draweth to evill and abject things 7 For the litle force which remaineth is like a certain sparke lying hidden in the ashes 8 This is naturall reason it selfe compassed about with great darknesse still retaining power to discerne good and evill the distance between true and false 9 Although it be unable to compasse all that it approvâ—th and enjoyeth not the full light of truth nor the former integrity of her affections 10 Hence it is my God that according to my inward man I delight in thy law knowing thy commandements to be good just and holy and yeelding that all evill and sinne is to be avoided 11 But in my flesh I serve the law of sinne whilest I rather obey sensuality then reason Hence it is that I have a will to doe good but know not how to performe it 12 For this cause I often purpose many good things but for that I want grace to helpe my infirmity for a light resistance I goe back and faint 13 I know the way of perfection and see clearly enough what I ought to doe but pressed with the weight of mine own corruption I rise not unto it 14 O Lord how needfull is thy grace for mee to begin any good worke to goe forward and to accomplish it For without it I can doe nothing but in thee I can doe all things when thy grace doth comfort me 15 O heavenly grace without which our own merits are nothing and no gifts of nature are to be esteemed Arts riches beauty and strength wit or eloquence are of no worth with thee O Lord without thy grace 16 For gifts of nature are common to good and evill but the peculiar gift of the elect is grace and love wherewith being marked they are esteemed worthy of everlasting life 17 This grace so much excelleth that neither the gift of prophesie nor the working of miracles or any speculation how high soever is of any esteeme without it Neither faith nor hope nor other vertues are acceptable unto thee without charity and grace 18 O most blessed grace that makest the poore in spirit rich in vertues and the rich in many blessings humble in heart 19 Come downe unto me replenish me in the morning with thy comfort lest my soule should faint with wearinesse and wither away with drinesse 20 I beseech thee Lord that I may find grace in thy sight for thy grace is sufficient for me though other things that nature desireth be wanting unto me 21 If I be tempted and vexed with many tribulations I will not feare these evils whilest thy grace is with me she is my strength she giveth advise and helpe she is stronger then all enemies and wiser then the wisest 22 Thy grace is the mistresse of truth the teacher of discipline the light of the heart the solace in affliction 23 She driveth away sorrow she expelleth feare she is the nurse of devotion and the mother of teares 24 What am I without it but a rotten peece of wood and an unprofitable stalke only meet for the fire 25 Let thy grace therefore Lord alwaies prevent me and follow me make me ever diligent in good works through Iesus Christ thy Sonne Amen CHAP. LVI That we ought to deny our selves and imitate Christ by the Crosse. SOnne look how much thou canst goe out of thy selfe so much maist thou enter into me As to be void of all desire of externall things maketh inward peace so the forsaking of our selves joyneth us internally to God 2 I will have thee learne the perfect leaving of thy selfe unto my will without contradiction and complaint Follow me I am the way the truth and the life 3 Without the way there is no going aright without truth there is no knowing aright without life there is no living at all 4 I am the way which thou oughtest to follow the truth which thou oughtest to trust the life for which thou oughtest to hope 5 I am the way which cannot lead amisse the truth which cannot erre the life which cannot end 6 I am the way that is straight the truth that is highest and the life that is truest yea a blessed life a life uncreated 7 If thou abide in my way thou shalt know the truth and the truth shall make thee free and thou shalt lay hold on life everlasting 8 If thou wilt enter into life keep the commandements if thou wilt know the truth believe me If thou wilt be perfect sell all thou hast 9 If thou wilt be my disciple deny thy selfe if thou wilt possesse a blessed life despise this present life if thou wilt be exalted in heaven humble thy selfe upon earth 10 If thou wilt reigne with mee beare the crosse with me For only the servants of the crosse find the way of blisse and true light 11 Lord Iesu for as much as thy life was strict despised of the world give me grace to imitate thee though I be despised by the world 12 For the servant is not greater then his Lord nor the Disciple above his Master 13 Let thy servant be exercised in thy holy life for there is my health true holinesse 14 Whatsoever I read or heare besides doth not recreate or delight me fully 15 Sonne now that thou knowest and hast read all these things happy shalt thou be if thou fulfill them 16 He that hath my commandements and keepeth them he it is that loveth me and I will love him and will manifest my selfe unto him and will make him sit with me in the Kingdome of my Father 17 Lord Iesus as thou hast said and promised so let it be and that I may obtain thy favour 18 I have receaved the Crosse I have receaved it from thy hand and I will beare it and beare it till death as thou hast laid it upon me 19 Truly the life of a good religious person is the crosse and it is a sure guide to heaven It is now begunne it is not lawfull to goe back neither is it fit to leave that which I have undertaken 20 Let us then take courage my brethren and goe forwards together Iesus will be with us for Iesus sake we have undertaken this crosse 21 For the love of Iesus let us persevere in the crosse he will be our helper who is our guide and forerunner 22 Behold our King goeth before us who also will fight for us let us follow him manfully let us not be dismayed but be ready to dye with courage in the battaile and let us not blemish our glory by flying from the Crosse. CHAP. LVII That a man be not too much deiected when he falleth into some defects SOnne patience and humility in time of adversity are more pleasing unto mee then much comfort and devotion in prosperity 2 Why art thou grieved for every litle trifle spoken and done against thee Although it had been much more thou oughtest not to have been moved 3 But now let it passe it is not the first that hath happened
