hart They deliuer the letters but thou openest the sense They bring foorth mysteries but thou disclosest the vnderstanding of sealed things They declare thy Commandements but thou helpest to fulfill them They shew the way but thou giuest strēgth to walke it They worke only exteriourly but thou instructest and enlightnest the hearts They water outwardly but thou giuest fruitfulnes They sound foorth words but thou giuest vnderstanding to the hearing 3 Let not therefore Moyses speak vnto me but thou my Lord God the euerlasting truth lest perhaps I shold die and become without fruit if I be warned outwardly onely and not inflamed within lest the word heard and not fulfilled knowen not loued belieued not obserued should increase my judgement Speak therfore Lord for thy seruant heareth for thou hast the words of euerlasting life 1. King 3. Speak vnto me to the comfort of my soule to the amēdmēt of my whole life to thy praise glory euerlasting honor Ioh. 6. CHAP. III. That the words of God are to be heard with humility and that many weigh them not OVR LORD SOnne heare my words words of great comfort excelling all the knowledge of the Philosophers and wise men of this world My words are spirit and life not to be weighed by the vnderstanding of man Ioh. 6. They are not to be drawne to vaine liking but to be heard with silence and to be receiued with all humility and great affection SER. And I said Blessed is the man whom thou shalt instruct O Lord and shalt teach thy Law that thou mayest giue him quietnes from euill daies and that hee bee not destroyed vpon earth Psal 93. LORD 2 I saith our Lord haue taught the Prophets from the beginning and cease not continually to speake to euery one but many are deafe and giue no eare to my speech Heb. 1. The greater number do more willingly listen to the world then to God and follow sooner the desires of their flesh then the will of God The world promiseth temporall and small things and is serued with great diligence I promise most high and eternal things and the hearts of men are nothing moued with it Who is he that serueth and obeyeth me with equall care to that with which the world and the Lords thereof are serued Blush Sidon saith the sea Esa 23. And if thou aske the cause heare vvhereof For a little prebend a long jorney is vndertaken for euerlasting life many will scarce once lift a foot from the ground A thing of small value is sought after greedily for a peny sometimes there is great contention for a vaine thing and sleight promise men doubt not to toile day and night 3 But alas for an vnchangeable good for an inestimable revvard for the highest honour and glorie without end they are loath to take the least paines Blush therefore slouthfull and complaining Seruant that they are found more ready to destruction then thou to life They reioyce more at vanity then thou at truth And yet they are sometimes frustrated of their hope but my promise deceiueth none nor sendeth him away empty that trusteth in me Rom. 1. Matth. 24. I will giue that which I haue promised I will fulfill that which I haue said but to him that remaines faithfull in my loue to the end Apoc. 2. I am the reward of all good and do try my deuout seruants in forcible proofes Mat. 5.15 4 Write my words in thy heart and thinke diligently of them for they will bee necessary in time of temptation What thou vnderstandest not whē thou readest thou shalt know in the day of visitation I am wont to visite my elect two seuerall wayes to wit with temptation and comfort And I daily reade two lessons vnto them one reprehending their vices another exhorting them to the encrease of vertues Hee that hath my words and despiseth them hath within him that shal judge him at the last day A prayer to implore the grace of deuotion SER. 5 Lord my God thou art all that I can desire Who am I that dare speake vnto thee I am thy poorest seruant and a most vile worme much more poore and contemptible then I can or dare expresse Gen. 18. Remember Lord that I am nothing haue nothing and can doe nothing Thou alone art good just and holy thou canst doe all things performest all things leauing only a sinner void of al good Call to mind thy mercies and fill my hart with thy grace who wilt not that thy workes be void 6 How can I support my selfe in this miserable life vnlesse thy mercy and grace comfort me Turne not thy face from me delay not thy visitation draw not away thy comfort lest my soule become as earth without water vnto thee Psal 68. Lord teach me to fulfill thy will teach me to liue worthily and humbly in thy sight for thou art my wisdome thou doest perfectly know me and didst know me before the world was made and before I was borne in the world Psal 142. CHAP. IV. That we ought to liue in truth and humility in the sight of God OVR LORD SOnne walke in my sight in sincerity and truth and euer seeke me in plainenesse of heart He that walketh in my sight in truth shal be defended from euill incursions and truth shall deliuer him from seducers and from the detractions of the wicked Gen. 17. Wisd 1. If truth shall haue deliuered thee thou shalt be truely free and shalt not care for vaine speeches of men 1. Ioh. 8. SER. Lord it is true According as thou sayest so I beseech thee let it be done with me and keepe me and bring mee to a happy end Let thy truth teach me and let it deliuer me from all euill affection and inordinat loue and I shall walke with thee in great freedome of heart LORD 2 I wil teach thee saith the Truth those things that are right and pleasing in my sight Thinke of thy sins with great sorrow griefe and neuer esteem thy selfe any thing for thy good workes Thou art in very deed a sinner and subiect to many passions Of thy selfe thou alwayes tendest to nothing and art quickly cast downe and ouercome quickly troubled quickly dissolued Thou hast nothing wherin thou canst glory 2. Cor. 4. But many things for which thou oughtest to humble and despise thy selfe for thou art much weaker then thou art able to comprehend 3 And therfore let nothing seeme much vnto thee whatsoeuer thou dost Let nothing seem great nothing precious wonderful nothing worthy of estimation nothing high nothing truly commendable and to be desired but that which is euerlasting Let the eternall truth aboue al things please thee Let thy owne great vnworthinesse alwayes displease thee Feare nothing blame flie nothing so much as thy sins and vices which ought to displease more then the losse of any thing whatsoeuer Some walke not sincerely in my sight but led by a certain curiosity pride wil know
that many doe so little consider this comfortable mystery which rejoyceth heauen preserueth the whole world O blindnes and hardnesse of mans hart that doth not more deeply weigh the greatnes of so vnspeakable a gift but rather comes by the daily vse thereof to regard it little or nothing 12 For if this most holy Sacrament should be celebrated in one place only consecrated by one only Priest in the world with how great desire dost thou think would men be affected to that place and what esteeme would they haue of such a Priest of almighty God by whom they might enioy the consolation of these diuine mysteries But now there are many Priests Christ is offred vp in many places that so the grace and loue of God to man may appeare so much the greater how much the more this sacred Cōmunion is cōmon through the world Thāks be vnto thee good Iesu euerlasting Pastor of our soules that hast vouchsafed to refresh vs poore banished men with thy precious Body Bloud to inuite vs to that receiuing of these mysteries with the words of thy owne mouth saying Come vnto me all ye that labour are burdened and I will refresh you Mat. 11. CHAP. II. That great goodnes and charity of God is bestowed vpon man in this Sacrament The voice of the Disciple PResuming of thy goodnesse and great mercy O Lord being sick I approach vnto my Sauiour hungry and thirstie to the Fountaine of life needy to the King of heauen a seruant vnto my Lord a creature to my Creator desolate to my mercifull Comforter But whence is this to me that thou vouchsafest to come vnto mee Who am I that thou shouldest giue thy selfe vnto mee Luk. 1. How dare a sinner presume to appeare before thee And thou how doest thou vouchsafe to come vnto a sinner Thou knowest thy seruant and seest that hee hath no good thing in him for which thou shouldest bestow this benefit vpon him I confesse therefore my vnworthinesse I acknowledge thy goodnes I praise thy mercy and giue thee thanks for this thy vnspeakable charity For thou dost this for thine own goodnes not for any merits of mine to the end that thy goodnes may be better knowne vnto me thy charity more abundantly shewed and thy humility more highly commended Since therefore it is thy pleasure and hast commanded that it should bee so this thy bounty is also pleasing to me and do wish that my offences may be no hinderance 2 O most sweet and bountiful Iesu how great reuerence and thankes with perpetuall prayse is due vnto thee for the receiuing of thy sacred Bodie whose worth and dignitie no man is able to expresse But what shall I thinke of at this time now that I am to receiue this diuine Sacrament and to approach vnto my Lord to whome I am not able to giue due reuerence and yet I desire to receiue him deuoutly What can I thinke better and more profitable then to humble my selfe wholy before thee and to exalt thy infinite goodnes aboue me I praise thee my God and wil exalt thee for euer and I do despise and submit my selfe vnto thee euen into the depth of my vnworthinesse 3 Behold thou art the Holy of Holies and I the skumme of sinners Behold thou bowest thy self downe vnto mee who am not worthy so much as to looke vp vnto thee Behold thou commest vnto me it is thy will to be with me thou inuitest me to thy banket Ps 77. Thou wilt giue me the food of heauen and bread of Angels to eat which is no other truly then thy self the liuely bread that descendest from heauen and giuest life vnto the world Ioh. 6. 4 Behold from whence this loue proceedth What kind of fauour and benignity is this which shineth vpon vs What thanks and praises are due vnto thee for these benefits O how good and profitable was thy counsell when thou ordainedst it How sweet pleasant the banket when thou gauest thy selfe to be our food How wonderfull thy work O Lord how powerfull thy vertue how vnspeakable thy truth For thou saidst the word and all things were made and this was done which thou commandest Gen. 1. Psal 148. 5 A thing of great admiration and worthy of faith and surpassing the vnderstanding of man that thou my Lord God true God and Man shouldest be wholy contained vnder a small forme of bread and wine and shouldest bee eaten by the receiuer without being consumed Thou who art the Lord of all things and standest in need of none hast pleased to dwell in vs by meanes of this thy Sacrament preserue my heart and body vnspotted that with a cheerefull and pure conscience I may often celebrate thy mysteries and receiue them to my euerlasting health which thou hast chiefely ordained and instituted for thy honor perpetuall memory 6 Reioyce my soule giue thanks vnto God for so noble a gift and singular comfort left vnto thee in this vale of teares For as often as thou callest to mind this mystery and receiuest the body of Christ so often dost thou worke the worke of thy redemption and art made partaker of all the merits of Christ For the charity of Christ is neuer diminished and the greatnes of his mercy is neuer lessened Therefore thou oughtest alwaies to dispose thy selfe hereunto by a fresh renuing of thy mind and to weigh with attentiue consideration this great mystery of thy saluation So great new and joyfull it ought to seem vnto thee when thou sayest or hearest Masse as if the same day Christ first descending into the wombe of the Virgin were become man or hanging on the Crosse did suffer and die for the saluation of mankind CHAP. III. That it is profitable to Communicate often BEhold O Lord I come vnto thee that I may be comforted in thy gift and be delighted in thy holy banquet which thou O Lord hast prepared in thy sweetnesse for the poore Psal 67. Behold in thee is all whatsoeuer I can or ought to desire thou art my health and my redemption my hope and my strength my honor and my glory Make joyfull therefore this day the soule of thy seruant for that I haue lifted it vp to thee my sweete Iesus Psalm 85. I desire to receiue thee now with deuotion and reuerence I do long to bring thee into my house that with Zachaeus I may deserue to be blessed by thee and numbred amongst the children of Abraham My soule thirsteth to receiue thy Body my heart desireth to be vnited with thee 2 Giue thy selfe to me and it sufficeth For besides thee no comfort is auailable I cannot be without thee nor liue without thy visitation And therfore I must often come vnto thee and receiue thee as the only remedy of my health lest perhaps I faint in the way if I be depriued of thy heauenly food For so most mercifull Iesus thou once didst say preaching to the people
and contemptible in the sight of the world it is fruitfull and of great esteeme in the sight of God For God weigheth more with how much loue one worketh then how much he doth Hee doth much that loueth much Luk. 7. 2 He doth much that doth a thing well he doth well that rather serueth the common good of others then his owne will Phil. 2. Oftentimes it seemeth to bee charity and it is rather carnality because naturall inclination selfe-will hope of reward and desire of our owne commodity will seldome be wanting 3 He that hath true and perfect charity seeketh himselfe in nothing but onely desireth in all things that the glory of God should be exalted Phil. 2.3 1. Cor. 13. He also enuieth none because he loueth no priuat good neither will he reioyce in himself but wisheth aboue al things to enioy God Psal â—7 24 He attributeth nothing that is good to any man but wholly referreth it vnto God from whom as from the fountaine all things proceed in whom finally all Saints haue perfect rest by fruition of his glory O he that had one sparke of perfect charitie how easily would hee discerne that all earthly things be full of vanity CHAP. XVI Of bearing with the defects of others THose things that a man cannot amend in himselfe or in others he ought to suffer patiently vntill God ordaine otherwise Thinke that perhaps it is better so for thy triall and patience without which our merits are not much to be esteemed Thou oughtest to pray notwithstanding when thou hast such impediments that God would vouchsafe to helpe thee and that thou mayest beare them patiently Matth. 6. Luk. 11. 2 If one that is once or twice warned doth not amend contend not with him but commit all to God that his will may be fulfilled and his name honored in all his seruants vvho knovveth hovv to turne euill into good Matth. 6. Endeauour to be patient in bearing with the defects and infirmities of others for that thy selfe also hast many things which must bee suffered by others Thess 5. Ioh. 1. Luk. 6. If thou canst not make thy selfe such an one as thou wouldest how canst thou expect to haue another in all things to thy liking Wee vvould vvillingly haue others perfect and yet vvee amend not our owne faults 3 We vvill haue others seuerely corrected and vvill not be corrected our selues The large libertie of others displeaseth vs and yet we will not haue our desires denied vs. Wee will haue others kept vnder by rigorous lawes but in no sort wil we our selues be restrained And thus it appeareth how seldome we weigh our neighbour in the same balance with our selues If all men were perfect vvhat should vvee haue to suffer of our neighbour for God 4 But novv God hath thus ordained that vve may learne to beare one anothers burden Gal. 6. for no man is without defect no man without burden no man sufficient of himselfe no man endued with so much wisdom as he needeth but we ought to beare with one another comfort one another helpe instruct and admonish one another 1. Thess 5. and 1. Cor. 12. Aduersitie best discouereth how great vertue each one hath for occasions make not a man fraile but doe shew what he is CHAP. XVII Of Religious life THou must learne to breake thy owne will in many things if thou wilt haue peace and concord with others It is no small matter to dwell in community or in a congregation and to conuerse therein without complaint and to perseuer there faithfully vntill death Blessed is he that hath there liued well and ended happily If thou wilt perseuer in grace as thou oughtest and profit in vertue esteeme thy selfe as a banished man and a pilgrime vpon earth Thou must be contented for the loue of Christ to be esteemed as a foole in this world if thou desire to leade a vertuous and perfect religious life 2 The wearing of religious habit and shauing of the crowne doe little profit but change of manners and perfect mortification of passions make a true religious man 1. Pet. 2. He that seeketh any thing else but God and the health of his soule shal finde nothing but tribulation and sorrow Eccls. 1. 4. Neither can he remaine long in peace that laboureth not to be in the meanest place and subiect to all 3. Thou camest to serue not to be serued Know that thou wast called to suffer and to labour not to be idle or to spend thy time in talke Mat. 20. Heere in the Schoole of Christ men are prooued as gold in the fornace Heere no man can stand vnlesse hee humble himselfe vvith his vvhole heart for the loue of God CHAP. XVIII Of the examples of the holy Fathers COnsider the liuely examples of the holy Fathers in whom true perfection and religion shined and thou shalt see how little it is and almost nothing which we doe now in these dayes Heb. 11. Alas what is our life if it be compared to them The Saints and friends of Christ serued our Lord in hunger and thirst in cold and nakednesse in labour and vvearinesse in vvatching and fasting in prayer and holy meditations in persecutions and many reproaches 2 O how many and grieuous tribulations suffered the Apostles Martyrs Confessors Virgins and all the rest that endeauoured to follow the steppes of Christ They hated their liues in this world Ioh. 12. that they might possesse their soules in euerlasting life Mat. 7. O how strait and poore a life led the holy Fathers in the vvildernes How long and grieuous temptations suffred they How often and how grieuously were they assaulted by their ghostly Enemie How feruent prayers offered they daily to God! How rigorous abstinence did they vse Hovv feruent zeale and care had they of their spirituall profit How strong and continuall a combate had they for the ouercomming of vices How pure and vpright intention kept they vnto God! In the day they laboured and in the night they attended to continuall prayer although when they laboured also they ceased not from mentall prayer 3 They spent all their time with profit euery houre seemed short for the seruice of God and for the great sweetnes they had in contemplation they forgot the necessity of corporall refection They renounced all riches dignities honors friends and kinsfolkes they desired to haue nothing vvhich appertained to the world they scarse tooke things necessary for the sustenance of life they grieued to serue their bodies euen it necessity They were poore in earthly things but rich in grace and vertues Outwardly they wanted but inwardly they were replenished with grace and spirituall comfort 4 They were strangers in the world but neere and familiar friends to God They seemed to themselues as nothing and abiect to this world but they were precious and beloued in the eyes of God They were grouÌ„ded in true humility liued in simple obedience walked in charity and patience and therefore they profited
