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+Project Gutenberg Etext Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A Kempis
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+The Imitation of Christ
+
+by Thomas a Kempis
+
+February, 1999  [Etext #1653]
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+
+
+
+THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
+
+by Thomas a Kempis
+
+
+
+
+Translated by Rev. William Benham
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+The treatise "Of the Imitation of Christ" appears to have been
+originally written in Latin early in the fifteenth century.  Its
+exact date and its authorship are still a matter of debate.
+Manuscripts of the Latin version survive in considerable numbers
+all over Western Europe, and they, with the vast list of
+translations and of printed editions, testify to its almost
+unparalleled popularity.  One scribe attributes it to St. Bernard
+of Clairvaux; but the fact that it contains a quotation from St.
+Francis of Assisi, who was born thirty years after the death of
+St. Bernard, disposes of this theory.  In England there exist
+many manuscripts of the first three books, called "Musica
+Ecclesiastica," frequently ascribed to the English mystic Walter
+Hilton.  But Hilton seems to have died in 1395, and there is no
+evidence of the existence of the work before 1400.  Many
+manuscripts scattered throughout Europe ascribe the book to Jean
+le Charlier de Gerson, the great Chancellor of the University of
+Paris, who was a leading figure in the Church in the earlier
+part of the fifteenth century.  The most probable author,
+however, especially when the internal evidence is considered, is
+Thomas Haemmerlein, known also as Thomas a Kempis, from his
+native town of Kempen, near the Rhine, about forty miles north of
+Cologne.  Haemmerlein, who was born in 1379 or 1380, was a member
+of the order of the Brothers of Common Life, and spent the last
+seventy years of his life at Mount St. Agnes, a monastery of
+Augustinian canons in the diocese of Utrecht.  Here he died on
+July 26, 1471, after an uneventful life spent in copying
+manuscripts, reading, and composing, and in the peaceful routine
+of monastic piety.
+
+With the exception of the Bible, no Christian writing has had
+so wide a vogue or so sustained a popularity as this.  And yet,
+in one sense, it is hardly an original work at all.  Its
+structure it owes largely to the writings of the medieval
+mystics, and its ideas and phrases are a mosaic from the Bible
+and the Fathers of the early Church.  But these elements are
+interwoven with such delicate skill and a religious feeling at
+once so ardent and so sound, that it promises to remain, what it
+has been for five hundred years, the supreme call and guide to
+spiritual aspiration.
+
+
+
+
+THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST BOOK
+
+
+
+ADMONITIONS PROFITABLE FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+Of the imitation of Christ, and of contempt of the world and all
+its vanities
+
+He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,(1) saith the
+Lord.  These are the words of Christ; and they teach us how far
+we must imitate His life and character, if we seek true
+illumination, and deliverance from all blindness of heart.  Let
+it be our most earnest study, therefore, to dwell upon the life
+of Jesus Christ.
+
+2. His teaching surpasseth all teaching of holy men, and such as
+have His Spirit find therein the hidden manna.(2)  But there are
+many who, though they frequently hear the Gospel, yet feel but
+little longing after it, because they have not the mind of
+Christ.  He, therefore, that will fully and with true wisdom
+understand the words of Christ, let him strive to conform his
+whole life to that mind of Christ.
+
+3. What doth it profit thee to enter into deep discussion
+concerning the Holy Trinity, if thou lack humility, and be thus
+displeasing to the Trinity?  For verily it is not deep words that
+make a man holy and upright; it is a good life which maketh a man
+dear to God.  I had rather feel contrition than be skilful in the
+definition thereof.  If thou knewest the whole Bible, and the
+sayings of all the philosophers, what should all this profit thee
+without the love and grace of God?  Vanity of vanities, all is
+vanity, save to love God, and Him only to serve.  That is the
+highest wisdom, to cast the world behind us, and to reach forward
+to the heavenly kingdom.
+
+4. It is vanity then to seek after, and to trust in, the riches
+that shall perish.  It is vanity, too, to covet honours, and to
+lift up ourselves on high.  It is vanity to follow the desires of
+the flesh and be led by them, for this shall bring misery at the
+last.  It is vanity to desire a long life, and to have little
+care for a good life.  It is vanity to take thought only for the
+life which now is, and not to look forward to the things which
+shall be hereafter.  It is vanity to love that which quickly
+passeth away, and not to hasten where eternal joy abideth.
+
+5. Be ofttimes mindful of the saying,(3) The eye is not satisfied
+with seeing, nor the ear with hearing.  Strive, therefore, to
+turn away thy heart from the love of the things that are seen,
+and to set it upon the things that are not seen.  For they who
+follow after their own fleshly lusts, defile the conscience, and
+destroy the grace of God.
+
+(1) John viii. 12.   (2) Revelations ii. 17.
+(3) Ecclesiastes i. 8.
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+Of thinking humbly of oneself
+
+There is naturally in every man a desire to know, but what
+profiteth knowledge without the fear of God?  Better of a surety
+is a lowly peasant who serveth God, than a proud philosopher who
+watcheth the stars and neglecteth the knowledge of himself.  He
+who knoweth himself well is vile in his own sight; neither
+regardeth he the praises of men.  If I knew all the things that
+are in the world, and were not in charity, what should it help me
+before God, who is to judge me according to my deeds?
+
+2. Rest from inordinate desire of knowledge, for therein is found
+much distraction and deceit.  Those who have knowledge desire to
+appear learned, and to be called wise.  Many things there are to
+know which profiteth little or nothing to the soul.  And foolish
+out of measure is he who attendeth upon other things rather than
+those which serve to his soul's health.  Many words satisfy not
+the soul, but a good life refresheth the mind, and a pure
+conscience giveth great confidence towards God.
+
+3. The greater and more complete thy knowledge, the more severely
+shalt thou be judged, unless thou hast lived holily.  Therefore
+be not lifted up by any skill or knowledge that thou hast; but
+rather fear concerning the knowledge which is given to thee.  If
+it seemeth to thee that thou knowest many things, and
+understandest them well, know also that there are many more
+things which thou knowest not.  Be not high-minded, but rather
+confess thine ignorance.  Why desirest thou to lift thyself above
+another, when there are found many more learned and more skilled
+in the Scripture than thou?  If thou wilt know and learn anything
+with profit, love to be thyself unknown and to be counted for
+nothing.
+
+4. That is the highest and most profitable lesson, when a man
+truly knoweth and judgeth lowly of himself.  To account nothing
+of one's self, and to think always kindly and highly of others,
+this is great and perfect wisdom.  Even shouldest thou see thy
+neighbor sin openly or grievously, yet thou oughtest not to
+reckon thyself better than he, for thou knowest not how long
+thou shalt keep thine integrity.  All of us are weak and frail;
+hold thou no man more frail than thyself.
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+Of the knowledge of truth
+
+Happy is the man whom Truth by itself doth teach, not by figures
+and transient words, but as it is in itself.(1)  Our own
+judgment and feelings often deceive us, and we discern but
+little of the truth.  What doth it profit to argue about hidden
+and dark things, concerning which we shall not be even reproved
+in the judgment, because we knew them not?  Oh, grievous folly,
+to neglect the things which are profitable and necessary, and to
+give our minds to things which are curious and hurtful!  Having
+eyes, we see not.
+
+2. And what have we to do with talk about genus and species!
+He to whom the Eternal Word speaketh is free from multiplied
+questionings.  From this One Word are all things, and all things
+speak of Him; and this is the Beginning which also speaketh unto
+us.(2)  No man without Him understandeth or rightly judgeth.  The
+man to whom all things are one, who bringeth all things to one,
+who seeth all things in one, he is able to remain steadfast of
+spirit, and at rest in God.  O God, who art the Truth, make me
+one with Thee in everlasting love.  It wearieth me oftentimes to
+read and listen to many things; in Thee is all that I wish for
+and desire.  Let all the doctors hold their peace; let all
+creation keep silence before Thee: speak Thou alone to me.
+
+3. The more a man hath unity and simplicity in himself, the more
+things and the deeper things he understandeth; and that without
+labour, because he receiveth the light of understanding from
+above.  The spirit which is pure, sincere, and steadfast, is not
+distracted though it hath many works to do, because it doth all
+things to the honour of God, and striveth to be free from all
+thoughts of self-seeking.  Who is so full of hindrance and
+annoyance to thee as thine own undisciplined heart?  A man who is
+good and devout arrangeth beforehand within his own heart the
+works which he hath to do abroad; and so is not drawn away by the
+desires of his evil will, but subjecteth everything to the
+judgment of right reason.  Who hath a harder battle to fight
+than he who striveth for self-mastery?  And this should be our
+endeavour, even to master self, and thus daily to grow stronger
+than self, and go on unto perfection.
+
+4. All perfection hath some imperfection joined to it in this
+life, and all our power of sight is not without some darkness.  A
+lowly knowledge of thyself is a surer way to God than the deep
+searching of man's learning.  Not that learning is to be blamed,
+nor the taking account of anything that is good; but a good
+conscience and a holy life is better than all.  And because many
+seek knowledge rather than good living, therefore they go astray,
+and bear little or no fruit.
+
+5. O if they would give that diligence to the rooting out of vice
+and the planting of virtue which they give unto vain
+questionings: there had not been so many evil doings and
+stumbling-blocks among the laity, nor such ill living among
+houses of religion.  Of a surety, at the Day of Judgment it will
+be demanded of us, not what we have read, but what we have done;
+not how well we have spoken, but how holily we have lived.  Tell
+me, where now are all those masters and teachers, whom thou
+knewest well, whilst they were yet with you, and flourished in
+learning?  Their stalls are now filled by others, who perhaps
+never have one thought concerning them.  Whilst they lived they
+seemed to be somewhat, but now no one speaks of them.
+
+6. Oh how quickly passeth the glory of the world away!  Would
+that their life and knowledge had agreed together!  For then
+would they have read and inquired unto good purpose.  How many
+perish through empty learning in this world, who care little for
+serving God.  And because they love to be great more than to be
+humble, therefore they "have become vain in their imaginations."
+He only is truly great, who hath great charity.  He is truly
+great who deemeth himself small, and counteth all height of
+honour as nothing.  He is the truly wise man, who counteth all
+earthly things as dung that he may win Christ.  And he is the
+truly learned man, who doeth the will of God, and forsaketh his
+own will.
+
+(1) Psalm xciv. 12; Numbers xii. 8.   (2) John viii. 25 (Vulg.).
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+Of prudence in action
+
+We must not trust every word of others or feeling within
+ourselves, but cautiously and patiently try the matter, whether
+it be of God.  Unhappily we are so weak that we find it easier to
+believe and speak evil of others, rather than good.  But they
+that are perfect, do not give ready heed to every news-bearer,
+for they know man's weakness that it is prone to evil and
+unstable in words.
+
+2. This is great wisdom, not to be hasty in action, or stubborn
+in our own opinions.  A part of this wisdom also is not to
+believe every word we hear, nor to tell others all that we hear,
+even though we believe it.  Take counsel with a man who is wise
+and of a good conscience; and seek to be instructed by one better
+than thyself, rather than to follow thine own inventions.  A good
+life maketh a man wise toward God, and giveth him experience in
+many things.  The more humble a man is in himself, and the more
+obedient towards God, the wiser will he be in all things, and the
+more shall his soul be at peace.
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+Of the reading of Holy Scriptures
+
+It is Truth which we must look for in Holy Writ, not cunning of
+words.  All Scripture ought to be read in the spirit in which it
+was written.  We must rather seek for what is profitable in
+Scripture, than for what ministereth to subtlety in discourse.
+Therefore we ought to read books which are devotional and simple,
+as well as those which are deep and difficult.  And let not the
+weight of the writer be a stumbling-block to thee, whether he be
+of little or much learning, but let the love of the pure Truth
+draw thee to read.  Ask not, who hath said this or that, but look
+to what he says.
+
+2. Men pass away, but the truth of the Lord endureth for ever.
+Without respect of persons God speaketh to us in divers manners.
+Our own curiosity often hindereth us in the reading of holy
+writings, when we seek to understand and discuss, where we should
+pass simply on.  If thou wouldst profit by thy reading, read
+humbly, simply, honestly, and not desiring to win a character for
+learning.  Ask freely, and hear in silence the words of holy men;
+nor be displeased at the hard sayings of older men than thou, for
+they are not uttered without cause.
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+Of inordinate affections
+
+Whensoever a man desireth aught above measure, immediately he
+becometh restless.  The proud and the avaricious man are never
+at rest; while the poor and lowly of heart abide in the
+multitude of peace.  The man who is not yet wholly dead to self,
+is soon tempted, and is overcome in small and trifling matters.
+It is hard for him who is weak in spirit, and still in part
+carnal and inclined to the pleasures of sense, to withdraw
+himself altogether from earthly desires.  And therefore, when he
+withdraweth himself from these, he is often sad, and easily
+angered too if any oppose his will.
+
+2. But if, on the other hand, he yield to his inclination,
+immediately he is weighed down by the condemnation of his
+conscience; for that he hath followed his own desire, and yet in
+no way attained the peace which he hoped for.  For true peace of
+heart is to be found in resisting passion, not in yielding to it.
+And therefore there is no peace in the heart of a man who is
+carnal, nor in him who is given up to the things that are without
+him, but only in him who is fervent towards God and living the
+life of the Spirit.
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+Of fleeing from vain hope and pride
+
+Vain is the life of that man who putteth his trust in men or in
+any created Thing.  Be not ashamed to be the servant of others
+for the love of Jesus Christ, and to be reckoned poor in this
+life.  Rest not upon thyself, but build thy hope in God.  Do what
+lieth in thy power, and God will help thy good intent. Trust not
+in thy learning, nor in the cleverness of any that lives, but
+rather trust in the favour of God, who resisteth the proud and
+giveth grace to the humble.
+
+2. Boast not thyself in thy riches if thou hast them, nor in thy
+friends if they be powerful, but in God, who giveth all things,
+and in addition to all things desireth to give even Himself.  Be
+not lifted up because of thy strength or beauty of body, for with
+only a slight sickness it will fail and wither away.  Be not vain
+of thy skilfulness or ability, lest thou displease God, from
+whom cometh every good gift which we have.
+
+3. Count not thyself better than others, lest perchance thou
+appear worse in the sight of God, who knoweth what is in man.  Be
+not proud of thy good works, for God's judgments are of another
+sort than the judgments of man, and what pleaseth man is ofttimes
+displeasing to Him.  If thou hast any good, believe that others
+have more, and so thou mayest preserve thy humility. It is no
+harm to thee if thou place thyself below all others; but it is
+great harm if thou place thyself above even one.  Peace is ever
+with the humble man, but in the heart of the proud there is
+envy and continual wrath.
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+Of the danger of too much familiarity
+
+Open not thine heart to every man, but deal with one who is wise
+and feareth God. Be seldom with the young and with strangers.  Be
+not a flatterer of the rich; nor willingly seek the society of
+the great.  Let thy company be the humble and the simple, the
+devout and the gentle, and let thy discourse be concerning things
+which edify.  Be not familiar with any woman, but commend all good
+women alike unto God.  Choose for thy companions God and His
+Angels only, and flee from the notice of men.
+
+2. We must love all men, but not make close companions of all.
+It sometimes falleth out that one who is unknown to us is highly
+regarded through good report of him, whose actual person is
+nevertheless unpleasing to those who behold it.  We sometimes
+think to please others by our intimacy, and forthwith displease
+them the more by the faultiness of character which they perceive
+in us.
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+Of obedience and subjection
+
+It is verily a great thing to live in obedience, to be under
+authority, and not to be at our own disposal.  Far safer is it to
+live in subjection than in a place of authority.  Many are in
+obedience from necessity rather than from love; these take it
+amiss, and repine for small cause.  Nor will they gain freedom of
+spirit, unless with all their heart they submit themselves for
+the love of God.  Though thou run hither and thither, thou wilt
+not find peace, save in humble subjection to the authority of him
+who is set over thee.  Fancies about places and change of them
+have deceived many.
+
+2. True it is that every man willingly followeth his own bent,
+and is the more inclined to those who agree with him.  But if
+Christ is amongst us, then it is necessary that we sometimes
+yield up our own opinion for the sake of peace.  Who is so wise
+as to have perfect knowledge of all things?  Therefore trust not
+too much to thine own opinion, but be ready also to hear the
+opinions of others.  Though thine own opinion be good, yet if for
+the love of God thou foregoest it, and followest that of another,
+thou shalt the more profit thereby.
+
+3. Ofttimes I have heard that it is safer to hearken and to
+receive counsel than to give it.  It may also come to pass that
+each opinion may be good; but to refuse to hearken to others when
+reason or occasion requireth it, is a mark of pride or
+wilfulness.
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+Of the danger of superfluity of words
+
+Avoid as far as thou canst the tumult of men; for talk concerning
+worldly things, though it be innocently undertaken, is a
+hindrance, so quickly are we led captive and defiled by vanity.
+Many a time I wish that I had held my peace, and had not gone
+amongst men.  But why do we talk and gossip so continually,
+seeing that we so rarely resume our silence without some hurt
+done to our conscience?  We like talking so much because we hope
+by our conversations to gain some mutual comfort, and because we
+seek to refresh our wearied spirits by variety of thoughts.  And
+we very willingly talk and think of those things which we love or
+desire, or else of those which we most dislike.
+
+2. But alas! it is often to no purpose and in vain.  For this
+outward consolation is no small hindrance to the inner comfort
+which cometh from God.  Therefore must we watch and pray that
+time pass not idly away.  If it be right and desirable for thee
+to speak, speak things which are to edification.  Evil custom and
+neglect of our real profit tend much to make us heedless of
+watching over our lips.  Nevertheless, devout conversation on
+spiritual things helpeth not a little to spiritual progress, most
+of all where those of kindred mind and spirit find their ground
+of fellowship in God.
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+Of seeking peace of mind and of spiritual progress
+
+We may enjoy abundance of peace if we refrain from busying
+ourselves with the sayings and doings of others, and things which
+concern not ourselves.  How can he abide long time in peace who
+occupieth himself with other men's matters, and with things
+without himself, and meanwhile payeth little or rare heed to the
+self within?  Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall have
+abundance of peace.
+
+2. How came it to pass that many of the Saints were so perfect,
+so contemplative of Divine things?  Because they steadfastly
+sought to mortify themselves from all worldly desires, and so
+were enabled to cling with their whole heart to God, and be free
+and at leisure for the thought of Him.  We are too much occupied
+with our own affections, and too anxious about transitory things.
+Seldom, too, do we entirely conquer even a single fault, nor are
+we zealous for daily growth in grace.  And so we remain lukewarm
+and unspiritual.
+
+3. Were we fully watchful of ourselves, and not bound in spirit
+to outward things, then might we be wise unto salvation, and make
+progress in Divine contemplation.  Our great and grievous
+stumbling-block is that, not being freed from our affections and
+desires, we strive not to enter into the perfect way of the
+Saints.  And when even a little trouble befalleth us, too quickly
+are we cast down, and fly to the world to give us comfort.
+
+4. If we would quit ourselves like men, and strive to stand firm
+in the battle, then should we see the Lord helping us from Heaven.
+For He Himself is alway ready to help those who strive and who
+trust in Him; yea, He provideth for us occasions of striving, to
+the end that we may win the victory.  If we look upon our
+progress in religion as a progress only in outward observances
+and forms, our devoutness will soon come to an end.  But let us
+lay the axe to the very root of our life, that, being cleansed
+from affections, we may possess our souls in peace.
+
+5. If each year should see one fault rooted out from us, we
+should go quickly on to perfection.  But on the contrary, we
+often feel that we were better and holier in the beginning of our
+conversion than after many years of profession.  Zeal and
+progress ought to increase day by day; yet now it seemeth a great
+thing if one is able to retain some portion of his first ardour.
+If we would put some slight stress on ourselves at the beginning,
+then afterwards we should be able to do all things with ease and
+joy.
+
+6. It is a hard thing to break through a habit, and a yet harder
+thing to go contrary to our own will.  Yet if thou overcome not
+slight and easy obstacles, how shalt thou overcome greater ones?
+Withstand thy will at the beginning, and unlearn an evil habit,
+lest it lead thee little by little into worse difficulties.  Oh,
+if thou knewest what peace to thyself thy holy life should bring
+to thyself, and what joy to others, methinketh thou wouldst be
+more zealous for spiritual profit.
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+Of the uses of adversity
+
+It is good for us that we sometimes have sorrows and adversities,
+for they often make a man lay to heart that he is only a stranger
+and sojourner, and may not put his trust in any worldly thing.
+It is good that we sometimes endure contradictions, and are
+hardly and unfairly judged, when we do and mean what is good.
+For these things help us to be humble, and shield us from
+vain-glory.  For then we seek the more earnestly the witness of
+God, when men speak evil of us falsely, and give us no credit for
+good.
+
+2. Therefore ought a man to rest wholly upon God, so that he
+needeth not seek much comfort at the hand of men.  When a man who
+feareth God is afflicted or tried or oppressed with evil
+thoughts, then he seeth that God is the more necessary unto him,
+since without God he can do no good thing.  Then he is heavy of
+heart, he groaneth, he crieth out for the very disquietness of
+his heart.  Then he groweth weary of life, and would fain depart
+and be with Christ.  By all this he is taught that in the world
+there can be no perfect security or fulness of peace.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+Of resisting temptation
+
+So long as we live in the world, we cannot be without trouble and
+trial.  Wherefore it is written in Job, The life of man upon the
+earth is a trial.(1)  And therefore ought each of us to give heed
+concerning trials and temptations, and watch unto prayer, lest
+the devil find occasion to deceive; for he never sleepeth, but
+goeth about seeking whom he may devour.  No man is so perfect in
+holiness that he hath never temptations, nor can we ever be
+wholly free from them.
+
+2. Yet, notwithstanding, temptations turn greatly unto our
+profit, even though they be great and hard to bear; for through
+them we are humbled, purified, instructed.  All Saints have
+passed through much tribulation and temptation, and have profited
+thereby.  And they who endured not temptation became reprobate
+and fell away.  There is no position so sacred, no place so
+secret, that it is without temptations and adversities.
+
+3. There is no man wholly free from temptations so long as he
+liveth, because we have the root of temptation within ourselves,
+in that we are born in concupiscence.  One temptation or sorrow
+passeth, and another cometh; and always we shall have somewhat
+to suffer, for we have fallen from perfect happiness. Many who
+seek to fly from temptations fall yet more deeply into them.
+By flight alone we cannot overcome, but by endurance and
+true humility we are made stronger than all our enemies.
+
+4. He who only resisteth outwardly and pulleth not up by the
+root, shall profit little; nay, rather temptations will return to
+him the more quickly, and will be the more terrible.  Little by
+little, through patience and longsuffering, thou shalt conquer by
+the help of God, rather than by violence and thine own strength
+of will.  In the midst of temptation often seek counsel; and deal
+not hardly with one who is tempted, but comfort and strengthen
+him as thou wouldest have done unto thyself.
+
+5. The beginning of all temptations to evil is instability of
+temper and want of trust in God; for even as a ship without a
+helm is tossed about by the waves, so is a man who is careless
+and infirm of purpose tempted, now on this side, now on that.
+As fire testeth iron, so doth temptation the upright man.
+Oftentimes we know not what strength we have; but temptation
+revealeth to us what we are.  Nevertheless, we must watch,
+especially in the beginnings of temptation; for then is the foe
+the more easily mastered, when he is not suffered to enter within
+the mind, but is met outside the door as soon as he hath knocked.
+Wherefore one saith,
+
+   Check the beginnings; once thou might'st have cured,
+   But now 'tis past thy skill, too long hath it endured.
+
+For first cometh to the mind the simple suggestion, then the
+strong imagination, afterwards pleasure, evil affection, assent.
+And so little by little the enemy entereth in altogether, because
+he was not resisted at the beginning.  And the longer a man
+delayeth his resistance, the weaker he groweth, and the stronger
+groweth the enemy against him.
+
+6. Some men suffer their most grievous temptations in the
+beginning of their conversion, some at the end.  Some are sorely
+tried their whole life long.  Some there are who are tempted but
+lightly, according to the wisdom and justice of the ordering of
+God, who knoweth the character and circumstances of men, and
+ordereth all things for the welfare of His elect.
+
+7. Therefore we ought not to despair when we are tempted, but the
+more fervently should cry unto God, that He will vouchsafe to
+help us in all our tribulation; and that He will, as St. Paul
+saith, with the temptation make a way to escape that we may be
+able to bear it.(2)  Let us therefore humble ourselves under the
+mighty hand of God in all temptation and trouble, for He will
+save and exalt such as are of an humble spirit.
+
+8. In temptations and troubles a man is proved, what progress he
+hath made, and therein is his reward the greater, and his virtue
+doth the more appear.  Nor is it a great thing if a man be devout
+and zealous so long as he suffereth no affliction; but if he
+behave himself patiently in the time of adversity, then is there
+hope of great progress.  Some are kept safe from great
+temptations, but are overtaken in those which are little and
+common, that the humiliation may teach them not to trust to
+themselves in great things, being weak in small things.
+
+(1) Job vii. 1 (Vulg.).   (2) 1 Corinthians x. 13.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+On avoiding rash judgment
+
+Look well unto thyself, and beware that thou judge not the doings
+of others.  In judging others a man laboureth in vain; he often
+erreth, and easily falleth into sin; but in judging and examining
+himself he always laboureth to good purpose.  According as a
+matter toucheth our fancy, so oftentimes do we judge of it; for
+easily do we fail of true judgment because of our own personal
+feeling.  If God were always the sole object of our desire, we
+should the less easily be troubled by the erring judgment of our
+fancy.
+
+2. But often some secret thought lurking within us, or even some
+outward circumstance, turneth us aside.  Many are secretly
+seeking their own ends in what they do, yet know it not.  They
+seem to live in good peace of mind so long as things go well with
+them, and according to their desires, but if their desires be
+frustrated and broken, immediately they are shaken and
+displeased.  Diversity of feelings and opinions very often brings
+about dissensions between friends, between countrymen, between
+religious and godly men.