shall be perfectly united unto God Then he will say unto me if thou wilt be with me I will be with thee 16 And I will answer him Vouchsafe O Lord to remaine with me I will very gladly be with thee This is my whole desire that my heart be united unto thee CHAP. XIV Of the fervent desire of some devout persons to receave the body of Christ. The voice of the Disciple O How great is the store of thy sweetnesse O Lord which thou hast hidden for them that fear thee 2 When I remember some devout persons who come unto thy Sacrament O Lord with great devotion and affection I am oftentimes confounded blush within my selfe that I come so negligently and coldly to thy altar and to the table of the holy Communion 3 That I remaine so dry and without any hearty affection that I am not wholly inflamed in thy presence my God 4 Nor so earnestly drawne and moved as many devout persons have been who out of a vehement desire of receaving and a feeling affection of heart could not containe themselves from weeping 5 But with the desire both of soule and body they earnestly longed after thee O God the lively fountaine being not otherwise able to temper not satisfie their hunger but by receaving thy body with all joy and spirituall greedinesse 6 O most ardent faith of those persons a probable argument of thy sacred presence 7 For these truly know their Lord in the breaking of bread whose heart burneth so within them whilest thou O blessed Iesu walkest with them 8 Such desire and devotion I seldome find in me so vehement love and fervency is oftentimes farre off from mee 9 Be mercifull unto mee good Iesu sweet and benigne Lord and grant me thy poore needy creature to feele sometimes at least in this holy Sacrament a litle hearty desire of thy love 10 That my faith may be more strengthened my hope in thy goodnesse increased and that my charity once pefectly inflamed after the tasting of heavenly Manna may never decay 11 Thy mercy O Lord is able to give me the grace I desire and to visâ—â— me in thy bounteous clemency with the spirit of fervour when it shall please thee 12 For although I burne notwith so great desire as those that are so especially devoted unto thee yet notwithstanding by thy grace I desire to have this great inflamed desire 13 Praying and craving that I may participate with all such thy fervent lovers and be numbred among them in their holy company CHAP. XV. That the grace of devotion is obtained by humility and deniall of our selves The voice of the Beloved THou oughtest to seeke the grace of devotion instantly to aske it earnestly to expect it patiently and confidently to receave it joyfully to keep it humbly to worke with it diligently 2 And to commit the time and manner of this heavenly visitation to God untill it shall be his pleasure to come 3 Thou oughtest chiefly to humble thy selfe when thou feelest inwardly litle or no devotion and yâ—t be not too much dejected nor grieve inordinaâ—ly for it 4 God often giveth in a short moment that which he hath a long time denyed he giveth sometimes in the end that which in the begining of prayes he deferred to grant 5 If grace should bee alwaiâ—s presently given and at hand ever with a wish it could not be well indured by a weak man 6 Therefore devotion is to be expected with good hope and humble patience yet impute it to thy selfe and thy sinnes when it is not given thee or when it is secretly taken from thee 7 It is sometimes a small matter that hindreth and hideth grace from us if it be to be called small and not rather a great matter that hindreth so great a good 8 And if thou remove this be it great or small and perfectly overcome it thou shalt have thy desire 9 For presently as soone as thou givest thy selfe to God with thy whole heart and seekest not this nor that for thine own pleasure or will but setlest thy selfe wholly in him thou shalt find thy selfe united unto him and quiet 10 For nothing will tast so well and please thee so much as the good will and pleasure of almighty God 11 Whosoever therefore with a sincere heart directeth his intention to God and â—mptieth himselfe of all inordinate love 〈◊〉 dislike of any creature shall be most fit to receave grace and worthy of the gift of devotion 12 When a vessell is full already all that you powre in runneth quite beside For our Lord bestoweth his blessings there where he findeth his vessels empty 13 And how much the more perfectly one forsaketh the basest things and dieth to himselfe by contempt of himselfe 14 So much the more speedily grace commeth and entreth in more plentifully and lifteth up the heart that is free to a higher state of grace 15 Then shall he see and abound and wonder and his heart within shall be enlarged because the hand of our Lord is with him and he hath put himselfe wholly into his hand for ever 16 Behold so shall the man be blessed that seeketh Almighty God with his whole heart and busieth not his soule in vaine 17 This man procureth great grace of divine union in receaving the holy Eucharist for that he regardeth not his own devotion and comfort but above all he prizeth the honour and glory of God CHAP. XVI That we ought to manifest our