my secrets and vnderstand the high mysteries of God neglecting themselues and their own saluation Eccles 3. and 2. Cor. 3. These oftentimes for that I resist them doe fall into great temptations and sinnes for their pride and curiosity 4 Feare the judgements of God dread the wrath of the almighty But discusse not the workes of the Highest Search thine owne iniquities in how much thou hast offended and how much good thou hast neglected Some carry their deuotion onely in books some in pictures sone in outward signes figures some haue me in their mouthes but little in their harts There are others that being illuminated in their vnderstanding and purged in their affection doe alwaies aspire with an earnest mind to euerlasting happines Esa 29. and are vnwilling to heare of the things of this world to serue the necessities of nature with griefe and these perceiue what the Spirit of truth speaketh in them Psal 24 Because it teacheth them to despise earthly and loue heauenly things to neglect thâ— world and day and night to desire heauen CHAP. V. Of the wonderfull effect of diuine grace THE SERVANT I Praise thee O heauenly Father Father of my Lord Iesus Christ for that thou hast vouchsafed to remember mee a poore and wretched creature O Father of mercies and God of all comfort thankes be vnto thee who sometimes with thy comfort refreshest mee vnworthy of all comfort 2. Cor. 1. I euer blesse and glorifie thee with thy only begotten Son the holy Ghost for al worlds O God my Lord the holy louer of my soule when thou shalt come into my heart all that is within me will reioyce Thou art my glory and the exultation of my heart Psal 3. Thou art my hope and my refuge in the day of my tribulation Psal 31. 2 But for that I am yet weake in loue and imperfect in vertue I haue need to be comforted by thee visite me therefore often and instruct mee with thy holy discipline Deliuer me from euill passions and heale my heart of al inordinate affections that being cured within and wel purged I may be made fit to loue strong to suffer and constant to perseuere 3 Loue is a great matter in very truth a great good which alone maketh euery thing that is heauy light and beareth equally vnequall burdens Mat. 11. For it carrieth a burden without a burden and maketh euery thing that is bitter sweet and delightsome The noble loue of Iesus enforceth man to worke great things and stirreth him vp to desire alwayes the most perfect Loue will be aloft and not kept downe with any base things Loue will be free from all worldly affection to the end his inward sight be not obscured that he be not intangled with the desire of any transitory gaine or troubled with the want thereof Nothing is sweeter then loue nothing stronger nothing higher nothing more ample nothing more pleasant nothing fuller nor better in heauen or in earth for that loue hath his beginning from God and cannot rest but in God aboue all creatures 4 He that loueth flyeth runneth and reioyceth he is free and not held in He giueth all for all and hath all in al for that he resteth in one Highest aboue all from which all good floweth and proceedeth Hee respecteth not the gifts but turneth himselfe aboue all goods vnto the giuer Loue oftentimes knoweth no measure but inflameth aboue al measure Loue feeleth no burthen weigheth no paines desireth aboue it strength complaineth not of impossibility for that it thinketh all things lawful and possible It is therefore able to vndertake all things and performeth and bringeth many things to effect whereas he that doth not loue fainteth and can doe nothing 5 Loue alwaies watcheth sleeping sleepeth not being wearied is not tired straitned is not pressed frighted is not troubled but like a liuely flame and burning torch breaketh vpwards and passeth through al with great securitie Rom. 8. If any one loueth hee knoweth what this voice cries A lowd cry in the ears of God is the burning loue of the soul which saith My God my loue thou art wholy mine and I wholy thine 6 Enlarge mee in loue that my heart may taste how sweete it is to loue and to be dissolued swimme in thy loue Let me be possessed by loue mounting aboue my selfe with excessiue feruour admiration Let me sing the song of loue let me follow thee on high my beloued let my soule faint in thy praises reioycing with loue Let mee loue thee more then my selfe and not my selfe but for thee and al in thee and truly loue thee as the law of loue commandeth which shineth in thee 7. Loue is swift sincere pious sweet and delightfull strong patient faithful prudent suffering ful of courage and neuer seeking it selfe 1. Cor. 13. For where one seeketh himself there he falleth from loue 1. Cor. 10. Loue is circumspect humble and vpright not remisse not mutable nor attending vnto vaine things sober chast constant quiet and guarded in al the senses Psal 2. Loue is subiect and obedient to Superiours meane and abiect to it selfe deuout thankfull vnto God trusting and hoping alwaies in him euen then when God imparteth no sweetnes vnto it for without sorrow none liueth in loue 8 He that is not ready to suffer al things and stand to the will of his beloued is not worthy to be called a louer A louer ought to embrace willingly al that is hard and distastefull for his beloued and not to turne away from him for any contrary accidents CHAP. VI. Of the proofe of a true Louer OVR LORD SOnne thou art not yet a strong and prudent louer SER. Wherefore Lord LORD Because thou giuest ouer for a small aduersitie and too earnestly seekest comfort A constant louer standeth firmely in temptations giueth not credit to the crafty perswasions of the enemy As I please him in prosperity so I am not vnpleasant to him in aduersity Phil. 4. 2 A prudent louer considereth not so much the gift of his louer as the loue of the giuer He rather esteemeth the good will then the value and placeth all gifts vnder his beloued A noble louer resteth not in the gift but in mee aboue any gift All therfore is not left if sometimes thou hast lesse taste of mee and my Saints then thou wouldest That good and sweet desire which thou sometimes feelest is the effect of present grace and a certaine taste of the heauenly Country whereon thou must not rely too much for it goeth and commeth But to fight against euil motions of the minde which may happen vnto thee and to despise the suggestion of the diuel is a signe of vertue and great merit Matth. 4. 3 Let not therefore strange fancies forced into thee of any matter whatsoeuer trouble thee Retaine a firme purpose and vpright intention to God Neither is it an illusion that sometimes thou art suddenly rapt on high and presently returnest againe
simple and well ordered thou shalt bee free from bondage Couet not that which thou mayest not haue Mat. 6. Bee not willing to haue that which may hinder thee and depriue thee of inward libertie It is a wonderfull thing that thou committest not thy selfe wholy vnto me from the bottom of thy heart with all things that thou canst desire or haue 2 Why doest thou consume thy selfe with vaine griefe Why tyrest thou thy mind with needlesse cares Resigne thy selfe to me thou shalt feel no losse at al. Exo. 18. Mic. 4. If thou seekest this or that wouldest be here or there to enioy thine own cōmodity pleasure thou shalt neuer be in quiet nor free from trouble of mind for in euery thing somewhat will be wanting and in euery place there wil be some that wil crosse thee 3 Not euery external thing therfore attained and heaped together helpeth thee but it rather auaileth if thou despise it and doest root it out from thy heart which thou must not vnderstand onely of thy reuenewes and wealth but of the desire of honor also vaine praise all which do passe away with this fading world The place auaileth little if the spirit of feruour be wanting Esa 4.8 neither shall that peace which is sought abroad long continue if the state of thy heart be destitute of a true foundation that is vnlesse thou persist in me thou maist change but not better thy selfe For whē occasion doth happen thou shalt find that which thou soughtest to fly and perhaps more A prayer for cleansing the heart and obtaining of heauenly wisdome SER. 4 Confirme mee Lord with the grace of thy holy Spirit Ps 50. Giue me force to strengthen my inward man and to purge my heart from all vnprofitable care griefe Eph. 3. not to be drawne away with sundry desires of any thing either little or great Mat. 6. but to consider all things how they are transitory and do quickly fade that my selfe do also passe away togither with thē for nothing is permanent vnder the Sun where all things are vanity and affliction of mind O how wise is he that so cōsidereth them Eccl. 1. 2. 5 Grant me Lord heauenly wisdome that I may learne aboue all things to seek and find thee aboue al things to delight in thee and to loue thee to think of all created things as they are according to the disposition of thy wisdome Grant me prudently to auoid him that flatters me to suffer patiently him that cōtradicts me Eph. 4. It is great wisdome not to be moued with euery blast of words nor to giue eare to dangerous flattery for so we shall go on securely in the way which we haue begun CHAP. XXVIII Against the tongue of Slanderers OVR LORD SOnne be not grieued if some think euill of thee and speake that which thou dost not willingly heare Thou oughtest to judge the worst of thy selfe and to thinke no man weaker then thy selfe 1. Cor. 4. If thou walk according to spirit thou wilt not much esteeme of flying words It is no smal wisdome to be silent in time of euil and inwardly to turne to me and not to bee troubled with the judgement of men 2 Let not thy peace bee in the tongues of men for whether they judge well or euill thou art neuerthelesse alwaies the same Where is true peace and true glory Is it not in me and he that coueteth not to please men nor feareth to displease them shall enioy much peace From inordinate loue and vaine feare ariseth all disquiet of heart and distraction of the senses CHAP. XXIX How we ought to call vpon God and blesse him when tribulation draweth neere THE SERVANT BLessed O Lord be thy name for euer since it pleaseth thee that this temptation and tribulation should fall vpon me Iob 1. Psal 112. I cannot fly it but haue need to fly to thee that thou maist helpe me and turne it to my good Lord I am now afflicted and it is not well with mee I am much troubled with this present griefe And now beloued Father what shall I say I am taken in narrow straits saue me in this houre Mat. 26. Yea therefore I am fallen in this houre that thou maist be glorified when I shal be greatly humbled and by thee deliuered Let it please thee Lord to deliuer me for poore wretch that I am what can I do and whither shal I go without thee Grāt patience Lord euen this time also Help me my God and then I wil not fear how much soeuer I be oppressed 2 And now in this what shall I say Lord thy will be done Mat. 6. I haue well deserued to be afflicted and grieued Surely I ought to beare it and I would to God I might beare it with patience vntil the tempest be passed ouer it become calme But thy omnipotent hand is able to take this temptation from me and to asswage the violence thereof that I vtterly sinke not vnder it as oftentimes heretofore thou hast done vnto mee my Lord my Mercy And how much the more hard it is to mee so much the more easie is this change of thy mighty hand to thee CHAP. XXX Of crauing the diuine aide and confidence of recouering grace OVR LORD SOnne I am thy Lord who doe vse to giue comfort in the day of tribulation Come vnto me when it is not wel with thee Nahum 1. This is that which most of all hindreth heauenly consolatiō that thou art slow in turning thy selfe vnto prayer Mat. 11. For before thou dost earnestly commend thy self to me thou seekest many comforts and delightest thy selfe in outward things And hence it proceedeth that al doth little profit thee vntil thou consider that I am he that deliuer those that trust in me that out of me there is neither powerfull helpe nor profitable counsell nor remedy that can continue But now thou hauing recouered breath after the tempest gather strength againe in the light of my mercies for I am at hand saith our Lord to repaire al not only entirely but also abundantly Mat. 23. 2 Is there any thing hard to me or am I like vnto him that promiseth and performeth not Where is thy faith Be firme and constant Take courage and be patient comfort will bee giuen thee in due time Attend me expect I wil come and cure thee It is a temptation that vexeth thee and a vaine feare that affrighteth thee What else doth the care for future incertainties bring thee but sorrow vpon sorrow Sufficient for the day is the euil therof It is a vain and vnprofitable thing to be grieued or to reioyce for future things that perhaps will neuer happen Mat. 6. 3 But it is incident to man to be deluded with such imaginations and a signe of little courage to be so easily drawne away by the suggestion of the enemy For he careth not so he delude deceiue thee whether it be true or
care can profit little O that I cleaued not too much to future euents but offred my selfe with all readinesse of minde to thy diuine pleasure LORD 2 Son oftentimes a man doth earnestly labour for that which he desireth and when he hath gotten it hee beginneth to be of another minde and not to esteeme so much of it as before he did for mans affections doe not long continue fixed on one thing but do passe from one to another It is therefore a matter not of least moment to forsake our selues euen in the least things 3 The true spirituall profite of man consisteth in denying and forsaking of himselfe and he that is resigned liueth in great freedome and security But the ancient enemie who alwaies laboureth to withstand the seruants of God omitteth at no time his wonted temptations but day and night lieth still in waite to cast the vnwary if hee can into the snare of deceit 1. Pet. 5. Watch therefore and pray saith our Lord that you enter not into temptation Matth. 26. CHAP. XL. That man hath no good of himselfe nor any thing wherof he can glory THE SERVANT LOrd what is man that thou art mindefull of him or the sonne of man that thou vouchsafest to visite him Psalm 8. What hath man deserued that thou shouldest giue him thy grace Lord what cause haue I to complaine if thou forsake me Or if thou doest not that which I desire what can I justly say against it Surely this I may truely thinke and say Lord I am nothing I can doe nothing I haue nothing that is good of my self but in al things I do faile and am defectiue and doe euer tend to nothing and vnlesse thou helpe me and dost interiourly instruct me I become cold and am dissolued 2 But thou O Lord art alwayes the same and endurest for euer alwaies good just and holy doing all things well just and holily and disposing al things with wisdome Psa 101. But I that am more inclined to fall then to goe forwards doe neuer continue in one estate for seuen different times are changed ouer mee yet doth it soone turne to the better when it so pleaseth thee and when thou vouchsafest to stretch forth thy helping hand For thou alone canst help me without the fauour of man and so strengthen me that my countenance shall be no more changed but my heart shall be conuerted and rest in thee alone 3 Wherefore if I could once perfectly forsake all humane comfort either for the loue of deuotion or for mine own necessity which inforceth me to seeke after thee for none else can comfort mee then might I well hope in thy grace and reioyce in the gift of new consolation 4 Thankes by vnto thee from whence all proceedeth as often as it goeth well with me but I am meere vanity nothing before thee an vnconstant and weake man Whereof then can I glory Or why do I desire to be esteemed of Is it not of nothing and this is most vaine Truly vain-glory is an euill plague and very great vanity because it draweth from true glory robbeth the soule of heauenly grace For whilest a man pleaseth himself he displeaseth thee whilest hee gapeth after the praise of men he is depriued of true vertue 5 But true glory holy exultation and joy is for a man to glory in thee and not in himselfe Abac. 3. to reioyce in thy name and not in his owne vertue nor to delight in any creature but for thee Praised be thy name not mine magnified bee thy worke not mine let thy holy name be for euer blessed but to me let no part of mens praises be giuen Ps 112. and 113. Thou art my glory thou art the joy of my hart In thee wil I glory and reioice al the day but for my self I will not joy but in my infirmities 6 Let the Iewes seeke the glory which one man giueth ro another I will desire this which is from God alone Ioh. 5. For all humane glory all temporall honor al wordly highnes compared to thy eternall glory is vanity and folly O my truth my mercy my God most blessed Trinity to thee alone be all praise honor vertue and glory for all eternity CHAP. XLI Of the contempt of all temporall honors OVR LORD SOnne trouble not thy selfe if thou seest others honoured and aduanced and thy selfe contemned and debased Lift vp thy heart vnto mee in heauen and the contempt of men in earth will not grieue thee SER. Lord we are blind quickly seduced with vanity If I look wel into my selfe I cannot say that any creature hath done me wrōg therfore I cānot justly complain of thee 2 But because I haue often grieuously sinned against thee all creatures do justly take arms against me for shame and contempt is due vnto me but vnto thee praise honor and glory And vnlesse I do so prepare my self that I be willing do reioyce to be despised and forsaken of all creatures and to be esteemed nothing at all I cannot obtain internal strength and peace nor be spiritually enlightned nor wholy vnited vnto thee CHAP. XLII That our peace is not to be placed in men OVR LORD SOnne if the peace thou hast with any bee grounded on the opinion which thou hast of him or on the contentment thou receiuest in his company thou shalt euer be vnconstant and subiect to disquiet but if thou haue recourse vnto the euer-liuing and eternall Truth a friend going from thee or dying shall not grieue thee The loue of thy friend ought to rest in me and for me is he to bee beloued whosoeuer hee bee whom thou thinkest well of and is verily deare vnto thee in this life No friendship can auaile or continue without me neither is the loue true and pure which they haue whose hearts are not joyned together by me Thou oughtest to be so dead to such affections of beloued friends that for as much as appertaineth vnto thee thou shouldest wish to be without all company of men Man approcheth so much the neerer vnto God how much the further off hee departeth from all earthly comfort so much the higher also he ascendeth vnto God by how much lower hee descendeth into himselfe and how much the baser hee is in his owne conceit 2 But hee that attributeth any good vnto himselfe hindereth the comming of Gods grace vnto him For the grace of the holy Ghost euer seeketh an humble heart If thou couldst perfectly annihilate thy self and purge thy selfe of all created loue then should there flow into thee great abundance of my grace When thou castest thy eies on creatures the sight of thy Creator is taken from thee Learne to ouercome thy selfe in al things for the loue of thy Creator and then shalt thou be able to attain to heauenly knowledge How little soeuer it be if it be inordinately loued and regarded it defileth the soule and hindreth the enjoying of the chiefest good CHAP. XLIII Against