+
+3. Established custom is not easily relinquished, and no man is
+very easily led to see with the eyes of another.  If thou rest
+more upon thy own reason or experience than upon the power of
+Jesus Christ, thy light shall come slowly and hardly; for God
+willeth us to be perfectly subject unto Himself, and all our
+reason to be exalted by abundant love towards Him.
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+Of works of charity
+
+For no worldly good whatsoever, and for the love of no man, must
+anything be done which is evil, but for the help of the suffering
+a good work must sometimes be postponed, or be changed for a
+better; for herein a good work is not destroyed, but improved.
+Without charity no work profiteth, but whatsoever is done in
+charity, however small and of no reputation it be, bringeth forth
+good fruit; for God verily considereth what a man is able to do,
+more than the greatness of what he doth.
+
+2. He doth much who loveth much.  He doth much who doth well.  He
+doth well who ministereth to the public good rather than to his
+own.  Oftentimes that seemeth to be charity which is rather
+carnality, because it springeth from natural inclination,
+self-will, hope of repayment, desire of gain.
+
+3. He who hath true and perfect charity, in no wise seeketh his
+own good, but desireth that God alone be altogether glorified.
+He envieth none, because he longeth for no selfish joy; nor doth
+he desire to rejoice in himself, but longeth to be blessed in God
+as the highest good.  He ascribeth good to none save to God only,
+the Fountain whence all good proceedeth, and the End, the Peace,
+the joy of all Saints.  Oh, he who hath but a spark of true
+charity, hath verily learned that all worldly things are full of
+vanity.
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+Of bearing with the faults of others
+
+Those things which a man cannot amend in himself or in others, he
+ought patiently to bear, until God shall otherwise ordain.
+Bethink thee that perhaps it is better for thy trial and
+patience, without which our merits are but little worth.
+Nevertheless thou oughtest, when thou findeth such impediments,
+to beseech God that He would vouchsafe to sustain thee, that thou
+be able to bear them with a good will.
+
+2. If one who is once or twice admonished refuse to hearken,
+strive not with him, but commit all to God, that His will may be
+done and His honour be shown in His servants, for He knoweth well
+how to convert the evil unto good.  Endeavour to be patient in
+bearing with other men's faults and infirmities whatsoever they
+be, for thou thyself also hast many things which have need to be
+borne with by others.  If thou canst not make thine own self what
+thou desireth, how shalt thou be able to fashion another to thine
+own liking.  We are ready to see others made perfect, and yet we
+do not amend our own shortcomings.
+
+3. We will that others be straitly corrected, but we will not be
+corrected ourselves.  The freedom of others displeaseth us, but
+we are dissatisfied that our own wishes shall be denied us.  We
+desire rules to be made restraining others, but by no means will
+we suffer ourselves to be restrained.  Thus therefore doth it
+plainly appear how seldom we weigh our neighbour in the same
+balance with ourselves. If all men were perfect, what then should
+we have to suffer from others for God?
+
+4. But now hath God thus ordained, that we may learn to bear one
+another's burdens, because none is without defect, none without a
+burden, none sufficient of himself, none wise enough of himself;
+but it behoveth us to bear with one another, to comfort one
+another, to help, instruct, admonish one another.  How much
+strength each man hath is best proved by occasions of adversity:
+for such occasions do not make a man frail, but show of what
+temper he is.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+Of a religious life
+
+It behoveth thee to learn to mortify thyself in many things, if
+thou wilt live in amity and concord with other men.  It is no
+small thing to dwell in a religious community or congregation,
+and to live there without complaint, and therein to remain
+faithful even unto death.  Blessed is he who hath lived a good
+life in such a body, and brought it to a happy end.  If thou wilt
+stand fast and wilt profit as thou oughtest, hold thyself as an
+exile and a pilgrim upon the earth.  Thou wilt have to be counted
+as a fool for Christ, if thou wilt lead a religious life.
+
+2. The clothing and outward appearance are of small account; it
+is change of character and entire mortification of the affections
+which make a truly religious man.  He who seeketh aught save God
+and the health of his soul, shall find only tribulation and
+sorrow.  Nor can he stand long in peace, who striveth not to be
+least of all and servant of all.
+
+3. Thou art called to endure and to labour, not to a life of ease
+and trifling talk.  Here therefore are men tried as gold in the
+furnace.  No man can stand, unless with all his heart he will
+humble himself for God's sake.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+Of the example of the Holy Fathers
+
+Consider now the lively examples of the holy fathers, in whom
+shone forth real perfectness and religion, and thou shalt see how
+little, even as nothing, is all that we do.  Ah! What is our life
+when compared to theirs?  They, saints and friends of Christ as
+they were, served the Lord in hunger and thirst, in cold and
+nakedness, in labour and weariness, in watchings and fastings, in
+prayer and holy meditations, in persecutions and much rebuke.
+
+2. O how many and grievous tribulations did the Apostles,
+Martyrs, Confessors, Virgins, endure; and all others who would
+walk in the footsteps of Christ. For they hated their souls in
+this world that they might keep them unto life eternal.  O how
+strict and retired a life was that of the holy fathers who dwelt
+in the desert!  what long and grievous temptations they did
+suffer!  how often were they assaulted by the enemy!  what
+frequent and fervid prayers did they offer unto God!  what strict
+fasts did they endure!  what fervent zeal and desire after
+spiritual profit did they manifest!  how bravely did they fight
+that their vices might not gain the mastery!  how entirely and
+steadfastly did they reach after God!  By day they laboured, and
+at night they gave themselves ofttimes unto prayer; yea, even
+when they were labouring they ceased not from mental prayer.
+
+3. They spent their whole time profitably; every hour seemed
+short for retirement with God; and through the great sweetness of
+contemplation, even the need of bodily refreshment was forgotten.
+They renounced all riches, dignities, honours, friends, kinsmen;
+they desired nothing from the world; they ate the bare
+necessaries of life; they were unwilling to minister to the body
+even in necessity.  Thus were they poor in earthly things, but
+rich above measure in grace and virtue.  Though poor to the outer
+eye, within they were filled with grace and heavenly
+benedictions.
+
+4. They were strangers to the world, but unto God they were as
+kinsmen and friends.  They seemed unto themselves as of no
+reputation, and in the world's eyes contemptible; but in the
+sight of God they were precious and beloved.  They stood fast in
+true humility, they lived in simple obedience, they walked in
+love and patience; and thus they waxed strong in spirit, and
+obtained great favour before God.  To all religious men they were
+given as an example, and they ought more to provoke us unto good
+livings than the number of the lukewarm tempteth to
+carelessness of life.
+
+5. O how great was the love of all religious persons at the
+beginning of this sacred institution!  O what devoutness of
+prayer!  what rivalry in holiness!  what strict discipline was
+observed!  what reverence and obedience under the rule of the
+master showed they in all things!  The traces of them that remain
+until now testify that they were truly holy and perfect men, who
+fighting so bravely trod the world underfoot.  Now a man is
+counted great if only he be not a transgressor, and if he can
+only endure with patience what he hath undertaken.
+
+6. O the coldness and negligence of our times, that we so quickly
+decline from the former love, and it is become a weariness to
+live, because of sloth and lukewarmness.  May progress in
+holiness not wholly fall asleep in thee, who many times hast seen
+so many examples of devout men!
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+Of the exercises of a religious man
+
+The life of a Christian ought to be adorned with all virtues,
+that he may be inwardly what he outwardly appeareth unto men.
+And verily it should be yet better within than without, for God
+is a discerner of our heart, Whom we must reverence with all our
+hearts wheresoever we are, and walk pure in His presence as do
+the angels.  We ought daily to renew our vows, and to kindle our
+hearts to zeal, as if each day were the first day of our
+conversion, and to say, "Help me, O God, in my good resolutions,
+and in Thy holy service, and grant that this day I may make a
+good beginning, for hitherto I have done nothing!"
+
+2. According to our resolution so is the rate of our progress,
+and much diligence is needful for him who would make good
+progress.  For if he who resolveth bravely oftentimes falleth
+short, how shall it be with him who resolveth rarely or feebly?
+But manifold causes bring about abandonment of our resolution,
+yet a trivial omission of holy exercises can hardly be made
+without some loss to us.  The resolution of the righteous
+dependeth more upon the grace of God than upon their own wisdom;
+for in Him they always put their trust, whatsoever they take in
+hand.  For man proposeth, but God disposeth; and the way of a
+man is not in himself.(1)
+
+3. If a holy exercise be sometimes omitted for the sake of some
+act of piety, or of some brotherly kindness, it can easily be
+taken up afterwards; but if it be neglected through distaste or
+slothfulness, then is it sinful, and the mischief will be felt.
+Strive as earnestly as we may, we shall still fall short in many
+things.  Always should some distinct resolution be made by us;
+and, most of all, we must strive against those sins which most
+easily beset us.  Both our outer and inner life should be
+straitly examined and ruled by us, because both have to do with
+our progress.
+
+4. If thou canst not be always examining thyself, thou canst at
+certain seasons, and at least twice in the day, at evening and at
+morning.  In the morning make thy resolves, and in the evening
+inquire into thy life, how thou hast sped to-day in word, deed,
+and thought; for in these ways thou hast often perchance offended
+God and thy neighbour.  Gird up thy lions like a man against the
+assaults of the devil; bridle thine appetite, and thou wilt soon
+be able to bridle every inclination of the flesh.  Be thou never
+without something to do; be reading, or writing, or praying, or
+meditating, or doing something that is useful to the community.
+Bodily exercises, however, must be undertaken with discretion,
+nor are they to be used by all alike.
+
+5. The duties which are not common to all must not be done
+openly, but are safest carried on in secret.  But take heed that
+thou be not careless in the common duties, and more devout in the
+secret; but faithfully and honestly discharge the duties and
+commands which lie upon thee, then afterwards, if thou hast still
+leisure, give thyself to thyself as thy devotion leadeth thee.
+All cannot have one exercise, but one suiteth better to this man
+and another to that.  Even for the diversity of season different
+exercises are needed, some suit better for feasts, some for
+fasts.  We need one kind in time of temptations and others in
+time of peace and quietness. Some are suitable to our times of
+sadness, and others when we are joyful in the Lord.
+
+6. When we draw near the time of the great feasts, good exercises
+should be renewed, and the prayers of holy men more fervently
+besought.  We ought to make our resolutions from one Feast to
+another, as if each were the period of our departure from this
+world, and of entering into the eternal feast.  So ought we to
+prepare ourselves earnestly at solemn seasons, and the more
+solemnly to live, and to keep straightest watch upon each holy
+observance, as though we were soon to receive the reward of our
+labours at the hand of God.
+
+7. And if this be deferred, let us believe ourselves to be as yet
+ill-prepared, and unworthy as yet of the glory which shall be
+revealed in us at the appointed season; and let us study to
+prepare ourselves the better for our end.  Blessed is that
+servant, as the Evangelist Luke hath it, whom, when the Lord
+cometh He shall find watching.  Verily I say unto you He will
+make him ruler over all that He hath.(2)
+
+(1) Jeremiah x. 23.   (2) Luke xii. 43, 44.
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+Of the love of solitude and silence
+
+Seek a suitable time for thy meditation, and think frequently of
+the mercies of God to thee.  Leave curious questions.  Study such
+matters as bring thee sorrow for sin rather than amusement.  If
+thou withdraw thyself from trifling conversation and idle goings
+about, as well as from novelties and gossip, thou shalt find thy
+time sufficient and apt for good meditation.  The greatest saints
+used to avoid as far as they could the company of men, and chose
+to live in secret with God.
+
+2. One hath said, "As oft as I have gone among men, so oft have I
+returned less a man."  This is what we often experience when we
+have been long time in conversation.  For it is easier to be
+altogether silent than it is not to exceed in word.  It is easier
+to remain hidden at home than to keep sufficient guard upon
+thyself out of doors.  He, therefore, that seeketh to reach that
+which is hidden and spiritual, must go with Jesus "apart from the
+multitude."  No man safely goeth abroad who loveth not to rest at
+home.  No man safely talketh but he who loveth to hold his peace.
+No man safely ruleth but he who loveth to be subject.  No man
+safely commandeth but he who loveth to obey.
+
+3. No man safely rejoiceth but he who hath the testimony of a
+good conscience within himself.  The boldness of the Saints was
+always full of the fear of God.  Nor were they the less earnest
+and humble in themselves, because they shone forth with great
+virtues and grace.  But the boldness of wicked men springeth from
+pride and presumption, and at the last turneth to their own
+confusion.  Never promise thyself security in this life,
+howsoever good a monk or devout a solitary thou seemest.
+
+4. Often those who stand highest in the esteem of men, fall the
+more grievously because of their over great confidence.
+Wherefore it is very profitable unto many that they should not be
+without inward temptation, but should be frequently assaulted,
+lest they be over confident, lest they be indeed lifted up into
+pride, or else lean too freely upon the consolations of the
+world.  O how good a conscience should that man keep, who never
+sought a joy that passeth away, who never became entangled with
+the world!  O how great peace and quiet should he possess, who
+would cast off all vain care, and think only of healthful and
+divine things, and build his whole hope upon God!
+
+5. No man is worthy of heavenly consolation but he who hath
+diligently exercised himself in holy compunction.  If thou wilt
+feel compunction within thy heart, enter into thy chamber and
+shut out the tumults of the world, as it is written, Commune with
+your own heart in your own chamber and be still.(1)  In
+retirement thou shalt find what often thou wilt lose abroad.
+Retirement, if thou continue therein, groweth sweet, but if thou
+keep not in it, begetteth weariness.  If in the beginning of thy
+conversation thou dwell in it and keep it well, it shall
+afterwards be to thee a dear friend, and a most pleasant solace.
+
+6. In silence and quiet the devout soul goeth forward and
+learneth the hidden things of the Scriptures.  Therein findeth
+she a fountain of tears, wherein to wash and cleanse herself each
+night, that she may grow the more dear to her Maker as she
+dwelleth the further from all worldly distraction.  To him who
+withdraweth himself from his acquaintance and friends God with
+his holy angels will draw nigh.  It is better to be unknown and
+take heed to oneself than to neglect oneself and work wonders.
+It is praiseworthy for a religious man to go seldom abroad, to
+fly from being seen, to have no desire to see men.
+
+7. Why wouldest thou see what thou mayest not have?  The world
+passeth away and the lust thereof.  The desires of sensuality
+draw thee abroad, but when an hour is past, what dost thou bring
+home, but a weight upon thy conscience and distraction of heart?
+A merry going forth bringeth often a sorrowful return, and a
+merry evening maketh a sad morning?  So doth all carnal joy
+begin pleasantly, but in the end it gnaweth away and destroyeth.
+What canst thou see abroad which thou seest not at home?  Behold
+the heaven and the earth and the elements, for out of these are
+all things made.
+
+8. What canst thou see anywhere which can continue long under the
+sun?  Thou believest perchance that thou shalt be satisfied, but
+thou wilt never be able to attain unto this.  If thou shouldest
+see all things before thee at once, what would it be but a vain
+vision?  Lift up thine eyes to God on high, and pray that thy
+sins and negligences may be forgiven.  Leave vain things to vain
+men, and mind thou the things which God hath commanded thee.
+Shut thy door upon thee, and call unto thyself Jesus thy beloved.
+Remain with Him in thy chamber, for thou shalt not elsewhere find
+so great peace.  If thou hadst not gone forth nor listened to
+vain talk, thou hadst better kept thyself in good peace.  But
+because it sometimes delighteth thee to hear new things, thou
+must therefore suffer trouble of heart.
+
+(1) Psalm iv. 4.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+Of compunction of heart
+
+If thou wilt make any progress keep thyself in the fear of God,
+and long not to be too free, but restrain all thy senses under
+discipline and give not thyself up to senseless mirth.  Give
+thyself to compunction of heart and thou shalt find devotion.
+Compunction openeth the way for many good things, which
+dissoluteness is wont quickly to lose.  It is wonderful that any
+man can ever rejoice heartily in this life who considereth and
+weigheth his banishment, and the manifold dangers which beset his
+soul.
+
+2. Through lightness of heart and neglect of our shortcomings we
+feel not the sorrows of our soul, but often vainly laugh when we
+have good cause to weep.  There is no true liberty nor real joy,
+save in the fear of God with a good conscience.  Happy is he who
+can cast away every cause of distraction and bring himself to the
+one purpose of holy compunction.  Happy is he who putteth away
+from him whatsoever may stain or burden his conscience.  Strive
+manfully; custom is overcome by custom.  If thou knowest how to
+let men alone, they will gladly let thee alone to do thine own
+works.
+
+3. Busy not thyself with the affairs of others, nor entangle
+thyself with the business of great men.  Keep always thine eye
+upon thyself first of all, and give advice to thyself specially
+before all thy dearest friends.  If thou hast not the favour of
+men, be not thereby cast down, but let thy concern be that thou
+holdest not thyself so well and circumspectly, as becometh a
+servant of God and a devout monk.  It is often better and safer
+for a man not to have many comforts in this life, especially
+those which concern the flesh.  But that we lack divine comforts
+or feel them rarely is to our own blame, because we seek not
+compunction of heart, nor utterly cast away those comforts which
+are vain and worldly.
+
+4. Know thyself to be unworthy of divine consolation, and worthy
+rather of much tribulation.  When a man hath perfect compunction,
+then all the world is burdensome and bitter to him.  A good man
+will find sufficient cause for mourning and weeping; for whether
+he considereth himself, or pondereth concerning his neighbour, he
+knoweth that no man liveth here without tribulation, and the more
+thoroughly he considereth himself, the more thoroughly he grieveth.
+Grounds for just grief and inward compunction there are in our
+sins and vices, wherein we lie so entangled that we are but
+seldom able to contemplate heavenly things.
+
+5. If thou thoughtest upon thy death more often than how long thy
+life should be, thou wouldest doubtless strive more earnestly to
+improve.  And if thou didst seriously consider the future pains
+of hell, I believe thou wouldest willingly endure toil or pain
+and fear not discipline.  But because these things reach not the
+heart, and we still love pleasant things, therefore we remain
+cold and miserably indifferent.
+
+6. Oftentimes it is from poverty of spirit that the wretched body
+is so easily led to complain.  Pray therefore humbly unto the
+Lord that He will give thee the spirit of compunction and say in
+the language of the prophet, Feed me, O Lord, with bread of
+tears, and give me plenteousness of tears to drink.(1)
+
+(1) Psalm lxxv. 5.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+On the contemplation of human misery
+
+Thou art miserable wheresoever thou art, and whithersoever thou
+turnest, unless thou turn thee to God.  Why art thou disquieted
+because it happeneth not to thee according to thy wishes and
+desires?  Who is he that hath everything according to his will?
+Neither I, nor thou, nor any man upon the earth.  There is no man
+in the world free from trouble or anguish, though he were King or
+Pope.  Who is he who hath the happiest lot?  Even he who is
+strong to suffer somewhat for God.
+
+2. There are many foolish and unstable men who say, "See what a
+prosperous life that man hath, how rich and how great he is, how
+powerful, how exalted."  But lift up thine eyes to the good
+things of heaven, and thou shalt see that all these worldly
+things are nothing, they are utterly uncertain, yea, they are
+wearisome, because they are never possessed without care and
+fear.  The happiness of man lieth not in the abundance of
+temporal things but a moderate portion sufficeth him.  Our life
+upon the earth is verily wretchedness.  The more a man desireth
+to be spiritual, the more bitter doth the present life become to
+him; because he the better understandeth and seeth the defects of
+human corruption.  For to eat, to drink, to watch, to sleep, to
+rest, to labour, and to be subject to the other necessities of
+nature, is truly a great wretchedness and affliction to a devout
+man, who would fain be released and free from all sin.
+
+3. For the inner man is heavily burdened with the necessities of
+the body in this world.  Wherefore the prophet devoutly prayeth
+to be freed from them, saying, Deliver me from my necessities, O
+Lord.(1)  But woe to those who know not their own misery, and yet
+greater woe to those who love this miserable and corruptible
+life.  For to such a degree do some cling to it (even though by
+labouring or begging they scarce procure what is necessary for
+subsistence) that if they might live here always, they would care
+nothing for the Kingdom of God.
+
+4. Oh foolish and faithless of heart, who lie buried so deep in
+worldly things, that they relish nothing save the things of the
+flesh!  Miserable ones!  they will too sadly find out at the
+last, how vile and worthless was that which they loved.  The
+saints of God and all loyal friends of Christ held as nothing the
+things which pleased the flesh, or those which flourished in
+this life, but their whole hope and affection aspired to the
+things which are above.  Their whole desire was borne upwards to
+everlasting and invisible things, lest they should be drawn
+downwards by the love of things visible.
+
+5. Lose not, brother, thy loyal desire of progress to things
+spiritual.  There is yet time, the hour is not past.  Why wilt
+thou put off thy resolution?  Arise, begin this very moment, and
+say, "Now is the time to do: now is the time to fight, now is the
+proper time for amendment."  When thou art ill at ease and
+troubled, then is the time when thou art nearest unto blessing.
+Thou must go through fire and water that God may bring thee into
+a wealthy place.  Unless thou put force upon thyself, thou wilt
+not conquer thy faults.  So long as we carry about with us this
+frail body, we cannot be without sin, we cannot live without
+weariness and trouble.  Gladly would we have rest from all
+misery; but because through sin we have lost innocence, we have
+lost also the true happiness.  Therefore must we be patient, and
+wait for the mercy of God, until this tyranny be overpast,
+and this mortality be swallowed up of life.
+
+6. O how great is the frailty of man, which is ever prone to
+evil!  To-day thou confessest thy sins, and to-morrow thou
+committest again the sins thou didst confess.  Now dost thou
+resolve to avoid a fault, and within an hour thou behavest
+thyself as if thou hadst never resolved at all.  Good cause have
+we therefore to humble ourselves, and never to think highly of
+ourselves, seeing that we are so frail and unstable.  And quickly
+may that be lost by our negligence, which by much labour was
+hardly attained through grace.
+
+7. What shall become of us at the end, if at the beginning we are
+lukewarm and idle?  Woe unto us, if we choose to rest, as though
+it were a time of peace and security, while as yet no sign
+appeareth in our life of true holiness.  Rather had we need that
+we might begin yet afresh, like good novices, to be instructed
+unto good living, if haply there might be hope of some future
+amendment and greater spiritual increase.
+
+(1) Psalm xxv. 17.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+Of meditation upon death
+
+Very quickly will there be an end of thee here; take heed
+therefore how it will be with thee in another world.  To-day man
+is, and to-morrow he will be seen no more.  And being removed out
+of sight, quickly also he is out of mind.  O the dulness and
+hardness of man's heart, which thinketh only of the present, and
+looketh not forward to the future.  Thou oughtest in every deed
+and thought so to order thyself, as if thou wert to die this day.
+If thou hadst a good conscience thou wouldst not greatly fear
+death.  It were better for thee to watch against sin, than to fly
+from death.  If to-day thou art not ready, how shalt thou be
+ready to-morrow?  To-morrow is an uncertain day; and how knowest
+thou that thou shalt have a to-morrow?
+
+2. What doth it profit to live long, when we amend so little?
+Ah!  long life doth not always amend, but often the more
+increaseth guilt.  Oh that we might spend a single day in this
+world as it ought to be spent!  Many there are who reckon the
+years since they were converted, and yet oftentimes how little is
+the fruit thereof.  If it is a fearful thing to die, it may be
+perchance a yet more fearful thing to live long.  Happy is the
+man who hath the hour of his death always before his eyes, and
+daily prepareth himself to die.  If thou hast ever seen one die,
+consider that thou also shalt pass away by the same road.
+
+3. When it is morning reflect that it may be thou shalt not see
+the evening, and at eventide dare not to boast thyself of the
+morrow.  Always be thou prepared, and so live that death may
+never find thee unprepared.  Many die suddenly and unexpectedly.
+For at such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.(1)
+When that last hour shall come, thou wilt begin to think very
+differently of thy whole life past, and wilt mourn bitterly that
+thou hast been so negligent and slothful.
+
+4. Happy and wise is he who now striveth to be such in life as he
+would fain be found in death!  For a perfect contempt of the
+world, a fervent desire to excel in virtue, the love of
+discipline, the painfulness of repentance, readiness to obey,
+denial of self, submission to any adversity for love of Christ;
+these are the things which shall give great confidence of a happy
+death.  Whilst thou art in health thou hast many opportunities of
+good works; but when thou art in sickness I know not how much
+thou wilt be able to do.  Few are made better by infirmity: even
+as they who wander much abroad seldom become holy.
+
+5. Trust not thy friends and kinsfolk, nor put off the work of
+thy salvation to the future, for men will forget thee sooner than
+thou thinkest.  It is better for thee now to provide in time, and
+to send some good before thee, than to trust to the help of
+others.  If thou art not anxious for thyself now, who, thinkest
+thou, will be anxious for thee afterwards?  Now the time is most
+precious.  Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation.
+But alas!  that thou spendest not well this time, wherein thou
+mightest lay up treasure which should profit thee everlastingly.
+The hour will come when thou shalt desire one day, yea, one hour,
+for amendment of life, and I know not whether thou shalt obtain.
+
+6. Oh, dearly beloved, from what danger thou mightest free
+thyself, from what great fear, if only thou wouldst always live
+in fear, and in expectation of death!  Strive now to live in such
+wise that in the hour of death thou mayest rather rejoice than
+fear.  Learn now to die to the world, so shalt thou begin to live
+with Christ.  Learn now to contemn all earthly things, and then
+mayest thou freely go unto Christ.  Keep under thy body by
+penitence, and then shalt thou be able to have a sure confidence.
+
+7. Ah, foolish one!  why thinkest thou that thou shalt live long,
+when thou art not sure of a single day?  How many have been
+deceived, and suddenly have been snatched away from the body!