necessity unto Christ and to crave his grace The voice of the Disciple O Most sweet and loving Lord whom I now desire to receive devoutly thou knowest my infirmity and the necessity which I endure with how many sinnes I am oppâ—essed how often I am grieved tempted troubled and defiled 2 I come unto thee for remedy I crave of thee thy heavenly comfort the â—ase of my paine 3 I speak to him that knoweth all things to whom all my secrets are open and who can only perfectly comfort and help me 4 Thou knowest what it is wherof above all I stand in most need and how poore I am in vertues 5 Behold I stand before thee poore and naked calling for grace and graving mercy 6 Refresh this thy hungry needy creature give heat unto my coldnesse with the fire of thy love give light unto my blindesse with the brightnesse of thy presence 7 Turne all earthly things into bitternesse to me all things grievous contrary into patience all base and created things into contempt and oblivion 8 Lift up my heart to thee in heaven and suffer me not to wander upon earth be thou only sweet and delightsome unto me from henceforth for evermore 9 For thou only art my meat and my drinke my love and my ioy my delight and all my good 10 O thâ—t with thy presence thou wouldest wholly inflame burne and change me into thee that I might be made one spirit with thee by the grace of inward union
shall not then feare to heare the sentence of everlasting damnation 3 This signe of the Crosse shall be in heaven when our Lord shall come to Iudgment 4 Then all the servants of the Crosse who in their life time conformed themselves unto Christ crucified shall draw neere unto our Lord with great confidence 5 Why therefore fearest thou to take up the Crosse which leadeth thee to a Kingdome In the Crosse is health in the Crosse is life in the Crosse is protection against our enemies 6 In the Crosse is infusion of heavenly sweetnesse in the Crosse is strength of mind in the Crosse is joy of spirit in the Crosse is the height of vertue in the Crosse is the perfection of sanctity 7 There is no health of the soule nor hope of everlasting life but in the Crosse. Take up therefore thy Crosse and follow Iesus and thou shalt goe into life everlasting 8 He is gone before bearing his Crosse and is dead for thee on the Crosse that thou maist also beare thy Crosse and desire to die on the Crosse with him 9 For if thou diest with him thou shalt also live with him and if thou be his companion in paine thou shalt be partaker with him also in glory 10 Behold in the Crosse all doth consist and all lyeth in ending our life upon it for there is no other way unto life and unto true inward peace but the way of the Holy Crosse and of daily mortification 11 Goe where thou wilt seeke whatsoever thou wilt thou shalt not find a higher way above nor a safeâ—â— way below then the way of the holy Crosse. 12 Dispose and order all things according to thy will and judgment yet thou shalt ever find that of necessity thou must suffer some-what either willingly or against thy will 13 So as thou shalt never fully avoid the Crosse for either thou shalt feele paine in thy body or in thy soule thou shalt suffer tribulation of spirit 14 Sometimes thou shalt be forsaken of God sometimes thou shalt be troubled by thy neighbours and which is more oftentimes thou shalt be irksome to thy selfe 15 Neither canst thou be delivered or cased by any remedy or comfort but so long as pleaseth God thou oughtest to beare it 16 For God will have thee learne to suffer tribulation without comfort and that thou submit thy selfe wholly to him and become more humble by tribulation 17 No man hath so lively a feeling of the Passion of Christ as he who hath chanced to suffer the like The Crosse therefore is alwaies ready and every where attendeth thee 18 Thou canst not escape it whither soever thou fliest for wheresoever thou goest thou carriest thy selfe about with thee and thou shalt ever find thy selfe 19 Turne thy selfe upward turne thy selfe downward turne thee within or turne thee without 20 Which way soever thou doest turn thee alwaies thou shalt find the Crosse. 21 And every where of necessity thou must have patience if thou wilt have inward peace and obtaine an everlasting Crowne 22 If thou beare the Crosse willingly it will beare thee and lead thee to thy desired end to wit where there shall be an end of suffering though here there shall not 23 If thou beare it unwillingly thou makest for thy selfe a new burthen and increasest thy load and yet notwithstanding thou must beare it doe what thou canst 24 If thou cast away one Crosse without doubt thou shalt find another and that perhaps a more heavy 25 Thinkest thou to escape that which no man could ever avoid which of the Saints in the world was without crosses and tribulations 26 Verily Iesus Christ our Lord was never one houre without paine of suffering so long as he lived Christ saith he ought to suffer and rise againe from death and so to enter into his glory 27 And how doest thou seeke any other way then this Kings high way which is the way of the holy Crosse 28 The whole life of Christ was a Crosse and Martyrdome and doest thou seeke rest and joy 29 Thou art deceived thou art deceived if thou seekest any other thing theÌ„ to suffer tribulations for this whole mortall life is full of miseries and invironed on every side with crosses 30 And how much the more one hath profited in spirit so much the heavier Crosses he oftentimes findeth for the love he beareth to God encreaseth the griefe which he endureth for his banishment 31 But yet this man though so many wayes afflâ—cted is not without the ease of consolation for the great good which he perceiveth to grow unto him by the bearing of his Crosse 32 For whilest he willingly putteth