within and without be accomplished according to thy will and pleasure How secure is it for the keeping of heauenly grace to fly the sight of men And not to seek those things that seeme to cause admiration abroad but to follow that with al diligence which bringeth amendment of life and encrease of feruour 6 To how many hath vertue knowne and ouer hastily commended bin hurtful how profitable hath grace beene kept with silence in this mortall life which is nothing but a perpetual temptation and a warfare CHAP. XLVI Of putting our trust in God when euil words arise OVR LORD SOn be constant and put thy trust in mee For what are words but words They passe through the aire but hurt not Psa 36. If thou be guiltie determine willingly to amend thy selfe if thou be innocent resolue to suffer this willingly at least for God It is a small matter to suffer sometimes a fevv vvords if thou hast not yet the courage to endure stripes And why doe small matters go to thy heart but for that thou art yet carnall and regardest men more then thou oughtest Because thou art afraid to bee despised therefore wilt not bee reprehended for thy faults and therefore seekest shaddowes of excuses 2 But look better into thy self and thou shalt see that the world yet liueth in thee a vain desire to please men For when thou refusest to be humbled reproued for thy faults it is surely euident that thou art neither truely humble nor dead to the world nor the world perfectly crucified to thee But giue diligent eare to my words thou shalt little respect ten thousand words spoken by men Behold if al should be spokē against thee that could be maliciously inuented what would it hurt thee if thou suffredst it to passe madest no reckoning at all of it Could all those words pluck as much as one haire from thy head Mat. 10. Luk. 11. 3 But he that hath not his heart within him nor God before his eies is easily moued with euery little dispraise whē as he that trusteth in me and confideth not in his own judgement shal be free from human fears For I am the Iudge and the discerner of all secrets I know how the matter passed I know him that offereth the iniury and him that suffereth it Psal 7. From me hath this word proceeded this hath happened by my permission that out of many hearts thoughts may bee reuealed I shall judge the guilty and the innocent but by a secret judgement I would beforehand try them both Luk. 2. 4 The testimony of men oftentimes deceiueth my judgement is alwaies true it shall stand and not be ouerthrown It is commonly hidden and secret and not knowne in euery thing but to few notwithstanding it neuer erreth neither can it erre although to the eyes of the foolish it seemes not right Men ought therefore to returne to me in euery judgement and not to stand in their owne opinions For the just man will not be troubled whatsoeuer happeneth vnto him for God Pro. 12. and if any thing be wrongfully brought forth against him hee will not much care neither will he vainly be glad if by others hee be with reason excused For he considereth that I am he that searcheth the heart and reines do judge not according to the outward face nor humane apparence For that is oftentimes found culpable in my sight that in the judgement of men is commendable SER. 5 O Lord my God the just Iudge strong patient thou knowest the frailty and peruersity of man be thou my strength all my trust for mine owne conscience sufficeth me not Thou knowest that which I cannot reach vnto and therefore in euery reprehension I ought to haue submitted my selfe to haue borne it patiently vouchsafe mercifully to pardon me as often as I haue failed herein and giue me againe grace of greater sufferance For thy bountiful mercy is more auaileable to me for the obtaining of pardon then my conceiued justice for the defence of my hidden conscience Although my conscience accuse me not yet I cannot hereby justifie my selfe 1. Cor. 4. for if thy mercy be away no man liuing shall bee justified in thy sight Psal 142. CHAP. XLVII That all grieuous things are to be endured for life euerlasting OVR LORD SOn let not the paines dismay thee which thou hast vndertaken for me neither be thou discomforted for the tribulatiōs which do befal thee but let my promise strengthen and comfort thee in all euents I am able to reward thee aboue all measure Thou shalt not long toile heere nor alwaies be oppressed with griefe Attend a while and thou shalt see a speedy end of thy euils There will come an houre when all labour and trouble shall cease Little and short is all that passeth away with time 2 Do as thou doest labour faithfully in my Vineyard I will be thy reward Write reade sing mourne obserue silence pray suffer crosses manfully Matth. 20. life euerlasting is worthy of all these and greater combates Peace shall come in the day which is known vnto our Lord and it shall not be day nor night to wit of this time but euerlasting light infinite brightnesse stedfast peace and secure rest Then thou shalt not say Who shall deliuer mee from the body of this death Rom. 7. nor crie Woe be vnto mee for that my dwelling in a strange Countrey is prolonged Psal 119. For death shall be throwne downe and health shall be without decay no anxietie blessed joy sweete and glorious company 3 O if thou hadst seene the euerlasting crownes of the Saints in heauen and with how great glory they now reioice who in times past were contemptible to this world esteemed vnworthy of life it selfe Sap. 3. and 5. truly thou wouldest presently humble thy self euen vnto the earth and wouldest rather seeke to be vnder the feete of al then to haue command so much as ouer one neither wouldest thou desire pleasant dayes of this life but rather reioyce to be afflicted for God and esteeme it thy greatest gaine to bee reputed as nothing amongst men 4 O if thou haddest a feeling of these things and didst suffer them to enter into the depth of thy hart how durst thou so much as once to complaine Are not all painfull labours to be endured for euerlasting life It is no small matter to leese or to gain the Kingdome of heauen Lift vp thine eyes therfore vnto heauen behold I and all my Saints with mee who in this world had great conflicts do now rejoyce now are comforted now are secure now do rest and shall remaine with mee euerlastingly in the kingdom of my Father CHAP. XLVIII Of the euerlasting day and shortnes of this life THE SERVANT O Most blessed mansion of the heauenly City O most cleare day of eternity which night obscureth not but the highest truth euer enlightneth day euer pleasant euer secure and neuer changing into contrary
state Apoc. 21. O that that day would once appeare all these temporall things were at an end To the Saints it shineth glistering with euerlasting brightnes but to those that are Pilgrimes vpon earth it appeareth only a far off and as it were through a glasse 2 The inhabitants of heauen doe know how joyfull that day is but the banished children of Eue bewaile the bitternesse and tediousnes of this The daies of this life are short and euill full of sorrow and anguish where man is defiled with many sins incumbred with many passions disquieted with many feares filled with many cares distracted with many curiosities intangled with many vanities compassed about with many errors worne away with many labours vexed with temptations weakened with delights tormented with want Iob 7. 3 O when shall these euils be at an end Rom. 7. When shall I be deliuered from the miserable bondage of sin Psal 70. When shall I thinke O Lord of thee alone When shall I perfectly reioyce in thee When shal I bee free from all impediments in true liberty without al grief of mind and body When shall I haue firme peace peace secure without trouble peace without and within peace euery way assured O good Iesu whē shall I stand to behold thee When shall I contemplate the glory of thy Kingdom When wilt thou be vnto me all in all things O when shall I be with thee in thy Kingdom which thou hast prepared for thy beloued from before all worlds I am left a poore and banished man in the Land of mine enemies where there are daily warres and great misfortunes 4 Comfort my banishment asswage my sorrow for my whole desire sendeth vp sighes vnto thee For all is burdensome to me whatsoeuer this world offereth for my comfort I desire familiarly to enioy thee but I cannot attaine vnto it I would gladly fixe my heart to the things of heauen but temporall cares and vnmortified passions weigh me downe In mind I would be aboue al things but to my flesh I am inforced to be subiect against my will Ro. 7. 8. Thus vnhappy mā that I am I fight against my selfe and am become grieuous to my selfe whilest my spirit seeketh after the things that are aboue and my flesh that which is below 5 O what doe I inwardly suffer when in minde I consider heauenly things and presently in my prayers a multitude of fleshly fantasies present themselues before me My God be not farre from me depart not in thy wrath from thy seruant Psa 70. Cast forth thy lightning disperse them send out thy darts and breake all the fantasies of my enemy Gather my senses together vnto thee make mee forget the things of this world grant me grace to cast away speedily the fantasies of vices Succour me O euerlasting truth that no vanity may moue me Come heauenly sweetnes and let al impurity fly from thy face Pardon me also and mercifully forgiue me as often as I think vpon any thing else besides thee in prayer I truly confesse that I am wont to be subiect to many distractions for oftentimes I am not there where I do corporally stand or sit but rather there whither my thoughts do carry me Where my thought is there am I there is oftentimes my thought where my affection is That quickly occurreth vnto me which is naturally delightsome by custome pleasing 6 And for this cause thou that art truth it self hast plainly said Where thy treasure is there is also thy heart Mat. 6. If I loue heauen I willingly thinke of heauenly things If I loue the world I reioyce at the felicity of the world grieue for the aduersity thereof If I loue the flesh I imagine oftētimes those things that are pleasing to the flesh If I loue the spirit I delight to thinke of spirituall things For whatsoeuer I loue thereof doe I willingly speake and heare and cary home with me the formes and representations thereof O blessed is that man that for thee O Lord forsaketh all creatures that violently resisteth nature out of the feruour of spirit crucifieth the concupiscence of the flesh that with a cleare conscience he may offer sincere prayers vnto thee and be worthy of the company of the Angelicall quiers all earthly things outwardly and inwardly being excluded CHAP. XLIX Of the desire of euerlasting life how great rewards are promised to those that fight valiantly OVR LORD SOn whē thou perceiuest the desire of euerlasting blisse to be giuē thee from aboue desirest to depart out of the Tabernacle of this body that thou maist without shaddow of any enterchange behold my light open thy heart and receiue this holy inspiration with thy whole desire Giue great thankes to the heauenly goodnes that dealeth with thee so fauourably visiteth thee mercifully stirreth thee vp feruently holdeth thee vp powerfully lest through thine owne waight thou fall downe to the vanities of the earth Neither doest thou obtaine this by thine owne thought or endeauour but by the only fauour of heauenly grace diuine bounty that thou maist profit in vertue obtaine greater humility and prepare thy selfe to future battailes and endeauour to cleaue vnto mee with the whole affection of thy hart and serue me with a feruent desire 2 Sonne fire often burneth but the flame ascendeth not vp without smoke so likewise the desires of some men are earnestly carried to heauenly things and yet they are not free from temptation of carnall affection and therefore it is not altogether purely for the honour of God that which they so earnestly request of him Such is also oftentimes thy desire which with such importunity thou presentest vnto me For that is not pure perfect which is infected and defiled with the loue of thine owne proper commodity interest 3 Ask not that which is delightsome and profitable to thee but that which is gratefull to me and appertaineth to my honor for if thou judgest aright thou oughtest to preferre and follow my appointment rather then thine own desire or any desired thing I know thy desire and haue heard thy often grones Now thou wouldest bee in the freedome of the glory of the sons of God now doth the euerlasting habitation and the heauenly Country full of joy delight thee but this houre is not yet come it is yet another time to wit of war time of labour triall Thou desirest to bee filled with the chiefest good but thou canst not attaine it for the present I am he saith our Lord expect vntill the Kingdome of God doth come Iob 7. 4 Thou art yet to be tried vpon earth and to bee exercised in many things Comfort shall be sometimes giuen thee but abundant fulnes therof shal not be granted Take courage therfore be constant as wel in doing as in suffring things contrary to nature Iosue 1. Thou oughtest to put on a new man and to be changed into another Eph. 4. Thou must oftentimes doe