+How many times hast thou heard how one was slain by the sword,
+another was drowned, another falling from on high broke his neck,
+another died at the table, another whilst at play! One died by
+fire, another by the sword, another by the pestilence, another by
+the robber.  Thus cometh death to all, and the life of men
+swiftly passeth away like a shadow.
+
+8. Who will remember thee after thy death?  And who will entreat
+for thee?  Work, work now, oh dearly beloved, work all that thou
+canst.  For thou knowest not when thou shalt die, nor what shall
+happen unto thee after death.  While thou hast time, lay up for
+thyself undying riches.  Think of nought but of thy salvation;
+care only for the things of God.  Make to thyself friends, by
+venerating the saints of God and walking in their steps, that
+when thou failest, thou mayest be received into everlasting
+habitations.(2)
+
+9. Keep thyself as a stranger and a pilgrim upon the earth, to
+whom the things of the world appertain not.  Keep thine heart
+free, and lifted up towards God, for here have we no continuing
+city.(3)  To Him direct thy daily prayers with crying and tears,
+that thy spirit may be found worthy to pass happily after death
+unto its Lord.  Amen.
+
+(1) Matthew xxiv. 44.   (2) Luke xvi. 9.   (3) Hebrews xiii. 14.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+Of the judgment and punishment of the wicked
+
+In all that thou doest, remember the end, and how thou wilt stand
+before a strict judge, from whom nothing is hid, who is not
+bribed with gifts, nor accepteth excuses, but will judge
+righteous judgment.  O most miserable and foolish sinner, who art
+sometimes in fear of the countenance of an angry man, what wilt
+thou answer to God, who knoweth all thy misdeeds?  Why dost thou
+not provide for thyself against the day of judgment, when no man
+shall be able to be excused or defended by means of another, but
+each one shall bear his burden himself alone?  Now doth thy
+labour bring forth fruit, now is thy weeping acceptable, thy
+groaning heard, thy sorrow well pleasing to God, and cleansing to
+thy soul.
+
+2. Even here on earth the patient man findeth great occasion of
+purifying his soul.  When suffering injuries he grieveth more for
+the other's malice than for his own wrong; when he prayeth
+heartily for those that despitefully use him, and forgiveth them
+from his heart; when he is not slow to ask pardon from others;
+when he is swifter to pity than to anger; when he frequently
+denieth himself and striveth altogether to subdue the flesh to
+the spirit.  Better is it now to purify the soul from sin, than
+to cling to sins from which we must be purged hereafter.  Truly
+we deceive ourselves by the inordinate love which we bear towards
+the flesh.
+
+3. What is it which that fire shall devour, save thy sins?  The
+more thou sparest thyself and followest the flesh, the more heavy
+shall thy punishment be, and the more fuel art thou heaping up
+for the burning.  For wherein a man hath sinned, therein shall he
+be the more heavily punished.  There shall the slothful be
+pricked forward with burning goads, and the gluttons be tormented
+with intolerable hunger and thirst.  There shall the luxurious
+and the lovers of pleasure be plunged into burning pitch and
+stinking brimstone, and the envious shall howl like mad dogs for
+very grief.
+
+4. No sin will there be which shall not be visited with its own
+proper punishment. The proud shall be filled with utter
+confusion, and the covetous shall be pinched with miserable
+poverty.  An hour's pain there shall be more grievous than a
+hundred years here of the bitterest penitence.  No quiet shall be
+there, no comfort for the lost, though here sometimes there is
+respite from pain, and enjoyment of the solace of friends.  Be
+thou anxious now and sorrowful for thy sins, that in the day of
+judgment thou mayest have boldness with the blessed.  For then
+shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before the face
+of such as have afflicted him and made no account of his
+labours.(1)  Then shall he stand up to judge, he who now
+submitteth himself in humility to the judgments of men.  Then
+shall the poor and humble man have great confidence, while the
+proud is taken with fear on every side.
+
+5. Then shall it be seen that he was the wise man in this world
+who learned to be a fool and despised for Christ.  Then shall all
+tribulation patiently borne delight us, while the mouth of the
+ungodly shall be stopped.  Then shall every godly man rejoice,
+and every profane man shall mourn.  Then the afflicted flesh
+shall more rejoice than if it had been alway nourished in
+delights.  Then the humble garment shall put on beauty, and the
+precious robe shall hide itself as vile.  Then the little poor
+cottage shall be more commended than the gilded palace.  Then
+enduring patience shall have more might than all the power of the
+world.  Then simple obedience shall be more highly exalted than
+all worldly wisdom.
+
+6. Then a pure and good conscience shall more rejoice than
+learned philosophy.  Then contempt of riches shall have more
+weight than all the treasure of the children of this world.  Then
+shalt thou find more comfort in having prayed devoutly than in
+having fared sumptuously.  Then thou wilt rather rejoice in
+having kept silence than in having made long speech.  Then holy
+deeds shall be far stronger than many fine words.  Then a strict
+life and sincere penitence shall bring deeper pleasure than all
+earthly delight.  Learn now to suffer a little, that then thou
+mayest be enabled to escape heavier sufferings.  Prove first
+here, what thou art able to endure hereafter.  If now thou art
+able to bear so little, how wilt thou be able to endure eternal
+torments?  If now a little suffering maketh thee so impatient,
+what shall hell-fire do then? Behold of a surety thou art not
+able to have two Paradises, to take thy fill or delight here in
+this world, and to reign with Christ hereafter.
+
+7. If even unto this day thou hadst ever lived in honours and
+pleasures, what would the whole profit thee if now death came to
+thee in an instant?  All therefore is vanity, save to love God
+and to serve Him only.  For he who loveth God with all his heart
+feareth not death, nor punishment, nor judgment, nor hell,
+because perfect love giveth sure access to God.  But he who still
+delighteth in sin, no marvel if he is afraid of death and
+judgment.  Nevertheless it is a good thing, if love as yet cannot
+restrain thee from evil, that at least the fear of hell should
+hold thee back.  But he who putteth aside the fear of God cannot
+long continue in good, but shall quickly fall into the snares of
+the devil.
+
+(1) Wisd. v. 1.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+Of the zealous amendment of our whole life
+
+Be thou watchful and diligent in God's service, and bethink thee
+often why thou hast renounced the world.  Was it not that thou
+mightest live to God and become a spiritual man?  Be zealous,
+therefore, for thy spiritual profit, for thou shalt receive
+shortly the reward of thy labours, and neither fear nor sorrow
+shall come any more into thy borders.  Now shalt thou labour a
+little, and thou shalt find great rest, yea everlasting joy.  If
+thou shalt remain faithful and zealous in labour, doubt not that
+God shall be faithful and bountiful in rewarding thee.  It is thy
+duty to have a good hope that thou wilt attain the victory, but
+thou must not fall into security lest thou become slothful or
+lifted up.
+
+2. A certain man being in anxiety of mind, continually tossed
+about between hope and fear, and being on a certain day
+overwhelmed with grief, cast himself down in prayer before the
+altar in a church, and meditated within himself, saying, "Oh! if
+I but knew that I should still persevere," and presently heard
+within him a voice from God, "And if thou didst know it, what
+wouldst thou do?  Do now what thou wouldst do then, and thou
+shalt be very secure."  And straightway being comforted and
+strengthened, he committed himself to the will of God and the
+perturbation of spirit ceased, neither had he a mind any more to
+search curiously to know what should befall him hereafter, but
+studied rather to inquire what was the good and acceptable will
+of God, for the beginning and perfecting of every good work.
+
+3. Hope in the Lord and be doing good, saith the Prophet; dwell
+in the land and thou shalt be fed(1) with its riches.  One thing
+there is which holdeth back many from progress and fervent
+amendment, even the dread of difficulty, or the labour of the
+conflict.  Nevertheless they advance above all others in virtue
+who strive manfully to conquer those things which are most
+grievous and contrary to them, for there a man profiteth most and
+meriteth greater grace where he most overcometh himself and
+mortifieth himself in spirit.
+
+4. But all men have not the same passions to conquer and to
+mortify, yet he who is diligent shall attain more profit,
+although he have stronger passions, than another who is more
+temperate of disposition, but is withal less fervent in the
+pursuit of virtue.  Two things specially avail unto improvement
+in holiness, namely firmness to withdraw ourselves from the sin
+to which by nature we are most inclined, and earnest zeal for
+that good in which we are most lacking.  And strive also very
+earnestly to guard against and subdue those faults which
+displease thee most frequently in others.
+
+5. Gather some profit to thy soul wherever thou art, and wherever
+thou seest or hearest good examples, stir thyself to follow them,
+but where thou seest anything which is blameworthy, take heed
+that thou do not the same; or if at any time thou hast done it,
+strive quickly to amend thyself.  As thine eye observeth others,
+so again are the eyes of others upon thee.  How sweet and
+pleasant is it to see zealous and godly brethren temperate and of
+good discipline; and how sad is it and grievous to see them
+walking disorderly, not practising the duties to which they are
+called. How hurtful a thing it is to neglect the purpose of their
+calling, and turn their inclinations to things which are none of
+their business.
+
+6. Be mindful of the duties which thou hast undertaken, and set
+always before thee the remembrance of the Crucified.  Truly
+oughtest thou to be ashamed as thou lookest upon the life of
+Jesus Christ, because thou hast not yet endeavoured to conform
+thyself more unto Him, though thou hast been a long time in the
+way of God.  A religious man who exercises himself seriously and
+devoutly in the most holy life and passion of our Lord shall find
+there abundantly all things that are profitable and necessary for
+him, neither is there need that he shall seek anything better
+beyond Jesus.  Oh! if Jesus crucified would come into our hearts,
+how quickly, and completely should we have learned all that we
+need to know!
+
+7. He who is earnest receiveth and beareth well all things that
+are laid upon him.  He who is careless and lukewarm hath trouble
+upon trouble, and suffereth anguish upon every side, because he
+is without inward consolation, and is forbidden to seek that
+which is outward.  He who is living without discipline is exposed
+to grievous ruin.  He who seeketh easier and lighter discipline
+shall always be in distress, because one thing or another will
+give him displeasure.
+
+8. O! if no other duty lay upon us but to praise the Lord our God
+with our whole heart and voice!  Oh! if thou never hadst need to
+eat or drink, or sleep, but wert always able to praise God, and
+to give thyself to spiritual exercises alone; then shouldst thou
+be far happier than now, when for so many necessities thou must
+serve the flesh.  O! that these necessities were not, but only
+the spiritual refreshments of the soul, which alas we taste too
+seldom.
+
+9. When a man hath come to this, that he seeketh comfort from no
+created thing, then doth he perfectly begin to enjoy God, then
+also will he be well contented with whatsoever shall happen unto
+him.  Then will he neither rejoice for much nor be sorrowful for
+little, but he committeth himself altogether and with full trust
+unto God, who is all in all to him, to whom nothing perisheth nor
+dieth, but all things live to Him and obey His every word
+without delay.
+
+10. Remember always thine end, and how the time which is lost
+returneth not.  Without care and diligence thou shalt never get
+virtue.  If thou beginnest to grow cold, it shall begin to go ill
+with thee, but if thou givest thyself unto zeal thou shalt find
+much peace, and shalt find thy labour the lighter because of the
+grace of God and the love of virtue.  A zealous and diligent
+man is ready for all things.  It is greater labour to resist sins
+and passions than to toil in bodily labours.  He who shunneth not
+small faults falleth little by little into greater.  At eventide
+thou shalt always be glad if thou spend the day profitably.
+Watch over thyself, stir thyself up, admonish thyself, and
+howsoever it be with others, neglect not thyself. The more
+violence thou dost unto thyself, the more thou shall profit.
+Amen.
+
+(1) Psalm xxxvii. 3.
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND BOOK
+
+
+
+ADMONITIONS CONCERNING THE INNER LIFE
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+Of the inward life
+
+The kingdom of God is within you,(1) saith the Lord.  Turn thee
+with all thine heart to the Lord and forsake this miserable
+world, and thou shalt find rest unto thy soul.  Learn to despise
+outward things and to give thyself to things inward, and thou
+shalt see the kingdom of God come within thee.  For the kingdom
+of God is peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, and it is not given to
+the wicked.  Christ will come to thee, and show thee His
+consolation, if thou prepare a worthy mansion for Him within
+thee.  All His glory and beauty is from within, and there it
+pleaseth Him to dwell.  He often visiteth the inward man and
+holdeth with him sweet discourse, giving him soothing
+consolation, much peace, friendship exceeding wonderful.
+
+2. Go to, faithful soul, prepare thy heart for this bridegroom
+that he may vouchsafe to come to thee and dwell within thee, for
+so He saith, if any man loveth me he will keep my words: and my
+Father will love him, and we will come unto him and make our
+abode with him.(2)  Give, therefore, place to Christ and refuse
+entrance to all others.  When thou hast Christ, thou art rich,
+and hast sufficient.  He shall be thy provider and faithful
+watchman in all things, so that thou hast no need to trust in
+men, for men soon change and swiftly pass away, but Christ
+remaineth for ever and standeth by us firmly even to the end.
+
+3. There is no great trust to be placed in a frail and mortal
+man, even though he be useful and dear to us, neither should
+much sorrow arise within us if sometimes he oppose and contradict
+us.  They who are on thy side to-day, may to-morrow be against
+thee, and often are they turned round like the wind. Put thy
+whole trust in God and let Him be thy fear and thy love, He will
+answer for thee Himself, and will do for thee what is best.  Here
+hast thou no continuing city,(3)  and wheresoever thou art, thou
+art a stranger and a pilgrim, and thou shalt never have rest
+unless thou art closely united to Christ within thee.
+
+4. Why dost thou cast thine eyes hither and thither, since this
+is not the place of thy rest?  In heaven ought thy habitation to
+be, and all earthly things should be looked upon as it were in
+the passing by.  All things pass away and thou equally with them.
+Look that thou cleave not to them lest thou be taken with them
+and perish.  Let thy contemplation be on the Most High, and let
+thy supplication be directed unto Christ without ceasing.  If
+thou canst not behold high and heavenly things, rest thou in the
+passion of Christ and dwell willingly in His sacred wounds.  For
+if thou devoutly fly to the wounds of Jesus, and the precious
+marks of the nails and the spear, thou shalt find great comfort
+in tribulation, nor will the slights of men trouble thee much,
+and thou wilt easily bear their unkind words.
+
+5. Christ also, when He was in the world, was despised and
+rejected of men, and in His greatest necessity was left by His
+acquaintance and friends to bear these reproaches.  Christ was
+willing to suffer and be despised, and darest thou complain of
+any?  Christ had adversaries and gainsayers, and dost thou wish
+to have all men thy friends and benefactors?  Whence shall thy
+patience attain her crown if no adversity befall thee?  If thou
+art unwilling to suffer any adversity, how shalt thou be the
+friend of Christ?  Sustain thyself with Christ and for Christ if
+thou wilt reign with Christ.
+
+6. If thou hadst once entered into the mind of Jesus, and hadst
+tasted yea even a little of his tender love, then wouldst thou
+care nought for thine own convenience or inconvenience, but
+wouldst rather rejoice at trouble brought upon thee, because the
+love of Jesus maketh a man to despise himself.  He who loveth
+Jesus, and is inwardly true and free from inordinate affections,
+is able to turn himself readily unto God, and to rise above
+himself in spirit, and to enjoy fruitful peace.
+
+7. He who knoweth things as they are and not as they are said or
+seem to be, he truly is wise, and is taught of God more than of
+men. He who knoweth how to walk from within, and to set little
+value upon outward things, requireth not places nor waiteth for
+seasons, for holding his intercourse with God.  The inward man
+quickly recollecteth himself, because he is never entirely given
+up to outward things.  No outward labour and no necessary
+occupations stand in his way, but as events fall out, so doth he
+fit himself to them.  He who is rightly disposed and ordered
+within careth not for the strange and perverse conduct of men.  A
+man is hindered and distracted in so far as he is moved by
+outward things.
+
+8. If it were well with thee, and thou wert purified from evil,
+all things would work together for thy good and profiting.  For
+this cause do many things displease thee and often trouble thee,
+that thou art not yet perfectly dead to thyself nor separated
+from all earthly things.  Nothing so defileth and entangleth the
+heart of man as impure love towards created things.  If thou
+rejectest outward comfort thou wilt be able to contemplate
+heavenly things and frequently to be joyful inwardly.
+
+(1) Luke xvii. 21.   (2) John xiv. 23.   (3) Hebrews xiii. 14.
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+Of lowly submission
+
+Make no great account who is for thee or against thee, but mind
+only the present duty and take care that God be with thee in
+whatsoever thou doest.  Have a good conscience and God will defend
+thee, for he whom God will help no man's perverseness shall be
+able to hurt.  If thou knowest how to hold thy peace and to
+suffer, without doubt thou shalt see the help of the Lord.  He
+knoweth the time and the way to deliver thee, therefore must thou
+resign thyself to Him.  To God it belongeth to help and to
+deliver from all confusion.  Oftentimes it is very profitable for
+keeping us in greater humility, that others know and rebuke our
+faults.
+
+2. When a man humbleth himself for his defects, he then easily
+pacifieth others and quickly satisfieth those that are angered
+against him.  God protecteth and delivereth the humble man, He
+loveth and comforteth the humble man, to the humble man He
+inclineth Himself, on the humble He bestoweth great grace, and
+when he is cast down He raiseth him to glory: to the humble He
+revealeth His secrets, and sweetly draweth and inviteth him to
+Himself.  The humble man having received reproach, is yet in
+sufficient peace, because he resteth on God and not on the world.
+Reckon not thyself to have profited in anywise unless thou feel
+thyself to be inferior to all.
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+Of the good, peaceable man
+
+First keep thyself in peace, and then shalt thou be able to be a
+peacemaker towards others.  A peaceable man doth more good than a
+well-learned.  A passionate man turneth even good into evil and
+easily believeth evil; a good, peaceable man converteth all
+things into good.  He who dwelleth in peace is suspicious of
+none, but he who is discontented and restless is tossed with many
+suspicions, and is neither quiet himself nor suffereth others to
+be quiet.  He often saith what he ought not to say, and omitteth
+what it were more expedient for him to do.  He considereth to
+what duties others are bound, and neglecteth those to which he is
+bound himself.  Therefore be zealous first over thyself, and then
+mayest thou righteously be zealous concerning thy neighbour.
+
+2. Thou knowest well how to excuse and to colour thine own deeds,
+but thou wilt not accept the excuses of others.  It would be more
+just to accuse thyself and excuse thy brother.  If thou wilt that
+others bear with thee, bear thou with others.  Behold how far
+thou art as yet from the true charity and humility which knows
+not how to be angry or indignant against any save self alone.
+It is no great thing to mingle with the good and the meek, for
+this is naturally pleasing to all, and every one of us willingly
+enjoyeth peace and liketh best those who think with us: but to
+be able to live peaceably with the hard and perverse, or with the
+disorderly, or those who oppose us, this is a great grace and a
+thing much to be commended and most worthy of a man.
+
+3. There are who keep themselves in peace and keep peace also
+with others, and there are who neither have peace nor suffer
+others to have peace; they are troublesome to others, but always
+more troublesome to themselves.  And there are who hold
+themselves in peace, and study to bring others unto peace;
+nevertheless, all our peace in this sad life lieth in humble
+suffering rather than in not feeling adversities.  He who best
+knoweth how to suffer shall possess the most peace; that man is
+conqueror of himself and lord of the world, the friend of Christ,
+and the inheritor of heaven.
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+Of a pure mind and simple intention
+
+By two wings is man lifted above earthly things, even by
+simplicity and purity.  Simplicity ought to be in the intention,
+purity in the affection.  Simplicity reacheth towards God, purity
+apprehendeth Him and tasteth Him.  No good action will be
+distasteful to thee if thou be free within from inordinate
+affection.  If thou reachest after and seekest, nothing but the
+will of God and the benefit of thy neighbour, thou wilt entirely
+enjoy inward liberty.  If thine heart were right, then should
+every creature be a mirror of life and a book of holy doctrine.
+There is no creature so small and vile but that it showeth us the
+goodness of God.
+
+2. If thou wert good and pure within, then wouldst thou look upon
+all things without hurt and understand them aright.  A pure heart
+seeth the very depths of heaven and hell.  Such as each one is
+inwardly, so judgeth he outwardly.  If there is any joy in the
+world surely the man of pure heart possesseth it, and if there is
+anywhere tribulation and anguish, the evil conscience knoweth it
+best.  As iron cast into the fire loseth rust and is made
+altogether glowing, so the man who turneth himself altogether
+unto God is freed from slothfulness and changed into a new man.
+
+3. When a man beginneth to grow lukewarm, then he feareth a
+little labour, and willingly accepteth outward consolation; but
+when he beginneth perfectly to conquer himself and to walk
+manfully in the way of God, then he counteth as nothing those
+things which aforetime seemed to be so grievous unto him.
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+Of self-esteem
+
+We cannot place too little confidence in ourselves, because grace
+and understanding are often lacking to us.  Little light is there
+within us, and what we have we quickly lose by negligence.
+Oftentimes we perceive not how great is our inward blindness.  We
+often do ill and excuse it worse.  Sometimes we are moved by
+passion and count it zeal; we blame little faults in others and
+pass over great faults in ourselves.  Quickly enough we feel and
+reckon up what we bear at the hands of others, but we reflect not
+how much others are bearing from us.  He who would weigh well and
+rightly his own doings would not be the man to judge severely of
+another.
+
+2. The spiritually-minded man putteth care of himself before all
+cares; and he who diligently attendeth to himself easily keepeth
+silence concerning others.  Thou wilt never be spiritually minded
+and godly unless thou art silent concerning other men's matters
+and take full heed to thyself.  If thou think wholly upon thyself
+and upon God, what thou seest out of doors shall move thee
+little.  Where art thou when thou art not present to thyself? and
+when thou hast overrun all things, what hath it profited thee,
+thyself being neglected?  If thou wouldst have peace and true
+unity, thou must put aside all other things, and gaze only upon
+thyself.
+
+3. Then thou shalt make great progress if thou keep thyself free
+from all temporal care.  Thou shalt lamentably fall away if thou
+set a value upon any worldly thing.  Let nothing be great,
+nothing high, nothing pleasing, nothing acceptable unto thee,
+save God Himself or the things of God.  Reckon as altogether vain
+whatsoever consolation comes to thee from a creature.  The soul
+that loveth God looketh not to anything that is beneath God.  God
+alone is eternal and incomprehensible, filling all things, the
+solace of the soul, and the true joy of the heart.
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+Of the joy of a good conscience
+
+The testimony of a good conscience is the glory of a good man.
+Have a good conscience and thou shalt ever have joy.  A good
+conscience is able to bear exceeding much, and is exceeding
+joyful in the midst of adversities; an evil conscience is ever
+fearful and unquiet.  Thou shalt rest sweetly if thy heart
+condemn thee not.  Never rejoice unless when thou hast done well.
+The wicked have never true joy, nor feel internal peace, for
+there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.(1)  And if they
+say "we are in peace, there shall no harm happen unto us, and who
+shall dare to do us hurt?" believe them not, for suddenly shall
+the wrath of God rise up against them, and their deeds shall be
+brought to nought, and their thoughts shall perish.
+
+2. To glory in tribulation is not grievous to him who loveth; for
+such glorying is glorying in the Cross of Christ.  Brief is the
+glory which is given and received of men.  Sadness always goeth
+hand in hand with the glory of the world.  The glory of the good
+is in their conscience, and not in the report of men.  The joy of
+the upright is from God and in God, and their joy is in the
+truth.  He who desireth true and eternal glory careth not for
+that which is temporal; and he who seeketh temporal glory, or who
+despiseth it from his heart, is proved to bear little love for
+that which is heavenly.  He who careth for neither praises nor
+reproaches hath great tranquillity of heart.
+
+3. He will easily be contented and filled with peace, whose
+conscience is pure.  Thou art none the holier if thou art
+praised, nor the viler if thou art reproached.  Thou art what
+thou art; and thou canst not be better than God pronounceth thee
+to be.  If thou considerest well what thou art inwardly, thou
+wilt not care what men will say to thee.  Man looketh on the
+outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart:(2) man
+looketh on the deed, but God considereth the intent.  It is the
+token of a humble spirit always to do well, and to set little by
+oneself.  Not to look for consolation from any created thing is a
+sign of great purity and inward faithfulness.
+
+4. He that seeketh no outward witness on his own behalf, showeth
+plainly that he hath committed himself wholly to God.  For not he
+that commendeth himself is approved, as St. Paul saith, but whom
+the Lord commendeth.(3)  To walk inwardly with God, and not to be
+held by any outer affections, is the state of a spiritual man.
+
+(1) Isaiah lvii. 21.   (2) 1 Samuel xvi. 7.
+(3) 2 Corinthians x. 18.
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+Of loving Jesus above all things
+
+Blessed is he who understandeth what it is to love Jesus, and to
+despise himself for Jesus' sake.  He must give up all that he
+loveth for his Beloved, for Jesus will be loved alone above all
+things.  The love of created things is deceiving and unstable,
+but the love of Jesus is faithful and lasting.  He who cleaveth
+to created things will fall with their slipperiness; but he who
+embraceth Jesus will stand upright for ever.  Love Him and hold
+Him for thy friend, for He will not forsake thee when all depart
+from thee, nor will he suffer thee to perish at the last.  Thou
+must one day be separated from all, whether thou wilt or wilt
+not.
+
+2. Cleave thou to Jesus in life and death, and commit thyself
+unto His faithfulness, who, when all men fail thee, is alone able
+to help thee.  Thy Beloved is such, by nature, that He will
+suffer no rival, but alone will possess thy heart, and as a king
+will sit upon His own throne.  If thou wouldst learn to put away
+from thee every created thing, Jesus would freely take up His
+abode with thee.  Thou wilt find all trust little better than
+lost which thou hast placed in men, and not in Jesus.  Trust not
+nor lean upon a reed shaken with the wind, because all flesh is
+grass, and the goodliness thereof falleth as the flower of the
+field.(1)
+
+3. Thou wilt be quickly deceived if thou lookest only upon the
+outward appearance of men, for if thou seekest thy comfort and
+profit in others, thou shalt too often experience loss.  If thou
+seekest Jesus in all things thou shalt verily find Jesus, but if
+thou seekest thyself thou shalt also find thyself, but to thine
+own hurt.  For if a man seeketh not Jesus he is more hurtful to
+himself than all the world and all his adversaries.