himselfe under it all the but then of tribulation is turned into the confidence of divine consolation 33 And how much the more the flesh is wasted by affliction by so much the more is the spirit strengthened by inward grace 34 And sometimes he is so strengthened with the â—eeling of tribulation and adversity for the love of conforming himselfe to the Crosse of Christ that he would not wish at any time to be without sorrow and tribulation 35 Because he beleeveth that so much the more acceptable he shall be unto God how much the more for number weight he can suffer for him 36 This is not the power of man but it is the grace of Christ that can and doth so much in fraile â—lesh that what naturally it alwaies abhorreth and flieth that by fervour of spirit it taketh hold on and loveth 37 It is not according to mans inclination to bear the Crosse to love the Crosse to chastise the body and bring it into subjection to shun promotion 38 To suffer contumelies with a joyfull heart to despise himselfee and to wish to be despised to beare all adversities and damages and to desire no prosperity in this world 39 But if thou depend upon thy selfe thou shalt be able to performe no such matter of thy selfe 40 But if thou trustest in our Lord strength shall be given thee from heaven and thou shalt subdue under thee both the world and the flesh 41 Neither shalt thou feare thy enemy the Divel if thou be armed with faith and rely upon Christ crucified 42 Resolve therefore with thy selfe like a good and faithfull servant of Christ to beare manfully the Crosse of thy Lord who out of love unto thee was crucified for thee 43 Prepare thy selfe to beare many adversities and diverse kinds of troubles in this miserable life for so it will be with thee wheresoever thou be and so surely thou wilt find it wheresoever thou hide thy selfe 44 So it must be and there is no remedy or meanes to avoid tribulation and sorrow but to beare them 35 Drink of the Cup of our Lord with a good affection if thou wilt be his friend and desirest to have part with him As touching consolation referre that to the will of God let him doe therein as shall best please him but yeeld thou thy selfe
humility and great affection 3 And I said Blessed â—s the man whom thou shalt instruct O Lord and shalt teach thy saw that thou maist give him quietnesse from evill daies that he be not destroyed upon earth 4 I saith our Lord have taught the Prophets from the beginning and cease not continually to speak to every one but many are deafe and give no eare to my speech 5 The greater number doe more willingly listen to the world then to God and follow sooner the desires of their flesh then the will of God 6 The world promiseth temporall and small things and is served with great diligence I promise most high and eternall things and the hearts of men are nothing moved with it 7 Who is he that serveth and obeyeth me with equall care to that with which the world and the Lords thereof are served 8 Blush Sidon saith the sea and if thou aske the cause he are wherefore For a litle prebend a long journey is undertaken for everlasting life many will scarce once lift a foot from the ground 9 A thing of small value is sought after greedily for a penny sometimes there is great contention for a vaine thing and sleighâ— promise men doubâ— not to toile day and night 10 But alas for an unchangeable good for an inestimable reward for the highest honour and glory without end they are loath to take the least paines 11 Blush therefore slothfull and complaining servant that they are found more ready to destruction then thou to life They rejoyce more at vanity then thou at verity 12 And yet they are sometimes frustrated of their hope but my promise deceaveth none nor sendeth him away empty that trusteth in me 13 I will give that which I have promised I will fulfill that which I have said but to him that remaines faithfull in my love to the end I am the rewarder of all those who are good and doe try my devout servants with greater and severer temptations 14 Write my words in thy heart and think diligently of them for they will be very necessaâ—y in time of temptation 15 What thou understandest not when thou readest thou shalt know in â—he day of visitation 16 I am wont to visit my elect two severall waies to wit with temptation and comfort 17 And I daily read two lessons unto them one reprehending their vices another exhorting them to the increase of vertues 18 He that hath my wordes and despiseth them hath within himselfe that shall judge him at the last day A prayer to implore the grace of devotion 1 O Lord my God thou art all that I can desire What am I that dare speak unto thee I am thy poorest servant and a most vile worme much more poore and contemptible then I either know or dare expresse 2 And yet Lord remember this one thing that I am nothing that I have nothing and that I am worth nothing Thou alone art good thou alone art righteous thou alone art holy thou canst all thou doest all thou fillest all only the wicked thou sendest empty away Remember O Lord thy tender mercies fill my heart with thy grace for thou wilt that none of thy workes should be in vaine 3 How can I sustaine my selfe in this miserable life unlesse thy mercy and grace support me 4 Turne not thy face from me delay not thy visitations draw not away thy comfort least my soule become like a barren and dry land wherein is no water 5 Lord teach me to fulfill thy wil teach me to live worthily and humbly in thy sight for thou art my wisdome thou doest perfectly know me 6 Yea thou knowest me not only before I was conceived in the womb but also before the very world was made CHAP. IV. That we ought to live in truth humility in the sight of God SOnne walke in my sight in â—incerity and truth and