inconstant and weak man.
Wherefore then can I glory? Or for what do I desire to be esteemed?
For nothing? But this is most vain?
The true glory and holy rejoicing is for a man to glory in thee, and not in himself:
To rejoice in thy name and not in his ownvirtue; nor to delight in any creature but in thee.
Praised be thy name, not mine: magnified be thy work, not mine.
Let thy holy name be blessed; but to me let no part of men’s praise be given.
Thou art my glory, thou art the joy of my heart.
In thee will I glory and rejoice all the day; but as for myself I will not glory, but in my infirmities.
4. Let theJewsseek honour one of another; I will desire that which is from God only.
For all human glory, all temporal honour, all worldly highness is vanity and folly.
O my truth, my mercy, my God, most blessed Trinity; to thee alone be praise, honour, power, and glory for evermore.
CHAPTERXXX.That our peace is not to be placed in men.*Christ.SON, if thou placest thy peace in any one, because he thinketh like thee, and liveth with thee, thou shalt be unstable and entangled,But if thou hast recourse unto the ever-living and eternal truth, a friend going from thee or dying shall not grieve thee.*The love of thy friend ought to be grounded in me; and for me he is to be beloved, whosoever he be who is dear to thee in this life.No friendship can avail, or continue without me; neither is that love true and pure, which is not knit by me.Thou oughtest to be so dead to such affections toward men, that thou shouldst wish to be without all friendship purely human.2. But he that attributeth any good unto himself, hindereth God’s grace from coming unto him.For the grace of the Holy Ghost ever seeketh an humble heart.When thou casteth thine eyes on creatures, the sight of thy Creator is taken from thee.Learn to overcome thyself in all things for the love of thy Creator; and then thou shalt be able to attain to divine knowledge.How little soever the thing be, if it be loved and regarded inordinately, it defileth the soul, and hindereth the enjoyment of the supreme good.
That our peace is not to be placed in men.
*Christ.SON, if thou placest thy peace in any one, because he thinketh like thee, and liveth with thee, thou shalt be unstable and entangled,
But if thou hast recourse unto the ever-living and eternal truth, a friend going from thee or dying shall not grieve thee.
*The love of thy friend ought to be grounded in me; and for me he is to be beloved, whosoever he be who is dear to thee in this life.
No friendship can avail, or continue without me; neither is that love true and pure, which is not knit by me.
Thou oughtest to be so dead to such affections toward men, that thou shouldst wish to be without all friendship purely human.
2. But he that attributeth any good unto himself, hindereth God’s grace from coming unto him.
For the grace of the Holy Ghost ever seeketh an humble heart.
When thou casteth thine eyes on creatures, the sight of thy Creator is taken from thee.
Learn to overcome thyself in all things for the love of thy Creator; and then thou shalt be able to attain to divine knowledge.
How little soever the thing be, if it be loved and regarded inordinately, it defileth the soul, and hindereth the enjoyment of the supreme good.
CHAPTERXXXI.Against vain knowledge.Christ.SON, let not the fair speeches and subtle sayings of men move thee: for thekingdom of God consisteth not in word but in power.Labour to mortify thy sins; for that will profit thee more than the knowledge of many difficult questions.2. When thou hast read and knowest many things, thou must ever return to one principle.*I am he that teacheth man knowledge, and giveth unto babes a more clear understanding than can be taught by man.He to whom I speak, shall quickly be wise, and he shall profit much in the spirit.Woe be to them that enquire many curious things of men; and little mind the way how to serve me.*The time will come, when the Master of Masters shall appear, Christ the Lord of angels, to hear the lesson of all, that is, to examine the conscience of every one.And then he will searchJerusalemwith a candle, and the hidden things of darkness shall be laid open, and the arguing of men’s tongues shall be silent.*3. I am he that teacheth without the noise of words, without the confusion of opinions.I am he that teacheth to despise earthly things, to disdain things present, to seek the everlasting, to relish things eternal, to fly honours, to suffer injuries, to place all hope in me, to desire nothing out of me, and above all things ardently to love me.I am the teacher of truth, the searcher of the heart, the discerner of the thoughts, the promoter of good actions, distributing to every one as I judge meet.
Against vain knowledge.
Christ.SON, let not the fair speeches and subtle sayings of men move thee: for thekingdom of God consisteth not in word but in power.