+
+(1) Isaiah xl. 6.
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+Of the intimate love of Jesus
+
+When Jesus is present all is well and nothing seemeth hard, but
+when Jesus is not present everything is hard.  When Jesus
+speaketh not within, our comfort is nothing worth, but if Jesus
+speaketh but a single word great is the comfort we experience.
+Did not Mary Magdalene rise up quickly from the place where she
+wept when Martha said to her, The Master is come and calleth for
+thee?(1)  Happy hour when Jesus calleth thee from tears to the
+joy of the spirit!  How dry and hard art thou without Jesus!  How
+senseless and vain if thou desirest aught beyond Jesus!  Is not
+this greater loss than if thou shouldst lose the whole world?
+
+2. What can the world profit thee without Jesus?  To be without
+Jesus is the nethermost hell, and to be with Jesus is sweet
+paradise.  If Jesus were with thee no enemy could hurt thee.  He
+who findeth Jesus findeth a good treasure, yea, good above all
+good; and he who loseth Jesus loseth exceeding much, yea, more
+than the whole world.  Most poor is he who liveth without Jesus,
+and most rich is he who is much with Jesus.
+
+3. It is great skill to know how to live with Jesus, and to know
+how to hold Jesus is great wisdom.  Be thou humble and peaceable
+and Jesus shall be with thee.  Be godly and quiet, and Jesus will
+remain with thee.  Thou canst quickly drive away Jesus and lose
+His favour if thou wilt turn away to the outer things.  And if
+thou hast put Him to flight and lost Him, to whom wilt thou flee,
+and whom then wilt thou seek for a friend?  Without a friend thou
+canst not live long, and if Jesus be not thy friend above all
+thou shalt be very sad and desolate.  Madly therefore doest thou
+if thou trusteth or findest joy in any other.  It is preferable
+to have the whole world against thee, than Jesus offended with
+thee.  Therefore of all that are dear to thee, let Jesus be
+specially loved.
+
+4. Let all be loved for Jesus' sake, but Jesus for His own.
+Jesus Christ alone is to be specially loved, for He alone is
+found good and faithful above all friends.  For His sake and in
+Him let both enemies and friends be dear to thee, and pray for
+them all that they may all know and love Him.  Never desire to be
+specially praised or loved, because this belongeth to God alone,
+who hath none like unto Himself.  Nor wish thou that any one set
+his heart on thee, nor do thou give thyself up to the love of
+any, but let Jesus be in thee and in every good man.
+
+5. Be pure and free within thyself, and be not entangled by any
+created thing.  Thou oughtest to bring a bare and clean heart to
+God, if thou desirest to be ready to see how gracious the Lord
+is.  And in truth, unless thou be prevented and drawn on by His
+grace, thou wilt not attain to this, that having cast out and
+dismissed all else, thou alone art united to God.  For when the
+grace of God cometh to a man, then he becometh able to do all
+things, and when it departeth then he will be poor and weak and
+given up unto troubles.  In these thou art not to be cast down
+nor to despair, but to rest with calm mind on the will of God,
+and to bear all things which come upon thee unto the praise of
+Jesus Christ; for after winter cometh summer, after night
+returneth day, after the tempest a great calm.
+
+(1) John xi. 28.
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+Of the lack of all comfort
+
+It is no hard thing to despise human comfort when divine is
+present.  It is a great thing, yea very great, to be able to bear
+the loss both of human and divine comfort; and for the love of
+God willingly to bear exile of heart, and in nought to seek
+oneself, nor to look to one's own merit.  What great matter is
+it, if thou be cheerful of heart and devout when favour cometh to
+thee?  That is an hour wherein all rejoice.  Pleasantly enough
+doth he ride whom the grace of God carrieth.  And what marvel, if
+he feeleth no burden who is carried by the Almighty, and is led
+onwards by the Guide from on high?
+
+2. We are willing to accept anything for comfort, and it is
+difficult for a man to be freed from himself.  The holy martyr
+Laurence overcame the love of the world and even of his priestly
+master, because he despised everything in the world which seemed
+to be pleasant; and for the love of Christ he calmly suffered
+even God's chief priest, Sixtus, whom he dearly loved, to be
+taken from him.  Thus by the love of the Creator he overcame the
+love of man, and instead of human comfort he chose rather God's
+good pleasure.  So also learn thou to resign any near and beloved
+friend for the love of God.  Nor take it amiss when thou hast
+been deserted by a friend, knowing that we must all be parted
+from one another at last.
+
+3. Mightily and long must a man strive within himself before he
+learn altogether to overcome himself, and to draw his whole
+affection towards God.  When a man resteth upon himself, he
+easily slippeth away unto human comforts.  But a true lover of
+Christ, and a diligent seeker after virtue, falleth not back upon
+those comforts, nor seeketh such sweetness as may be tasted and
+handled, but desireth rather hard exercises, and to undertake
+severe labours for Christ.
+
+4. When, therefore, spiritual comfort is given by God, receive it
+with giving of thanks, and know that it is the gift of God, not
+thy desert.  Be not lifted up, rejoice not overmuch nor foolishly
+presume, but rather be more humble for the gift, more wary and
+more careful in all thy doings; for that hour will pass away, and
+temptation will follow.  When comfort is taken from thee, do not
+straightway despair, but wait for the heavenly visitation with
+humility and patience, for God is able to give thee back greater
+favour and consolation.  This is not new nor strange to those who
+have made trial of the way of God, for with the great saints and
+the ancient prophets there was often this manner of change.
+
+5. Wherefore one said when the favour of God was present with
+him, I said in my prosperity I shall never be moved,(1) but he
+goeth on to say what he felt within himself when the favour
+departed: Thou didst turn Thy face from me, and I was troubled.
+In spite whereof he in no wise despaireth, but the more instantly
+entreateth God, and saith, Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry, and
+will pray unto my God; and then he receiveth the fruit of his
+prayer, and testifieth how he hath been heard, saying, The Lord
+heard me and had mercy upon me, the Lord was my helper.  But
+wherein?  Thou hast turned my heaviness into joy, Thou hast put
+off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.  If it was thus
+with the great saints, we who are poor and needy ought not to
+despair if we are sometimes in the warmth and sometimes in the
+cold, for the Spirit cometh and goeth according to the good
+pleasure of His will.  Wherefore holy Job saith, Thou dost visit
+him in the morning, and suddenly Thou dost prove him.(2)
+
+6. Whereupon then can I hope, or wherein may I trust, save only
+in the great mercy of God, and the hope of heavenly grace?  For
+whether good men are with me, godly brethren or faithful friends,
+whether holy books or beautiful discourses, whether sweet hymns
+and songs, all these help but little, and have but little savour
+when I am deserted by God's favour and left to mine own poverty.
+There is no better remedy, then, than patience and denial of
+self, and an abiding in the will of God.
+
+7. I have never found any man so religious and godly, but that he
+felt sometimes a withdrawal of the divine favour, and lack of
+fervour.  No saint was ever so filled with rapture, so
+enlightened, but that sooner or later he was tempted.  For he is
+not worthy of the great vision of God, who, for God's sake, hath
+not been exercised by some temptation.  For temptation is wont
+to go before as a sign of the comfort which shall follow, and
+heavenly comfort is promised to those who are proved by
+temptation.  As it is written, To him that overcometh I will
+give to eat of the tree of life.(3)
+
+8. Divine comfort is given that a man may be stronger to bear
+adversities.  And temptation followeth, lest he be lifted up
+because of the benefit.  The devil sleepeth not; thy flesh is not
+yet dead; therefore, cease thou not to make thyself ready unto
+the battle, for enemies stand on thy right hand and on thy left,
+and they are never at rest.
+
+(1) Psalm xxx. 6.  (2) Job vii. 18.  (3) Revelation ii. 7.
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+Of gratitude for the Grace of God
+
+Why seekest thou rest when thou art born to labour?  Prepare
+thyself for patience more than for comforts, and for bearing the
+cross more than for joy.  For who among the men of this world
+would not gladly receive consolation and spiritual joy if he
+might always have it?  For spiritual comforts exceed all the
+delights of the world, and all the pleasures of the flesh.  For
+all worldly delights are either empty or unclean, whilst
+spiritual delights alone are pleasant and honourable, the
+offspring of virtue, and poured forth by God into pure minds.
+But no man can always enjoy these divine comforts at his own
+will, because the season of temptation ceaseth not for long.
+
+2. Great is the difference between a visitation from above and
+false liberty of spirit and great confidence in self.  God doeth
+well in giving us the grace of comfort, but man doeth ill in not
+immediately giving God thanks thereof.  And thus the gifts of
+grace are not able to flow unto us, because we are ungrateful to
+the Author of them, and return them not wholly to the Fountain
+whence they flow.  For grace ever becometh the portion of him who
+is grateful and that is taken away from the proud, which is wont
+to be given to the humble.
+
+3. I desire no consolation which taketh away from me compunction,
+I love no contemplation which leadeth to pride.  For all that is
+high is not holy, nor is everything that is sweet good; every
+desire is not pure; nor is everything that is dear to us pleasing
+unto God.  Willingly do I accept that grace whereby I am made
+humbler and more wary and more ready to renounce myself.  He who
+is made learned by the gift of grace and taught wisdom by the
+stroke of the withdrawal thereof, will not dare to claim any good
+thing for himself, but will rather confess that he is poor and
+needy.  Give unto God the thing which is God's,(1) and ascribe to
+thyself that which is thine; that is, give thanks unto God for
+His grace, but for thyself alone confess thy fault, and that thy
+punishment is deserved for thy fault.
+
+4. Sit thou down always in the lowest room and thou shalt be
+given the highest place.(2)  For the highest cannot be without
+the lowest.  For the highest saints of God are least in their own
+sight, and the more glorious they are, so much the lowlier are
+they in themselves; full of grace and heavenly glory, they are
+not desirous of vain-glory; resting on God and strong in His
+might, they cannot be lifted up in any wise.  And they who
+ascribe unto God all the good which they have received, "seek not
+glory one of another, but the glory which cometh from God only,"
+and they desire that God shall be praised in Himself and in all
+His Saints above all things, and they are always striving for
+this very thing.
+
+5. Be thankful, therefore, for the least benefit and thou shalt
+be worthy to receive greater.  Let the least be unto thee even as
+the greatest, and let that which is of little account be unto
+thee as a special gift.  If the majesty of the Giver be
+considered, nothing that is given shall seem small and of no
+worth, for that is not a small thing which is given by the Most
+High God.  Yea, though He gave punishment and stripes, we ought
+to be thankful, because He ever doth for our profit whatever He
+suffereth to come upon us.  He who seeketh to retain the favour
+of God, let him be thankful for the favour which is given, and
+patient in respect of that which is taken away.  Let him pray
+that it may return; let him be wary and humble that he lose it
+not.
+
+(1) Matthew xxii. 21.   (2) Luke xiv. 10.
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+Of the fewness of those who love the Cross of Jesus
+
+Jesus hath many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few bearers of
+His Cross.  He hath many seekers of comfort, but few of
+tribulation.  He findeth many companions of His table, but few of
+His fasting.  All desire to rejoice with Him, few are willing to
+undergo anything for His sake.  Many follow Jesus that they may
+eat of His loaves, but few that they may drink of the cup of His
+passion.  Many are astonished at His Miracles, few follow after
+the shame of His Cross.  Many love Jesus so long as no
+adversities happen to them.  Many praise Him and bless Him, so
+long as they receive any comforts from Him.  But if Jesus hide
+Himself and withdraw from them a little while, they fall either
+into complaining or into too great dejection of mind.
+
+2. But they who love Jesus for Jesus' sake, and not for any
+consolation of their own, bless Him in all tribulation and
+anguish of heart as in the highest consolation.  And if He should
+never give them consolation, nevertheless they would always
+praise Him and always give Him thanks.
+
+3. Oh what power hath the pure love of Jesus, unmixed with any
+gain or love of self!  Should not all they be called mercenary
+who are always seeking consolations?  Do they not prove
+themselves lovers of self more than of Christ who are always
+seeking their own gain and advantage?  Where shall be found one
+who is willing to serve God altogether for nought?
+
+4. Rarely is any one found so spiritual as to be stripped of all
+selfish thoughts, for who shall find a man truly poor in spirit
+and free of all created things?  "His value is from afar, yea
+from the ends of the earth."  A man may give away all his goods,
+yet that is nothing; and if he do many deeds of penitence, yet
+that is a small thing; and though he understand all knowledge,
+yet that is afar off; and if he have great virtue and zealous
+devotion, yet much is lacking unto him, yea, one thing which is
+the most necessary to him of all.  What is it then?  That having
+given up all things besides, he give up himself and go forth from
+himself utterly, and retain nothing of self-love; and having done
+all things which he knoweth to be his duty to do, that he feel
+that he hath done nothing.  Let him not reckon that much which
+might be much esteemed, but let him pronounce himself to be in
+truth an unprofitable servant, as the Truth Himself saith, When
+ye have done all things that are commanded you, say, we are
+unprofitable servants.(1)  Then may he be truly poor and naked in
+spirit, and be able to say with the Prophet, As for me, I am poor
+and needy.(2)  Nevertheless, no man is richer than he, no man
+stronger, no man freer.  For he knoweth both how to give up
+himself and all things, and how to be lowly in his own eyes.
+
+(1) Luke xvii. 10.   (2) Psalm xxv. 16.
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+Of the royal way of the Holy Cross
+
+That seemeth a hard saying to many, If any man will come after
+Me, let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow Me.(1)
+But it will be much harder to hear that last sentence, Depart
+from me, ye wicked, into eternal fire.(2)  For they who now
+willingly hear the word of the Cross and follow it, shall not
+then fear the hearing of eternal damnation.  This sign of the
+Cross shall be in heaven when the Lord cometh to Judgment.  Then
+all servants of the Cross, who in life have conformed themselves
+to the Crucified, shall draw nigh unto Christ the Judge with
+great boldness.
+
+2. Why fearest thou then to take up the cross which leadeth to a
+kingdom?  In the Cross is health, in the Cross is life, in the
+Cross is protection from enemies, in the Cross is heavenly
+sweetness, in the Cross strength of mind, in the Cross joy of
+the spirit, in the Cross the height of virtue, in the Cross
+perfection of holiness.  There is no health of the soul, no hope
+of eternal life, save in the Cross.  Take up therefore, thy cross
+and follow Jesus and thou shalt go into eternal life.  He went
+before thee bearing His Cross and died for thee upon the Cross,
+that thou also mayest bear thy cross and mayest love to be
+crucified upon it.  For if thou be dead with Him, thou shalt also
+live with Him, and if thou be a partaker of His sufferings thou
+shalt be also of His glory.
+
+3. Behold everything dependeth upon the Cross, and everything
+lieth in dying; and there is none other way unto life and to true
+inward peace, except the way of the Holy Cross and of daily
+mortification.  Go where thou wilt, seek whatsoever thou wilt,
+and thou shalt find no higher way above nor safer way below, than
+the way of the Holy Cross.  Dispose and order all things
+according to thine own will and judgment, and thou shalt ever
+find something to suffer either willingly or unwillingly, and
+thus thou shalt ever find thy cross.  For thou shalt either feel
+pain of body, or tribulation of spirit within thy soul.
+
+4. Sometimes thou wilt be forsaken of God, sometimes thou wilt be
+tried by thy neighbour, and which is more, thou wilt often be
+wearisome to thyself.  And still thou canst not be delivered nor
+eased by any remedy or consolation, but must bear so long as God
+will.  For God will have thee learn to suffer tribulation without
+consolation, and to submit thyself fully to it, and by
+tribulation be made more humble.  No man understandeth the
+Passion of Christ in his heart so well as he who hath had
+somewhat of the like suffering himself.  The Cross therefore is
+always ready, and every where waiteth for thee.  Thou canst not
+flee from it whithersoever thou hurriest, for whithersoever thou
+comest, thou bearest thyself with thee, and shalt ever find
+thyself.  Turn thee above, turn thee below, turn thee without,
+turn thee within, and in them all thou shalt find the Cross; and
+needful is it that thou everywhere possess patience if thou wilt
+have internal peace and gain the everlasting crown.
+
+5. If thou willingly bear the Cross, it will bear thee, and will
+bring thee to the end which thou seekest, even where there shall
+be the end of suffering; though it shall not be here.  If thou
+bear it unwillingly, thou makest a burden for thyself and greatly
+increaseth thy load, and yet thou must bear it.  If thou cast
+away one cross, without doubt thou shalt find another and
+perchance a heavier.
+
+6. Thinketh thou to escape what no mortal hath been able to
+avoid?  Which of the saints in the world hath been without the
+cross and tribulation?  For not even Jesus Christ our Lord was
+one hour without the anguish of His Passion, so long as He lived.
+It behooved, He said, Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead,
+and so enter into his glory.(3)  And how dost thou seek another
+way than this royal way, which is the way of the Holy Cross?
+
+7. The whole life of Christ was a cross and martyrdom, and dost
+thou seek for thyself rest and joy?  Thou art wrong, thou art
+wrong, if thou seekest aught but to suffer tribulations, for this
+whole mortal life is full of miseries, and set round with
+crosses.  And the higher a man hath advanced in the spirit, the
+heavier crosses he will often find, because the sorrow of his
+banishment increaseth with the strength of his love.
+
+8. But yet the man who is thus in so many wise afflicted, is not
+without refreshment of consolation, because he feeleth abundant
+fruit to be growing within him out of the bearing of his cross.
+For whilst he willingly submitteth himself to it, every burden of
+tribulation is turned into an assurance of divine comfort, and
+the more the flesh is wasted by affliction, the more is the
+spirit strengthened mightily by inward grace.  And ofttimes so
+greatly is he comforted by the desire for tribulation and
+adversity, through love of conformity to the Cross of Christ,
+that he would not be without sorrow and tribulation; for he
+believeth that he shall be the more acceptable to God, the more
+and the heavier burdens he is able to bear for His sake.  This is
+not the virtue of man, but the grace of Christ which hath such
+power and energy in the weak flesh, that what it naturally hateth
+and fleeth from, this it draweth to and loveth through fervour of
+spirit.
+
+9. It is not in the nature of man to bear the cross, to love the
+cross, to keep under the body and to bring it into subjection, to
+fly from honours, to bear reproaches meekly, to despise self and
+desire to be despised, to bear all adversities and losses, and to
+desire no prosperity in this world.  If thou lookest to thyself,
+thou wilt of thyself be able to do none of this; but if thou
+trustest in the Lord, endurance shall be given thee from heaven,
+and the world and the flesh shall be made subject to thy command.
+Yea, thou shalt not even fear thine adversary the devil, if thou
+be armed with faith and signed with the Cross of Christ.
+
+10. Set thyself, therefore, like a good and faithful servant of
+Christ, to the manful bearing of the Cross of thy Lord, who out
+of love was crucified for thee.  Prepare thyself for the bearing
+many adversities and manifold troubles in this wretched life;
+because so it shall be with thee wheresoever thou art, and so in
+very deed thou shalt find it, wherever thou hide thyself.  This
+it must be; and there is no means of escaping from tribulation
+and sorrow, except to bear them patiently.  Drink thou lovingly
+thy Lord's cup if thou desirest to be His friend and to have thy
+lot with Him.  Leave consolations to God, let Him do as seemeth
+best to Him concerning them.  But do thou set thyself to endure
+tribulations, and reckon them the best consolations; for the
+sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared
+with the glory which shall be revealed in us,(4) nor would they
+be even if thou wert to endure them all.
+
+11. When thou hast come to this, that tribulation is sweet and
+pleasant to thee for Christ's sake, then reckon that it is well
+with thee, because thou hast found paradise on earth.  So long as
+it is hard to thee to suffer and thou desirest to escape, so long
+it will not be well with thee, and tribulations will follow thee
+everywhere.
+
+12. If thou settest thyself to that thou oughtest, namely, to
+suffer and to die, it shall soon go better with thee, and thou
+shalt find peace.  Though thou shouldest be caught up with Paul
+unto the third heaven,(5) thou art not on that account secure
+from suffering evil.  I will show him, saith Jesus, what great
+things he must suffer for My Name's sake.(6)  It remaineth,
+therefore, to thee to suffer, if thou wilt love Jesus and serve
+Him continually.
+
+13. Oh that thou wert worthy to suffer something for the name of
+Jesus, how great glory should await thee, what rejoicing among
+all the saints of God, what bright example also to thy neighbour!
+For all men commend patience, although few be willing to practise
+it.  Thou oughtest surely to suffer a little for Christ when many
+suffer heavier things for the world.
+
+14. Know thou of a surety that thou oughtest to lead the life of
+a dying man.  And the more a man dieth to himself, the more he
+beginneth to live towards God.  None is fit for the understanding
+of heavenly things, unless he hath submitted himself to bearing
+adversities for Christ.  Nothing more acceptable to God, nothing
+more healthful for thyself in this world, than to suffer
+willingly for Christ.  And if it were thine to choose, thou
+oughtest rather to wish to suffer adversities for Christ, than to
+be refreshed with manifold consolations, for thou wouldest be
+more like Christ and more conformed to all saints.  For our
+worthiness and growth in grace lieth not in many delights and
+consolations, but rather in bearing many troubles and
+adversities.
+
+15. If indeed there had been anything better and more profitable
+to the health of men than to suffer, Christ would surely have
+shown it by word and example.  For both the disciples who
+followed Him, and all who desire to follow Him, He plainly
+exhorteth to bear their cross, and saith, If any man will come
+after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow
+Me.(7)  So now that we have thoroughly read and studied all
+things, let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter.  We must
+through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.(8)
+
+(1) Matthew xvi. 24.   (2) Matthew xxv. 41.   (3) Luke xxiv. 46.
+(4) Romans viii. 18.   (5) 2 Corinthians xii. 2.
+(6) Acts ix. 16.   (7) Luke ix. 23.   (8) Acts xiv. 21.
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRD BOOK
+
+
+
+ON INWARD CONSOLATION
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+Of the inward voice of Christ to the faithful soul
+
+I will hearken what the Lord God shall say within me.(1)  Blessed
+is the soul which heareth the Lord speaking within it, and
+receiveth the word of consolation from His mouth.  Blessed are
+the ears which receive the echoes of the soft whisper of God, and
+turn not aside to the whisperings of this world.  Blessed truly
+are the ears which listen not to the voice that soundeth without,
+but to that which teacheth truth inwardly.  Blessed are the eyes
+which are closed to things without, but are fixed upon things
+within.  Blessed are they who search inward things and study to
+prepare themselves more and more by daily exercises for the
+receiving of heavenly mysteries.  Blessed are they who long to
+have leisure for God, and free themselves from every hindrance of
+the world.  Think on these things, O my soul, and shut the doors
+of thy carnal desires, so mayest thou hear what the Lord God will
+say within thee.
+
+2. These things saith thy Beloved, "I am thy salvation, I am thy
+peace and thy life.  Keep thee unto Me, and thou shalt find
+peace."  Put away thee all transitory things, seek those things
+that are eternal.  For what are all temporal things but deceits,
+and what shall all created things help thee if thou be forsaken
+by the Creator?  Therefore put all things else away, and give
+thyself to the Creator, to be well pleasing and faithful to Him,
+that thou mayest be able to attain true blessedness.
+
+(1) Psalm lxxxv. 8.
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+What the truth saith inwardly without noise of words
+
+Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth.(1)  I am Thy servant; O give
+me understanding that I may know Thy testimonies.  Incline my
+heart unto the words of Thy mouth.(2)  Let thy speech distil as
+the dew.  The children of Israel spake in old time to Moses,
+Speak thou unto us and we will hear, but let not the Lord speak
+unto us lest we die.(3)  Not thus, O Lord, not thus do I pray,
+but rather with Samuel the prophet, I beseech Thee humbly and
+earnestly, Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.  Let not Moses
+speak to me, nor any prophet, but rather speak Thou, O Lord, who
+didst inspire and illuminate all the prophets; for Thou alone
+without them canst perfectly fill me with knowledge, whilst they
+without Thee shall profit nothing.
+
+2. They can indeed utter words, but they give not the spirit.
+They speak with exceeding beauty, but when Thou art silent they
+kindle not the heart.  They give us scriptures, but Thou makest
+known the sense thereof.  They bring us mysteries, but Thou
+revealest the things which are signified.  They utter
+commandments, but Thou helpest to the fulfilling of them.  They
+show the way, but Thou givest strength for the journey.  They act
+only outwardly, but Thou dost instruct and enlighten the heart.
+They water, but Thou givest the increase.  They cry with words,
+but Thou givest understanding to the hearer.
+
+3. Therefore let not Moses speak to me, but Thou, O Lord my God,
+Eternal Truth; lest I die and bring forth no fruit, being
+outwardly admonished, but not enkindled within; lest the word
+heard but not followed, known but not loved, believed but not
+obeyed, rise up against me in the judgment.  Speak, Lord, for Thy
+servant heareth; Thou hast the words of eternal life.(4)  Speak
+unto me for some consolation unto my soul, for the amendment of
+my whole life, and for the praise and glory and eternal honour of
+Thy Name.
+
+(1) 1 Samuel iii. 9.   (2) Psalm cxix. 125.   (3) Exodus xx. 19.
+(4) John vi. 68.
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+How all the words of God are to be heard with humility, and how
+many consider them not
+
+"My Son, hear My words, for My words are most sweet, surpassing
+all the knowledge of the philosophers and wise men of this world.
+My words are spirit, and they are life,(1) and are not to be
+weighed by man's understanding.  They are not to be drawn forth
+for vain approbation, but to be heard in silence, and to be
+received with all humility and with deep love."