ever seeke mee in singlenesse of heart 2 He that walketh before me in truth shall be defended from evill incursions truth shall deliver him from seducers and from the detractions of the wicked 3 If truth shall make the free thou shalt be free indeed and shalt not need to care for the vaine words of men 4 Lord it is true according as thou saist so I beseech thee be it unto mee lâ—t thy truâ—h teach me let it defend me and bring me to a blessed end 5 Let the same truth deliver me from â—ll evill affection and inordinate love and I shall walke with thee in great freedome of heart 6 I will teach thee saith the Truth those things that are right and pleasing in my sight Think of thy sinnes with great serrow and griefe and never esteem thy selfe any thing for thy good workes 7 Thou art in very deed a sinnerâ— and subject to many passions Of thy selfe thou alwaies tendest to nothing and art quickly cast down quickly overcome quickly troubled quickly dissolved 8 Thou hast nothing wherein thou canst glory but many things for which thou oughtest to humble and despise thy selfe for thou art much weaker then thou cast perceive 9 And therefore let nothing seem much unto thee whatsoever thou dost Let nothing seem great nothing precious and wonderfull nothing worthy of estimation 10 Nothing high nothing truly commendable and to be desired but that which is everlasting 11 Let the eternall Truth above all things please thee Let thy own great unworthinesse alwaies displease thee 12 Feare nothing blame and flye nothing so much as thy sinnes and vices which ought to displease thee more then the losse of any thing whatsoever 13 Some walk not sincerely in my sight but led by a certain curiosity and pride will know my secrets and understand the high mysteries of God neglecting themselves and their own salvation 14 These oftentimes for that I resist them doe fall into great temptations and sinnes for their pride and curiosity 15 Fear the judgements of God dread the wrath of the Almighty Bâ—t discusse not the works of the Highest Search thine own iniquities in how much thou hast offended and how much good thou hast neglected 16 Some carry their devotion only in books some in pictures some in outward signes and figures some have mee in their mouthes but litle in their hearts 18 There are others that being illuminated in their understanding and purged in their affection doe alwaies aspire with an earnest mind to everlasting happinesse 18 And are unwilling to heare of the things of this world and doe serve the necessities of nature with griefe and these perceave what the spirit of truth speaketh in them 19 Because it teacheth them to despise earthly love heavenly things to neglect the world and day night to desire heaven CHAP. V. Of the wonderfull effect of divine grace I Praise thee O heavenly Father Father of my Lord Iesus Christ for that thou hast vouchsafed to remember me a poore and wretched creature 2 O Father of mercies and God of all comfort thanks be
it it is mine when I withdraw it I take not any thing that is thine for mine is every good and every perfect gift 8 If I send thee affliction or any crosse whatsoever repine not nor let thy heart be dismaied 25 I can quickly lift thee up againe and turne all thy sorrow into joy 26 Neverthelesse I am just and greatly to be praised when I doe all this unto thee 27 If thou be wise and consider thy case truly thou wilt never yeeld so cowardly to griefe for any adversity that befalls thee but rather rejoyce give thanks 28 Yea to accompt this thy only ioy that afflicting thee with sorrowes I doe not spare thee 29 As my Father hath loved me I also love you said I unto my beloved Disciples whom certainly I sent not to temporall ioyes but to great conflicts 30 Not to honours but to contempts not to idlenesse but to labours not to rest but to bring much fruit in patience My Sonne remember these words CHAP. XXXI Of the contempt of all creatures to find our Creatour LOrd I stand yet in need of greater grace if I must goe so farre as that no man or creature can hinder me 2 For as long as any thing holdeth me I cannot fly freely unto thee He desired to fly with great liberty that said who will give me wings like a dove and I will fly and rest What thing more quiet then a simple eye and what more free then he that desireth nothing upon earth 3 Man ought therefore to ascend above all creatures and perfectly to forsake himselfe and to remaine in excesse of mind 4 And consider that thou who are the maker of all things hast nothing amongst creatures like unto thee 5 And unlesse a man be free from the affection of all creatures he cannot with freedome of mind attend unto divine things 6 And for this cause there are so few contemplative men to be found for that few can wholly sequester themselves from fading creatures 7 Much grace is necessary to lift up a soule and to carry it above it selfe 8 Vnlesse a man be lifted up in spirit and delivered from all creatures and wholly united unto God whatsoever he hath is of litle accompt 9 Long shall he be litle and lye in earthly basenesse that esteemeth any thing great but the only unmeasurable and eternall good 10 For whatsoever is not God is nothing and ought to be accounted as nothing 11 There is great difference between the wisdome of a spirituall and devout person and the knowledge of a learned and studious Clerke 12 Farre more noble is that learning which floweth from above from the divine influence then that which is painefully gotten by the wit of man 13 There are many that desire contemplation but they endeavour not to exercise those things that are required thereunto 14 It is a great hinderance that we rest in signes and sensible things and make litle account of true mortification 23 I know not what it is nor by