Labour to mortify thy sins; for that will profit thee more than the knowledge of many difficult questions.
2. When thou hast read and knowest many things, thou must ever return to one principle.
*I am he that teacheth man knowledge, and giveth unto babes a more clear understanding than can be taught by man.
He to whom I speak, shall quickly be wise, and he shall profit much in the spirit.
Woe be to them that enquire many curious things of men; and little mind the way how to serve me.
*The time will come, when the Master of Masters shall appear, Christ the Lord of angels, to hear the lesson of all, that is, to examine the conscience of every one.
And then he will searchJerusalemwith a candle, and the hidden things of darkness shall be laid open, and the arguing of men’s tongues shall be silent.
*3. I am he that teacheth without the noise of words, without the confusion of opinions.
I am he that teacheth to despise earthly things, to disdain things present, to seek the everlasting, to relish things eternal, to fly honours, to suffer injuries, to place all hope in me, to desire nothing out of me, and above all things ardently to love me.
I am the teacher of truth, the searcher of the heart, the discerner of the thoughts, the promoter of good actions, distributing to every one as I judge meet.
CHAPTERXXXII.Of putting our trust in God when we are evil spoken of.Christ.SON, stand firm, and put thy trust in me: for what are words but words? They fly through the air, but hurt not a stone.If thou be guilty, see that thou be willing to amend: if thou be innocent, suffer this willingly for God.It is but a small matter to suffer a few words, if thou hast not yet the courage to endure hard stripes.Give diligent ear to my words, and thou shalt little regard ten thousand words spoken by men.*2.Christian.O Lord God, thou just judge, strong and patient, thou who knowest the frailty and wickedness of man, be thou my strength, and my whole trust, for my own conscience sufficeth me not.Thou knowest that which I know not, and therefore in every reproof, I ought to have humbled myself, and to have borne meekly.Vouchsafe mercifully to pardon me as often as I have failed herein, and give me grace to bear it better hereafter.For thy abundant mercy is more available to me for the obtaining of pardon, than my fancied justice for my defence, since I cannot see to the bottom of my conscience.Although I know nothing by myself, yet I cannot hereby justify myself: for without thy mercy no man living shall be justified in thy sight.
Of putting our trust in God when we are evil spoken of.
Christ.SON, stand firm, and put thy trust in me: for what are words but words? They fly through the air, but hurt not a stone.
If thou be guilty, see that thou be willing to amend: if thou be innocent, suffer this willingly for God.
It is but a small matter to suffer a few words, if thou hast not yet the courage to endure hard stripes.
Give diligent ear to my words, and thou shalt little regard ten thousand words spoken by men.
*2.Christian.O Lord God, thou just judge, strong and patient, thou who knowest the frailty and wickedness of man, be thou my strength, and my whole trust, for my own conscience sufficeth me not.
Thou knowest that which I know not, and therefore in every reproof, I ought to have humbled myself, and to have borne meekly.
Vouchsafe mercifully to pardon me as often as I have failed herein, and give me grace to bear it better hereafter.
For thy abundant mercy is more available to me for the obtaining of pardon, than my fancied justice for my defence, since I cannot see to the bottom of my conscience.
Although I know nothing by myself, yet I cannot hereby justify myself: for without thy mercy no man living shall be justified in thy sight.
CHAPTERXXXIII.Of eternity, and the shortness of this life.Christian.OMOST blessed mansion of the heavenly city! O most clear day of eternity, which night obscureth not, but the highest truth ever enlighteneth!A day of continual joy, of perpetual quietness, and never changing into a contrary state!O that that day would once appear, and all these temporal things were at an end!To the saints above it shineth with everlasting brightness; but to those that are pilgrims upon earth, it appeareth only afar off, and through a glass.O good Jesus, when shall I stand to beholdthee! When shall I contemplate the glory of thy kingdom! When wilt thou be unto me all in all!O when shall I be with thee in thy kingdom, which thou hast prepared for thy beloved from all eternity!2. Comfort my banishment, assuage my sorrow; for my whole desire sigheth after thee.My God, be not far from me, depart not in thy wrath from thy servant.Cast forth thy lightning and disperse them; shoot out thine arrows, and consume all the imaginations of the enemy.Gather in, call home my senses unto thee, make me forget all the things of this world:Grant me to cast away speedily the imaginations of wickedness.*Succour me, O thou, the everlasting truth, that no vanity may move me.*Come, heavenly sweetness, and let all impurity fly from thee.Pardon me as often as I think upon any thing besides thee in prayer.I truly confess, that I am wont to be subject to many distractions.For oftentimes I am not there, where I stand or sit; but I am rather there whither my thoughts carry me.Where my thoughts are, there am I; there are often my thoughts where my actions are.But blessed is that man, that for thee, O Lord,dismisseth all creatures, violently resisteth nature, and through fervour of spirit, crucifieth the lusts of the flesh: that so with a serene conscience he may offer pure prayer unto thee, and be meet to be admitted into the angelical choirs, all earthly things both outwardly and inwardly being excluded.