+
+2. And I said, "Blessed is the man whom Thou teachest, O Lord,
+and instructest him in Thy law, that Thou mayest give him rest in
+time of adversity,(2) and that he be not desolate in the earth."
+
+3. "I," saith the Lord, "taught the prophets from the beginning,
+and even now cease I not to speak unto all; but many are deaf and
+hardened against My voice; many love to listen to the world
+rather than to God, they follow after the desires of the flesh
+more readily than after the good pleasure of God.  The world
+promiseth things that are temporal and small, and it is served
+with great eagerness.  I promise things that are great and
+eternal, and the hearts of mortals are slow to stir.  Who serveth
+and obeyeth Me in all things, with such carefulness as he serveth
+the world and its rulers?
+
+		Be thou ashamed, O Sidon, saith the sea;(3)
+		And if thou reason seekest, hear thou me.
+
+For a little reward men make a long journey; for eternal life
+many will scarce lift a foot once from the ground.  Mean reward
+is sought after; for a single piece of money sometimes there is
+shameful striving; for a thing which is vain and for a trifling
+promise, men shrink not from toiling day and night."
+
+4. "But, O shame! for an unchangeable good, for an inestimable
+reward, for the highest honour and for a glory that fadeth not
+away, it is irksome to them to toil even a little.  Be thou
+ashamed therefore, slothful and discontented servant, for they
+are found readier unto perdition than thou unto life.  They
+rejoice more heartily in vanity than thou in the truth.
+Sometimes, indeed, they are disappointed of their hope, but my
+promise faileth no man, nor sendeth away empty him who trusteth
+in Me.  What I have promised I will give; what I have said I will
+fulfil; if only a man remain faithful in My love unto the end.
+Therefore am I the rewarder of all good men, and a strong
+approver of all who are godly.
+
+5. "Write My words in thy heart and consider them diligently, for
+they shall be very needful to thee in time of temptation.  What
+thou understandest not when thou readest, thou shalt know in the
+time of thy visitation.  I am wont to visit Mine elect in twofold
+manner, even by temptation and by comfort, and I teach them two
+lessons day by day, the one in chiding their faults, the other in
+exhorting them to grow in grace.  He who hath My words and
+rejecteth them, hath one who shall judge him at the last day."
+
+
+A PRAYER FOR THE SPIRIT OF DEVOTION
+
+6. O Lord my God, Thou art all my good, and who am I that I
+should dare to speak unto Thee?  I am the very poorest of Thy
+servants, an abject worm, much poorer and more despicable than I
+know or dare to say.  Nevertheless remember, O Lord, that I am
+nothing, I have nothing, and can do nothing.  Thou only art good,
+just and holy; Thou canst do all things, art over all things,
+fillest all things, leaving empty only the sinner.  Call to mind
+Thy tender mercies, and fill my heart with Thy grace, Thou who
+wilt not that Thy work should return to Thee void.
+
+7. How can I bear this miserable life unless Thy mercy and grace
+strengthen me?  Turn not away Thy face from me, delay not Thy
+visitation.  Withdraw not Thou Thy comfort from me, lest my soul
+"gasp after thee as a thirsty land."  Lord, teach me to do Thy
+will, teach me to walk humbly and uprightly before Thee, for Thou
+art my wisdom, who knowest me in truth, and knewest me before the
+world was made and before I was born into the world.
+
+(1) John vi. 63.   (2) Psalm xciv. 13.   (3) Isaiah xxiii. 4.
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+How we must walk in truth and humility before God
+
+"My Son! walk before Me in truth, and in the simplicity of thy
+heart seek Me continually.  He who walketh before Me in the truth
+shall be safe from evil assaults, and the truth shall deliver him
+from the wiles and slanders of the wicked.  If the truth shall
+make thee free, thou shalt be free indeed, and shalt not care for
+the vain words of men."
+
+2. Lord, it is true as Thou sayest; let it, I pray Thee, be so
+with me; let Thy truth teach me, let it keep me and preserve me
+safe unto the end.  Let it free me from all evil and inordinate
+affection, and I will walk before Thee in great freedom of heart.
+
+3. "I will teach thee," saith the Truth, "the things which are
+right and pleasing before Me.  Think upon thy sins with great
+displeasure and sorrow, and never think thyself anything because
+of thy good works.  Verily thou art a sinner, liable to many
+passions, yea, tied and bound with them.  Of thyself thou always
+tendest unto nothing, thou wilt quickly fall, quickly be
+conquered, quickly disturbed, quickly undone.  Thou hast nought
+whereof to glory, but many reasons why thou shouldest reckon
+thyself vile, for thou art far weaker than thou art able to
+comprehend.
+
+4. "Let, therefore, nothing which thou doest seem to thee great;
+let nothing be grand, nothing of value or beauty, nothing worthy
+of honour, nothing lofty, nothing praiseworthy or desirable,
+save what is eternal.  Let the eternal truth please thee above
+all things, let thine own great vileness displease thee
+continually.  Fear, denounce, flee nothing so much as thine own
+faults and sins, which ought to be more displeasing to thee than
+any loss whatsoever of goods.  There are some who walk not
+sincerely before me, but being led by curiosity and pride, they
+desire to know my secret things and to understand the deep things
+of God, whilst they neglect themselves and their salvation.
+These often fall into great temptations and sins because of their
+pride and curiosity, for I am against them.
+
+5. "Fear thou the judgments of God, fear greatly the wrath of the
+Almighty.  Shrink from debating upon the works of the Most High,
+but search narrowly thine own iniquities into what great sins
+thou hast fallen, and how many good things thou hast neglected.
+There are some who carry their devotion only in books, some in
+pictures, some in outward signs and figures; some have Me in
+their mouths, but little in their hearts.  Others there are who,
+being enlightened in their understanding and purged in their
+affections, continually long after eternal things, hear of
+earthly things with unwillingness, obey the necessities of nature
+with sorrow.  And these understand what the Spirit of truth
+speaketh in them; for He teacheth them to despise earthly things
+and to love heavenly; to neglect the world and to desire heaven
+all the day and night."
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+Of the wonderful power of the Divine Love
+
+I bless Thee, O Heavenly Father, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ,
+for that Thou hast vouchsafed to think of me, poor that I am.  O,
+Father of Mercies and God of all comfort,(1) I give thanks unto
+Thee, who refreshest me sometimes with thine own comfort, when I
+am unworthy of any comfort.  I bless and glorify Thee
+continually, with thine only begotten Son and the Holy Ghost, the
+Paraclete, for ever and ever.  O Lord God, Holy lover of my soul,
+when Thou shalt come into my heart, all my inward parts shall
+rejoice.  Thou art my glory and the joy of my heart.  Thou art my
+hope and my refuge in the day of my trouble.
+
+2. But because I am still weak in love and imperfect in virtue, I
+need to be strengthened and comforted by Thee; therefore visit
+Thou me often and instruct me with Thy holy ways of discipline.
+Deliver me from evil passions, and cleanse my heart from all
+inordinate affections, that, being healed and altogether cleansed
+within, I may be made ready to love, strong to suffer, steadfast
+to endure.
+
+3. Love is a great thing, a good above all others, which alone
+maketh every heavy burden light, and equaliseth every inequality.
+For it beareth the burden and maketh it no burden, it maketh
+every bitter thing to be sweet and of good taste.  The surpassing
+love of Jesus impelleth to great works, and exciteth to the
+continual desiring of greater perfection.  Love willeth to be
+raised up, and not to be held down by any mean thing.  Love
+willeth to be free and aloof from all worldly affection, lest its
+inward power of vision be hindered, lest it be entangled by any
+worldly prosperity or overcome by adversity.  Nothing is sweeter
+than love, nothing stronger, nothing loftier, nothing broader,
+nothing pleasanter, nothing fuller or better in heaven nor on
+earth, for love was born of God and cannot rest save in God above
+all created things.
+
+4. He who loveth flyeth, runneth, and is glad; he is free and not
+hindered.  He giveth all things for all things, and hath all
+things in all things, because he resteth in One who is high above
+all, from whom every good floweth and proceedeth.  He looketh not
+for gifts, but turneth himself to the Giver above all good
+things.  Love oftentimes knoweth no measure, but breaketh out
+above all measure; love feeleth no burden, reckoneth not labours,
+striveth after more than it is able to do, pleadeth not
+impossibility, because it judgeth all things which are lawful for
+it to be possible.  It is strong therefore for all things, and it
+fulfilleth many things, and is successful where he who loveth not
+faileth and lieth down.
+
+5. Love is watchful, and whilst sleeping still keepeth watch;
+though fatigued it is not weary, though pressed it is not forced,
+though alarmed it is not terrified, but like the living flame and
+the burning torch, it breaketh forth on high and securely
+triumpheth.  If a man loveth, he knoweth what this voice crieth.
+For the ardent affection of the soul is a great clamour in the
+ears of God, and it saith: My God, my Beloved!  Thou art all
+mine, and I am all Thine.
+
+6. Enlarge Thou me in love, that I may learn to taste with the
+innermost mouth of my heart how sweet it is to love, to be
+dissolved, and to swim in love.  Let me be holden by love,
+mounting above myself through exceeding fervour and admiration.
+Let me sing the song of love, let me follow Thee my Beloved on
+high, let my soul exhaust itself in Thy praise, exulting with
+love.  Let me love Thee more than myself, not loving myself
+except for Thy sake, and all men in Thee who truly love Thee, as
+the law of love commandeth which shineth forth from Thee.
+
+7. Love is swift, sincere, pious, pleasant, gentle, strong,
+patient, faithful, prudent, long-suffering, manly, and never
+seeking her own; for wheresoever a man seeketh his own, there he
+falleth from love.  Love is circumspect, humble, and upright; not
+weak, not fickle, nor intent on vain things; sober, chaste,
+steadfast, quiet, and guarded in all the senses.  Love is subject
+and obedient to all that are in authority, vile and lowly in its
+own sight, devout and grateful towards God, faithful and always
+trusting in Him even when God hideth His face, for without
+sorrow we cannot live in love.
+
+8. He who is not ready to suffer all things, and to conform to
+the will of the Beloved, is not worthy to be called a lover of
+God.  It behoveth him who loveth to embrace willingly all hard
+and bitter things for the Beloved's sake, and not to be drawn
+away from Him because of any contrary accidents.
+
+(1) 2 Corinthians i. 3.
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+Of the proving of the true lover
+
+"My Son, thou art not yet strong and prudent in thy love."
+
+2. Wherefore, O my Lord?
+
+3. "Because for a little opposition thou fallest away from thy
+undertakings, and too eagerly seekest after consolation.  The
+strong lover standeth fast in temptations, and believeth not the
+evil persuasions of the enemy.  As in prosperity I please him, so
+in adversity I do not displease.
+
+4. "The prudent lover considereth not the gift of the lover so
+much as the love of the giver.  He looketh for the affection more
+than the value, and setteth all gifts lower than the Beloved.
+The noble lover resteth not in the gift, but in Me above every
+gift.
+
+5. "All is not lost, though thou sometimes think of Me or of My
+saints, less than thou shouldest desire.  That good and sweet
+affection which thou sometimes perceivest is the effect of
+present grace and some foretaste of the heavenly country; but
+hereon thou must not too much depend, for it goeth and cometh.
+But to strive against the evil motions of the mind which come to
+us, and to resist the suggestions of the devil, is a token of
+virtue and great merit.
+
+6. "Therefore let not strange fancies disturb thee, whencesoever
+they arise.  Bravely observe thy purpose and thy upright
+intentions towards God.  It is not an illusion when thou art
+sometimes suddenly carried away into rapture, and then suddenly
+art brought back to the wonted vanities of thy heart.  For thou
+dost rather unwillingly undergo them than cause them; and so long
+as they displease thee and thou strivest against them, it is a
+merit and no loss.
+
+7. "Know thou that thine old enemy altogether striveth to hinder
+thy pursuit after good, and to deter thee from every godly
+exercise, to wit, the contemplation of the Saints, the pious
+remembrance of My passion, the profitable recollection of sin,
+the keeping of thy own heart, and the steadfast purpose to grow
+in virtue.  He suggesteth to thee many evil thoughts, that he may
+work in thee weariness and terror, and so draw thee away from
+prayer and holy reading.  Humble confession displeaseth him, and
+if he were able he would make thee to cease from Communion.
+Believe him not, nor heed him, though many a time he hath laid
+for thee the snares of deceit.  Account it to be from him, when
+he suggesteth evil and unclean thoughts.  Say unto him, 'Depart
+unclean spirit; put on shame, miserable one; horribly unclean art
+thou, who bringest such things to mine ears.  Depart from me,
+detestable deceiver; thou shalt have no part in me; but Jesus
+shall be with me, as a strong warrior, and thou shalt stand
+confounded.  Rather would I die and bear all suffering, than
+consent unto thee.  Hold thy peace and be dumb; I will not hear
+thee more, though thou plottest more snares against me.  The Lord
+is my light and my salvation: whom then shall I fear?  Though a
+host of men should rise up against me, yet shall not my heart be
+afraid.  The Lord is my strength and my Redeemer.'(1)
+
+8. "Strive thou like a good soldier; and if sometimes thou fail
+through weakness, put on thy strength more bravely than before,
+trusting in My more abundant grace, and take thou much heed of
+vain confidence and pride.  Because of it many are led into
+error, and sometimes fall into blindness well-nigh irremediable.
+Let this ruin of the proud, who foolishly lift themselves up, be
+to thee for a warning and a continual exhortation to humility."
+
+(1) Psalms xxvii. 1-3; xix. 14.
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+Of hiding our grace under the guard of humility
+
+"My Son, it is better and safer for thee to hide the grace of
+devotion, and not to lift thyself up on high, nor to speak much
+thereof, nor to value it greatly; but rather to despise thyself,
+and to fear as though this grace were given to one unworthy
+thereof.  Nor must thou depend too much upon this feeling, for it
+can very quickly be turned into its opposite.  Think when thou
+art in a state of grace how miserable and poor thou art wont to
+be without grace.  Nor is there advance in spiritual life in this
+alone, that thou hast the grace of consolation, but that thou
+humbly and unselfishly and patiently takest the withdrawal
+thereof; so that thou cease not from the exercise of prayer, nor
+suffer thy other common duties to be in anywise neglected; rather
+do thy task more readily, as though thou hadst gained more
+strength and knowledge; and do not altogether neglect thyself
+because of the dearth and anxiety of spirit which thou feelest.
+
+2. "For there are many who, when things have not gone prosperous
+with them, become forthwith impatient or slothful.  For the way
+of a man is not in himself,(1) but it is God's to give and to
+console, when He will, and as much as He will, and whom He will,
+as it shall please Him, and no further.  Some who were
+presumptuous because of the grace of devotion within them, have
+destroyed themselves, because they would do more than they were
+able, not considering the measure of their own littleness, but
+rather following the impulse of the heart than the judgment of
+the reason.  And because they presumed beyond what was
+well-pleasing unto God, therefore they quickly lost grace.  They
+became poor and were left vile, who had built for themselves
+their nest in heaven; so that being humbled and stricken with
+poverty, they might learn not to fly with their own wings, but
+to put their trust under My feathers.  They who are as yet new
+and unskilled in the way of the Lord, unless they rule themselves
+after the counsel of the wise, may easily be deceived and led
+away.
+
+3. "But if they wish to follow their own fancies rather than
+trust the experience of others, the result will be very dangerous
+to them if they still refuse to be drawn away from their own
+notion.  Those who are wise in their own conceits, seldom
+patiently endure to be ruled by others.  It is better to have a
+small portion of wisdom with humility, and a slender
+understanding, than great treasures of sciences with vain
+self-esteem.  It is better for thee to have less than much of
+what may make thee proud.  He doeth not very discreetly who
+giveth up himself entirely to joy, forgetting his former
+helplessness and the chaste fear of the Lord, which feareth to
+lose the grace offered.  Nor is he very wise, after a manly sort,
+who in time of adversity, or any trouble whatsoever, beareth
+himself too despairingly, and feeleth concerning Me less
+trustfully than he ought.
+
+4. "He who in time of peace willeth to be oversecure shall be
+often found in time of war overdispirited and full of fears.  If
+thou knewest always how to continue humble and moderate in
+thyself, and to guide and rule thine own spirit well, thou
+wouldest not so quickly fall into danger and mischief.  It is
+good counsel that when fervour of spirit is kindled, thou
+shouldest meditate how it will be with thee when the light is
+taken away.  Which when it doth happen, remember that still the
+light may return again, which I have taken away for a time for a
+warning to thee, and also for mine own glory.  Such a trial is
+often more useful than if thou hadst always things prosperous
+according to thine own will.
+
+5. "For merits are not to be reckoned by this, that a man hath
+many visions or consolations, or that he is skilled in the
+Scriptures, or that he is placed in a high situation; but that he
+is grounded upon true humility and filled with divine charity,
+that he always purely and uprightly seeketh the honour of God,
+that he setteth not by himself, but unfeignedly despiseth
+himself, and even rejoiceth to be despised and humbled by others
+more than to be honoured."
+
+(1) Jeremiah x. 23.
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+Of a low estimation of self in the sight of God
+
+I will speak unto my Lord who am but dust and ashes.  If I count
+myself more, behold Thou standest against me, and my iniquities
+bear true testimony, and I cannot gainsay it.  But if I abase
+myself, and bring myself to nought, and shrink from all
+self-esteem, and grind myself to dust, which I am, Thy grace will
+be favourable unto me, and Thy light will be near unto my heart;
+and all self-esteem, how little soever it be, shall be swallowed
+up in the depths of my nothingness, and shall perish for ever.
+There Thou showest to me myself, what I am, what I was, and
+whither I have come: so foolish was I and ignorant.(1)  If I am
+left to myself, behold I am nothing, I am all weakness; but if
+suddenly Thou look upon me, immediately I am made strong, and
+filled with new joy.  And it is great marvel that I am so
+suddenly lifted up, and so graciously embraced by Thee, since I
+am always being carried to the deep by my own weight.
+
+2. This is the doing of Thy love which freely goeth before me and
+succoureth me in so many necessities, which guardeth me also in
+great dangers and snatcheth me, as I may truly say, from
+innumerable evils.  For verily, by loving myself amiss, I lost
+myself, and by seeking and sincerely loving Thee alone, I found
+both myself and Thee, and through love I have brought myself to
+yet deeper nothingness: because Thou, O most sweet Lord, dealest
+with me beyond all merit, and above all which I dare ask or
+think.
+
+3. Blessed be Thou, O my God, because though I be unworthy of all
+Thy benefits, Thy bountiful and infinite goodness never ceaseth
+to do good even to ingrates and to those who are turned far from
+Thee.  Turn Thou us unto Thyself, that we may be grateful,
+humble, and godly, for Thou art our salvation, our courage, and
+our strength.
+
+(1) Psalm lxxiii. 22.
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+That all things are to be referred to God, as the final end
+
+"My Son, I must be thy Supreme and final end, if thou desirest to
+be truly happy.  Out of such purpose thy affection shall be
+purified, which too often is sinfully bent upon itself and upon
+created things.  For if thou seekest thyself in any matter,
+straightway thou wilt fail within thyself and grow barren.
+Therefore refer everything to Me first of all, for it is I who
+gave thee all.  So look upon each blessing as flowing from the
+Supreme Good, and thus all things are to be attributed to Me as
+their source.
+
+2. "From Me the humble and great, the poor and the rich, draw
+water as from a living fountain, and those who serve Me with a
+free and faithful spirit shall receive grace for grace.  But he
+who will glory apart from Me, or will be delighted with any good
+which lieth in himself, shall not be established in true joy, nor
+shall be enlarged in heart, but shall be greatly hindered and
+thrown into tribulation.  Therefore thou must not ascribe any
+good to thyself, nor look upon virtue as belonging to any man,
+but ascribe it all unto God, without whom man hath nothing.
+I gave all, I will receive all again, and with great strictness
+require I the giving of thanks.
+
+3. "This is the Truth, and by it the vanity of boasting is put to
+flight.  And if heavenly grace and true charity shall enter into
+thee, there shall be no envy, nor straitening of the heart, nor
+shall any self-love take possession of thee.  For divine charity
+conquereth all things, and enlargeth all the powers of the soul.
+If thou art truly wise, thou wilt rejoice in Me alone, thou wilt
+hope in Me alone; for there is none good but one, that is God,(1)
+Who is to be praised above all things, and in all things to
+receive blessing."
+
+(1) Luke xviii. 19.
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+That it is sweet to despise the world and to serve God
+
+Now will I speak again, O my Lord, and hold not my peace; I will
+say in the ears of my God, my Lord, and my King, who is exalted
+above all, Oh how plentiful is Thy goodness which Thou hast laid
+up for them that fear Thee!(1)  But what art Thou to those who
+love Thee?  What to those who serve Thee with their whole heart?
+Truly unspeakable is the sweetness of the contemplation of Thee,
+which Thou bestowest upon those who love Thee.  In this most of
+all Thou hast showed me the sweetness of Thy charity, that when I
+was not, Thou madest me, and when I wandered far from Thee, Thou
+broughtest me back that I might serve Thee, and commandedst me to
+love Thee.
+
+2. O Fountain of perpetual love, what shall I say concerning
+Thee?  How shall I be unmindful of Thee, who didst vouchsafe to
+remember me, even after I pined away and perished?  Thou hast had
+mercy beyond all hope upon Thy servant, and hast showed Thy grace
+and friendship beyond all deserving.  What reward shall I render
+Thee for this Thy grace?  For it is not given unto all to
+renounce this world and its affairs, and to take up a religious
+life.  For is it a great thing that I should serve Thee, whom
+every creature ought to serve?  It ought not to seem a great
+thing to me to serve Thee; but rather this appeareth to me a
+great and wonderful thing, that Thou vouchsafest to receive as
+Thy servant one so poor and unworthy, and to join him unto Thy
+chosen servants.
+
+3. Behold all things which I have are Thine, and with them I
+serve Thee.  And yet verily it is Thou who servest me, rather
+than I Thee.  Behold the heaven and the earth which Thou hast
+created for the service of men; they are at Thy bidding, and
+perform daily whatsoever Thou dost command.  Yea, and this is
+little; for Thou hast even ordained the Angels for the service of
+man.  But it surpasseth even all these things, that Thou Thyself
+didst vouchsafe to minister unto man, and didst promise that Thou
+wouldest give Thyself unto him.
+
+4. What shall I render unto Thee for all these Thy manifold
+mercies?  Oh that I were able to serve Thee all the days of my
+life!  Oh that even for one day I were enabled to do Thee service
+worthy of Thyself!  For verily Thou art worthy of all service,
+all honour, and praise without end.  Verily Thou art my God, and
+I am Thy poor servant, who am bound to serve Thee with all my
+strength, nor ought I ever to grow weary of Thy praise.  This is
+my wish, this is my exceeding great desire, and whatsoever is
+lacking to me, vouchsafe Thou to supply.
+
+5. It is great honour, great glory to serve Thee, and to despise
+all for Thy sake.  For they shall have great grace who of their
+own will shall submit themselves to Thy most holy service.  They
+who for Thy love have cast away every carnal delight shall find
+the sweetest consolation of the Holy Ghost.  They who enter the
+narrow way of life for Thy Name's sake, and have put away all
+worldly cares, shall attain great liberty of spirit.
+
+6. Oh grateful and delightsome service of God, whereby man is
+made truly free and holy!  Oh sacred condition of the religious
+servant, which maketh man equal to the Angels, well-pleasing unto
+God, terrible to evil spirits, and acceptable to all faithful
+ones!  Oh service to be embraced and ever desired, in which the
+highest good is promised, and joy is gained which shall remain
+for evermore!
+
+(1) Psalm xxxi. 21.
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+That the desires of the heart are to be examined and governed
+
+"My Son, thou hast still many things to learn, which thou hast
+not well learned yet."
+
+2. What are they, Lord?
+
+3. "To place thy desire altogether in subjection to My good
+pleasure, and not to be a lover of thyself, but an earnest seeker
+of My will.  Thy desires often excite and urge thee forward; but
+consider with thyself whether thou art not more moved for thine
+own objects than for My honour.  If it is Myself that thou
+seekest, thou shalt be well content with whatsoever I shall
+ordain; but if any pursuit of thine own lieth hidden within thee,
+behold it is this which hindereth and weigheth thee down.
+
+4. "Beware, therefore, lest thou strive too earnestly after some
+desire which thou hast conceived, without taking counsel of Me;
+lest haply it repent thee afterwards, and that displease thee
+which before pleased, and for which thou didst long as for a
+great good.  For not every affection which seemeth good is to be
+forthwith followed; neither is every opposite affection to be
+immediately avoided.  Sometimes it is expedient to use restraint
+even in good desires and wishes, lest through importunity thou
+fall into distraction of mind, lest through want of discipline
+thou become a stumbling-block to others, or lest by the
+resistance of others thou be suddenly disturbed and brought to
+confusion.
+
+5. "Sometimes, indeed, it is needful to use violence, and
+manfully to strive against the sensual appetite, and not to
+consider what the flesh may or not will; but rather to strive
+after this, that it may become subject, however unwillingly, to
+the spirit.  And for so long it ought to be chastised and
+compelled to undergo slavery, even until it be ready for all
+things, and learn to be contented with little, to be delighted
+with things simple, and never to murmur at any inconvenience."
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+Of the inward growth of patience, and of the struggle against
+evil desires
+
+O Lord God, I see that patience is very necessary unto me; for
+many things in this life fall out contrary.  For howsoever I may
+have contrived for my peace, my life cannot go on without strife
+and trouble.
+
+2. "Thou speakest truly, My Son.  For I will not that thou seek
+such a peace as is without trials, and knoweth no adversities;
+but rather that thou shouldest judge thyself to have found peace,
+when thou art tried with manifold tribulations, and proved by
+many adversities.  If thou shalt say that thou art not able to
+bear much, how then wilt thou sustain the fire hereafter?  Of two
+evils we should always choose the less.  Therefore, that thou
+mayest escape eternal torments hereafter, strive on God's behalf
+to endure present evils bravely.  Thinkest thou that the children
+of this world suffer nought, or but little?  Thou wilt not find
+it so, even though thou find out the most prosperous.