take courage my brethren and go forwards together Iesus will be with vs for Iesus sake we haue vndertaken this Crosse for the loue of Iesus let vs perseuere in the Crosse Hee will be our helper who is our guide and forerunner Behold our King goeth before vs who also will fight for vs let vs follow him cheerefully let vs not bee dismayed but be readie to die with courage in the battaile and let vs 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 OVR LORD SOnne patience and humilitie in time of aduersitie are more pleasing to mee then much comfort and deuotion in prosperitie Why art thou grieued for euery little trifle spoken and done against thee Although it had beene much more thou oughtest not to haue been moued But now let it passe it is not the first that hath happened nor any new thing neither shall it bee the last if thou liue long Thou art cheerefull enough as long as no aduersity occurreth Thou canst giue good counsell also and canst strengthen others with thy words but when any tribulation suddenly knocketh at thy dore thou art destitute of counsell and voide of force See therefore thy great frailtie which thou often prouest in very small occasions It is notwithstanding permitted for thy good when these and such like occasions befall thee 2 Put it out of thy heart the best thou canst and if it touch thee yet let it not deiect thee nor trouble thee long beare it at least patiently if thou canst not ioyfully Although thou bee vnwilling to heare it and feelest in thy heart some motion of disdaine yet represse thy selfe and suffer no inordinate word to passe out of thy mouth which may bee a scandall to the weake The storme which now is raised shall quickly be appeased and inward griefe shall be asswaged by the returne of grace I do yet liue saith our Lord and am ready to helpe thee and to giue thee greater comfort then before if thou put thy trust in mee and callest deuoutly vpon me Esay 49. 3 Be more patient and prepare thy selfe to greater suffering All is not lost if thou feele thy selfe often afflicted or grieuously tempted Thou art a man and not God thou art flesh not an Angell How canst thou looke to continue euer in the same state of vertue when an Angell in heauen hath fallen and the first man in Paradise lost his standing I am hee that doe giue healthfull comfort to them that mourne and doe raise vp vnto my God-head those that know their owne frailtie Gen. 3. SER. 4 Lord blessed be thy sacred Word more sweete vnto my mouth then the hony and the hony-combe What should I doe in these my so great tribulations and anguishes vnlesse thou diddest comfort mee with thy holy sweete and heauenly speeches Psal 118. What matter is it how much and what I suffer so as at length I may attaine to the hauen of blisse Grant mee a good end grant mee a happie passage out of this world Be mindfull of me my God and direct mee the straight and ready way to the euerlasting Kingdome Amen CHAP. LVIII Of not searching into high matters and into the secret iudgements of God OVR LORD SOnne beware thou dispute not of high matters not of the secret judgements of God why this man is forsaken and he assumed to so great grace why also this man is so much afflicted and he so greatly aduanced These things exceede all humane power neither can any reason or discourse of any man search out the judgement of God When the enemy therfore suggesteth these things vnto thee or some enuious people demand them of thee answere that of the Prophet Thou art just O Lord and thy judgement is right Psa 218. And againe The judgements of our Lord are true justified in thēselues Psa 18. My judgments are to be fearead not to be discussed for they are such as cannot be comprehended by the vnderstanding of man 2 In like maner I aduise thee not to enquire nor dispute of the merits of the Saints which of them is holier then the other and which is greater in the Kingdome of heauen These things oftentimes breed strife vnprofitable contentions they nourish also pride vain-glory from whēce do vsually spring enuy dissensions whilst one will needs foolishly haue this Saint preferred the other another 1. Tim. 2. To desire to know search out such things is to no purpose but to displease the Saints of whom they speake For I am not the God of dissensiō but of peace which peace consisteth rather in true humilitie then in exalting our selues 3 Some are carried with zeale of affectiō to loue these or those most but this loue is rather humane then diuine I haue made al the Saints and haue giuen them grace I haue made them partakers of my glory I know the merits of euery one I haue preuented them in the benedictions of my sweetnes I foreknew my beloued before the beginning of the world I chose thē out of the world they chose not me first Ioh. 15. I called them by grace I drew them by mercy I led them through sundry temptations I haue sent thē great inward cōforts I haue giuen thē perseuerāce I haue crowned their patiēce 4 I know the first and last I embrace all with inestimable loue I am to be praised in al my Saints I am to be blessed aboue al things and to be honored in euery one whom I haue thus gloriously exalted and predestinated without any precedent merits of their owne He therefore that contēneth one of the least of my Saints honoreth not the greatest for that I made both the lesse and the greater Iam. 2. Wisd 6. And he that dispraiseth any of my Saints dispraiseth also me al the rest in the Kingdome of heauen All are one by the band of Charity they thinke the same they will the same and are all knit together in one perfect-band of loue 5 But yet which is much more high they loue me more then themselues more then their owne merits For being rauished aboue themselues drawne out of the affection of themselues they tend wholy vnto the loue of mee in which also they rest enioying me with vnspeakable glory Nothing can put them backe nothing presse them down for being full of euerlasting truth they burne with the fire of vnquenchable charity Let therfore carnal earthly mē that can affect no other but priuate joyes forbeare to dispute of the state of Saints They adde and take away according to their owne fancies not as it pleaseth the euerlasting Truth 6 There is in many great ignorāce specially in those that bee slenderly enlightned these can seldom loue any with perfect spiritual loue They are alwaies much drawne by a natural affection humane friendship to this man or to that and according to the
and my body naked for thy sins so that nothing remained in mee that was not turned into a sacrifice for the appeasing of the diuine wrath so oughtest thou also to offer vp thy self willingly vnto me daily in the Masse as a pure and holy oblation with thy whole force and desire in as heartie a manner as thou canst What doe I require of thee more then that thou resigne thy selfe wholy vnto mee Prou. 23. Whatsoeuer thou giuest besides thy selfe is of little account in my sight for I seeke not thy gift but thee 2 As it would not suffice thee to haue all things whatsoeuer besides me so neither can it please mee whatsoeuer thou giuest if thou offerest not vp thy selfe Offer thy selfe vnto me and giue thy selfe all that thou art for God and thy offering shall be gratefull Behold I offered vp my selfe wholy vnto my Father for thee and gaue my whole body and bloud for thy food that I might be wholy thine and thou remaine mine But if thou abidest in thy selfe and doest not offer thy selfe vp freely vnto my will thy oblation is not entire neither shall the vnion betweene vs be perfect Therefore a free offering vp of thy selfe into the hands of God ought to goe before all thy actions if thou wilt obtaine freedome and grace For this cause so few become inwardly illuminated and enjoy true liberty of heart for that they do not resolue wholy to deny themselues My saying is vndoubtedly true Vnlesse one forsake all hee cannot bee my Disciple Ioh. 14. If thou therefore wish to bee mine offer vp thy selfe vnto mee with thy whole desires CHAP. IX That we ought to offer vp our selues and all that is ours vnto God and to pray for all The voice of the Disciple THine O Lord are all things that are in heauen in earth Ps 23. I desire to offer vp my self vnto thee is a free oblation and to remaine alwaies thine O Lord in sincerity of my hart I offer my self vnto thee this day in sacrifice of perpetuall praise to be thy seruant for euer Receiue mee with this holy oblation of thy precious body which in the presence of the Angels inuisibly attending heere vpon thee I offer vp this day vnto thee that it may be to the health of my soule and the saluation of all thy people 2 I offer vnto thee O Lord al my sins and offences which I haue committed in the sight of thee and thy holy Angels from the day wherein I first could sin to this houre vpon thy holy Altar that thou maist consume and burne them all with the fire of thy charity wash out all the stains of my sins and clense my conscience from all offence and restore to me againe thy grace which I lost by sin forgiuing me all my offences and receiuing me mercifvlly in the kisse of peace 3 What can I do for my sins but humbly confesse and bewaile them and intreat alwaies for mercy without intermission Psal 31. I beseech thee heare me in thy abundant mercy wheÌ„ I stand before thee my God All my sins are very displeasing vnto me I will neuer commit them any more but I am sory and will be sory for them as long as I liue am ready to do penance and to satisfie for them to the vttermost of my power Forgiue me O God forgiue mee my sinnes for thy holy names sake saue my soule which â—â—ou hast redeemed with thy precious bloud Behold I commit my selfe vnto thy mercy I resigne my selfe ouer into thy hands Do with me according to thy goodnesse not according to my wickednes and manifold iniquities 4 I offer vp also vnto thee all whatsoeuer is good in me although it be very little and imperfect that thou mayest amend and sanctifie it that thou mayest make it gratefull and acceptable vnto thee and alwaies perfect more and more that which thou hast begunne and bring me also who am the slouthfull and vnprofitable creature to a good and blessed end 5 I offer vp also vnto thee all the godly desires of deuout persons the necessities of my parents and friends my brethren and sisters and of all those that are deare vnto me and that haue done good either to my selfe or others for thy loue and that haue desired mee to say Masse and pray for them and all theirs whether they be yet aliue or already dead that they all may receiue the help of thy grace and comfort protection from dangers deliuery from paine and being freed from all euils may joyfully giue worthy thankes to thee 6 I offer vp also vnto thee my prayers and sacrifices especially for them who haue in any thing wronged grieued or slaundered mee or haue done mee any domage or displeasure and for those also whome I haue at any time grieued troubled and scandalized by words or deeds wittingly or at vnawares that it may please thee to forgiue vs all our sinnes and offences one against the other Take O Lord from our hearts all jealousie all indignation wrath and contention and whatsoeuer may hurt Charitie and weaken brotherly loue Haue mercie O Lord haue mercie on those that craue thy mercie giue grace vnto them that stand in need thereof and grant that wee may bee worthy to enioy thy grace and attaine to life euerlasting Amen CHAP. X. That the holy Communion is not lightly to be forborne The voice of the Beloued THou oughtest often to haue recourse to the Fountaine of grace and of diuine mercy to the Fountaine of goodnesse and of all piety that thou mayest bee cured of thy sinnes and passions and deserue to be made more strong and vigilant against all temptations and deceits of the Diuell The enemie knowing the greatest profit and remedy to consist in the holy Communion endeauoureth by all meanes and occasions to withdraw and hinder faithful and deuout persons from it 2 Some when they purpose to receiue the sacred Communion suffer greatest assaults of the Diuell For that wicked spirit as is written in Iob commeth amongst the Sonnes of God to trouble them with his accustomed malice and impiety or to make them ouer fearefull and perplexed that so he may diminish their affection or by his subtile assaults take away their faith to the end they may either altogether abstaine from this diuine foode or at least come vnto it with lesse deuotion But there is no heed to be taken of his frauds and malicious suggestions be they neuer so filthy and hideous but all is to be turned backe vpon his owne head Wee ought to contemne and scorne him miserable wretch and not to omit the sacred Communion for his assaults and the troubles which he raiseth 3 Oftentimes also an excessiue care for the obtaining of deuotion and a certaine anxiety for the making of our Confession hindreth vs. Follow in these occasions the counsell of the wise and put away all anxiety and scruple for it hindereth the grace of God and ouerthroweth deuotion Omit
the holy Church Psal 22. Heb. 9. and 13. One is the Table of the holy Altar containing the Sacred bread that is the precious Body of Christ the other is of the diuine law containing holy doctrine teaching true faith certainly leading to the part of the Temple within the veile where are the Holy of Holies Thankes be vnto thee Lord Iesu light of euerlasting light for thy table of holy doctrine at which thou seruest vs by thy seruants the Prophets and Apostles and other Doctors 5 Thanks be vnto thee Creator Redeemer of man who to manifest thy charity to the whole world hast prepared a great Supper Luk. 14. wherin thou hast offred to be eaten not the mysticall Lambe but thine owne most sacred Body and Bloud Ioh. 6. reioycing all the faithful with thy holy banquet and replenishing them to the full with thy heauenly Cup Psal 22. in which are all the delights of heauen and the holy Angels doe feast with vs but with a more happy sweetnesse Wisd 16. 6 O how great and honorable is the office of Priests to whom it is granted with sacred words to consecrate the Lord of Maiestie with their lippes to blesse him with their hands to hold him with their owne mouth to receiue him and to administer him to others O how cleane ought to be those hands How pure that mouth How holy the bodie How vnspotted the heart of the Priest into whom the Author of purity so often entreth Nothing but holy no word but chaste and profitable ought to proceed from the mouth of the Priest which so often receiueth the Sacrament of Christ 7 Simple and chaste ought to be the eyes that are wont to behold the body of Christ the hands pure and lifted vp to heauen that vse to handle the Creator of heauen and earth Vnto the Priests especially it is said in the Law Bee yet holy for that I your Lord God am holy Leuit. 19. and 20. 8 Assist vs Almighty God with thy grace that we who haue vndertaken the office of Priesthood may serue thee worthily and deuoutly in all purity and with a sincere conscience And if wee cannot liue in so great innocency as we ought to do graunt vs notwithstanding in due manner to bewaile the sinnes which we haue committed and in the spirit of humility and sincere intention to serue thee hereafter with more feruour CHAP. XII That he that is to Communicate ought to prepare himselfe with great diligence The voice of the Beloued I Am the louer of purity and the giuer of all sanctitie I seek a pure heart and there is the place of my rest Psal 23. Mat. 5. Make readie and adorne for me a great chamber and I will make with thee the Pasch with my Disciples Mark 14. Luk. 22. If thou wilt haue me come vnto thee and remaine with thee purge the old leuen and make cleane the dwelling of thy heart 1. Cor. 5. shut out the whole world and all tumult of vices sit like a sparow solitary vpon the house top and thinke of thy offences in the bitternesse of thy soule For euery louer prepareth the best and fairest roome for his beloued and herein is knowne the affection of him that entertaineth his beloued 2 Know thou notwithstanding that the worth of no action of thine is able to make this preparation sufficient although thou shouldest prepare thy selfe a whole yeare together and thinke on nothing else but of my mercy and grace onely thou art suffred to come to my Table like a begger inuited to dinner to a rich man who hath nothing else to returne him for his benefits but to humble himselfe and giue him thanks Do what lieth in thee and do it diligently not for custome nor for necessity but with feare and reuerence and harty affection receiue the Body of thy beloued Lord and God who vouchsafeth to come vnto thee I am he that haue called thee I haue commanded it to be done I will supply what is wanting in thee come and receiue me 3 When I bestow the grace of deuotion on thee giue thankes to God for it is giuen thee not for that thou deseruest it but because I haue mercy on thee If thou haue it not but rathere feele thy selfe dry continue in prayer sigh and knocke and giue not ouer vntill thou deserue to receiue some crumme or droppe of grace Thou hast need of me not I of thee neither commest thou to sanctifie me but I come to sanctifie and make thee better Thou commest that thou mayest bee sanctified by me and vnited vnto mee that thou mayest receiue new grace and bee stirred vp againe to amendment Neglect not this grace but prepare thy heart with all diligence and receiue thy beloued into thy soule 4 But thou oughtest not only to prepare thy selfe to deuotion before Communion but carefully also to conserue thy selfe therein after thou hast receiued the Sacrament Neither is the carefull guard of thy self after lesse exacted then deuout preparation before For a good guard afterwards is the best preparation thou canst make for the obtaining againe of greater grace because that mans minde becommeth very indisposed if hee presently powre himselfe out to outward comforts Beware of much talke remaine in some secret place and enjoy thy God For thou hast him whome all the world cannot take from thee I am hee to whom thou oughtest wholy to giue thy selfe that so thou mayest liue hereafter not in thy selfe but in me without all care CHAP. XIII That a deuout soule ought to desire with her whole heart to be vnited vnto Christ in the Sacrament The voice of the Disciple HOw may I obtaine this O Lord that I may finde thee alone and open my whole heart vnto thee and enjoy thee as my soule desireth And that no man may looke vpon me nor any creature mone me or respect me but thou alone mayest speake vnto me and I to thee as the Beloued is wont to speake to his Beloued and a friend to banquet with his friend Exod. 33. Cant. 8. This I pray for this I desire that I may be wholy vnited vnto thee and may withdraw my heart from all created things and more and more by sacred Communion and often celebrating learne to taste of heauenly and euerlasting sweetnes O Lord God when shall I bee wholy vnited and absorpt by thee and altogether forgetfull of my selfe Thou in me and I in thee and so grant vs both to continue in one Ioh. 15. 2 Thou art my Beloued the choicest amongst thousands in whome my soule hath taken pleasure to dwel all the daies of her life Cant. 5. Thou art my Peace-maker in whome is greatest peace and true rest without whom is labour and sorrow and infinit misery Thou art a hidden God and thy counsell is not with the wicked but thy speech is with the humble and simple of heart Prou. 3. O Lord how sweet is thy Spirit who to the end thou