what spirit we are led nor what we pretend we that seeme to be called spirituall 24 That we take so much paines and so great care for transitory and base things and scarce or seldome thinke of our inward profit with full collection of our senses 25 Alas presently after a sleight recollection we break forth weigh not our works with diligent examination 26 We mind not where our affections lye nor bewaile the impurity of many faults that are in all our actions 27 For all flesh had corrupted her way and therefore did that generall floud ensue 28 Sith our inward affection then is much corrupted it must needs be that our action proceeding thereof be corrupted as a signe of the want of inward vigour 29 From a pure heart proceedeth the fruit of good life 30 We aske how much one hath done but how vertuous his actions are is not so diligently considered 31 We inquire whether he be strong rich beautifull handsome a good writer a good singer or a good labourer 31 But how poore he is in spirit how patient and meeke how devout and spirituall is seldome spoken of 32 Nature respecteth outward things grace turneth her selfe to the inward vertues That is often deceaved this hath her trust in God to the end she be not deceaved CHAP. XXXII Of the deniall of our selves and forsaking all our affections SOnne thou canst not possesse perfect liberty unlesse thou wholly deny thy selfe 2 All such as be lovers of themselves are bound in setters they are covetous curious wanderers seekers of ease and not of those things that appertaine to Iesus Christ. 3 But oftentimes devising and framing that which will not continue for all shall perish that proceedeth not from God 4 Keep this short and compleat word forsake all and thou shalt finde all 5 Leave thy inordinate desires thou shalt finde rest 6 Consider this well and when thou hast fulfilled it thou shalt understand all 7 Lord this is not one daies work nor childrens sport yea in this short sentence all the perfection of religious persons is included 8 Sonne thou must not goe back nor straitwaies be deiected when thou hearest the way of the perfect but rather be stirred up to more noble attempts or at least to conceave an earnest desire thereof 9 I would it were so well with thee and thou wert come so farre that thou wert no longer a lover of thy self but didst stand meerely at my beck at his whom I have appointed a Father over thee 10 Then thou shouldest exceedingly please me and all thy life would passe away in joy and peace 11 Thou hast yet many things to forsake which unlesse thou wholly resigne over unto me thou shalt not attain to that which thou desirest 12 I counsell thee to buy of me purified gold that thou maist become rich that is heavenly wisdome which treadeth under foot all base and earthly things 13 Set litle by the wisdome of this world and esteeme not of the contentment of men nor thine own fancies 14 I said that thou shouldest buy the mean and base things in steed of those things that are precious highly esteemed amongst men 15 For true heavenly wisdome seemeth very base and of small accompt and is scarce thought of by men 16 For that esteemeth not highly it selfe nor seeketh to be magnified upon earth 17 Which many praise from the teeth outward but in their life they are farre from it yet is it the pretious pearle which is hidded from many CHAP. XXXIII Of inconstancy of heart and of directing our finall intentions unto God SOnne trust not to thy affection that which now is will quickly change into another 2 As long as thou livest thou art subject to mutability even against thy will 3 So that now thou art merry now sad now quiet now troubled now devout now distracted now diligent now idle now heavy now light 4 But he that is wise and well instructed in the
weake deceiveth him and doth verily more shame him while he doth vainely praise him 33 For how much every one is in thy sight O Lord so much he is and no 〈◊〉 saith humble S. Francis CHAP. LI. That a man ought to imploy himselfe in workes of humilitie when force is wanting for higher exercises SOnne thou art not able alwaies to continue in the fervent desire of vertue nor to persist in the high pitch of heavenly contemplation 2 But thou must sometimes of necessity by reason of originall corruption descend to inferior things and beare the burthen of this corruptible life though unwillingly and with griefe 3 As long as thou cariest a mortall body thou shalt feele great trouble heavinesse of heart 4 Thou oughtest therefore in the flesh oftentimes to bewaile the burthen of the flesh for that thou canst not alwaies persevere in spirituall exercises and divine contemplation 5 It is then expedient for thee to flye to humble and exteriour workes and to refresh thy selfe with good and vertuous actions 6 To expect with a firme confidence my coÌ„ming heavenly visitation to beare patiently thy banishment and the drinesse of thy minde untill I visit thee againe and deliver thee from all anxiety 7 For I will make thee forget thy paines and enjoy inward quietnesse 8 I will lay open before thee the pleasant fields of holy Scripture â—haâ— with an enlarged heart that maist begin to run the way of my commandements 9 And thou shalt say that the sufferings of this time are not worthy of the glory to come that shall be revealed in us CHAP. LII That a man ought to esteeme himselfe unworthy of comfort and to have deserved stripes LOrd I am not worthy of thy comfort noâ— of any spirituall visitation and therefore thou dealest justly with me when thou leavest me poore and desolate Though I could powre out even a sea of teares yet I were not worthy of thy comfort 2 For alas I deserve nothing but to be scourged and punished in that I have grievously and often offended thee and sinned in many things 3 All things