+
+3. "'But,' thou wilt say, 'they have many delights, and they
+follow their own wills, and thus they bear lightly their
+tribulations.'
+
+4. "Be it so, grant that they have what they list; but how long,
+thinkest thou, will it last?  Behold, like the smoke those who are
+rich in this world will pass away, and no record shall remain of
+their past joys.  Yea, even while they yet live, they rest not
+without bitterness and weariness and fear.  For from the very
+same thing wherein they find delight, thence they oftentimes have
+the punishment of sorrow.  Justly it befalleth them, that because
+out of measure they seek out and pursue pleasures, they enjoy
+them not without confusion and bitterness.  Oh how short, how
+false, how inordinate and wicked are all these pleasures!  Yet
+because of their sottishness and blindness men do not understand;
+but like brute beasts, for the sake of a little pleasure of this
+corruptible life, they incur death of the soul.  Thou therefore,
+my son, go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine
+appetites.(1)  Delight thou in the Lord, and He shall give thee
+thy heart's desire.(2)
+
+5. "For if thou wilt truly find delight, and be abundantly
+comforted of Me, behold in the contempt of all worldly things and
+in the avoidance of all worthless pleasures shall be thy
+blessing, and fulness of consolation shall be given thee.  And
+the more thou withdrawest thyself from all solace of creatures,
+the more sweet and powerful consolations shalt thou find.  But at
+the first thou shalt not attain to them, without some sorrow and
+hard striving.  Long-accustomed habit will oppose, but it shall
+be overcome by better habit.  The flesh will murmur again and
+again, but will be restrained by fervour of spirit.  The old
+serpent will urge and embitter thee, but will be put to flight by
+prayer; moreover, by useful labour his entrance will be greatly
+obstructed."
+
+(1) Ecclesiastes xviii. 30.   (2) Psalm xxxvii. 4.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+Of the obedience of one in lowly subjection after the example of Jesus Christ
+
+"My Son, he who striveth to withdraw himself from obedience,
+withdraweth himself also from grace, and he who seeketh private
+advantages, loseth those which are common unto all.  If a man
+submit not freely and willingly to one set over him, it is a sign
+that his flesh is not yet perfectly subject to himself, but
+often resisteth and murmureth.  Learn therefore quickly to submit
+thyself to him who is over thee, if thou seekest to bring thine
+own flesh into subjection.  For the outward enemy is very quickly
+overcome if the inner man have not been laid low.  There is no
+more grievous and deadly enemy to the soul than thou art to
+thyself, if thou art not led by the Spirit.  Thou must not
+altogether conceive contempt for thyself, if thou wilt prevail
+against flesh and blood.  Because as yet thou inordinately lovest
+thyself, therefore thou shrinkest from yielding thyself to the
+will of others.
+
+2. "But what great thing is it that thou, who art dust and
+nothingness, yieldest thyself to man for God's sake, when I, the
+Almighty and the Most High, who created all things out of
+nothing, subjected Myself to man for thy sake?  I became the most
+humble and despised of men, that by My humility thou mightest
+overcome thy pride.  Learn to obey, O dust!  Learn to humble
+thyself, O earth and clay, and to bow thyself beneath the feet of
+all.  Learn to crush thy passions, and to yield thyself in all
+subjection.
+
+3. "Be zealous against thyself, nor suffer pride to live within
+thee, but so show thyself subject and of no reputation, that all
+may be able to walk over thee, and tread thee down as the clay in
+the streets.  What hast thou, O foolish man, of which to
+complain?  What, O vile sinner, canst thou answer those who
+speak against thee, seeing thou hast so often offended God, and
+many a time hast deserved hell?  But Mine eye hath spared thee,
+because thy soul was precious in My sight; that thou mightest
+know My love, and mightest be thankful for My benefits; and that
+thou mightest give thyself altogether to true subjection and
+humility, and patiently bear the contempt which thou meritest."
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+Of meditation upon the hidden judgments of God, that we may not
+be lifted up because of our well-doing
+
+Thou sendest forth Thy judgments against me, O Lord, and shakest
+all my bones with fear and trembling, and my soul trembleth
+exceedingly.  I stand astonished, and remember that the heavens
+are not clean in thy sight.(1)  If Thou chargest Thine angels
+with folly, and didst spare them not, how shall it be unto me?
+Stars have fallen from heaven, and what shall I dare who am
+but dust?  They whose works seemed to be praiseworthy, fell into
+the lowest depths, and they who did eat Angels' food, them have I
+seen delighted with the husks that the swine do eat.
+
+2. There is therefore no holiness, if Thou O Lord, withdraw Thine
+hand.  No wisdom profiteth, if Thou leave off to guide the helm.
+No strength availeth, if Thou cease to preserve.  No purity is
+secure, if Thou protect it not.  No self-keeping availeth, if Thy
+holy watching be not there.  For when we are left alone we are
+swallowed up and perish, but when we are visited, we are raised
+up, and we live.  For indeed we are unstable, but are made strong
+through Thee; we grow cold, but are rekindled by Thee.
+
+3. Oh, how humbly and abjectly must I reckon of myself, how must
+I weigh it as nothing, if I seem to have nothing good!  Oh, how
+profoundly ought I to submit myself to Thy unfathomable
+judgments, O Lord, when I find myself nothing else save nothing,
+and again nothing!  Oh weight unmeasurable, oh ocean which cannot
+be crossed over, where I find nothing of myself save nothing
+altogether!  Where, then, is the hiding-place of glory, where the
+confidence begotten of virtue?  All vain-glory is swallowed up in
+the depths of Thy judgments against me.
+
+4. What is all flesh in Thy sight?  For how shall the clay boast
+against Him that fashioned it?(2)  How can he be lifted up in
+vain speech whose heart is subjected in truth to God?  The whole
+world shall not lift him up whom Truth hath subdued; nor shall he
+be moved by the mouth of all who praise him, who hath placed all
+his hope in God.  For they themselves who speak, behold, they
+are all nothing; for they shall cease with the sound of their
+words, but the truth of the Lord endureth for ever.(3)
+
+(1) Job xv. 15.   (2) Psalm xxix. 16.   (3) Psalm cxvii. 2.
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+How we must stand and speak, in everything that we desire
+
+"My Son, speak thou thus in every matter, 'Lord, if it please
+Thee, let this come to pass.  Lord, if this shall be for Thine
+honour, let it be done in Thy Name.  Lord, if thou see it good
+for me, and approve it as useful, then grant me to use it for Thy
+honour.  But if thou knowest that it shall be hurtful unto me,
+and not profitable for the health of my soul, take the desire
+away from me'!  For not every desire is from the Holy Ghost,
+although it appear to a man right and good.  It is difficult to
+judge with certainty whether a good or an evil spirit move thee
+to desire this or that, or whether thou art moved by thine own
+spirit.  Many have been deceived at the last, who seemed at the
+beginning to be moved by a good spirit.
+
+2. "Therefore, whatsoever seemeth to thee desirable, thou must
+always desire and seek after it with the fear of God and humility
+of heart, and most of all, must altogether resign thyself, and
+commit all unto Me and say, 'Lord, thou knowest what is best; let
+this or that be, according as Thou wilt.  Give what Thou wilt, so
+much as Thou wilt, when Thou wilt.  Do with me as Thou knowest
+best, and as best shall please Thee, and as shall be most to
+Thine honour.  Place me where Thou wilt, and freely work Thy will
+with me in all things.  I am in Thine hand, and turn me in my
+course.  Behold, I am Thy servant, ready for all things; for I
+desire to live not to myself but to Thee.  Oh, that I might live
+worthily and perfectly.'"
+
+		A PRAYER TO BE ENABLED TO DO GOD'S WILL PERFECTLY
+
+3. Grant me Thy grace, most merciful Jesus, that it may be with
+me, and work in me, and persevere with me, even unto the end.
+Grant that I may ever desire and wish whatsoever is most pleasing
+and dear unto Thee.  Let Thy will be mine, and let my will alway
+follow Thine, and entirely accord with it.  May I choose and
+reject whatsoever Thou dost; yea, let it be impossible for me to
+choose or reject except according to Thy will.
+
+4. Grant that I may die to all worldly things, and for Thy sake
+love to be despised and unknown in this world.  Grant unto me,
+above all things that I can desire, to rest in Thee, and that in
+Thee my heart may be at peace.  Thou art the true peace of the
+heart, Thou alone its rest; apart from Thee all things are hard
+and unquiet.  In Thee alone, the supreme and eternal God, I will
+lay me down in peace and take my rest.(1)  Amen.
+
+(1) Psalm iv. 9.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+That true solace is to be sought in God alone
+
+Whatsoever I am able to desire or to think of for my solace, I
+look for it not here, but hereafter.  For if I alone had all the
+solaces of this world, and were able to enjoy all its delights,
+it is certain that they could not endure long.  Wherefore, O my
+soul, thou canst be fully comforted and perfectly refreshed, only
+in God, the Comforter of the poor, and the lifter up of the
+humble.  Wait but a little while, my soul, wait for the Divine
+promise, and thou shalt have abundance of all good things in
+heaven.  If thou longest too inordinately for the things which
+are now, thou shalt lose those which are eternal and heavenly.
+Let temporal things be in the use, eternal things in the desire.
+Thou canst not be satisfied with any temporal good, for thou wast
+not created for the enjoyment of these.
+
+2. Although thou hadst all the good things which ever were
+created, yet couldst not thou be happy and blessed; all thy
+blessedness and thy felicity lieth in God who created all things;
+not such felicity as seemeth good to the foolish lover of the
+world, but such as Christ's good and faithful servants wait for,
+and as the spiritual and pure in heart sometimes taste, whose
+conversation is in heaven.(1)  All human solace is empty and
+short-lived; blessed and true is that solace which is felt
+inwardly, springing from the truth.  The godly man everywhere
+beareth about with him his own Comforter, Jesus, and saith unto
+Him: "Be with me, Lord Jesus, always and everywhere.  Let it be
+my comfort to be able to give up cheerfully all human comfort.
+And if Thy consolation fail me, let Thy will and righteous
+approval be alway with me for the highest comfort.  For Thou wilt
+not always be chiding, neither keepest Thou Thine anger for
+ever."(2)
+
+(1) Philippians iii. 20.   (2) Psalm cii. 9.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+That all care is to be cast upon God
+
+"My Son, suffer me to do with thee what I will; I know what is
+expedient for thee.  Thou thinkest as a man, in many things thou
+judgest as human affection persuadeth thee."
+
+2. Lord, what Thou sayest is true.  Greater is Thy care for me
+than all the care which I am able to take for myself.  For too
+insecurely doth he stand who casteth not all his care upon Thee.
+Lord, so long as my will standeth right and firm in Thee, do with
+me what Thou wilt, for whatsoever Thou shalt do with me cannot be
+aught but good.  Blessed be Thou if Thou wilt leave me in
+darkness: blessed also be Thou if Thou wilt leave me in light.
+Blessed be Thou if Thou vouchsafe to comfort me, and always
+blessed be Thou if Thou cause me to be troubled.
+
+3. "My Son! even thus thou must stand if thou desirest to walk
+with Me.  Thou must be ready alike for suffering or rejoicing.
+Thou must be poor and needy as willingly as full and rich."
+
+4. Lord, I will willingly bear for Thee whatsoever Thou wilt have
+to come upon me.  Without choice I will receive from Thy hand
+good and evil, sweet and bitter, joy and sadness, and will give
+Thee thanks for all things which shall happen unto me.  Keep me
+from all sin, and I will not fear death nor hell.  Only cast me
+not away for ever, nor blot me out of the book of life.  Then no
+tribulation which shall come upon me shall do me hurt.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+That temporal miseries are to be borne patiently after the
+example of Christ
+
+"My Son!  I came down from heaven for thy salvation; I took upon
+Me thy miseries not of necessity, but drawn by love that thou
+mightest learn patience and mightest bear temporal miseries
+without murmuring.  For from the hour of My birth, until My death
+upon the Cross, I ceased not from bearing of sorrow; I had much
+lack of temporal things; I oftentimes heard many reproaches
+against Myself; I gently bore contradictions and hard words; I
+received ingratitude for benefits, blasphemies for My miracles,
+rebukes for My doctrine."
+
+2. Lord, because Thou wast patient in Thy life, herein most of
+all fulfilling the commandment of Thy Father, it is well that I,
+miserable sinner, should patiently bear myself according to Thy
+will, and as long as Thou wilt have it so, should bear about with
+me for my salvation, the burden of this corruptible life.  For
+although the present life seemeth burdensome, it is nevertheless
+already made very full of merit through Thy grace, and to those
+who are weak it becometh easier and brighter through Thy example
+and the footsteps of Thy saints; but it is also much more full of
+consolation than it was of old, under the old Testament, when the
+gate of heaven remained shut; and even the way to heaven seemed
+more obscure when so few cared to seek after the heavenly
+kingdom.  But not even those who were then just and in the way of
+salvation were able, before Thy Passion and the ransom of Thy
+holy Death, to enter the kingdom of heaven.
+
+3. Oh what great thanks am I bound to give Thee, who hast
+vouchsafed to show me and all faithful people the good and right
+way to Thine eternal kingdom, for Thy way is our way, and by holy
+patience we walk to Thee who art our Crown.  If Thou hadst not
+gone before and taught us, who would care to follow?  Oh, how far
+would they have gone backward if they had not beheld Thy glorious
+example!  Behold we are still lukewarm, though we have heard of
+Thy many signs and discourses; what would become of us if we had
+not such a light to help us follow Thee?
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+Of bearing injuries, and who shall be approved as truly patient
+
+"What sayest thou, My Son?  Cease to complain; consider My
+suffering and that of My saints.  Thou hast not yet resisted unto
+blood.(1)  It is little which thou sufferest in comparison with
+those who have suffered so many things, have been so strongly
+tempted, so grievously troubled, so manywise proved and tried.
+Thou oughtest therefore to call to mind the more grievous
+sufferings of others that thou mightest bear thy lesser ones more
+easily, and if they seem not to thee little, see that it is not
+thy impatience which is the cause of this.  But whether they be
+little or whether they be great, study to bear them all with
+patience.
+
+2. "So far as thou settest thyself to bear patiently, so far thou
+dost wisely and art deserving of the more merit; thou shalt also
+bear the more easily if thy mind and habit are carefully trained
+hereunto.  And say not 'I cannot bear these things from such a
+man, nor are things of this kind to be borne by me, for he hath
+done me grievous harm and imputeth to me what I had never
+thought: but from another I will suffer patiently, such things as
+I see I ought to suffer.'  Foolish  is such a thought as this,
+for it considereth not the virtue of patience, nor by whom that
+virtue is to be crowned, but it rather weigheth persons and
+offences against self.
+
+3. "He is not truly patient who will only suffer as far as
+seemeth right to himself and from whom he pleaseth.  But the
+truly patient man considereth not by what man he is tried,
+whether by one above him, or by an equal or inferior, whether by
+a good and holy man, or a perverse and unworthy; but
+indifferently from every creature, whatsoever or how often soever
+adversity happeneth to him, he gratefully accepteth all from the
+hand of God and counteth it great gain: for with God nothing
+which is borne for His sake, however small, shall lose its
+reward.
+
+4. "Be thou therefore ready for the fight if thou wilt have the
+victory.  Without striving thou canst not win the crown of
+patience; if thou wilt not suffer thou refusest to be crowned.
+But if thou desirest to be crowned, strive manfully, endure
+patiently.  Without labour thou drawest not near to rest, nor
+without fighting comest thou to victory."
+
+5. Make possible to me, O Lord, by grace what seemeth impossible
+to me by nature.  Thou knowest how little I am able to bear, and
+how quickly I am cast down when a like adversity riseth up
+against me.  Whatsoever trial of tribulation may come to me, may
+it become unto me pleasing and acceptable, for to suffer and be
+vexed for Thy sake is exceeding healthful to the soul.
+
+(1) Hebrews xii. 4.
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+Of confession of our infirmity and of the miseries of this life
+
+I will acknowledge my sin unto Thee;(1) I will confess to Thee,
+Lord, my infirmity.  It is often a small thing which casteth me
+down and maketh me sad.  I resolve that I will act bravely, but
+when a little temptation cometh, immediately I am in a great
+strait.  Wonderfully small sometimes is the matter whence a
+grievous temptation cometh, and whilst I imagine myself safe for
+a little space; when I am not considering, I find myself often
+almost overcome by a little puff of wind.
+
+2. Behold, therefore, O Lord, my humility and my frailty, which
+is altogether known to Thee.  Be merciful unto me, and draw me
+out of the mire that I sink not,(2) lest I ever remain cast down.
+This is what frequently throweth me backward and confoundeth me
+before Thee, that I am so liable to fall, so weak to resist my
+passions.  And though their assault is not altogether according
+to my will, it is violent and grievous, and it altogether
+wearieth me to live thus daily in conflict.  Herein is my
+infirmity made known to me, that hateful fancies always rush in
+far more easily than they depart.
+
+3. Oh that Thou, most mighty God of Israel, Lover of all faithful
+souls, wouldst look upon the labour and sorrow of Thy servant,
+and give him help in all things whereunto he striveth.
+Strengthen me with heavenly fortitude, lest the old man, this
+miserable flesh, not being yet fully subdued to the spirit,
+prevail to rule over me; against which I ought to strive so long
+as I remain in this most miserable life.  Oh what a life is this,
+where tribulations and miseries cease not, where all things are
+full of snares and of enemies, for when one tribulation or
+temptation goeth, another cometh, yea, while the former conflict
+is yet raging others come more in number and unexpected.
+
+4. And how can the life of man be loved, seeing that it hath so
+many bitter things, that it is subjected to so many calamities
+and miseries.  How can it be even called life, when it produces
+so many deaths and plagues?  The world is often reproached
+because it is deceitful and vain, yet notwithstanding it is not
+easily given up, because the lusts of the flesh have too much
+rule over it.  Some draw us to love, some to hate.  The lust of
+the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, these
+draw to love of the world; but the punishments and miseries which
+righteously follow these things, bring forth hatred of the world
+and weariness.
+
+5. But, alas! an evil desire conquereth a mind given to the
+world, and thinketh it happiness to be under the nettles(3)
+because it savoureth not nor perceiveth the sweetness of God nor
+the inward gracefulness of virtue.  But they who perfectly
+despise the world and strive to live unto God in holy discipline,
+these are not ignorant of the divine sweetness promised to all
+who truly deny themselves and see clearly how grievously the
+world erreth, and in how many ways it is deceived.
+
+(1) Psalm xxxii. 5.   (2) Psalm lix. 16.   (3) Job xxx. 7.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+That we must rest in God above all goods and gifts
+
+Above all things and in all things thou shalt rest alway in the
+Lord, O my soul, for he himself is the eternal rest of the
+saints.  Grant me, most sweet and loving Jesus, to rest in Thee
+above every creature, above all health and beauty, above all
+glory and honour, above all power and dignity, above all
+knowledge and skilfulness, above all riches and arts, above all
+joy and exultation, above all fame and praise, above all
+sweetness and consolation, above all hope and promise, above all
+merit and desire, above all gifts and rewards which Thou canst
+give and pour forth, above all joy and jubilation which the mind
+is able to receive and feel; in a word, above Angels and
+Archangels and all the army of heaven, above all things visible
+and invisible, and above everything which Thou, O my God, art
+not.
+
+2. For Thou, O Lord, my God, art best above all things; Thou only
+art the Most High, Thou only the Almighty, Thou only the
+All-sufficient, and the Fulness of all things; Thou only the
+All-delightsome and the All-comforting; Thou alone the altogether
+lovely and altogether loving; Thou alone the Most Exalted and
+Most Glorious above all things; in Whom all things are, and were,
+and ever shall be, altogether and all-perfect.  And thus it
+falleth short and is insufficient whatsoever Thou givest to me
+without Thyself or whatsoever Thou revealest or dost promise
+concerning Thyself, whilst Thou art not seen or fully possessed:
+since verily my heart cannot truly rest nor be entirely content,
+except it rest in Thee, and go beyond all gifts and every
+creature.
+
+3. O my most beloved Spouse, Jesus Christ, most holy lover of my
+soul, Ruler of this whole Creation, who shall give me the wings
+of true liberty, that I may flee to Thee and find rest?  Oh when
+shall it be given me to be open to receive Thee to the full,
+and to see how sweet Thou art, O Lord my God?  When shall I
+collect myself altogether in Thee, that because of Thy love I may
+not feel myself at all, but may know Thee only above every sense
+and measure, in measure not known to others.  But now I ofttimes
+groan, and bear my sad estate with sorrow; because many evils
+befall me in this vale of miseries which continually disturb and
+fill me with sorrow, and encloud me, continually hinder and fill
+me with care, allure and entangle me, that I cannot have free
+access to Thee, nor enjoy that sweet intercourse which is always
+near at hand to the blessed spirits.  Let my deep sighing come
+before Thee, and my manifold desolation on the earth.
+
+4. O Jesus, Light of Eternal Glory, solace of the wandering soul,
+before Thee my mouth is without speech, and my silence speaketh
+to Thee.  How long will my Lord delay to come unto me?  Let Him
+come unto me, His poor and humble one, and make me glad.  Let Him
+put forth His hand, and deliver His holy one from every snare.
+Come, Oh come; for without Thee shall be no joyful day or hour,
+for Thou art my joy, and without Thee is my table empty.  I am
+miserable, and in a manner imprisoned and loaded with fetters,
+until Thou refresh me by the light of Thy presence, and give me
+liberty, and show Thy loving countenance.
+
+5. Let others seek some other thing instead of Thee, whatsoever
+it shall please them; but for my part nothing else pleaseth or
+shall please, save Thou, my God, my hope, my eternal salvation.
+I will not hold my peace, nor cease to implore, until Thy grace
+return, and until Thou speak to me within.
+
+6. "Behold, here I am!  Behold, I come to thee, for thou didst
+call Me.  Thy tears and the longing of thy soul, thy humbleness
+and contrition of heart have inclined Me, and brought Me to
+thee."
+
+7. And I said Lord, I have called upon Thee, and I have longed to
+enjoy Thee, being ready to reject everything for Thy sake.  For
+Thou didst first move me to seek Thee.  Therefore, blessed be
+Thou, O Lord, who has wrought this good work upon Thy servant,
+according to the multitude of Thy mercy.  What then hath Thy
+servant to say in Thy presence, save to humble himself greatly
+before Thee, being alway mindful of his own iniquity and vileness.
+For there is none like unto Thee in all marvels of heaven and
+earth.  Excellent are Thy works, true are Thy judgments, and by
+Thy Providence are all things governed.  Therefore praise and
+glory be unto Thee, O Wisdom of the Father, let my mouth and my
+soul and all created things praise and bless Thee together.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+Of the recollection of God's manifold benefits
+
+Open, O Lord, my heart in Thy law, and teach me to walk in the
+way of Thy commandments.  Grant me to understand Thy will and to
+be mindful of Thy benefits, both general and special, with great
+reverence and diligent meditation, that thus I may be able
+worthily to give Thee thanks.  Yet I know and confess that I
+cannot render Thee due praises for the least of Thy mercies.  I
+am less than the least of all the good things which Thou gavest
+me; and when I consider Thy majesty, my spirit faileth because of
+the greatness thereof.
+
+2. All things which we have in the soul and in the body, and
+whatsoever things we possess, whether outwardly or inwardly,
+naturally or supernaturally, are Thy good gifts, and prove Thee,
+from whom we have received them all, to be good, gentle, and
+kind.  Although one receiveth many things, and another fewer, yet
+all are Thine, and without Thee not even the least thing can be
+possessed.  He who hath received greater cannot boast that it is
+of his own merit, nor lift himself up above others, nor contemn
+those beneath him; for he is the greater and the better who
+ascribeth least to himself, and in giving thanks is the humbler
+and more devout; and he who holdeth himself to be viler than all,
+and judgeth himself to be the more unworthy, is the apter for
+receiving greater things.
+
+3. But he who hath received fewer gifts, ought not to be cast
+down, nor to take it amiss, nor to envy him who is richer; but
+rather ought he to look unto Thee, and to greatly extol Thy
+goodness, for Thou pourest forth Thy gifts so richly, so freely
+and largely, without respect of persons.  All things come of
+Thee; therefore in all things shalt thou be praised.  Thou
+knowest what is best to be given to each; and why this man hath
+less, and that more, is not for us but for Thee to understand,
+for unto Thee each man's deservings are fully known.
+
+4. Wherefore, O Lord God, I reckon it even a great benefit, not
+to have many things, whence praise and glory may appear
+outwardly, and after the thought of men.  For so it is that he who
+considereth his own poverty and vileness, ought not only to draw
+therefrom no grief or sorrow, or sadness of spirit, but rather
+comfort and cheerfulness; because Thou, Lord, hast chosen the
+poor and humble, and those who are poor in this world, to be Thy
+friends and acquaintance.  So give all Thine apostles witness
+whom Thou hast made princes in all lands.  Yet they had their
+conversation in this world blameless, so humble and meek, without
+any malice or deceit, that they even rejoiced to suffer rebukes
+for Thy Name's sake,(1) and what things the world hateth, they
+embraced with great joy.
+
+5. Therefore ought nothing so much to rejoice him who loveth Thee
+and knoweth Thy benefits, as Thy will in him, and the good
+pleasure of Thine eternal Providence, wherewith he ought to be so
+contented and comforted, that he would as willingly be the least
+as any other would be the greatest, as peaceable and contented in
+the lowest as in the highest place, and as willingly held of
+small and low account and of no name or reputation as to be more
+honourable and greater in the world than others.  For Thy will
+and the love of Thine honour ought to go before all things, and
+to please and comfort him more, than all benefits that are given
+or may be given to himself.