mightest shew thy sweetenesse towards thy children vouchsafest to feede them with the most delightsome bread which descendeth from heauen and is full of all sweetnes Wisd 12. Surely there is no other Nation so great that hath Gods approching vnto them as thou our God art present to all thy faithfull vnto whom for their daily comfort and for the lifting vp of their hearts to heauen thou giuest thy self to be eaten and enioyed Deut. 4. 3 For what other Nation is there so famous as the Christian people Or what creature vnder heauen so beloued as a deuout soule to whom God himselfe commeth to feed her with his glorious flesh O vnspeakable grace O admirable fauour O infinit loue singularly bestowed vpon man But what shall I giue vnto our Lord in returne of this grace for so singular a charitie Psal 115. There is no other thing more gratefull that I am able to giue then to bestow my heart wholy on my God and to vnite it perfectly vnto him Then shall all my bowels reioyce when my soule shall be perfectly vnited vnto God Then hee will say vnto me if thou wilt be with me I will bee with thee And I will answere him Vouchsafe O Lord to remaine with me and I will be with thee This is my whole desire that my heart be vnited vnto thee CHAP. XIV Of the feruent desire of some deuout persons to receiue the Body of Christ The voice of the Disciple O How great is the store of thy sweetenesse O Lord which thou hast hidden for them that feare thee Psalm 30. When I remember some deuout persons who come vnto thy Sacrament O Lord with great deuotion and affection I am oftentimes confounded and blush within my selfe that I come so negligently and coldly to thy Altar to the Table of holy Communion that I remaine so drie and without spirituall motion or feeling that I am not wholy inflamed in thy presence my God nor so earnestly drawne and moued as many deuout persons haue beene who out of a vehement desire of receiuing and a feeling affection of heart could not containe themselues from weeping but with the desire both of soule and body they earnestly longed after thee O God the liuely Fountaine being not otherwise able to temper nor satisfie their hunger but by receiuing thy Body with all joy and spirituall greedinesse 2 O most ardent faith of those persons a probable argument of thy sacred presence For these truely know their Lord in the breaking of bread whose heart burneth so within them whilest thou O blessed Iesu walkest with them Luk. 24. Such desire and deuotion so vehement loue and feruencie is oftentimes far off from me Be mercifull vnto me good Iesu sweet and benigne Lord and grant me thy poore needy creature to feele sometimes at least in this holy Sacrament a little cordiall desire of thy loue that my faith may be more strengthened my hope in thy goodnes encreased and that my charity once perfectly inflamed after the tasting of heauenly Manna may neuer decay 3 Thy mercy O Lord is able to giue me the grace I desire and to visit me in thy bounteous clemencie with the spirit of feruour when it shall please thee For although I burne not with so great desire as those that are so especially deuoted vnto thee yet notwithstanding by thy grace I desire to haue this great inflamed desire praying and crauing that I may participate with all such thy feruent louers and be numbered among them in their holy company CHAP. XV. That the grace of deuotion is obtained by humilitie and deniall of our selues The voice of the Beloued THou oughtest to seeke the grace of deuotion instantly to aske it earnestly to expect it patiently and considently to receiue it joyfully to keep it humbly to worke with it diligently and to commit the time and manner of this heauenly visitation to God vntill it shall be his pleasure to come Thou oughtest chiefly to humble thy selfe when thou feelest inwardly little or no deuotion and yet not to be too much deiected nor to grieue inordinately for it God often giueth in a short moment that which he hath long time denied he giueth sometimes in the end that which in the beginning of prayer he differred to grant 2 If grace should be alwaies presently giuen and at hand euer with a wish it could not be well endured by a weake man Therefore deuotion is to be expected with good hope and humble patience yet impute it to thy selfe and thy sinnes when it is not giuen thee or when it is secretly taken from thee It is sometimes a small matter that hindreth hideth grace from vs if it bee to bee called small and not rather a great matter that hindreth so great a good And if thou remooue this bee it great or smal and perfectly ouercome it thou shalt haue thy desire 3 For presently as soone as thou giuest thy selfe to God and seekest not this nor that for thine owne pleasure or will but setlest thy selfe wholy in me thou shalt find thy selfe vnited vnto him and quiet For nothing will taste so well and please thee so much as the will and pleasure of God Whosoeuer therefore with a sincere heart directeth his intention to God purgeth himselfe from all in ordinate loue or dislike of any creature shall be most fit to receiue grace and worthy of the gift of deuotion For our Lord bestoweth his blessing there where he findeth his vessels empty And how much the more perfectly one forsaketh these basest things and dieth to himselfe by contempt of himselfe so much the more speedily grace commeth and entreth in more plentifully and lifteth vp the heart that is free to a higher state of grace 4 Then shall he see and abound and wonder and his heart shall be enlarged because the hand of our Lord is with him and hee hath put himselfe wholy into his hand for euer Esa 60. Behold so shall the man bee blessed that seeketh Almighty God with his whole heart and taketh not his soule in vaine This man deserueth great grace of diuine vnion in receiuing the holy Eucharist for that hee regardeth not his owne deuotion and comfort but aboue all deuotion and comfort he prizeth the honor and glory of God CHAP. XVI That wee ought to manifest our necessities vnto Christ and to craue his grace The voice of the Disciple O Most sweete and louing Lord whom I now desire to receiue deuoutly thou knowest my infirmitie and the necessity which I endure with how many sins I am oppressed how often I am grieued tempted troubled and defiled I come vnto thee for remedie I craue of thee thy heauenly comfort and the ease of my paine I speake to him that knoweth all things to whom all my secrets are open and who can only perfectly comfort and helpe mee Thou knowest what it is whereof aboue all things I stand in most need and how poore I am in vertues 2 Behold
happy and gracious that be past this wretched life and now in blisse for they shall neuer haue any such miserie And when you feele a comfort or consolation spirituall thanke God therof and thinke the damned soules shall neuer haue any such pleasure And thus let this bee for your exercise in the datiue At night when you goe to rest first make account with your selfe and remember how you haue spent or passed the day time that was giuen you to bee vsed in vertue and how you haue bestowed your thoughts your words and your workes And if you finde no great thing amisse giue the whole laude and praise vnto our Lord God And if you perceiue contrary that you haue mispent any part thereof bee sory therefore and beseech our Lord of mercie and forgiuenes and promise and verily purpose to make amends the next day And if you haue oportunitie thereupon it shall be very conuenient for you to bee confessed the next morning and especially if the matter done said or thought by deliberate consent doe grieuously weigh and worke with a grudge in your conscience then would I aduise you neuer to eate nor drinke till you bee discharged thereof if you may conueniently get a ghostly father Now for a conclusion of this worke put before you as by case or imagination two large Cities one full of trouble turmoile and misery and let that bee hell The other Citie full of joy gladnesse comfort and pleasure and let that bee heauen Looke well on them both for in both be many dwellers and great company Then cast and thinke within your selfe what thing heere might so please you that you should choose the worse Citie or what thing should displease you on the other part whereby you should withdraw your selfe from that vertue that might conuey and bring you vnto the other Citie And when you haue studied well hereupon and can nothing finde I dare well assure you if you keepe well the precepts and counsailes of this little Lesson you shall finde the right way for the holy Ghost will instruct and teach you where you be not sufficient of your selues so you endeauour and giue diligence to beare away and follow that which heere is taught Reade it euery weeke once or twice or oftner if you will And where you profite giue the thankes laude and praise vnto our Lord God and most sweet Sauiour Iesu Christ who send you his mercie and grace that alway liueth God world without end Amen THis Lesson was brought vnto me in English of an old translation rough and rude with request to amend it I thought lesse labour to write new the whole which I haue done according to the meaning of the Authour though not word for word and in diuers places added some things following vpon the same to make the matter more sententious and full I beseech you take all vnto the best and pray for the olde wretched brother of Sion RICHARD WHITFORD A SPIRITVALL GLASSE REade distinctly pray deuoutly sigh deepely suffer patiently humble your selfe lowly giue no sentence hastily speake but seldome and that truely preuent your speech discreetly do your deeds in charitie temptations resist strongly break he head speedily weepe bitterly haue compassion tenderly do good works busily loue perseuerantly loue hartily loue faithfully loue God all-only and all other for him charitably loue in aduersitie loue in prosperitie thinke alwaies of loue for loue is none other but God himselfe Thus to loue bringeth the louer to loue without end Amen THE RVLES OF A CHRISTIAN LIFE made by IOHN PICVS the elder Earle of Mirandula FIrst if to man or woman the way of vertue doth seeme hard or painefull because wee must needes fight against the flesh the diuell and the world let him or her call to remembrance that whatsoeuer life they will choose according to the world many aduersities incommodities much heauines and labour are to be suffered Moreouer let them haue in remembrance that in wealth worldly possessions is much and long contention laborious also and therewith vnfruitfull wherein trauaile is the conclusion or end of labour and finally paine euerlasting if those things be not well ordered and charitably disposed Remember also that it is very foolishnesse to thinke to come vnto heauen by any other meanes then by the said battaile considering that our head and Master Christ did not ascend vnto heauen but by his passion and the seruant ought not to be in better estate or condition then his Master or Soueraigne Furthermore consider that this battaile ought not to be grudged at but to be desired and wished for although thereof no price or reward might ensue or happen but onely that thereby wee might bee conformed or joyned to Christ our God and Master Wherefore as often as in resisting any temptation thou doest withstand any of thy senses or wits think vnto what part of Christs passion thou mayest apply thy selfe or make thy selfe like As resisting gluttonie whilest thou doest punish thy taste or appetite remember that Christ receiued in his drinke aysell mixed with the gall of a beast a drinke most vnsauoury and loathsome When thou vvithdrawest thine hand from vnlawfull taking or keeping of any thing which liketh thine appetite remember Christs hands as they were fast nailed vnto the tree of the Crosse And resisting of pride thinke vpon him who being very God almightie for thy sake receiued the forme of a subiect and humbled himselfe vnto the most vile and reproachfull death of the Crosse And when thou art tempted with wrath Remember that hee which was God and of all men the most just and righteous when hee beheld himselfe mocked spit on scourged and punished with all dispites and rebukes and set on the Crosse betweene two theeues as if he himselfe were a false harlot hee notwithstanding shewed neuer token of indignation or that he were grieued but suffering all things with wonderfull patience answered all men most gently In this wise if thou peruse all things one after another thou mayest finde that there is no passion or trouble that shall not make thee in some part conformable or like vnto Christ Also put not thy trust in mans helpe but in the onely vertue of Christ Iesu which said Trust well for I haue vanquished the world and in another place hee saith The Prince of this world is cast out thereof Wherefore let vs trust by his onely vertue to vanquish the world and to subdue the Diuell And therefore ought wee to aske his helpe by our owne prayers and by the prayers of his blessed Saints Remember also that as soone as thou hast vanquished one temptation alway another is to bee looked for The Diuell goeth alway about and seeketh for him whom he would deuour Wherefore wee ought to serue diligently and be euer in feare and to say with the Prophet I will stand alway at my defence Take heed moreouer that not onely thou bee not vanquished of the Diuell that tempteth thee but also that thou vanquish and ouercome him And that is not onely when thou doest not sinne but also when of that thing wherein hee tempted thee thou takest occasion for to doe good As if hee offereth to thee some good act to bee done to the intent that thereby thou maist fall into vaine-glorie forthwith thou thinking it not to bee thy deede or worke but the benefite or reward of God humble thou thy selfe and judge thee to bee vnkinde vnto God in respect of his manifold benefits As often as thou doest fight fight as in hope to vanquish and to haue at the last perpetuall peace For that peraduenture God of his abundant grace shall giue vnto thee and the Diuell being confused of thy victorie shall returne no more againe But yet when thou hast vanquished beare thy selfe so as if thou shouldest fight againe shortly Thus alway in battaile thou must thinke on victory and after victory thou must prepare thee to battaile immediatly againe Although thou feelest thy selfe well armed and readie yet flye notwithstanding all occasions to sinne For as the Wiseman saith Who loueth perill shall therein perish In all temptations resist the beginning and beate the children of Babylon against the stone which stone is Christ and the children bee euill thoughts and imaginations For in long continuing of sinne seldome worketh any medicine or remedie Remember that although in the said conflict of temptation the battaile seemeth to be very dangerous yet consider how much sweeter it is to vanquish temptation then to follow sinne whereto shee inclineth thee whereof the end is repentance And herein many be foulely deceiued which compare not the sweetnesse of victorie to the sweetnesse of sinne but onely compareth battaile to pleasure Notwithstanding a man or woman which hath a thousand times known what it is to giue place to temptation should once assay what it is to vanquish temptation If thou bee tempted thinke thou not therefore that God hath forsaken thee or that hee setteth but little by thee or that thou art not in the sight of God good or perfect but remember that after Saint Paul had seene God as hee was in his Diuinitie and such secret mysteries as bee not lawfull for any man to speake or rehearse hee for all that suffered temptation of the flesh wherewith God suffered him to bee tempted lest he should be assaulted with pride Wherein a man ought to consider that Saint Paul which was the pure vessell of election and rapt into the third heauen was notwithstanding in perill to be proud of his vertues as hee saith of himselfe Wherefore aboue all temptations men or women ought to arme themselues most strongly against the temptations of pride since pride is the roote of all mischiefe against the which the onely remedie is to thinke alway that God humbled himselfe for vs vnto the Crosse And moreouer that death hath so humbled vs whether wee will or no that our bodies shall be the meat of worms lothsome and venimous FINIS
daily in spirit and obtained great grace in Gods sight They were giuen for an example and patterne of perfection in Gods Church their example should more stir vs vp to a desire of our spiritual profit then the nūber of the luke-warme dissolute liuers draw vs to the neglect therof 5 O how great was the feruour of all religious persons in the beginning of their holy institution How great was their deuotion to prayer How diligent emulation of vertue How exact discipline flourished How great reuerence and obedience vnder the rule of their Superiour obserued they in al things Their footsteps yet remaining doe testifie that they were indeed holy and perfect men who sighting so valiantly trode the world vnder their feet Now he is greatly accounted of that breaketh not the rule that can with patiēce endure that which he hath professed 6 O coldnes and negligence of our time that we so quickly decline from our first feruour and are come to that passe that very slouth and coldnesse of spirit makes our owne liues tedious vnto vs Would to God the desire to profite in vertue did not wholly sleepe in thee who hast often seene the holy examples of deuout and religious soules CHAP. XIX Of the Exercise of a good and Religious person THe life of a religious person ought to shine with all vertues that he may inwardly be such as outwardly he seemeth to men Mat. 5. And with reason thou oughtest to bee much more within then is perceiued without for God beholdeth the heart Psal 33. Heb. 4. Psal 15. whom we ought most highly to reuerence wheresoeuer wee are and walke in purity like Angels in his sight and to renue daily our purposes and stir vp our selues to feruour as though this were the first day of our conuersion and to say Helpe me my God in this my good purpose and in thy holy seruice and grant that I may now this day begin perfectly for that which I haue done hitherto is nothing 2 According to our purpose shall be the successe of our profit and much diligence is necessary to him that will profit much And if he that firmely purposeth often faileth what shall he doe that seldome purposeth any thing or with little certainty It may fall out sundry waies that we leaue off our purpose and if for light occasions wee omit our accustomed exercises it seldome passeth without some losse The purpose of just men is rather grounded vpon the grace of God then on their owne wisdome in whom also they alwayes haue confidence in whatsoeuer they take in hand For man doth purpose but God disposeth neither is the way of man in his own hands Prou. 16. 