therefore duly considered I am not worthy even of the least comfort 4 But thou mild and mercifull God who wilt not that thy works doe perish to shew the riches of thy goodnesse upon the vessels of mercy even beyond all mine own merit vouchsafest to comfor thy servant above humane measure 5 For thy heavenly consolations are not like humane communications and in comparison of thee we are miserable comforters 6 What have I done O Lord that thou shouldest bestow upon me any heavenly comfort 7 I remember I have done no good at all but have been alwaies prone to sinne and slothfull in my amendment 8 It is so true that I cannot deny â—it if I should say otherwise thou wouldest plead against me and there would be none to defend me 9 What have I deserved for my sinnes but hell and everlasting fire 10 I confesse in the truth of my heart that I am worthy of all scoâ—ne and contempt and it is unfit that I should be remembred amongst thy holy ones 11 And although I be unwilling to heare this yet notwithstanding for the love of truth I will lay open my sinnes against my selfe that I may the better obtaine mercy at thy hands 12 What shall I say being guilty and full of all confusion I have nothing to say but this I have sinned Lord I have sinned have mercy on me pardon and forgive me 13 Suffer me a litle that I may bewaile my griefe before I goe unto the land of darknesse and be covered with the shadow of death 14 What dost thou require of a guilty and miserable sinner â—ut that he be contrite and sorrowfull and doe humble himselfe for his sinnes 15 In true contrition and humblenesse of heart is bred a hope of forgivenesse a troubled conscience is reconciled againe grace lost is restored man is defended from future wrath God and the penitent soule meet together in a holy kisse 16 Humble contrition for â—innes is an acceptable sacrifice unto thee O Lord savouring much sweeter in thy nostrils then the perfume of frankiâ—sence 17 This is also the pleasant oyntment which thou wouldest have powred upon thy sacred feet for thou never despisest a contrite and humble heart 18 There is a place of refuge from the angry face of the enemy there is amended and washed away whatsoever elsewhere was polluted and defiled CHAP. LIII That the grace of God is not given to those that savour of earthly things SOnne my grace is precious it suffereth not it selfe to be mingled witâ— externall things nor earthly comforts Thou oughtest therefore to cast away all hinderances of grace if thou desire to receave the infusion thereof 2 Choose therefore a secret place to thy selfe love to live alone with thy selfe desire the conversation of none but rather powre out devout prayers unto God that thou maist keep thy minde compunct and thy conscience pure 3 Esteem the whole world as nothing preferre my service before all outward things for thou canst not altend unto me and be delighted also in transitory vanities 4 Thou oughtest to sequester thy selfe from thy acquaintance and friends and to keep thy mind deprived of all temporall comfort 5 So the blessed Apostle Peter required that the faithfull of Christ should keep themselves as strangers pilgrims in this world 6 O how great a confidence shall he have at the houre of death whom no affection to any earthly thing detained in the world 7 But the weak minde is not yet capable of so retired a heart neither doth the fleshly person understand the freedome of a reâ—ollected minde 8 Notwithstanding if he will be truly spirituall he ought to renounce as well those which are farre off as those which are neere unto him and to beware of no man more then of himselfe 9 If thou perfectly overcome thy selfe thou shalt with more ease subdue the rest It is a glorious victory to triumph over our selves 10 For he that keepeth himselfe subject in such sort that his sensuality be subdued to reason and reason in all things be obedient to me he is truly a conquerour of himselfe and Lord of the world 11 If thou desire to mount unto this height of perfection thou must begin manfully and set the axe to the root that thou maist pluck up and destroy thy hidden and inordinate inclination to thy selfe and unto all private and earthly good 12 Of this vice that man too inordinately loveth himselfe almost all dependeth whatsoever is wholy to be overcome which being once overcome and subdued there will presently ensue great peace and tranquillity 13 But for that few endeavour perfectly to dye unto themselves and do forsake themselves wholly therefore they remaine intangled in themselves and cannot be lifted up in spirit above themselves 14 But he that desireth to walke freely with mee it is necessary that he mortify all his
inordinate affections and not adhere unto any creature by private love CHAP. LIV. Of the different motions of Nature and Grace SOnne marke diligently the motions of thine own nature and my grace for in every contrary and secret manaer these are mooved and can hardly â—e discerned but by him that is spirituall and inwardly enlightned 2 All men desire that which is good and pretend some good in all their words and deeds and therefore under pretence of good many are deceaved 3 Nature is deceiptfull and seduceth intangleth and deceaveth many and alwaies proposeth her selfe for her end 4 But grace walketh with great sincerity and avoideth all shew of evill pretendeth not deceipts and doth all things purely for Gods sake in whom also she finally resteth 5 Nature will not willingly dye nor be kept in nor overcome nor be subject to any nor be subdued 6 But grace laboureth to mortify her selfe resisteth sensuality seeketh to be subject is willing to be overcome and will not use her own liberty 7 She loveth to be kept under discipline and desireth not to rule any but alwaies to live and remaine