+
+(1) Acts v. 41.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+Of four things which bring great peace
+
+"My Son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true
+liberty."
+
+2. Do, O my Lord, as Thou sayest, for this is pleasing unto me to
+hear.
+
+3. "Strive, My Son, to do another's will rather than thine own.
+Choose always to have less rather than more.  Seek always after
+the lowest place, and to be subject to all.  Wish always and pray
+that the will of God be fulfilled in thee.  Behold, such a man as
+this entereth into the inheritance of peace and quietness."
+
+4. O my Lord, this Thy short discourse hath in itself much of
+perfectness.  It is short in words but full of meaning, and
+abundant in fruit.  For if it were possible that I should fully
+keep it, disturbance would not so easily arise within me.  For as
+often as I feel myself disquieted and weighed down, I find myself
+to have gone back from this teaching.  But Thou, Who art
+Almighty, and always lovest progress in the soul, vouchsafe more
+grace, that I may be enabled to fulfil Thy exhortation, and work
+out my salvation.
+
+		A PRAYER AGAINST EVIL THOUGHTS
+
+5. O Lord my God, be not Thou far from me, my God, haste Thee to
+help me,(1) for many thoughts and great fears have risen up
+against me, afflicting my soul.  How shall I pass through them
+unhurt? how shall I break through them?
+
+6. "I," saith He, "will go before thee, and make the crooked
+places straight."(2)  I will open the prison doors, and reveal to
+thee the secret places.
+
+7. Do, Lord, as Thou sayest; and let all evil thoughts fly away
+before Thy face.  This is my hope and my only comfort, to fly
+unto Thee in all tribulation, to hope in Thee, to call upon Thee
+from my heart and patiently wait for Thy loving kindness.
+
+A PRAYER FOR ENLIGHTENMENT OF THE MIND
+
+8. Enlighten me, Blessed Jesus, with the brightness of Thy inner
+light, and cast forth all darkness from the habitation of my
+heart.  Restrain my many wandering thoughts, and carry away the
+temptations which strive to do me hurt.  Fight Thou mightily for
+me, and drive forth the evil beasts, so call I alluring lusts,
+that peace may be within Thy walls and plenteousness of praise
+within Thy palaces,(3) even in my pure conscience.  Command Thou
+the winds and the storms, say unto the sea, "Be still," say unto
+the stormy wind, "Hold thy peace," so shall there be a great
+calm.
+
+9. Oh send forth Thy light and Thy truth,(4) that they may shine
+upon the earth; for I am but earth without form and void until
+Thou give me light.  Pour forth Thy grace from above; water my
+heart with the dew of heaven; give the waters of devotion to
+water the face of the earth, and cause it to bring forth good and
+perfect fruit.  Lift up my mind which is oppressed with the
+weight of sins, and raise my whole desire to heavenly things;
+that having tasted the sweetness of the happiness which is from
+above, it may take no pleasure in thinking of things of earth.
+
+10. Draw me and deliver me from every unstable comfort of
+creatures, for no created thing is able to satisfy my desire and
+to give me comfort.  Join me to Thyself by the inseparable bond
+of love, for Thou alone art sufficient to him that loveth Thee,
+and without Thee all things are vain toys.
+
+(1) Psalm lxxi. 12.   (2) Isaiah xlv. 2.   (3) Psalm cxxii. 7.
+(4) Psalm xliii. 3.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+Of avoiding of curious inquiry into the life of another
+
+"My Son, be not curious, nor trouble thyself with vain cares.
+What is that to thee?  Follow thou Me.(1)  For what is it to thee
+whether a man be this or that, or say or do thus or thus?  Thou
+hast no need to answer for others, but thou must give an answer
+for thyself.  Why therefore dost thou entangle thyself?  Behold,
+I know all men, and I behold all things which are done under the
+sun; and I know how it standeth with each one, what he thinketh,
+what he willeth, and to what end his thoughts reach.  All things
+therefore are to be committed to Me; watch thou thyself in godly
+peace, and leave him who is unquiet to be unquiet as he will.
+Whatsoever he shall do or say, shall come unto him, for he cannot
+deceive Me.
+
+2. "Trouble not thyself about the shadow of a great name, nor
+about the friendship of many, nor about the love of men towards
+thee.  For these things beget distraction and great sorrows of
+heart.  My word should speak freely unto thee, and I would reveal
+secrets, if only thou didst diligently look for My appearing, and
+didst open unto Me the gates of thy heart.  Be sober and watch
+unto prayer,(2) and humble thyself in all things."
+
+(1) John xxi. 12.   (2) 1 Peter iv. 7.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+Wherein firm peace of heart and true profit consist
+
+"My Son, I have said, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give
+unto you, not as the world giveth give I unto you.(1)  All men
+desire peace, but all do not care for the things which belong
+unto true peace.  My peace is with the humble and lowly in heart.
+Thy peace shall be in much patience.  If thou heardest Me, and
+didst follow My voice, thou shouldest enjoy much peace."
+
+2. What then shall I do, Lord?
+
+3. "In everything take heed to thyself what thou doest, and what
+thou sayest; and direct all thy purpose to this, that thou please
+Me alone, and desire or seek nothing apart from Me.  But,
+moreover, judge nothing rashly concerning the words or deeds of
+others, nor meddle with matters which are not committed to thee;
+and it may be that thou shalt be disturbed little or rarely.  Yet
+never to feel any disquiet, nor to suffer any pain of heart or
+body, this belongeth not to the present life, but is the state of
+eternal rest.  Therefore count not thyself to have found true
+peace, if thou hast felt no grief; nor that then all is well if
+thou hast no adversary; nor that this is perfect if all things
+fall out according to thy desire.  Nor then reckon thyself to be
+anything great, or think that thou art specially beloved, if thou
+art in a state of great fervour and sweetness of spirit; for not
+by these things is the true lover of virtue known, nor in them
+doth the profit and perfection of man consist."
+
+4. In what then, Lord?
+
+5. "In offering thyself with all thy heart to the Divine Will, in
+not seeking the things which are thine own, whether great or
+small, whether temporal or eternal; so that thou remain with the
+same steady countenance in giving of thanks between prosperity
+and adversity, weighing all things in an equal balance.  If thou
+be so brave and long-suffering in hope that when inward comfort
+is taken from thee, thou even prepare thy heart for the more
+endurance, and justify not thyself, as though thou oughtest not
+to suffer these heavy things, but dost justify Me in all things
+that I appoint, and dost bless My Holy Name, then dost thou walk
+in the true and right way of peace, and shalt have a sure hope
+that thou shalt again behold My face with joy.  For if thou come
+to an utter contempt of thyself, know that then thou shalt enjoy
+abundance of peace, as much as is possible where thou art but a
+wayfaring man."
+
+(1) John xiv. 27.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+Of the exaltation of a free spirit, which humble prayer more
+deserveth than doth frequent reading
+
+Lord, this is the work of a perfect man, never to slacken his
+mind from attention to heavenly things, and among many cares to
+pass along as it were without care, not after the manner of one
+indifferent, but rather with the privilege of a free mind,
+cleaving to no creature with inordinate affection.
+
+2. I beseech Thee, my most merciful Lord God, preserve me from
+the cares of this life, lest I become too much entangled; from
+many necessities of the body, lest I be taken captive by
+pleasure; from all obstacles of the spirit, lest I be broken and
+cast down with cares.  I say not from those things which the
+vanity of the world goeth about after with all eagerness, but
+from those miseries, which by the universal curse of mortality
+weigh down and hold back the soul of thy servant in punishment,
+that it cannot enter into liberty of spirit, so often as it
+would.
+
+3. O my God, sweetness unspeakable, turn into bitterness all my
+fleshly consolation, which draweth me away from the love of
+eternal things, and wickedly allureth toward itself by setting
+before me some present delight.  Let not, O my God, let not flesh
+and blood prevail over me, let not the world and its short glory
+deceive me, let not the devil and his craftiness supplant me.
+Give me courage to resist, patience to endure, constancy to
+persevere. Grant, in place of all consolations of the world, the
+most sweet unction of Thy Spirit, and in place of carnal love,
+pour into me the love of Thy Name.
+
+4. Behold, food and drink and clothing, and all the other needs
+appertaining to the support of the body, are burdensome to the
+devout spirit.  Grant that I may use such things with moderation,
+and that I be not entangled with inordinate affection for them.
+To cast away all these things is not lawful, because nature must
+be sustained, but to require superfluities and things which
+merely minister delight, the holy law forbiddeth; for otherwise
+the flesh would wax insolent against the spirit.  In all these
+things, I beseech Thee, let Thy hand guide and teach me, that I
+in no way exceed.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+That personal love greatly hindereth from the highest good
+
+"My Son, thou must give all for all, and be nothing of thine own.
+Know thou that the love of thyself is more hurtful to thee than
+anything in the world.  According to the love and inclination
+which thou hast, everything more or less cleaveth to thee.  If
+thy love be pure, sincere, well-regulated, thou shalt not be in
+captivity to anything.  Do not covet what thou mayest not have;
+do not have what is able to hinder thee, and to rob thee of
+inward liberty.  It is wonderful that thou committest not thyself
+to Me from the very bottom of thy heart, with all things which
+thou canst desire or have.
+
+2. "Why art thou consumed with vain sorrow?  Why art thou wearied
+with superfluous cares?  Stand thou by My good pleasure, and thou
+shalt suffer no loss.  If thou seekest after this or that, and
+wilt be here or there, according to thine own advantage or the
+fulfilling of thine own pleasure, thou shalt never be in quiet,
+nor free from care, because in everything somewhat will be found
+lacking, and everywhere there will be somebody who opposeth thee.
+
+3. "Therefore it is not gaining or multiplying of this thing or
+that which advantageth thee, but rather the despising it and
+cutting it by the root out of thy heart; which thou must not only
+understand of money and riches, but of the desire after honour
+and vain praise, things which all pass away with the world.  The
+place availeth little if the spirit of devotion is wanting; nor
+shall that peace stand long which is sought from abroad, if the
+state of thy heart is without the true foundation, that is, if it
+abide not in Me.  Thou mayest change, but thou canst not better
+thyself; for when occasion ariseth and is accepted thou shalt
+find what thou didst fly from, yea more."
+
+
+A PRAYER FOR CLEANSING OF THE HEART AND FOR HEAVENLY WISDOM
+
+4. Strengthen me, O God, by the grace of Thy Holy Spirit.  Give
+me virtue to be strengthened with might in the inner man, and to
+free my heart from all fruitless care and trouble, and that I be
+not drawn away by various desires after any things whatsoever,
+whether of little value or great, but that I may look upon all as
+passing away, and myself as passing away with them; because there
+is no profit under the sun, and all is vanity and vexation of
+spirit.(1)  Oh how wise is he that considereth thus!
+
+5. Give me, O Lord, heavenly wisdom, that I may learn to seek
+Thee above all things and to find Thee; to relish Thee above all
+things and to love Thee; and to understand all other things, even
+as they are, according to the order of Thy wisdom.  Grant me
+prudently to avoid the flatterer, and patiently to bear with him
+that opposeth me; for this is great wisdom, not to be carried
+by every wind of words, nor to give ear to the wicked flattering
+Siren; for thus do we go safely on in the way we have begun.
+
+(1) Ecclesiastes ii. 11.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+Against the tongues of detractors
+
+"My Son, take it not sadly to heart, if any think ill of thee,
+and say of thee what thou art unwilling to hear.  Thou oughtest
+to think worse of thyself, and to believe no man weaker than
+thyself.  If thou walkest inwardly, thou wilt not weigh flying
+words above their value.  It is no small prudence to keep silence
+in an evil time and to turn inwardly unto Me, and not to be
+troubled by human judgment.
+
+2. "Let not thy peace depend upon the word of men; for whether
+they judge well or ill of thee, thou art not therefore any other
+man than thyself.  Where is true peace or true glory?  Is it not
+in Me?  And he who seeketh not to please men, nor feareth to
+displease, shall enjoy abundant peace.  From inordinate love and
+vain fear ariseth all disquietude of heart, and all distraction
+of the senses."
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+How when tribulation cometh we must call upon and bless God
+
+Blessed be thy name, O Lord, for evermore, who hast willed this
+temptation and trouble to come upon me.  I cannot escape it, but
+have need to flee unto Thee, that Thou mayest succour me and turn
+it unto me for good.  Lord, now am I in tribulation, and it is
+not well within my heart, but I am sore vexed by the suffering
+which lieth upon me.  And now, O dear Father, what shall I say?
+I am taken among the snares.  Save me from this hour, but for
+this cause came I unto this hour,(1) that Thou mightest be
+glorified when I am deeply humbled and am delivered through Thee.
+Let it be Thy pleasure to deliver me;(2) for what can I do who am
+poor, and without Thee whither shall I go?  Give patience this
+time also.  Help me, O Lord my God, and I will not fear how much
+soever I be weighed down.
+
+2. And now amid these things what shall I say?  Lord, Thy will be
+done.  I have well deserved to be troubled and weighed down.
+Therefore I ought to bear, would that it be with patience, until
+the tempest be overpast and comfort return.  Yet is Thine
+omnipotent arm able also to take this temptation away from me,
+and to lessen its power that I fall not utterly under it, even as
+many a time past thou has helped me, O God, my merciful God.  And
+as much as this deliverance is difficult to me, so much is it
+easy to Thee, O right hand of the most Highest.
+
+(1) John xii. 27.   (2) Psalm xl. 16.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+Of seeking divine help, and the confidence of obtaining grace
+
+"My Son, I the Lord am a stronghold in the day of trouble.(1)
+Come unto Me, when it is not well with thee.
+
+"This it is which chiefly hindereth heavenly consolation, that
+thou too slowly betakest thyself unto prayer.  For before thou
+earnestly seekest unto Me, thou dost first seek after many means
+of comfort, and refresheth thyself in outward things: so it cometh
+to pass that all things profit thee but little until thou learn
+that it is I who deliver those who trust in Me; neither beside Me
+is there any strong help, nor profitable counsel, nor enduring
+remedy.  But now, recovering courage after the tempest, grow thou
+strong in the light of My mercies, for I am nigh, saith the Lord,
+that I may restore all things not only as they were at the first,
+but also abundantly and one upon another.
+
+2. "For is anything too hard for Me, or shall I be like unto one
+who saith and doeth not?  Where is thy faith?  Stand fast and
+with perseverance.  Be long-suffering and strong.  Consolation
+will come unto thee in its due season.  Wait for Me; yea, wait; I
+will come and heal thee.  It is temptation which vexeth thee, and
+a vain fear which terrifieth thee.  What doth care about future
+events bring thee, save sorrow upon sorrow?  Sufficient for the
+day is the evil thereof.(2)  It is vain and useless to be
+disturbed or lifted up about future things which perhaps will
+never come.
+
+3. "But it is the nature of man to be deceived by fancies of this
+sort, and it is a sign of a mind which is still weak to be so
+easily drawn away at the suggestion of the enemy.  For he careth
+not whether he deceive and beguile by true means or false;
+whether he throw thee down by the love of the present or fear of
+the future.  Therefore let not thy heart be troubled, neither let
+it be afraid.  Believe in Me, and put thy trust in My mercy.(3)
+When thou thinkest thyself far removed from Me, I am often the
+nearer.  When thou reckonest that almost all is lost, then often
+is greater opportunity of gain at hand.  All is not lost when
+something goeth contrary to thy wishes.  Thou oughtest not to
+judge according to present feeling, nor so to take or give way to
+any grief which befalleth thee, as if all hope of escape were
+taken away.
+
+4. "Think not thyself totally abandoned, although for the time I
+have sent to thee some tribulation, or have even withdrawn some
+cherished consolation; for this is the way to the Kingdom of
+Heaven.  And without doubt it is better for thee and for all My
+other servants, that ye should be proved by adversities, than
+that ye should have all things as ye would.  I know thy hidden
+thoughts: and that it is very needful for thy soul's health that
+sometimes thou be left without relish, lest perchance thou be
+lifted up by prosperity, and desirous to please thyself in that
+which thou art not.  What I have given I am able to take away,
+and to restore again at My good pleasure.
+
+5. "When I shall have given, it is Mine; when I shall have taken
+away, I have not taken what is thine; for every good gift and
+every perfect gift(4) is from me.  If I shall have sent upon thee
+grief or any vexation, be not angry, nor let thy heart be sad; I
+am able quickly to lift thee up and to change every burden into
+joy.  But I am just and greatly to be praised, when I do thus
+unto thee.
+
+6. "If thou rightly consider, and look upon it with truth, thou
+oughtest never to be so sadly cast down because of adversity, but
+rather shouldst rejoice and give thanks; yea, verily to count it
+the highest joy that I afflict thee with sorrows and spare thee
+not.  As My Father hath loved Me, so love I you;(5) thus have I
+spoken unto My beloved disciples: whom I sent forth not unto
+worldly joys, but to great strivings; not unto honours, but unto
+contempt; not unto ease, but to labours; not unto rest, but to
+bring forth much fruit with patience.  My son, remember these
+words."
+
+(1) Nahum i. 7.   (2) Matthew vi. 34.
+(3) John xiv. 27; Psalm xiii. 5.   (4) James i. 17.
+(5) John xv. 9.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+Of the neglect of every creature, that the Creator may be found
+
+O Lord, I still need more grace, if I would arrive where neither
+man nor any other creature may hinder me.  For so long as
+anything keepeth me back, I cannot freely fly unto Thee.  He
+desired eagerly thus to fly, who cried, saying, Oh that I had
+wings like a dove, for then would I flee away and be at rest.
+What is more peaceful than the single eye?  And what more free
+than he that desireth nothing upon earth?  Therefore must a man
+rise above every creature, and perfectly forsake himself, and
+with abstracted mind to stand and behold that Thou, the Creator
+of all things, hast among Thy creatures nothing like unto
+Thyself.  And except a man be freed from all creatures, he will
+not be able to reach freely after Divine things.  Therefore few
+are found who give themselves to contemplation, because few know
+how to separate themselves entirely from perishing and created
+things.
+
+2. For this much grace is necessary, which may lift up the soul
+and raise it above itself.  And except a man be lifted up in the
+spirit, and freed from all creatures, and altogether united to
+God, whatsoever he knoweth, whatsoever even he hath, it mattereth
+but little.  He who esteemeth anything great save the one only
+incomprehensible, eternal, good, shall long time be little and
+lie low.  For whatsoever is not God is nothing, and ought to be
+counted for nothing.  Great is the difference between a godly
+man, illuminated with wisdom, and a scholar learned in knowledge
+and given to books.  Far nobler is that doctrine which floweth
+down from the divine fulness above, than that which is acquired
+laboriously by human study.
+
+3. Many are found who desire contemplation, but they do not
+strive to practice those things which are required thereunto.  It
+is also a great impediment, that much is made of symbols and
+external signs, and too little of thorough mortification.  I know
+not how it is, and by what spirit we are led, and what we who
+would be deemed spiritual are aiming at, that we give so great
+labour and so eager solicitude for transitory and worthless
+things, and scarcely ever gather our senses together to think at
+all of our inward condition.
+
+4. Ah, me!  Forthwith after a little recollection we rush out of
+doors, and do not subject our actions to a strict examination.
+Where our affections are set we take no heed, and we weep not
+that all things belonging to us are so defiled.  For because all
+flesh had corrupted itself upon the earth, the great deluge came.
+Since therefore our inmost affections are very corrupt, it
+followeth of necessity that our actions also are corrupt, being
+the index of a deficient inward strength.  Out of a pure heart
+proceedeth the fruit of good living.
+
+5. We demand, how much a man hath done; but from how much virtue
+he acted, is not so narrowly considered.  We ask if he be strong,
+rich, handsome, clever, whether he is a good writer, good singer,
+good workman; but how poor he may be in spirit, how patient and
+gentle, how devout and meditative, on these things many are
+silent.  Nature looketh upon the outward appearance of a man,
+grace turneth its thought to the heart.  The former frequently
+judgeth amiss; the latter trusteth in God, that it may not be
+deceived.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+Of self-denial and the casting away all selfishness
+
+"My Son, thou canst not possess perfect liberty unless thou
+altogether deny thyself.  All they are enslaved who are
+possessors of riches, they who love themselves, the selfish, the
+curious, the restless; those who ever seek after soft things, and
+not after the things of Jesus Christ; those who continually plan
+and devise that which will not stand.  For whatsoever cometh not
+of God shall perish.  Hold fast the short and complete saying,
+'Renounce all things, and thou shalt find all things; give up thy
+lust, and thou shalt find rest.'  Dwell upon this in thy mind,
+and when thou art full of it, thou shalt understand all things."
+
+2. O Lord, this is not the work of a day, nor children's play;
+verily in this short saying is enclosed all the perfection of the
+religious.
+
+3. "My son, thou oughtest not to be turned aside, nor immediately
+cast down, because thou hast heard the way of the perfect.
+Rather oughtest thou to be provoked to higher aims, and at the
+least to long after the desire thereof.  Oh that it were so with
+thee, and that thou hadst come to this, that thou wert not a lover
+of thine own self, but wert ready always to My nod, and to his
+whom I have placed over thee as thy father.  Then shouldest thou
+please Me exceedingly, and all thy life should go on in joy and
+peace.  Thou hast still many things to renounce, which if thou
+resign not utterly to Me, thou shalt not gain what thou seekest.
+I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou
+mayest be rich,(1) that is heavenly wisdom, which despiseth all
+base things.  Put away from thee earthly wisdom, and all
+pleasure, whether common to men, or thine own.
+
+4. "I tell thee that thou must buy vile things with those which
+are costly and great in the esteem of men.  For wonderfully vile
+and small, and almost given up to forgetfulness, doth true
+heavenly wisdom appear, which thinketh not high things of itself,
+nor seeketh to be magnified upon the earth; many honour it with
+their lips, but in heart are far from it; it is indeed the
+precious pearl, which is hidden from many."
+
+(1) Revelation iii. 18.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+Of instability of the heart, and of directing the aim towards God
+
+"My Son, trust not thy feeling, for that which is now will be
+quickly changed into somewhat else.  As long as thou livest thou
+art subject to change, howsoever unwilling; so that thou art
+found now joyful, now sad; now at peace, now disquieted; now
+devout, now indevout; now studious, now careless; now sad, now
+cheerful.  But the wise man, and he who is truly learned in
+spirit, standeth above these changeable things, attentive not to
+what he may feel in himself, or from what quarter the wind may
+blow, but that the whole intent of his mind may carry him on to
+the due and much-desired end.  For thus will he be able to remain
+one and the same and unshaken, the single eye of his desire being
+steadfastly fixed, through the manifold changes of the world,
+upon Me.
+
+2. "But according as the eye of intention be the more pure, even
+so will a man make his way steadfastly through the manifold
+storms.  But in many the eye of pure intention waxeth dim; for it
+quickly resteth itself upon anything pleasant which occurreth,
+and rarely is any man found altogether free from the blemish of
+self-seeking.  So the Jews of old came to Bethany, to the house
+of Martha and Mary, that they might see not Jesus, but Lazarus,
+whom he had raised from the dead.(1)  Therefore must the eye of
+the intention be cleansed, that it may be single and right, and
+above all things which come in its way, may be directed unto Me."
+
+(1) John xii. 9.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+That to him who loveth God is sweet above all things and in all
+things
+
+Behold, God is mine, and all things are mine!  What will I more,
+and what more happy thing can I desire?  O delightsome and sweet
+world! that is, to him that loveth the Word, not the world,
+neither the things that are in the world.(1)  My God, my all! To
+him that understandeth, that word sufficeth, and to repeat it
+often is pleasing to him that loveth it.  When Thou art present
+all things are pleasant; when Thou art absent, all things are
+wearisome.  Thou makest the heart to be at rest, givest it deep
+peace and festal joy.  Thou makest it to think rightly in every
+matter, and in every matter to give Thee praise; neither can
+anything please long without Thee but if it would be pleasant and
+of sweet savour, Thy grace must be there, and it is Thy wisdom
+which must give unto it a sweet savour.
+
+2. To him who tasteth Thee, what can be distasteful?  And to him
+who tasteth Thee not, what is there which can make him joyous?
+But the worldly wise, and they who enjoy the flesh, these fail in
+Thy wisdom; for in the wisdom of the world is found utter vanity,
+and to be carnally minded is death.  But they who follow after
+Thee through contempt of worldly things, and mortification of the
+flesh, are found to be truly wise because they are carried from
+vanity to verity, from the flesh to the spirit.  They taste that
+the Lord is good, and whatsoever good they find in creatures,
+they count it all unto the praise of the Creator.  Unlike, yea,
+very unlike is the enjoyment of the Creator to enjoyment of the
+Creature, the enjoyment of eternity and of time, of light
+uncreated and of light reflected.
+
+3. O Light everlasting, surpassing all created lights, dart down
+Thy ray from on high which shall pierce the inmost depths of my
+heart.  Give purity, joy, clearness, life to my spirit that with
+all its powers it may cleave unto Thee with rapture passing man's
+understanding.  Oh when shall that blessed and longed-for time
+come when Thou shalt satisfy me with Thy presence, and be unto me
+All in all?  So long as this is delayed, my joy shall not be
+full.  Still, ah me! the old man liveth in me: he is not yet all
+crucified, not yet quite dead; still he lusteth fiercely against
+the spirit, wageth inward wars, nor suffereth the soul's kingdom
+to be in peace.
+
+4. But Thou who rulest the raging of the sea, and stillest the
+waves thereof when they arise, rise up and help me.  Scatter the
+people that delight in war.(2)  Destroy them by Thy power.  Show
+forth, I beseech Thee, Thy might, and let Thy right hand be
+glorified, for I have no hope, no refuge, save in Thee, O Lord my
+God.
+
+(1) 1 John ii. 15.   (2) Psalm lxviii. 30.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV
+
+That there is no security against temptation in this life
+
+"My Son, thou art never secure in this life, but thy spiritual
+armour will always be needful for thee as long as thou livest.