Of eternity, and the shortness of this life.
Christian.OMOST blessed mansion of the heavenly city! O most clear day of eternity, which night obscureth not, but the highest truth ever enlighteneth!
A day of continual joy, of perpetual quietness, and never changing into a contrary state!
O that that day would once appear, and all these temporal things were at an end!
To the saints above it shineth with everlasting brightness; but to those that are pilgrims upon earth, it appeareth only afar off, and through a glass.
O good Jesus, when shall I stand to beholdthee! When shall I contemplate the glory of thy kingdom! When wilt thou be unto me all in all!
O when shall I be with thee in thy kingdom, which thou hast prepared for thy beloved from all eternity!
2. Comfort my banishment, assuage my sorrow; for my whole desire sigheth after thee.
My God, be not far from me, depart not in thy wrath from thy servant.
Cast forth thy lightning and disperse them; shoot out thine arrows, and consume all the imaginations of the enemy.
Gather in, call home my senses unto thee, make me forget all the things of this world:
Grant me to cast away speedily the imaginations of wickedness.
*Succour me, O thou, the everlasting truth, that no vanity may move me.
*Come, heavenly sweetness, and let all impurity fly from thee.
Pardon me as often as I think upon any thing besides thee in prayer.
I truly confess, that I am wont to be subject to many distractions.
For oftentimes I am not there, where I stand or sit; but I am rather there whither my thoughts carry me.
Where my thoughts are, there am I; there are often my thoughts where my actions are.
But blessed is that man, that for thee, O Lord,dismisseth all creatures, violently resisteth nature, and through fervour of spirit, crucifieth the lusts of the flesh: that so with a serene conscience he may offer pure prayer unto thee, and be meet to be admitted into the angelical choirs, all earthly things both outwardly and inwardly being excluded.
CHAPTERXXXIV.Of the desire of everlasting life, and how great rewards are promised to those who fight valiantly.Christ.SON, when thou perceivest the desire of everlasting bliss given thee from above, open thy heart wide, and receive this holy inspiration with thy whole soul.Give most ardent thanks to the heavenly goodness, that dealeth with thee so favourably, visiteth thee mercifully, stirreth thee up fervently, sustaineth thee powerfully, lest through thine own weight thou fall down to the things of earth.Neither dost thou obtain this by thine own thought or endeavour, but by the mere condescension of heavenly grace:To the end that thou mayst make a farther progress in holiness and humility, and prepare thyself for future battles:And that thou mayst cleave unto me with the whole affection of thy heart, and serve me with fervent desire.2. Ask not that which is delightful and profitable unto thee, but that which is acceptable to me, and for my honour.For if thou judgest aright, thou oughtest to prefer and follow my appointment, rather than thine own desire.I know thy desire, and have heard thy frequent groans.Thou wouldst now enjoy the everlasting habitation; and thy heavenly country, replenished with all joy, now delights thee.But that hour is not yet come; as yet there is another time, a time of war, a time of labour and trial.Thou desirest to be filled with the supreme good, but thou canst not attain it for the present.I am the supreme good: patiently wait for me, until the kingdom of God come.3. Now therefore be humbly obedient unto all, and regard not who said or commanded this:But take great heed, that whether thy superior, inferior, or thine equal, require any thing of thee, or insinuate their desire, thou take it all in good part, and endeavour to fulfil it with a sincere will.Let one seek this, another that; let him gloryin this, the other in that, and be praised a thousand times; but do thou neither rejoice in this, nor in that, but in the contempt of thyself, and in my good pleasure and honour alone.This art thou to wish, that whether it be by thy life or by thy death, God may be always glorified in thee.