3 If an accustomed exercise bee sometimes omitted for some worke of charitie or of intention to profit our neighbour it may easily afterward be recouered Eccles 7. but if it be lightly left through inconstancie or negligence it is an offence and will proue hurtfull Though vve endeauour what we can yet shall we faile in many things But yet me must alwaies purpose something certaine especially against that which most hinders vs. We must examine well and order both our exteriour and interiour actions for that both are expedient for our progresse in vertue 4 If thou canst not alwaies recollect thy selfe yet do it sometimes and that at least once euery day to wit in the morning or euening In the morning make thy good purpose Deu. 4. in the euening examine thy self what thou hast bin that day in word deed or thought for that in these oftentimes perhaps thou hast offended God and thy neighbour Arme thy selfe with courage against the malicious attempts of thine enemy Refraine gluttony and thou shalt more easily bridle all the disordered inclinations of the flesh Neuer be altogether idle but either reading or writing or praying or meditating or labouring something of profit for the common good but bodily exercises are to be discreetly vsed and not to be vndertaken equally of all 5 Those things that be not common are not to be done in the sight of al for priuate things are best done in secret But thou must beware thou neglect not that to which thou art bound by common rule and be ready in performing thy priuate deuotions but hauing fully and faithfully accomplished all thy duties those things that were enioyned thee if thou hast further leasure returne to thy selfe as thy deuotion desireth All cannot vse the same exercise but one is more conuenient for this person another for that According to the diuersity of times also diuers exercises are fitting for some suite better with festiuall daies others with daies of labour We haue need of one kind in temptations and of others in time of peace and quiet Wee desire to thinke of other things when we are sorrowfull then we do when we are cheerefull in our Lord. 6 When principall feasts draw neere good exercises are to be renued and the intercessions of Saints more feruently to be implored From feast to feast we should make some good purpose as though wee were then to depart out of this world and to come to the euerlasting feasts of heauen And therefore we ought to prepare our selues carefully at holy times and to liue more deuoutly and to keepe more exactly all things that wee are to obserue as though shortly we were to receiue reward of our labour at Gods hands 7 And if it bee differred let vs thinke that we were not well prepared nor worthy as yet of so great glory as shal be reuealed in vs at the time appointed and let vs labour to prepare our selues better for our departure Rom. 8. Blessed is that seruant saith S. Luke the Euangelist whom when his Lord commeth he shall finde watching Luk. 13. verily I say vnto you he shall place him ouer all that he possesseth Mat. 24. CHAP. XX. Of the loue of Solitude and Silence SEeke a fit time to attend to thy selfe and often thinke of the benefits of God Leaue curious things Reade ouer such matters as may cause rather compunction then the labour of much study If thou withdraw thy selfe from superfluous talk and idle wandring about as also from hearing of newes tales thou shalt finde sufficient and fit time to thinke of good things The greatest Saints auoided the company of men as much as they could and chose to liue to God in secret Hebr. 3. 2 One said As often as I haue bin amongst men I haue returned lesse man Senec. ep 7. The same we finde by experience when wee talke long It is easier to keepe silence altogether then not to exceed in words It is easier for a man to keep home then to demeane himselfe as he ought in all things abroad He therefore that desireth to attaine to internal spirituall graces ought with Iesus to withdraw himselfe from the people Mat. 4. No man goeth safely abroad but hee that gladly keepeth home Eccl. 3. No man securely gouerneth but he
any one so spirituall that is free from the loue of all earthly things For where is any that is indeed poore in spirit and free from all affection of creatures Far hence and from the end of the world is his price Prou. 31. If a man should giue all his wealth yet is it nothing And if he should doe great penance yet is it little And if hee should attaine to all knowledge hee is yet far off And if hee should haue great vertue and very feruent deuotion yet there is much wanting to wit one thing which is most necessary for him What is that That leauing all he forsake himselfe and goe perfectly from himselfe and retaine nothing of selfe-loue Matth. 16. And vvhen hee hath done all that hee knoweth to bee done let him thinke that hee hath done nothing 3 Let him not weigh that much which might be much esteemed but according to truth let him affirme himselfe to bee an vnprofitable seruant as our Sauiour hath said When you shall haue done all things that are commanded you say Wee are vnprofitable seruants Luk. 17. Then may he be truely poore in spirit and naked and say with the Prophet I am alone and poore yet no man more powerfull no man more free then he that can leaue himselfe and all things and put himselfe in the meanest and lowest place Psal 24. CHAP. XII Of the high way of the holy Crosse VNTO many seemeth hard this speech Deny thy selfe take vp thy crosse and follow Iesus Mat. 16. But it will be much harder to heare that last word Get ye away from me ye cursed into euerlasting fire For they that now willingly heare and follow the word of the Crosse shall not then feare to heare the sentence of euerlasting damnation This signe of the Crosse shall be in heauen when our Lord shall come to judgement Then all the seruants of the Crosse who in their life time conformed themselues vnto Christ crucified shal draw neere vnto our Lord with great confidence 2 Why therefore fearest thou to take vp 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 in the Crosse is infusion of heauenly 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 There is no health of the soule nor hope of euerlasting life but in the Crosse Take vp therefore thy crosse and follow Iesus and thou shalt goe into life euerlasting Hee is gone before bearing his Crosse Luc. 14. and is dead for thee on the Crosse Ioh. 19. that thou mayest also beare thy Crosse and desire to die on the Crosse with him For if thou diest with him thou shalt also liue with him And if thou bee his companion in paine thou shalt bee partaker with him also in glory 2. Cor. 1. 3 Behold in the Crosse all doth consist and all lyeth in ending our life vpon it for there is no other way vnto life and vnto true inward peace but the vvay of the Holy Crosse and of daily mortification Goe where thou wilt seeke whatsoeuer thou wilt thou shalt not finde a higher way aboue nor a safer way belovv then the vvay of the holy Crosse Dispose and order all things according to thy will judgement yet thou shalt euer finde that of necessity thou must suffer somwhat either willingly or against thy will so as thou shalt neuer fully auoid the Crosse For either thou shalt feele paine in thy body or in thy soule thou shalt suffer tribulation of spirit 4 Sometimes thou shalt be forsaken of God sometimes thou shalt be troubled by thy neighbors which is more oftentimes thou shalt bee irksome to thy selfe neither canst thou be deliuered or eased by any remedie or comfort but so long as pleaseth God thou oughtest to beare it For God wil haue thee learn to suffer tribulation without comfort and that thou submit thy selfe wholly to him and become more humble by tribulation No man hath so liuely a feeling of the Passion of Christ as hee who hath chanced to suffer the like The Crosse therefore is alwaies ready and euery where attendeth thee Thou canst not escape it whither soeuer thou flyest for wheresoeuer thou goest thou cariest thy selfe with thee shalt euer find thy selfe both aboue below without and within which way soeuer thou doest turne thee alwaies thou shalt find the Crosse euery where of necessity thou must haue patience if thou wilt haue inward peace and deserue an euerlasting Crowne 5 If thou beare the crosse willingly it wil beare thee and lead thee to thy desired end to wit where there shall be an end of suffering though heere there shall not If thou beare it vnwillingly thou makest for thy self a new burden encreasest thy load and yet notwithstanding thou must beare it If thou cast away one crosse without doubt thou shalt finde another and that perhaps a more heauy 6 Thinkest thou to escape that which no man could euer auoid Which of the Saints in the vvorld was vvithout crosses and tribulations Verily Iesus Christ our Lord was neuer one houre without paine of suffering so long as hee liued Christ saith he ought to suffer and rise againe from death and so to enter into his glory and how doest thou seeke any other way then this high way which is the way of the holy Crosse Luk. 24. 7 The whole life of Christ was a Crosse and Martyrdome and doest thou seek rest and joy Thou art deceiued thou art deceiued if thou seekest any other thing then to suffer tribulations for this whole mortall life is full of miseries and inuironed on euery side with Crosses Iob. 7. And how much the more one hath profited in spirit so much the heauier Crosses he oftentimes findeth for the loue he beareth to God encreaseth the griefe which hee endureth for his banishment 8 But yet this man though so many waies afflicted is not without the remedy of spirituall consolation for the great good which he perceiueth to grow vnto him by the bearing of his Crosse For whilest he willingly putteth himselfe vnder it all the burthen of tribulation is turned into the confidence of diuine comfort And how much the more the flesh is vvasted by affliction so much the more is the spirit strengthened by invvard grace 2. Cor. 11. 12. And sometimes hee is so comforted with the desire of tribulation and aduersitie for the loue of conforming himselfe to the Crosse of Christ that he would not wish at any time to bee without sorrow and tribulation because hee beleeueth that so much the more gratefull hee shall be vnto God how much the more hee can suffer for him This is not a worke of humane vertue but it is the grace of Christ that can and doth so much in fraile flesh that what naturally it alwaies
am come for alas I am nothing and I knew it not And if I be left to my selfe behold I become nothing and a masse of infirmyty But if thou suddenly looke vpon me I am presently made strong filled with new joy And it is a great meruaile that I am so suddenly lifted vp and so graciously embraced by thee that of mine owne waight alwaies sinke downeward 2 Thy loue is cause hereof freely preuenting me and releeuing mee in so many necessities preseruing mee also from grieuous dangers and as I may truly say deliuering me from innumerable euils For surely by euill louing my selfe I lost my selfe and by seeking thee alone and sincerely louing thee I haue found both my selfe and thee and for thy loue haue more deepely brought my selfe to nothing Ioh. 12. For that thou O most sweet Iesu dealest with me aboue all desert and aboue all that I dare hope and request 3 Blessed be thou my God for although I be vnworthy of all good yet the noblenes of thy bounty and thy infinite goodnes neuer ceaseth to doe good euen to the vngratefull and to them that bee turned away farre from thee Matth. 5. Turne vs vnto thee O Lord that we may bee gratefull humble and deuout for thou art our safety our power and our strength CHAP. IX That all things are to be referred vnto God as vnto the last end OVR LORD SOnne I ought to bee thy chiefest and last end if thou desire to bee truly blessed With this intention thy affection shall be purified which is oftentimes inclined inordinately to it selfe and vnto creatures For if in any thing thou seeke thy selfe thou presently faintest and driest vp within thy selfe Direct therfore al things chiefely vnto me for I am hee that haue giuen all Consider euery thing as flowing from the highest good and therefore all things are to be reduced vnto me as vnto their first beginning Eccles 1. 2 Out of mee as out of liuing fountaines the little and the great the poore and the rich doe draw the water of life and they that willingly and freely serue mee shall receiue grace for grace Ioh. 4. But hee that will glory out of me or be delighted in any particular good shall not bee grounded in true ioy nor enlarged in his heart but shall be many waies hindred and straitned 1. Cor. 1. Thou oughtest therfore to ascribe no good vnto thy self nor attribute the praise of vertue vnto any man but giue all vnto God without whom man hath nothing I haue bestowed all and wil that al be returned to me againe and with great seuerity I require thanks 1. Cor. 4. 3 This is the truth that putteth to flight vaine-glory And if heauenly grace and true charity enter in there shall be no enuy nor grudging of heart neither shall there bee any place for selfe-loue For diuine charity ouercommeth all and enlargeth all the forces of the soule If thou vnderstand aright in mee alone thou wilt reioyce in mee alone thou wilt hope for none is good but God alone who is to be praised aboue all things and to be blessed in all Mat. 19. Luk. 18. CHAP. X. That despising the world it is sweet to serue God THE SERVANT NOw I wil speake againe Lord and will not be silent I wil say in the eares of my God my Lord and my King that is on high O how great is the multitude of thy sweetnes Lord which thou hast hidden for those that feare thee Psal 30. But what art thou to thē that loue thee What to them that serue thee with their whole heart Truly vnspeakable is the sweetnesse of thy contemplation which thou bestowest on them that loue thee In this chiefly thou hast shewed me the sweetnes of thy charity Gen. 1. for that when I was not thou madest me and when I went astray far off from thee thou broughtest me backe againe that I might serue thee and hast commanded mee to loue thee Psalm 118. and Matth. 15. 2 O fountain of euerlasting loue what shall I say of thee How can I forget thee that hast vouchsafed to remember me euen when I whithered away and perished Thou hast vsed mercy with thy seruant beyond all the expectation of my heart and hast bestowed thy grace and friendship beyond all merit What shall I returne vnto thee for this grace Psal 115. For it is not granted to euery one to forsake all things to renounce the world and to vndertake a life of religion and perfection Is it much that I serue thee whom all creatures are bound to serue It ought not to seeme much vnto mee to serue thee but this rather seemeth much and meruailous vnto me that thou vouchsafest to receiue into thy seruice one so poore and vnworthy and to joyne him with thy beloued seruants Iudg. 16. 3 Behold all is thine which I haue and whereby I serue thee And yet in very deed thou rather seruest mee then I thee 1. Cor. 4. Behold heauen and earth which thou hast created for the seruice of man are ready at hand and doe daily performe whatsoeuer thou dost command and this is little yea thou hast also appointed the Angels to the seruice of man Psa 90. Heb. 1. But that which exceedeth all is that thou thy selfe hast vouchsafed to serue man and promised to giue thy selfe vnto him 4 What shall I giue thee for all these thousands of benefits I would I could serue thee al the daies of my life I would I were able at least for one day to doe thee some worthy acceptable seruice Thou art truly worthy of all seruice of all honor and euerlasting praise Thou art my Lord I thy poore seruant that am bound to serue thee with all my forces neither ought I euer to cease to praise thee And this I wish to doe this I desire and whatsoeuer is wanting vnto me vouchsafe I beseech thee to supply 5 It is a great honor a very great glory to serue thee and to despise all things for thee For great grace shall be giuen to them that shall willingly submit themselues vnto thy most holy seruice They shall receiue most sweete comfort of the holy Ghost that for thy loue shall renounce all carnall delights Mat. 19. They shall attaine great freedome of mind that for thy names sake shall enter into the narrow way and shall haue left off all care of this world Matth. 7. 6 O sweet and delightfull seruitude of God by which man is truely made free holy Mat. 11. 1. Ioh. 5. O sacred state of religious bondage which maketh man equal to Angels pleasing to God terrible to diuels and grateful and of great esteeme to all the faithfull O seruice to be imbraced and alwaies wished for by which we obtain the greatest good and attaine to that joy which neuer shall haue end CHAP. XI That the desires of our heart are to be examined and moderated OVR LORD SOnne thou oughtest to learne many