wholly subject unto God and for God iâ— ready humbly to bow unto all men 1 Nature striveth for her own commodity and considereth what profit she may reap by another 9 But grace considereth not what is profitable and commodious unto hef selfe but rather what is profitable 〈◊〉 many 10 Nature willingly receaveth honour and reverence but grace faithâ—fully attributeth all honour and glory â—nto God 11 Nature feareth shame contempt but grace rejoyceth to suffer reproach for the name of Iesus 12 Nature loveth idlenesse and bodily rest but grace cannot be idle out willingly imbraceth labour 13 Nature seeketh to have those â—hings that be cuâ—ious and precious abhorreth that which is meane and base 14 But grace delighteth in plaine and humble things despiseth not course and meane nor refuseth to weare that which is old and torne 16 Nature respecteth the things of this world rejoyceth at earthly gain â—orroweth for losse is moved with every injurious word 17 But grace thinketh on that which is everlasting and cleaveth not â—o that which fadeth with time she is â—ot troubled with losse nor exasperaâ—ed with injuries for that she hath plaâ—ed her treasure and joy in heaven where nothing perisheth 18 Nature is covetous and doth â—ore willingly receave then give she â—â—veth to have things proper and priâ—ate 19 But grace is pitifull liberall to all avoideth singularity is content with a little thinketh it happier to give then to receive 20 Nature inclineth to creatures yeeldeth to her own flesh followeth vanities and listneth to discourses 21 But grace draweth unto God and seeketh after vertues renounceth creatures flieth the world hateth the desires of the flesh restraineth wandrings abroad blusheth to be seen in publike 22 Nature is willing to have some outward comfort wherein she may delight her senses 23 But grace seeketh comfort in God alone and delighteth above all visible things in the highest good 24 Nature worketh all for her own gaine and profit she can doe nothing freely but for bestowed benefits she hopeth to obtaine either that which is equall or better either praise or favour and coveteth to have her works and gifts much esteemed 25 But grace seeketh no temporall thing nor asketh any other reward â—or her desâ—rts then God alone nor desireth more of temporall necessaries then what may serve her for the obtaining of everlasting glory 26 Nature rejoyceth to have many friends and kinsfolkes she glorieth of Noble birth and descent pleaseth the powerfull fawneth upon the rich applaudeth those that are like her selfe 27 But grace loveth her enemies and is not puffed up with multitude of friends nor esteemeth place or birth but where it is joyned with greater vertue 28 Shee rather favoureth the poore then the rich hath more compassion of the innocent then the powerfull rejoyceth in the simple and respecteth not the deceiptfull exhorteth ever the good to labour for the better gifts and by vertue to resemble the sonne of God 29 Nature quickly complayneth of any want and trouble grace constantly suffereth all kind of need Nature turneth all things to her selfe striveth and contendeth for her selfe 30 But grace reduceth all to God from whence originally they proceed she ascribeth no good to her selfe neither doth she arrogantly presume of her selfe 31 She contendeth not nor preferreth her opinion before others but in every sense and understanding submitteth her selfe to the eternall wisdome and to the divine judgement 32 Nature coveteth to know secrets and to hear newes she will appeare abroad and make proofe of many things by the experience of her own senses she desireth to be known and to doe those things for which she may be praised and admired 33 But grace careth not for hearing newes nor to understand curious matters for that all this springeth from the ancient disorder of our corrupt nature seeing there is nothing new or durable upon earth 34 She teacheth therefore to restraine the senses to avoid vaine pleasing and ostentation humbly to hide those things that are worthy of praise and admiration and of every thing and every knowledge to seeke profitable fruit and the praise and honour of God 35 She will not have her selfe nor hers publikely praised but desireth that God should be blessed in his gifts who of meere charity bestoweth all things 36 This grace is a supernaturall light and a certain speciall gift of God and a proper marke of the elect and a pledge of everlasting salvation 37 Which lifteth up a man from earthly basenesse to love the things of heaven and of a carnall maketh him a spirituall person 39 How much the more therefore nature is depressed subdued so much the greater grace is infused and the inward man daily by new visitations more reformed according to the image of God CHAP. LV. Of the corruption of nature and efficacy of divine grace MY God who of thy meer goodnes hast created me to thy Image and likenesse grant me this grace which thou hast shewed to be so great and so necessary to salvation that I may overcome my wicked nature which draweth me to sinne and to the losse of my soule 2 For I feele in my flesh the law of sinne contradicting the law of my minde and leading me captive to obey sensuality in many things 3 Neither can I resist the passions thereof unlesse thy holy grace fervently infused into my heart doe assist me 4 Thy grace O Lord and great grace is needfull that nature may be overcome which is ever prone to evill from her youth 5 For by Adam the first man being fallen and corrupted by sinne the penalty of this staine hath descended upon all mankinde 6 In such sort that nature it selfe which was created good and without defect is now accompted for vice and for the infirmity of a corrupted nature for that the motion thereof left unto it selfe