Of the desire of everlasting life, and how great rewards are promised to those who fight valiantly.
Christ.SON, when thou perceivest the desire of everlasting bliss given thee from above, open thy heart wide, and receive this holy inspiration with thy whole soul.
Give most ardent thanks to the heavenly goodness, that dealeth with thee so favourably, visiteth thee mercifully, stirreth thee up fervently, sustaineth thee powerfully, lest through thine own weight thou fall down to the things of earth.
Neither dost thou obtain this by thine own thought or endeavour, but by the mere condescension of heavenly grace:
To the end that thou mayst make a farther progress in holiness and humility, and prepare thyself for future battles:
And that thou mayst cleave unto me with the whole affection of thy heart, and serve me with fervent desire.
2. Ask not that which is delightful and profitable unto thee, but that which is acceptable to me, and for my honour.
For if thou judgest aright, thou oughtest to prefer and follow my appointment, rather than thine own desire.
I know thy desire, and have heard thy frequent groans.
Thou wouldst now enjoy the everlasting habitation; and thy heavenly country, replenished with all joy, now delights thee.
But that hour is not yet come; as yet there is another time, a time of war, a time of labour and trial.
Thou desirest to be filled with the supreme good, but thou canst not attain it for the present.
I am the supreme good: patiently wait for me, until the kingdom of God come.
3. Now therefore be humbly obedient unto all, and regard not who said or commanded this:
But take great heed, that whether thy superior, inferior, or thine equal, require any thing of thee, or insinuate their desire, thou take it all in good part, and endeavour to fulfil it with a sincere will.
Let one seek this, another that; let him gloryin this, the other in that, and be praised a thousand times; but do thou neither rejoice in this, nor in that, but in the contempt of thyself, and in my good pleasure and honour alone.
This art thou to wish, that whether it be by thy life or by thy death, God may be always glorified in thee.
CHAPTERXXXV.How a person in heaviness ought to give up himself into the hands of God.Christian.LORD God, holy Father, be thou blessed both now and for evermore; because as thou willest, so it is done, and what thou dost is good.Let thy servant rejoice in thee, not in himself, nor in any thing else; for thou alone art the true gladness, thou art my hope and my crown, thou art my joy and my honour, O Lord.What hath thy servant, but what he hath received from thee, even without any merit of his?Thine is all that thou hast given, and whatsoever thou hast made.I am poor, and in labour from my youth: and sometimes my soul is sorrowful even unto tears;sometimes also it is troubled, by reason of the evils which hang over my head.2. I long after the joy of peace, I earnestly crave the peace of thy children, that are led by thee in the light of thy comfort.If thou givest peace, if thou pourest into my heart holy joy; the soul of thy servant shall be full of gladness, and shall become devout in thy praise:But if thou withdrawest thyself, he will not be able to run the way of thy commandments, but rather he will bow his knees, and smite his breast, for it is not with him as it was heretofore, when thy candle shone upon his head, and he was protected under the shadow of thy wings, from the temptations which violently assaulted him.*O righteous Father, and ever to be praised, the hour is come that thy servant is to be tried.Behold, dear Father, meet it is that in this hour thy servant suffer something for thy sake.O Father, ever more be honoured, the hour is come; that for a short time thy servant should outwardly be oppressed, but inwardly live with thee.That he should be a little despised, humbled, and made abject in the sight of men, and worn down with heaviness; that he may rise again with the morning of the new light, and be glorified in heaven.Holy Father, thou hast so appointed it; and this is fulfilled which thyself hast commanded.3. It is a favour to thy friend, that he may suffer and be afflicted in the world for the love of thee, how often soever, and by whomsoever, thou permittest it to fall upon him.Nothing cometh to pass on earth without thy counsel, without thy providence, or without a cause.It is good for me, Lord, that thou hast afflicted me, that I may learn thy righteous judgment, and cast away all haughtiness of heart, and presumption.*It is profitable to me, that shame hath covered my face, that I may rather seek to thee for comfort than to men.4. I have learned also here to dread thy unsearchable judgments, who afflictest the just with the wicked, but not without equity and justice.I give thee thanks, for that thou hast not spared my sins, but hast worn me away, inflicting sorrows, and sending griefs within and without.There is none under heaven that can comfort me, but thou my Lord God, the heavenly physician of souls, that strikest and healest, bringest down to hell, and bringest back again.Let thy correction be upon me, and let thy rod instruct me.5. Behold, dear Father, I am in thy hands, I bow myself under the rod of thy correction:Strike my back and my neck, that my perverseness may be conformed to thy will.Make me an holy and humble disciple of thine (as thou art wont to do) that I may be ready at every beck of thy pleasure.I commend myself and all that is mine unto thee to be corrected.It is better to be corrected here than hereafter.Thou knowest every thing, and there is nothing in the conscience of man hidden from thee.Before things are done, thou knowest that they will come to pass, and hast no need that any should teach thee, or admonish thee of those things which are done on earth.Thou knowest what is expedient for my profiting, and how fit tribulation is to scour off the rust of my sins.Do with me according to thy good pleasure, and disdain me not for my sinful life; better and more clearly known to none than to thee alone.6. Grant me, O Lord, to know that which ought to be known, to love that which ought to be loved;To praise that which pleaseth thee most, to esteem that which is precious unto thee, to despise that which is contemptible in thy sight.Suffer me not to judge according to the sight of the outward eyes, nor to give sentence according to the hearing of the ears of ignorant men.But to discern invisible and spiritual thingswith a true judgment, and, above all things, ever to search after thy good will and pleasure.