false which he proposeth whether he ouerthrow thee with the loue of present or the feare of future things Let not therefore thy heart be troubled neither doe thou feare Psal 90. Beleeue in me and put thy trust in my mercy When thou thinkest thy selfe furthest off from mee oftentimes I am nearest vnto thee When thou judgest that almost all is lost then oftentimes greatest gaine of merit is at hand All is not lost when any thing falleth out contrary vnto thee Thou must not judge according to that which thou feelest for the present nor giue thy selfe ouer to any griefe from whence soeuer it commeth as though all hope of deliuery were quite gone 4 Think not thy selfe wholy left although for a time I haue sent thee some tribulation or withdrawne thy desired comfort for this is the way to the kingdom of heauē And without doubt it is more expedient for thee and the rest of my seruants that yee be exercised with many aduersities then that yee should haue all things according to your desires I know the secret thoughts of thy hart and that it is very expedient for thy soules health that thou be left sometimes without taste feeling of spirituall sweetnesse lest perhaps thou shouldest bee puffed vp with good successe and shouldest please thy self in that which thou art not That which I haue giuen I can take away and restore it againe when I please 5 When I giue it it is mine when I withdraw it I take not any thing that is thine for mine is euery good and euery perfect gift If I send thee affliction or any crosse whatsoeuer repine not nor be not dismayd I can quickly lift thee vp againe turne al thy sorrow into joy Neuerthelesse I am just and greatly to be praised when I do all this vnto thee Iam. 1. 6 If thou be wise consider wel thy case thou wilt neuer yeeld so cowardly to griefe for any aduersitie that befalles thee but rather reioyce and giue thanks yea to account this thy only joy that afflicting thee with sorrowe◠I do not spare thee As my Father hath loued me I also loue you said I vnto my beloued Disciples whom certainly I sent not to temporal joyes but to great cōflicts Io. 15. not to honors but to contempts not to idlenes but to labors 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 Creator THE SERVANT LOrd I stand yet in need of great grace if I must go so far as that no man or creature can hinder me For as long as any thing holdeth mee I cannot fly freely vnto thee He desired to fly with great liberty that said Who will giue me wings like a doue and I will fly and rest Psa 54. What thing more quiet then a simple eye Mat. 6. And what more free then he that desireth nothing vpon earth Man ought therfore to ascend aboue all creatures and perfectly to forsake himselfe and to remaine in excesse of minde and consider that thou who art the maker of al things hast nothing amongst creatures like vnto thee And vnlesse a man be free from the affection of all creatures he cannot with freedome of minde attend vnto diuine things And for this cause there are so few contemplatiue men to bee found for that few can wholy sequester themselues from fading creatures 2 Much grace is necessary to lift vp a soule and to carrie it aboue it selfe And vnlesse a man be lifted vp in spirit and deliuered from all creatures and wholy vnited vnto God whatsoeuer he knoweth and whatsoeuer hee hath is of little account Long shall hee bee little and lye in earthly basenesse that esteemeth any thing great but the one only vnmeasurable and eternall good For whatsoeuer is not God is nothing and ought to bee accounted as nothing There is great difference betweene the wisdome of a spirituall and deuout person and the knowledge of a learned and studious Clerke Farre more noble is that learning which floweth from aboue from the diuine influence then that which is painfully gotten by the wit of man 3 There are many that desire contemplation but they endeauour not to exercise those things that are required thereunto It is a great hinderance that we rest in signes and sensible things haue little true mortification I know not what it is nor by what spirit we are led nor what we pretend we that seeme to be called spirituall that we take so much paines and so great care for transitory base things scarce or seldom thinke of our owne inward profite with full recollection of our senses 4 Alas presently after a sleight recollection we breake foorth and weigh not our workes with diligent examination We minde not where our affections lie nor bewaile the impurity and many faults that are in all our actions For all flesh had corrupted her way therefore did that generall floud ensue Gen. 6. 7. Sith our inward affection then is much corrupted it must needs be that our action proceeding therof be corrupted as a signe of the want of inward vigour From a pure heart proceedeth the fruit of good life 5 Wee aske how much one hath done but how vertuous his actions are is not so diligently considered We enquire whether hee be strong rich beautifull handsome a good writer a good singer or a good laborer but how poore he is in spirit how patient meek how deuout spiritual is seldome spoken of Nature respecteth outward things grace turneth her selfe to the inward vertues That is often deceiued this hath her trust in God to the end shee be not deceiued CHAP. XXXII Of the deniall of our selues and forsaking all our affections OVR LORD SOnne thou canst not possesse perfect libertie vnlesse thou wholy denie thy selfe All such as bee louers of themselues are bound in fetters they are couetous curious wanderers seekers of ease and not of those things that appertaine to Iesus Christ but oftentimes deuising and framing that vvhich vvill not continue Matth. 16. and 19. For all shall perish that proceedeth not From God Keep this short and complete word Forsake al and thou shalt finde all Leaue thy inordinate desires and thou shalt find rest Consider this well and when thou hast fulfilled it thou shalt vnderstand all SER. 2 Lord this is not one dayes vvorke nor childrens sport yea in this short sentence all the perfection of Religious persons is included LORD Sonne thou must not go back nor straight waies be deiected when thou hearest the way of the perfect but rather bee stirred vp to more worthy and noble attempts or at least to conceiue an earnest desire thereof I would it were so well with thee and thou wert come so far that thou wert no longer a louer of thy selfe but didst stand meerely at my beck at his whom I haue appointed a Father ouer thee then thou shouldest
vaine and secular knowledge OVR LORD SOn let not the faire speeches and subtill sayings of men moue thee For the Kingdom of God consisteth not in words but in vertue 1. Cor. 4. Obserue well the words which I speake for they inflame the hart and enlighten the mind induce compunction and bring sundry comforts Do thou neuer reade to shew thy self learned or wise but labour to mortifie thy vices for that wil profit thee more then the knowledge of many hard and difficult questions 2 When thou shalt haue read and knowne many things thou oughtest euer to returne to one beginning I am he that teacheth man all knowledge and doe giue to little ones a more cleare vnderstanding then can be taught by man He therefore to whom I speake shall quickely bee wise and shall profit much in spirit Woe be to them that inquire many curious things of men and doe little desire to know the way how to serue me The time will come when the Master of Masters shall appeare Christ the Lord of Angels to heare the lessons of all that is to examine the consciences of euery one and then he will search Hierusalem with a candle and the hidden things of darknesse shall be laid open and the inuention of tongues shall be silent 1. Cor. 4. 3 I am hee that in an instant doe raise vp the humble mind to vnderstand more reasons of the euerlasting truth then can bee gotten by ten years study in schooles I teach without noise of words without confusion of opinions without ambition of honor without contention of arguments I am he that teacheth to despise earthly things to loath things present to seeke the euerlasting to delight in the things that are eternall to fly honors to suffer scandals to place all hope in me to desire nothing out of me and aboue all things feruently to loue me 4 For one by louing me entirely learned diuine things and spake wonders he profited more in forsaking all things then in studying subtilties To some I speake ordinary things to others things more especiall to some I appeare sweetly by signes and figures but to some I reueale mysteries with much light The voice of bookes is one but it teacheth not all men alike For I am the internal Teacher I am the Truth the Searcher of the heart the Vnderstander of thoughts the Setter forwards of good workes distributing to euery one according to my will CHAP. XLIV Of not drawing outward things to our selues OVR LORD SOn in many things thou oughtest to be ignorant and to esteeme thy selfe as dead vpon earth and as one to whom the whole world is crucified Thou must also passe ouer many things with a deafe eare and rather thinke of that which appertaineth to thy peace It is more profitable to turne thine eies from the sight of vnpleasing things and to leaue vnto euery one his owne opinion then to striue with contentious words If thou standest well with God considerest his judgments thou shalt the more easily yeeld to the wil of others SER. 2 O Lord to what an estate are we come Behold we bewaile a temporall losse and for a little gaine we toile and spare no labour and the spirituall domage of our soule is forgotten and hardly at length called to mind That which little or nothing profiteth is alwaies remembred and that which is chiefely necessary is negligently passed ouer because mans nature carrieth him to external things and vnlesse he quickly returne vnto himselfe he lieth drowned in them with delight CHAP. XLV That credit is not to be giuen to all men and how prone man is to offend in words THE SERVANT HElpe me Lord in my tribulation for vaine is the defence of man How often haue I bin deceiued finding wāt of faith where I thought it sure Psal 59. And how often haue I found faith where I least expected it It is vaine therefore to trust in men but the safetie of the just O Lord is in thee Blessed be thou my God in all things that befall vs. We are weake and inconstant quickely deceiued and soone changed 2 Who is he that is able so warily to keep himselfe that he neuer fal into any deceit or doubt But he that trusteth in thee O Lord and seeketh thee with a pure heart doth not easily fal if he fal into any tribulation be he neuer so much inthralled yet he shal quickly be deliuered or comforted by thee Pro. 10. For thou wilt not forsake him for euer that trusteth in thee The friend is rare to bee found that continueth faithful in his friends distresse but thou O Lord thou alone art faithfull at all times and there is none like vnto thee 3 O how wise was that holy soule that said My minde is firmely setled and grounded in Christ If it were so with me then would not humane feare so easily trouble me nor words mooue mee Who can foresee all things Who is able to beware beforehand of future euils If things euen foreseene do oftentimes hurt vs how can things vnlooked for choose but wound vs grieuously But why did I not prouide better for my self miserable wretch Why also haue I so easily giuen credit to others But alas we are men and God knoweth weake and fraile men although by many we are reputed and called Angels To whom shall I giue credit Lord To whom but to thee Thou art the truth that neither doest deceiue nor canst be deceiued And on the otherside euery man is a lyar weak vnconstant and subiect to fal especially in words and therfore we must not easily giue credit euen to that which in outward shew seemeth at the first a certaine truth 4 O with how great wisdom hast thou warned vs to take heed of mē and because the enemies of man are his familiar and domesticall acquaintance not to trust if one should say Behold heere or behold there Mat. 7. I am tought to my cost and I would to God I might thereby encrease my care and not my folly Be wary saith one be wary keepe vnto thy selfe what I tell thee and whilst I hold my peace and thinke it is secret he cānot keep that secret which he desired should bee secret but presently discloseth me and himself and goeth his way From such tales and such improuident people protect me Lord that I fall not into their hands nor euer commit such errours Giue me grace my God to obserue truth and constancie in my words and remoue far from me a deceitful tongue What I am not willing to suffer I ought by all meanes to auoid 5. O how good and quiet a thing it is to be silent and not to talke of others nor to beleeue all that is said nor easily to report what we haue heard Prou. 25. to lay ones selfe open to few Esa 24. alwaies to seeke after thee the beholder of the heart not to be carried away with euery winde of words but to desire that all things both
that which thou wouldest not leaue vndone that thou wouldest do That which is pleasing to others shall goe well forwards that which thou wishest shall not speed That which others say shal be heard what thou sayst shall be nothing regarded Others shall aske shal receiue thou shalt aske not obtaine 5 Others shall bee great in the praises of men but of thee there shall be no speech to others this or that shall be committed but thou shalt be accounted fit for nothing At this nature will sometimes repine and it is much if thou endurest it with silence In these and such like a faithfull seruant of our Lord is wont to be tried how he can deny and ouercome himselfe in all things There is scarce any thing wherein thou hast such need to mortifie thy selfe as in seeing and suffering those things that are contrary to thy will especially when that is commanded which seemeth vnto thee inconuenient or to little purpose And for that thou being placed vnder authority darest not resist a higher power therefore it seemeth hard vnto thee to walke at the becke of another and to leaue wholy thine owne opinion 6 But consider Sonne the fruit of these labours the end neere at hand and the reward aboue all measure and thou shalt receiue no griefe therby but great comfort of thy patience For in regard of that little of thy will which now thou willingly forsakest thou shalt alwaies haue thy will in heauen There thou shalt haue all that thou wilt or canst desire there thou shalt enioy all good without feare of loosing it there shal thy will be euer one with me it shall desire nothing strange or priuate there no man shall withstand thee no man complaine of thee no man hinder thee nothing come against thee but all things desired shall bee there together present and delight thy whole desire and fulfill it to the highest degree there I will giue thee glorie for the reproach which heere thou sufferedst a garment of praise for former griefe for the lowest place a seat of an euerlasting Kingdome there shall the fruit of obedience appeare the labour of pennance reioyce and humble subjection shall bee gloriously crowned 7 Now therefore bow thy selfe with great humility vnder the hands of all and regard not who said or commanded this but take great heede that whether thy Superiour or thy Inferiour or thine equall require any thing of thee or doe insinuate their desire thou take it all in good part and endeauour to fulfill it with a sincere intention Let one seeke this another that let him glorie in this the other in that and be praysed a thousand thousand times but doe thou neither reioyce in this nor in that but in the contempt of thy selfe and in my pleasure and honour a lone This art thou to wish that whether by life or death God may be alwayes glorified in thee CHAP. L. How a desolate person ought to offer himselfe into the hands of God THE SERVANT LOrd God holy Father thy holy name be now and for euer blessed because as thou wilt so is it done and what thou dost is good Let thy seruant rejoyce in thee not in himselfe nor any thing else for thou alone art the true gladnes thou art my hope and my crowne thou art my joy and my honor O Lord. What hath thy seruant but what he receiued from thee euen without any desert of his 1. Cor. 4. Thine is all that thou hast giuen whatsoeuer thou hast made I am poore and in labours from my youth and sometimes my soule is heauy vnto teares somtimes also it is troubled in it selfe by reason of passions which rise against her Psal 87. 2 I desire the joy of peace I craue the peace of thy children that are fed by thee in the light of comfort If thou giue peace if thou infuse holy joy the soule of thy seruant shall be full of heauenly sweetnes and shall become deuout in thy praise but if thou withdraw thy selfe as very often thou art wont he wil not be able to runne the waies of thy Commandements but rather hee boweth his knees and knocketh his breast for that it is not with him as it was yesterday and the day before when thy light shined vpon his head and he was protected vnder the shadow of thy wings from the temptations which violently assault him 3 O righteous Father and euer to be praised the houre is come that thy seruant is to be proued Behold Father it is fit that in this houre thy seruant suffer something for thee O Father worthy of eternall honour the houre is come which from all eternity thou didst fore-know should come that for a short time thy seruant should outwardly bee oppressed but inwardly liue for euer with thee he should be a little despised and humbled and made as an abiect in the sight of men and much afflicted with passions and infirmities that he may rise againe with thee in the rising of new light and be clarified in heauen Holy Father thou hast so appointed it and wilt haue it so and this is fulfilled which thy selfe hast commanded 4 It is a grace and a fauour to thy friend to suffer and to be afflicted in the world for the loue of thee how often soeuer and by whom soeuer thou permittest it to fall vpon him Without thy counsell and prouidence and without cause nothing is done in earth Psalm 118. It is good for mee Lord that thou hast humbled me that I may learne thy righteous judgments and cast away al haughtines of hart presumptiō It is profitable to me that shame hath couered my face that I may rather seeke to thee for comfort then to men I haue learned also hereby to dread thy inscrutable judgment that afflictest the just with the wicked but not without equity and justice 5 I giue thee thanks that thou hast not spared my sinnes but hast worne me away with bitter stripes inflicting sorows sending griefs within and without There is none vnder heauen that can comfort mee but thou my Lord God Tob. 13. the heauēly Phisitian of souls that strikest healest bringest into hell and drawest out againe Psal 17. let thy correction be vpon me and let thy rod instruct me 6 Behold beloued Father I am in thy hands I bow my selfe vnder the rod of thy correction let my neck shoulders feel the stripes of thy chastisement that my crookednes may be conformed to thy wil. Make me a deuout humble disciple of thine as thou art wōt wel to do that I may be ready at euery beck of thy diuine pleasure I commend my selfe and all mine vnto thee to be corrected It is better to be rebuked here then hereafter Thou knowest all and euery thing and there is nothing hidden in the conscience of man which can be hidden from thee Before things are done thou knowst that they wil happen hast no need that any should