How a person in heaviness ought to give up himself into the hands of God.
Christian.LORD God, holy Father, be thou blessed both now and for evermore; because as thou willest, so it is done, and what thou dost is good.
Let thy servant rejoice in thee, not in himself, nor in any thing else; for thou alone art the true gladness, thou art my hope and my crown, thou art my joy and my honour, O Lord.
What hath thy servant, but what he hath received from thee, even without any merit of his?
Thine is all that thou hast given, and whatsoever thou hast made.
I am poor, and in labour from my youth: and sometimes my soul is sorrowful even unto tears;sometimes also it is troubled, by reason of the evils which hang over my head.
2. I long after the joy of peace, I earnestly crave the peace of thy children, that are led by thee in the light of thy comfort.
If thou givest peace, if thou pourest into my heart holy joy; the soul of thy servant shall be full of gladness, and shall become devout in thy praise:
But if thou withdrawest thyself, he will not be able to run the way of thy commandments, but rather he will bow his knees, and smite his breast, for it is not with him as it was heretofore, when thy candle shone upon his head, and he was protected under the shadow of thy wings, from the temptations which violently assaulted him.
*O righteous Father, and ever to be praised, the hour is come that thy servant is to be tried.
Behold, dear Father, meet it is that in this hour thy servant suffer something for thy sake.
O Father, ever more be honoured, the hour is come; that for a short time thy servant should outwardly be oppressed, but inwardly live with thee.
That he should be a little despised, humbled, and made abject in the sight of men, and worn down with heaviness; that he may rise again with the morning of the new light, and be glorified in heaven.
Holy Father, thou hast so appointed it; and this is fulfilled which thyself hast commanded.
3. It is a favour to thy friend, that he may suffer and be afflicted in the world for the love of thee, how often soever, and by whomsoever, thou permittest it to fall upon him.
Nothing cometh to pass on earth without thy counsel, without thy providence, or without a cause.
It is good for me, Lord, that thou hast afflicted me, that I may learn thy righteous judgment, and cast away all haughtiness of heart, and presumption.
*It is profitable to me, that shame hath covered my face, that I may rather seek to thee for comfort than to men.
4. I have learned also here to dread thy unsearchable judgments, who afflictest the just with the wicked, but not without equity and justice.
I give thee thanks, for that thou hast not spared my sins, but hast worn me away, inflicting sorrows, and sending griefs within and without.
There is none under heaven that can comfort me, but thou my Lord God, the heavenly physician of souls, that strikest and healest, bringest down to hell, and bringest back again.
Let thy correction be upon me, and let thy rod instruct me.
5. Behold, dear Father, I am in thy hands, I bow myself under the rod of thy correction:
Strike my back and my neck, that my perverseness may be conformed to thy will.
Make me an holy and humble disciple of thine (as thou art wont to do) that I may be ready at every beck of thy pleasure.
I commend myself and all that is mine unto thee to be corrected.
It is better to be corrected here than hereafter.
Thou knowest every thing, and there is nothing in the conscience of man hidden from thee.
Before things are done, thou knowest that they will come to pass, and hast no need that any should teach thee, or admonish thee of those things which are done on earth.
Thou knowest what is expedient for my profiting, and how fit tribulation is to scour off the rust of my sins.
Do with me according to thy good pleasure, and disdain me not for my sinful life; better and more clearly known to none than to thee alone.
6. Grant me, O Lord, to know that which ought to be known, to love that which ought to be loved;
To praise that which pleaseth thee most, to esteem that which is precious unto thee, to despise that which is contemptible in thy sight.
Suffer me not to judge according to the sight of the outward eyes, nor to give sentence according to the hearing of the ears of ignorant men.
But to discern invisible and spiritual thingswith a true judgment, and, above all things, ever to search after thy good will and pleasure.
CHAPTERXXXVI.That a man ought to esteem himself not worthy of any comfort.Christian.LORD, I am not worthy of any comfort nor of any spiritual visitation.And therefore thou dealest justly with me; when thou leavest me poor and desolate.For though I could shed a sea of tears, yet I were not worthy of thy comfort.For, alas, I deserve nothing but to be punished, in that I have grievously offended thee in many things.But thou, O merciful God, who willest not that any should perish, to shew the riches of thy goodness, vouchsafest to comfort thy servant above the manner of men:For thy comforts are not like the words of men.2. What have I done, O Lord that thou shouldest bestow any heavenly comforts upon me?I remember not that I have done any good, but have been always prone to sin and slow to amendment.This is true, and I cannot deny it: if I should say otherwise, thou wouldst stand against me, and there would be none to defend me.What have I deserved but hell and everlasting fire?I confess in very truth, that I am worthy of all scorn and contempt, and it is not fit that I should be numbered among thy saints.3. What shall I say, guilty as I am, and full of all confusion?I have nothing to say but this; I have sinned, Lord, I have sinned; have mercy on me, pardon me;*Suffer me a little, that I may vent my grief, before I go into the land of darkness, a land covered with the shadow of death.What dost thou require of a guilty and miserable sinner, but that he humble himself for his offences?Of true contrition and humbling of the heart, ariseth hope of forgiveness; the troubled conscience is reconciled to God; the favour of God which was lost, is recovered; man is preserved from the wrath to come, and God and the penitent soul meet together with an holy kiss.4. Humble contrition for sin is an acceptable sacrifice unto thee, O Lord, savouring much sweeter in thy presence than the perfume of frankincense.This is also the pleasant ointment which thou wouldst should be poured upon thy sacred feet.For thou never despisest a contrite heart.
That a man ought to esteem himself not worthy of any comfort.
Christian.LORD, I am not worthy of any comfort nor of any spiritual visitation.
And therefore thou dealest justly with me; when thou leavest me poor and desolate.
For though I could shed a sea of tears, yet I were not worthy of thy comfort.
For, alas, I deserve nothing but to be punished, in that I have grievously offended thee in many things.
But thou, O merciful God, who willest not that any should perish, to shew the riches of thy goodness, vouchsafest to comfort thy servant above the manner of men:
For thy comforts are not like the words of men.
2. What have I done, O Lord that thou shouldest bestow any heavenly comforts upon me?
I remember not that I have done any good, but have been always prone to sin and slow to amendment.
This is true, and I cannot deny it: if I should say otherwise, thou wouldst stand against me, and there would be none to defend me.
What have I deserved but hell and everlasting fire?
I confess in very truth, that I am worthy of all scorn and contempt, and it is not fit that I should be numbered among thy saints.
3. What shall I say, guilty as I am, and full of all confusion?
I have nothing to say but this; I have sinned, Lord, I have sinned; have mercy on me, pardon me;
*Suffer me a little, that I may vent my grief, before I go into the land of darkness, a land covered with the shadow of death.
What dost thou require of a guilty and miserable sinner, but that he humble himself for his offences?
Of true contrition and humbling of the heart, ariseth hope of forgiveness; the troubled conscience is reconciled to God; the favour of God which was lost, is recovered; man is preserved from the wrath to come, and God and the penitent soul meet together with an holy kiss.
4. Humble contrition for sin is an acceptable sacrifice unto thee, O Lord, savouring much sweeter in thy presence than the perfume of frankincense.
This is also the pleasant ointment which thou wouldst should be poured upon thy sacred feet.
For thou never despisest a contrite heart.