created mee to thy Image and likenesse Genes 1. graunt mee this grace which thou hast shewed to bee so great and so necessary to saluation that I may ouercome my wicked nature which draweth me to sinne and to the losse of my soule For I feele in my flesh the law of sinne contradicting the law of my minde and leading mee captiue to obey sensuality in many things neither can I resist the passions thereof vnlesse thy holy grace feruently infused into my heart doe assist me Rom. 7. 2 Thy grace O Lord and great grace is needfull that nature may be ouercome which is euer prone to euil from her youth For by Adam the first man in falling and being corrupted by sinne the penalty of this staine hath descended vpon all mankind in such sort that Nature it self which by thee was created good and without defect is now accounted for vice and for the infirmitie of a corrupted nature for that the motion thereof left vnto it selfe draweth to euill and abiect things For the little force which remaineth is like a certaine sparke lying hidden in ashes This is naturall reason it self compassed about with great darknesse still retaining power to discerne good and euill and the distance betweene true and false although it be vnable to fulfill all that it approueth and enioyeth not now the full light of truth nor the former integrity of her affections 3 Hence it is my God that according to my inward man I delight in thy law knowing thy Commandements to bee good just and holy reprouing also all euill and sin and doe know that it is to be fled Rom. 7. But in my flesh I serue the law of sin whilest I rather obey sensualitie then reason Hence it is that I haue a will to doe good but know not how to performe it For this cause I often purpose many good things but for that I want grace to helpe my infirmity for a light resistance I go backe and faint I know the way of perfection see clearely enough what I ought to do but pressed with the waight of mine owne corruption I rise not vnto it 4 O Lord how needfull is thy grace for me to beginne any good worke to go forward and to accomplish it Ioh. 13. For without it I can do nothing but in thee I can doe all things when thy grace doth comfort me O heauenly grace without which our owne merits are nothing and no gifts of nature are to bee esteemed Arts riches beautie and strength wit or eloquence are of no worth with thee O Lord without thy grace For gifts of nature are common to good and euill but the peculiar gift of the elect is grace and loue wherewith being marked they are esteemed worthy of euerlasting life This grace so much excelleth that neither the gift of prophesie nor the working of miracles nor any speculation how high soeuer is of any esteeme without it Neyther faith nor hope nor other vertues are acceptable vnto thee without charitie and grace 1. Cor. 13. 5 O most blessed grace that makest the poore in spirit rich with vertues and the rich in many blessings humble in heart come downe vnto me replenish mee in the morning with thy comfort lest my soule should faint with wearines and wither away with drines of mind I beseech the Lord that I may find grace in thy sight for thy grace sufficeth though other things that nature desireth be wanting Psal 22. If I be tempted and vexed with many tribulations I will not feare euils whilest thy grace is with me shee is my strength she giueth aduice and help she is stronger then all enemies and wiser then all the wise 6 Thy grace is the mistresse of truth the teacher of discipline the light of the heart the solace in affliction she driueth away sorrow she expelleth feare she is the nurse of deuotion the bringer foorth of teares What am I without it but a rotten peece of wood and an vnprofitable stalke only meet for the fire Let thy grace therefore Lord alwaies preuent me and follow mee and make mee euer diligent in good workes through Iesus Christ thy Son Amen CHAP. LVI That we ought to deny our selues and imitate Christ by the Crosse OVR LORD SOnne looke how much thou canst goe out of thy selfe so much mayest thou enter into me As to be void of all desire of externall things maketh inward peace so the forsaking of our selues joyneth vs internally to God I will haue thee learne the perfect leauing of thy selfe vnto my will without contradiction and complaint Follow me I am the way the truth and the life Ioh. 14. Without the way there is no going without truth there is no knowledge without life there is no liuing I am the way which thou oughtest to follow the truth which thou oughtest to trust the life for which thou oughtest to hope I am the way which cannot lead amisse the truth which cannot erre the life which cannot end I am a most strait way a supreme truth a true life a blessed life an increated life if thou remaine in mee thou shalt know the truth and truth shall deliuer thee and thou shalt apprehend euerlasting life 2 If thou wilt enter into life keep the Commandements if thou wilt know the truth beleeue me Mat. 19. If thou wilt be perfect sell al. If thou wilt be my disciple deny thy selfe Luk. 9. If thou wilt possesse a blessed life deny this present life Ioh. 12. If thou wilt be exalted in heauen humble thy selfe vpon earth Luk. 14. If thou wilt raigne with me beare the Crosse with mee For onely the seruants of the Crosse finde the way of blisse and true light SER. 3 Lord Iesus for as much as thy way is narrow strait and contemptible vnto the world grant me grace to imitate thee in suffring willingly all worldly contempt For the seruant is not greater then his Lord nor the Disciple aboue his Master Mat. 7. Let thy seruant be exercised in thy holy life for there is the health and the true sanctitie of my soule whatsoeuer I reade or heare besides doth not recreate or delight me fully Luk. 6. LORD 4 Sonne now that thou knowest and hast read these things happie shalt thou be if thou fulfill them Hee that hath my Commandements and keepeth them hee it is that loueth me and I will loue him and will manifest my selfe vnto him and wil make him sit with me in the Kingdome of my Father SER. Lord Iesus as thou hast said and promised so giue mee grace to deserue that it be fulfilled I haue receiued the Crosse I haue receiued it from thy hand and I will beare it and beare it till death as thou hast laid it vpon me Truely the life of a good religious person is the Crosse and it is a sure guide to heauen It is now begunne it is not lawfull to go backe neither is it fit to leaue that which I haue vndertaken 5 Let vs then
curing sundry diseases I will not send them home fasting lest they faint by the way Matth. 15. Mat. 8. Deale thou therefore in like manner now with mee who hast vouchsafed to leaue thy selfe in the Sacrament for the comfort of the faithfull For thou art the sweet refection of the soule and he that eateth thee worthily shall be partaker and heire of euerlasting glory It is necessary for me that do so often fall and sinne so quickly waxe dul and faint that by often prayers and confession and receiuing of thy sacred body I renue clense and inflame my selfe lest perhaps by long abstaining I fall from my holy purpose 3 For man is prone vnto euil from his youth and vnlesse this diuine remedy help him he quickly slideth to worse Gen. 8. This holy Communion therefore draweth backe from euill and comforteth in good For if I be now so often slack and negligent when I communicate or say Masse what would become of me if I receiued not this remedy and sought not after so great a helpe Though euery day I be not fit nor well prepared to say Masse I will endeauour notwithstanding at conuenient times to receiue the Diuine Mysteries and make my selfe partaker of so great a grace For this is the onely chiefe comfort of a faithfull soule whilest she wandreth from thee in this mortall body that being mindfull of her God shee often receiue her Beloued with a deuout minde 4 O wonderfull benignity of thy mercy towards vs that thou Lord God the Creator and giuer of life to all spirits dost vouchsafe to come vnto a poore soule and with thy whole Godhead and humanity to replenish her hunger O happy mind and blessed soule that deserueth to receiue thee her Lord God with deuout affection and in receiuing of thee to be filled with spirituall joy O how great a Lord doth shee entertaine How beloued a guest doth shee harbour How pleasant a companion doth shee receiue How faithfull a friend doth shee accept How beautifull and noble a Spouse doth shee embrace She embraceth him who is to be loued aboue al that is beloued and aboue al things that may be desired Let Heauen and Earth and all their beauty be silent in thy presence For what beauty and praise soeuer they haue it is receiued from thy bounty and shal not equal the beauty of thy name of whose wisedome there is no end Psal 146. CHAP. IV. That many benefits are bestowed vpon them that Communicate deuoutly The voice of the Disciple MY Lord God preuent thy seruant in the blessings of thy sweetnesse that I may deserue to approach worthily and deuoutly to thy holy Sacrament stirre vp my heart vnto thee and deliuer me from all heauines slouth Ps 20. visit me with thy comfort that I may taste in spirit thy sweetnes which plentifully lieth hid in this Sacramēt as a foūtaine Ps 105. Giue light also to mine eyes to behold so great a mystery and strengthen me to beleeue it with vndoubted faith For it is thy worke and not mans power thy sacred institution not mans inuention For no man is of himselfe able to comprehend and vnderstand these things which surpasse the vnderstanding euen of Angels What therefore shall I vnworthy sinner earth and ashes be able to search and comprehend of so high and sacred a mystery 2 O Lord in sinceritie of heart with a good and firme faith and at thy commandement I come vnto thee with hope and reuerence and do verily beleeue that thou art heere present in the Sacrament God and Man Thy holy pleasure is that I receiue thee by charity do vnite my self vnto thee Wherfore I do recurre vnto thy Clemencie and doe craue speciall grace that I may wholy melt in thee and abound with loue and hereafter neuer admit any externall comfort For this most high and worthy Sacrament is the health of the soule and body the remedy of al spirituall sicknes by it my vices are cured my passions bridled temptations ouercome or weakned greater grace infused vertue increased faith confirmed hope strengthened and charity inflamed and enlarged 3 For thou hast bestowed and still oftentimes dost bestow many benefits in this Sacrament vpon thy beloued that receiue it deuoutly my God the protector of my soul the strēgthner of humane frailty and the giuer of all inward comfort Thou impartest vnto them much comfort against sundry tribulations and liftest them vp from the depth of their own basenesse to the hope of thy protection and dost inwardly refresh illustrat them with a certaine new grace in such sort that they who before Communion felt themselues heauy indisposed afterwards being strēgthened with heauenly meat and drinke do find in themselues a great change to the better which thou dost so dispose to thy Elect that they may truly acknowledge and patiently proue how great their owne infirmity is and what benefit and grace they receiue from thee For they of themselues are cold dull and vndeuout but by thee they are made feruent agile and full of deuotion For who is there that approaching humbly vnto the Fountain of sweetnes doth not carry away from thence at least some little sweetnes Or who standing by a great fire receiueth not some small heat thereby Thou art a Fountaine alwayes full and ouerflowing a fire euer burning and neuer decaying Esa 12. Leuit. 6. 4 Wherefore if I cannot draw at the full out of this Fountaine nor drinke my fill I will notwithstanding set my lips to the mouth of this heauenly conduite that I may draw from thence at least some small drop to refresh my thirst to the end I wither not wholy away and perish And though I be not altogether celestial nor so inflamed as the Cherubims and Seraphims notwithstanding I will endeauour to apply my selfe to deuotion and dispose my heart to obtaine some small sparke of diuine fire by humbly receiuing of this Life-giuing Sacrament And whatsoeuer is hereunto wanting in mee good Iesu most blessed Sauiour doe thou supply for mee most benigne and gratious Lord who hast vouchsafed to call vs vnto thee saying Come vnto me all yee that labour and are burdened and I will refresh you Mat. 11. 5 I labour in the sweate of my browes I am vexed with griefe of heart I am burdened with sinnes I am troubled with temptations I am intangled and oppressed with many euill passions and there is none to helpe me none to deliuer and saue me but thou Lord God my Sauiour to whome I commit my selfe and all mine that thou mayest keepe me and bring me to life euerlasting Receiue me to the honor and glory of thy name who hast prepared thy Body and Bloud to be my meat and my drinke Gran◠Lord God my Sauiour that by frequenting thy mysteries my zeale and deuotion may encrease CHAP. V. Of the dignitie of this Sacrament and Priestly function The voice of Christ IF thou hadst angelicall purity and the sanctity of Saint
I stand before thee poore and naked calling for grace and crauing mercy Refresh this thy hungry and needy creature giue heat vnto my coldnes with the fire of thy loue giue light vnto my blindnesse with the brightnes of thy presence Turne al earthly things vnto me into bitternes all things grieuous and contrarie into patience all base and created things into contempt and obliuion Lift vp my heart to thee in heauen and suffer me not to wander vpon earth be thou only sweete and delightsome vnto mee from hence-forth for euermore for thou only art my meat and my drinke my loue and my joy my delight and all my good 3 O that with thy presence thou wouldest wholy inflame burne and change me into thee that I might be made one spirit with thee by the grace of inward vnion and melting of burning loue Suffer me not to go from thee hungry and drie but deale mercifully with me as thou hast oftentimes dealt wonderfully with thy Saints What meruaile if I should be wholy inflamed by thee and die in my selfe sith thou art fire euer burning and neuer decaying loue purifying the heart and enlightning the vnderstanding CHAP. XVII Of burning loue and vehement desire to receiue Christ The voice of the Disciple WIth great deuotion and burning loue with most hearty affection and feruour I desire to receiue thee O Lord as many Saints and deuout persons haue desired thee when they receiued thy Sacrament who were most pleasing vnto thee in holines of life and most feruent in deuotion O my God the euerlasting loue my whole good my happinesse without end I would gladly receiue thee with the most vehement desire and worthy reuerence that any of the Saints euer had or could feele 2 And although I be vnworthy to haue all those feelings of deuotion yet I offer vnto thee the whole affection of my hart as if I alone had those most sweet inflamed desires yea whatsoeuer also a deuout minde can conceiue and desire all that with greatest reuerence and most inward affection I offer present vnto thee I wish to reserue nothing to my self but freely and most willingly to sacrifice my selfe all mine vnto thee my Lord God my Creator and my Redeemer I desire to receiue thee this day with such affection reuerence praise honor with such gratitude worthines and loue with such faith hope and purity as thy most blessed Mother the glorious Virgin Mary receiued and desired thee when she humbly and deuoutly answered the Angel who declared vnto her the mystery of the Incarnation and said Behold the Handmaid of our Lord let it be done vnto mee according to thy word Luk. 1. 3 And as thy blessed Forerunner the most excellent amongst the Saints Iohn Baptist cheerefully leaped with joy of the holy Ghost whilest he was yet shut vp in his mothers wombe and afterwards seeing Iesus walking amongst men humbling himselfe very much said with deuout affection The friend of the Bridegrome that standeth and heareth him reioyceth with joy for the voice of the Bridegrome Ioh. 3. so I also wish to be inflamed with great and holy desires and to offer my self vp vnto thee with my whole heart Wherefore I offer also and present vnto thee the joyes feruent desires excesses of minde spirituall illuminations and heauenly visions of all deuout hearts with all the vertues and praises exercised and to be exercised by all creatures in heauen and earth for my selfe and all such as are commended to me in prayer that by all thou mayest be worthily praised and glorified for euer 4 Receiue my Lord God the affections of my heart and desires which I haue to giue thee infinite praise and thankes which according to the measure of thy vnspeakable greatnesse are due vnto thee These I yeeld thee and desire to yeeld thee euery day and moment and I doe intreate and inuite all the heauenly Spirits and all thy deuout seruants to giue thanks and praises together with me 5 Let all People Tribes and Tongues praise thee and magnifie thy holy and sweet name with great joy and feruent deuotion and let all that reuerently and deuoutly celebrate thy most high Sacrament and receiue it with full faith deserue to finde grace and mercy at thy hands and pray humbly for mee sinfull creature And when they shall haue obtained their desired deuotion and joyfull vnion and depart from thy sacred heauenly Table well comforted and meruailously refreshed let them vouchsafe to remember my poore and needy soule CHAP. XVIII That a man be not a curious searcher of this Sacrament but an humble follower of Christ submitting his sense vnto faith The voice of the Beloued THou oughtest to beware of curious and vnprofitable searching into this most profound Sacrament if thou wilt not sinke into the depth of doubt He that is a searcher of Maiestie shall be oppressed by Glorie Prou. 25. God is able to worke more then man can vnderstand A pious and humble inquirie of truth is tolerable so he be alwaies ready to bee taught and doe endeauour to walke in the sound pathes of the ancient Fathers doctrine 2 Blessed is that simplicity that forsaketh the difficult waies of questions and goeth on in the plaine and assured path of Gods Commandements Many haue lost deuotion whilest they would search after high things Faith and sincere life are exacted at thy hands not height of vnderstanding nor the depth of the mysteries of God If thou doest not vnderstand nor conceiue those things that are vnder thee how shalt thou bee able to comprehend those that are aboue thee Submit thy selfe to God and let thy sense be subiect to faith and the light of knowledge shall bee giuen thee in that degree as shall bee profitable and necessary for thee 3 Some are grieuously tempted about Faith and the Sacrament but this is not to bee imputed to them but rather to the enemie Do not regard nor dispute with thy thoughts neither doe thou giue answere to the doubts mooued by the enemie but beleeue the words of God beleeue his Saints and Prophets and the wicked Serpent will flie from thee It is oftentimes very profitable to the seruant of God to suffer such things for he tempteth not Infidels and sinners whom he alreadie securely possesseth but hee sundrie waies tempteth and vexeth the faithfull and deuout 4 Goe forward therefore with a sincere and vndoubted faith and come to the Sacrament with vnfained reuerence And whatsoeuer thou art not able to vnderstand commit securely to Almightie God God deceiueth thee not hee is deceiued that trusteth too much to himselfe Psalm 18. and 118. God walketh with the simple reuealeth himselfe to the humble giueth vnderstanding to little ones openeth the senses of pure minds and hideth grace from the curious and proud Mat. 11. Humane reason is weake and may be deceiued but true faith cannot be deceiued 5 All reason and naturall search ought to follow faith not to go before it