+Thou dwellest among foes, and art attacked on the right hand and
+on the left.  If therefore thou use not on all sides the shield
+of patience, thou wilt not remain long unwounded.  Above all, if
+thou keep not thy heart fixed upon Me with steadfast purpose to
+bear all things for My sake, thou shalt not be able to bear the
+fierceness of the attack, nor to attain to the victory of the
+blessed.  Therefore must thou struggle bravely all thy life
+through, and put forth a strong hand against those things which
+oppose thee.  For to him that overcometh is the hidden manna
+given,(1) but great misery is reserved for the slothful.
+
+2. "If thou seek rest in this life, how then wilt thou attain
+unto the rest which is eternal?  Set not thyself to attain much
+rest, but much patience.  Seek the true peace, not in earth but
+in heaven, not in man nor in any created thing, but in God alone.
+For the love of God thou must willingly undergo all things,
+whether labours or sorrows, temptations, vexations, anxieties,
+necessities, infirmities, injuries, gainsayings, rebukes,
+humiliations, confusions, corrections, despisings; these things
+help unto virtue, these things prove the scholar of Christ; these
+things fashion the heavenly crown.  I will give thee an eternal
+reward for short labour, and infinite glory for transient shame.
+
+3. "Thinkest thou that thou shalt always have spiritual
+consolations at thy will?  My Saints had never such, but instead
+thereof manifold griefs, and divers temptations, and heavy
+desolations.  But patiently they bore themselves in all, and
+trusted in God more than in themselves, knowing that the
+sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared
+with the glory which shall be revealed in us.(2)  Wouldst thou
+have that immediately which many have hardly attained unto after
+many tears and hard labours?  Wait for the Lord, quit thyself
+like a man and be strong; be not faint-hearted, nor go aside from
+Me, but constantly devote thy body and soul to the glory of God.
+I will reward thee plenteously, I will be with thee in
+trouble."(3)
+
+(1) Revelation ii. 17.   (2) Romans viii. 17.
+(3) Psalm xci. 15.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI
+
+Against vain judgments of men
+
+"My Son, anchor thy soul firmly upon God, and fear not man's
+judgment, when conscience pronounceth thee pious and innocent.
+It is good and blessed thus to suffer; nor will it be grievous to
+the heart which is humble, and which trusteth in God more than in
+itself.  Many men have many opinions, and therefore little trust
+is to be placed in them.  But moreover it is impossible to please
+all.  Although Paul studied to please all men in the Lord, and to
+become all things to all men,(1) yet nevertheless with him it was
+a very small thing that he should be judged by man's
+judgment."(2)
+
+2. He laboured abundantly, as much as in him lay, for the
+building up and the salvation of others; but he could not avoid
+being sometimes judged and despised by others.  Therefore he
+committed all to God, who knew all, and by patience and humility
+defended himself against evil speakers, or foolish and false
+thinkers, and those who accused him according to their pleasure.
+Nevertheless, from time to time he replied, lest his silence
+should become a stumbling-block to those who were weak.
+
+3. "Who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of a man that
+shall die?  To-day he is, and to-morrow his place is not found.
+Fear God and thou shalt not quail before the terrors of men.
+What can any man do against thee by words or deeds?  He hurteth
+himself more than thee, nor shall he escape the judgment of God,
+whosoever he may be.  Have thou God before thine eyes, and do not
+contend with fretful words.  And if for the present thou seem to
+give way, and to suffer confusion which thou hast not deserved,
+be not angry at this, nor by impatience diminish thy reward; but
+rather look up to Me in heaven, for I am able to deliver thee
+from all confusion and hurt, and to render to every man according
+to his works."
+
+(1) 1 Corinthians ix. 22.   (2) 1 Corinthians iv. 3.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII
+
+Of pure and entire resignation of self, for the obtaining
+liberty of heart
+
+"My Son, lose thyself and thou shalt find Me.  Stand still
+without all choosing and all thought of self, and thou shalt ever
+be a gainer.  For more grace shall be added to thee, as soon as
+thou resignest thyself, and so long as thou dost not turn back to
+take thyself again."
+
+2. O Lord, how often shall I resign myself, and in what things
+shall I lose myself?
+
+3. "Always; every hour: in that which is little, and in that
+which is great.  I make no exception, but will that thou be found
+naked in all things. Otherwise how canst thou be Mine and I
+thine, unless thou be inwardly and outwardly free from every will
+of thine own?  The sooner thou dost this, the better shall it be
+with thee; and the more fully and sincerely, the more thou shalt
+please Me, and the more abundantly shalt thou be rewarded.
+
+4. "Some resign themselves, but with certain reservations, for
+they do not fully trust in God, therefore they think that they
+have some provision to make for themselves.  Some again at first
+offer everything; but afterwards being pressed by temptation they
+return to their own devices, and thus make no progress in virtue.
+They will not attain to the true liberty of a pure heart, nor to
+the grace of My sweet companionship, unless they first entirely
+resign themselves and daily offer themselves up as a sacrifice;
+without this the union which bringeth forth fruit standeth not
+nor will stand.
+
+5. "Many a time I have said unto thee, and now say again, Give
+thyself up, resign thyself, and thou shalt have great inward
+peace.  Give all for all; demand nothing, ask nothing in return;
+stand simply and with no hesitation in Me, and thou shalt possess
+Me.  Thou shalt have liberty of heart, and the darkness shall not
+overwhelm thee.  For this strive thou, pray for it, long after
+it, that thou mayest be delivered from all possession of thyself,
+and nakedly follow Jesus who was made naked for thee; mayest die
+unto thyself and live eternally to Me.  Then shall all vain
+fancies disappear, all evil disturbings, and superfluous cares.
+Then also shall immoderate fear depart from thee, and inordinate
+love shall die."
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII
+
+Of a good government in external things, and of having recourse
+to God in dangers
+
+"My Son, for this thou must diligently make thy endeavour, that
+in every place and outward action or occupation thou mayest be
+free within, and have power over thyself; and that all things be
+under thee, not thou under them; that thou be master and ruler of
+thy actions, not a slave or hireling, but rather a free and true
+Hebrew, entering into the lot and the liberty of the children of
+God, who stand above the present and look upon the eternal, who
+with the left eye behold things transitory, and with the right
+things heavenly; whom temporal things draw not to cleave unto,
+but who rather draw temporal things to do them good service, even
+as they were ordained of God to do, and appointed by the Master
+Workman, who hath left nought in His creation without aim and
+end.
+
+2. "And if in any chance of life thou stand not in outward
+appearances, nor judgest things which are seen and heard by the
+fleshly sense, but straightway in every cause enterest with Moses
+into the tabernacle to ask counsel of God; thou shalt hear a
+divine response and come forth instructed concerning many things
+that are and shall be.  For always Moses had recourse to the
+tabernacle for the solving of all doubts and questionings; and
+fled to the help of prayer to be delivered from the dangers and
+evil deeds of men.  Thus also oughtest thou to fly to the secret
+chamber of thy heart, and earnestly implore the divine succour.
+For this cause we read that Joshua and the children of Israel
+were deceived by the Gibeonites, that they asked not counsel at
+the mouth of the Lord,(1) but being too ready to listen to fair
+speeches, were deceived by pretended piety."
+
+(1) Joshua ix. 14.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX
+
+That man must not be immersed in business
+
+"My Son, always commit thy cause to Me; I will dispose it aright
+in due time.  Wait for My arrangement of it, and then thou shalt
+find it for thy profit."
+
+2. O Lord, right freely I commit all things to Thee; for my
+planning can profit but little.  Oh that I did not dwell so much
+on future events, but could offer myself altogether to Thy
+pleasures without delay.
+
+3. "My Son, a man often striveth vehemently after somewhat which
+he desireth; but when he hath obtained it he beginneth to be of
+another mind, because his affections towards it are not lasting,
+but rather rush on from one thing to another. Therefore it is not
+really a small thing, when in small things we resist self."
+
+4. The true progress of man lieth in self-denial, and a man who
+denieth himself is free and safe.  But the old enemy, opposer of
+all good things, ceaseth not from temptation; but day and night
+setteth his wicked snares, if haply he may be able to entrap the
+unwary.  Watch and pray, saith the Lord, lest ye enter into
+temptation.(1)
+
+(1) Matthew xxvi. 41.
+
+
+CHAPTER XL
+
+That man hath no good in himself, and nothing whereof to glory
+
+Lord, what is man that Thou art mindful of him, or the son of man
+that Thou visitest him?(1)  What hath man deserved, that Thou
+shouldest bestow thy favour upon him?  Lord, what cause can I
+have of complaint, if Thou forsake me?  Or what can I justly
+allege, if Thou refuse to hear my petition?  Of a truth, this I
+may truly think and say, Lord, I am nothing, I have nothing that
+is good of myself, but I fall short in all things, and ever tend
+unto nothing.  And unless I am helped by Thee and inwardly
+supported, I become altogether lukewarm and reckless.
+
+2. But Thou, O Lord, art always the same, and endurest for ever,
+always good, righteous, and holy; doing all things well,
+righteously, and holily, and disposing all in Thy wisdom.  But I
+who am more ready to go forward than backward, never continue in
+one stay, because changes sevenfold pass over me.  Yet it quickly
+becometh better when it so pleaseth Thee, and Thou puttest forth
+Thy hand to help me; because Thou alone canst aid without help of
+man, and canst so strengthen me that my countenance shall be no
+more changed, but my heart shall be turned to Thee, and rest in
+Thee alone.
+
+3. Wherefore, if I but knew well how to reject all human
+consolations, whether for the sake of gaining devotion, or
+because of the necessity by which I was compelled to seek Thee,
+seeing there is no man who can comfort me; then could I worthily
+trust in Thy grace, and rejoice in the gift of new consolation.
+
+4. Thanks be to Thee, from whom all cometh, whensoever it goeth
+well with me!  But I am vanity and nothing in Thy sight, a man
+inconstant and weak.  What then have I whereof to glory, or why
+do I long to be held in honour?  Is it not for nought?  This also
+is utterly vain.  Verily vain glory is an evil plague, the
+greatest of vanities, because it draweth us away from the true
+glory, and robbeth us of heavenly grace.  For whilst a man
+pleaseth himself he displeaseth Thee; whilst he gapeth after the
+praises of man, he is deprived of true virtues.
+
+5. But true glory and holy rejoicing lieth in glorying in Thee
+and not in self; in rejoicing in Thy Name, not in our own virtue;
+in not taking delight in any creature, save only for Thy sake.
+Let thy Name, not mine be praised; let Thy work, not mine be
+magnified; let Thy holy Name be blessed, but to me let nought be
+given of the praises of men.  Thou art my glory, Thou art the joy
+of my heart.  In Thee will I make my boast and be glad all the
+day long, but for myself let me not glory save only in my
+infirmities.(2)
+
+6. Let the Jews seek the honour which cometh from one another;
+but I will ask for that which cometh from God only.(3)  Truly all
+human glory, all temporal honour, all worldly exultation,
+compared to Thy eternal glory, is but vanity and folly.  O God my
+Truth and my Mercy, Blessed Trinity, to Thee alone be all praise,
+honour, power, and glory for ever and for ever.  Amen.
+
+(1) Psalm viii. 4.   (2) 2 Corinthians xii. 5.
+(3) John v. 44.
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI
+
+Of contempt of all temporal honour
+
+"My Son, make it no matter of thine, if thou see others honoured
+and exalted, and thyself despised and humbled.  Lift up thine
+heart to Me in heaven, and then the contempt of men upon earth
+will not make thee sad."
+
+2. O Lord, we are in blindness, and are quickly seduced by
+vanity.  If I look rightly within myself, never was injury done
+unto me by any creature, and therefore I have nought whereof to
+complain before Thee.  But because I have many times and
+grievously sinned against Thee, all creatures do justly take arms
+against me.  Therefore to me confusion and contempt are justly
+due, but to Thee praise and honour and glory.  And except I
+dispose myself for this, namely, to be willing that every
+creature should despise and desert me, and that I should be
+esteemed altogether as nothing, I cannot be inwardly filled with
+peace and strength, nor spiritually enlightened, nor fully united
+to Thee.
+
+
+CHAPTER XLII
+
+That our peace is not to be placed in men
+
+"My Son, if thou set thy peace on any person because thou hast
+high opinion of him, and art familiar with him, thou shalt be
+unstable and entangled.  But if thou betake thyself to the
+ever-living and abiding Truth, the desertion or death of a friend
+shall not make thee sad.  In Me ought the love of thy friend to
+subsist, and for My sake is every one to be loved, whosoever he
+be, who appeareth to thee good, and is very dear to thee in this
+life.  Without Me friendship hath no strength or endurance,
+neither is that love true and pure, which I unite not.  Thou
+oughtest to be so dead to such affections of beloved friends,
+that as far as in thee lieth, thou wouldst rather choose to be
+without any companionship of men.  The nearer a man approacheth
+to God, the further he recedeth from all earthly solace.  The
+deeper also he descendeth into himself, and the viler he
+appeareth in his own eyes, the higher he ascendeth towards God.
+
+2. "But he who attributeth anything good to himself, hindereth
+the grace of God from coming to him, because the grace of the
+Holy Ghost ever seeketh the humble heart.  If thou couldst make
+thyself utterly nothing, and empty thyself of the love of every
+creature, then should it be My part to overflow unto thee with
+great grace.  When thou settest thine eyes upon creatures, the
+face of the Creator is withdrawn from thee.  Learn in all things
+to conquer thyself for thy Creator's sake, then shalt thou be
+able to attain unto divine knowledge.  How small soever anything
+be, if it be loved and regarded inordinately, it holdeth us back
+from the highest good, and corrupteth."
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIII
+
+Against vain and worldly knowledge
+
+"My Son, let not the fair and subtle sayings of men move thee.
+For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.(1)  Give ear
+to My words, for they kindle the heart and enlighten the mind,
+they bring contrition, and they supply manifold consolations.
+Never read thou the word that thou mayest appear more learned or
+wise; but study for the mortification of thy sins, for this will
+be far more profitable for thee than the knowledge of many
+difficult questions.
+
+2. "When thou hast read and learned many things, thou must always
+return to one first principle.  I am He that teacheth man
+knowledge,(2) and I give unto babes clearer knowledge than can
+be taught by man.  He to whom I speak will be quickly wise and
+shall grow much in the spirit.  Woe unto them who inquire into
+many curious questions from men, and take little heed concerning
+the way of My service.  The time will come when Christ will
+appear, the Master of masters, the Lord of the Angels, to hear
+the lessons of all, that is to examine the consciences of each
+one.  And then will He search Jerusalem with candles,(3) and the
+hidden things of darkness(4) shall be made manifest, and the
+arguings of tongues shall be silent.
+
+3. "I am He who in an instant lift up the humble spirit, to learn
+more reasonings of the Eternal Truth, than if a man had studied
+ten years in the schools.  I teach without noise of words,
+without confusion of opinions, without striving after honour,
+without clash of arguments.  I am He who teach men to despise
+earthly things, to loathe things present, to seek things
+heavenly, to enjoy things eternal, to flee honours, to endure
+offences, to place all hope in Me, to desire nothing apart from
+Me, and above all things to love Me ardently.
+
+4. "For there was one, who by loving Me from the bottom of his
+heart, learned divine things, and spake things that were
+wonderful; he profited more by forsaking all things than by
+studying subtleties.  But to some I speak common things, to
+others special; to some I appear gently in signs and figures, and
+again to some I reveal mysteries in much light.  The voice of
+books is one, but it informeth not all alike; because I inwardly
+am the Teacher of truth, the Searcher of the heart, the Discerner
+of the thoughts, the Mover of actions, distributing to each man,
+as I judge meet."
+
+(1) 1 Corinthians iv. 20.   (2) Psalm xciv. 10.
+(3) Zephaniah i. 12.   (4) 1 Corinthians iv. 5.
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIV
+
+Of not troubling ourselves about outward things
+
+"My Son, in many things it behoveth thee to be ignorant, and to
+esteem thyself as one dead upon the earth, and as one to whom the
+whole world is crucified.  Many things also thou must pass by
+with deaf ear, and must rather think upon those things which
+belong unto thy peace.  It is more profitable to turn away thine
+eyes from those things that displease, and to leave each man to
+his own opinion, than to give thyself to discourses of strife.
+If thou stand well with God and hast His judgment in thy mind,
+thou wilt verily easily bear to be as one conquered."
+
+2. O Lord, to what have we come?  Behold a temporal loss is
+mourned over; for a trifling gain we labour and hurry; and
+spiritual loss passeth away into forgetfulness, and we rarely
+recover it.  That which profiteth little or nothing is looked
+after, and that which is altogether necessary is negligently
+passed by; because the whole man slideth away to outward things,
+and unless he quickly recovereth himself in outward things he
+willingly lieth down.
+
+
+CHAPTER XLV
+
+That we must not believe everyone, and that we are prone to fall
+in our words
+
+Lord, be thou my help in trouble, for vain is the help of man.(1)
+How often have I failed to find faithfulness, where I thought I
+possessed it.  How many times I have found it where I least
+expected.  Vain therefore is hope in men, but the salvation of
+the just, O God, is in Thee.  Blessed be thou, O Lord my God, in
+all things which happen unto us.  We are weak and unstable, we
+are quickly deceived and quite changed.
+
+2. Who is the man who is able to keep himself so warily and
+circumspectly as not sometimes to come into some snare of
+perplexity?  But he who trusteth in Thee, O Lord, and seeketh
+Thee with an unfeigned heart, doth not so easily slip.  And if he
+fall into any tribulation, howsoever he may be entangled, yet
+very quickly he shall be delivered through Thee, or by Thee shall
+be comforted, because Thou wilt not forsake him that trusteth in
+Thee unto the end.  A friend who continueth faithful in all the
+distresses of his friend is rare to be found.  Thou, O Lord, Thou
+alone art most faithful in all things, and there is none other
+like unto Thee.
+
+3. Oh, how truly wise was that holy soul which said, "My mind is
+steadfastly fixed, and it is grounded in Christ."(2)  If thus it
+were with me, the fear of man should not so easily tempt me, nor
+the arrows of words move me.  Who is sufficient to foresee all
+things, who to guard beforehand against future ills?  If even
+things which are foreseen sometimes hurt us, what can things
+which are not foreseen do, but grievously injure?  But wherefore
+have I not better provided for myself, miserable that I am?  Why,
+too, have I given such heed to others?  But we are men, nor are
+we other than frail men, even though by many we are reckoned and
+called angels.  Whom shall I trust, O Lord, whom shall I trust
+but Thee?  Thou art the Truth, and deceivest not, nor canst be
+deceived.  And on the other hand, Every man is a liar,(3) weak,
+unstable and frail, especially in his words, so that one ought
+scarcely ever to believe what seemeth to sound right on the face
+of it.
+
+4. With what wisdom hast thou warned us beforehand to beware of
+men, and that a man's foes are they of his own household,(4) and
+that we must not believe if one say unto us Lo here, or Lo
+there.(5)  I have been taught by my loss, and O that I may prove
+more careful and not foolish hereby.  "Be cautious," saith some
+one: "be cautious, keep unto thyself what I tell thee."  And
+whilst I am silent and believe that it is hid with me, he himself
+cannot keep silence concerning it, but straightway betrayeth me
+and himself, and goeth his way.  Protect me, O Lord, from such
+mischief-making and reckless men; let me not fall into their
+hands, nor ever do such things myself.  Put a true and steadfast
+word into my mouth, and remove a deceitful tongue far from me.
+What I would not suffer, I ought by all means to beware of doing.
+
+5. Oh, how good and peacemaking a thing it is to be silent
+concerning others, and not carelessly to believe all reports, nor
+to hand them on further; how good also to lay one's self open to
+few, to seek ever to have Thee as the beholder of the heart; not
+to be carried about with every wind of words, but to desire that
+all things inward and outward be done according to the good
+pleasure of Thy will!  How safe for the preserving of heavenly
+grace to fly from human approval, and not to long after the
+things which seem to win admiration abroad, but to follow with
+all earnestness those things which bring amendment of life and
+heavenly fervour!  How many have been injured by their virtue
+being made known and too hastily praised.  How truly profitable
+hath been grace preserved in silence in this frail life, which,
+as we are told, is all temptation and warfare.
+
+(1) Psalm lx. 11.   (2) St. Agatha.
+(3) Psalm cxvi. 11; Romans iii. 4.   (4) Matthew x. 17, 36.
+(5) Matthew xxiv. 23.
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVI
+
+Of having confidence in God when evil words are cast at us
+
+"My Son, stand fast and believe in Me.  For what are words but
+words?  They fly through the air, but they bruise no stone.  If
+thou are guilty, think how thou wouldst gladly amend thyself; if
+thou knowest nothing against thyself, consider that thou wilt
+gladly bear this for God's sake.  It is little enough that thou
+sometimes hast to bear hard words, for thou art not yet able to
+bear hard blows.  And wherefore do such trivial matters go to
+thine heart, except that thou art yet carnal, and regardest men
+more than thou oughtest?  For because thou fearest to be
+despised, thou art unwilling to be reproved for thy faults, and
+seekest paltry shelters of excuses.
+
+2. "But look better into thyself, and thou shalt know that the
+world is still alive in thee, and the vain love of pleasing men.
+For when thou fleest away from being abased and confounded for
+thy faults, it is plain that thou art neither truly humble nor
+truly dead to the world, and that the world is not crucified to
+thee.  But hearken to My word, and thou shalt not care for ten
+thousand words of men.  Behold, if all things could be said
+against thee which the utmost malice could invent, what should it
+hurt thee if thou wert altogether to let it go, and make no more
+account of it than of a mote?  Could it pluck out a single hair
+of thy head?
+
+3. "But he that hath no heart within him, and hath not God before
+his eyes, is easily moved by a word of reproach; but he who
+trusteth in Me, and seeketh not to abide by his own judgment,
+shall be free from the fear of men.  For I am the Judge and the
+Discerner of all secrets; I know how the thing hath been done; I
+know both the injurer and the bearer.  From Me went forth that
+word, by My permission this hath happened, that the thoughts of
+many hearts may be revealed.(1)  I shall judge the guilty and the
+innocent; but beforehand I have willed to try them both by a
+secret judgment.
+
+4. "The testimony of men often deceiveth.  My judgment is true;
+it will stand, and it shall not be overturned.  It commonly lieth
+hid, and only to few in certain cases is it made known; yet it
+never erreth, nor can err, although it seem not right to the eyes
+of foolish men.  To Me, therefore, must men have recourse in all
+judgment, and must not lean to their opinion.  For there shall no
+evil happen to the just,(2) whatsoever may be sent to him by God.
+Even though some unjust charge be brought against him, he will
+care little; nor, again, will he exult above measure, if through
+others he be clearly vindicated.  For he considereth that I am He
+who try the hearts and reins,(3) who judge not outwardly and
+according to human appearance; for often in Mine eyes that is
+found blameworthy which in the judgment of men is held worthy of
+praise."
+
+5. O Lord God, O Judge, just, strong, and patient, who knowest
+the frailty and sinfulness of men, be Thou my strength and my
+whole confidence; for my own conscience sufficeth me not.  Thou
+knowest what I know not; and therefore ought I under all rebuke
+to humble myself, and to bear it meekly.  Therefore mercifully
+forgive me as often as I have not done this, and grant me the
+next time the grace of greater endurance.  For better unto me is
+Thine abundant pity for the attainment of Thy pardon, than the
+righteousness which I believe myself to have for defence against
+my conscience, which lieth wait against me.  Although I know
+nothing against myself, yet I am not hereby justified,(4) because
+if Thy mercy were removed away, in Thy sight should no man
+living be justified.(5)
+
+(1) Luke ii. 35.   (2) Proverbs xii. 21.   (3) Psalm vii. 9.
+(4) 1 Corinthians iv. 4.   (5) Psalm cxliii. 2.
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVII
+
+That all troubles are to be endured for the sake of eternal life
+
+"My Son, let not the labours which thou hast undertaken for Me
+break thee down, nor let tribulations cast thee down in any wise,
+but let my promise strengthen and comfort thee in every event.  I
+am sufficient to reward thee above all measure and extent.  Not
+long shalt thou labour here, nor always be weighed down with
+sorrows.  Wait yet a little while, and thou shalt see a speedy
+end of thine evils.  An hour shall come when all labour and
+confusion shall cease.  Little and short is all that passeth away
+with time.
+
+2. "Do earnestly what thou dost; labour faithfully in My
+vineyard; I will be thy reward.  Write, read, sing, weep, be
+silent, pray, endure adversities manfully; eternal life is worthy
+of all these conflicts, yea, and of greater.  Peace shall come in
+one day which is known to the Lord; which shall be neither day
+nor night,(1) but light eternal, infinite clearness, steadfast
+peace, and undisturbed rest.  Thou shalt not say then, Who shall
+deliver me from the body of this death?(2) nor cry out, Woe is
+me, for my sojourning is prolonged,(3) because death will be
+utterly destroyed, and there shall be salvation which can never
+fail, no more anxiety, happy delight, sweet and noble society.
+
+3. "Oh, if thou sawest the unfading crowns of the Saints in
+heaven, and with what great glory they now rejoice, who aforetime
+were reckoned by this world contemptibly and as it were unworthy
+of life, truly thou wouldst immediately humble thyself even to
+the earth, and wouldst desire rather to be in subjection to all,
+than to have authority over one; nor wouldst thou long for
+pleasant days of this life, but wouldst more rejoice to be
+afflicted for God's sake, and wouldst esteem it gain to be
+counted for nought amongst men.
+
+4. "Oh, if these things were sweet to thy taste, and moved thee
+to the bottom of thine heart, how shouldst thou dare even once to
+complain?  Are not all laborious things to be endured for the
+sake of eternal life?  It is no small thing, the losing or
+gaining the Kingdom of God.  Lift up therefore thy face to
+heaven.  Behold, I and all My Saints with Me, who in this world
+had a hard conflict, now rejoice, are now comforted, are now
+secure, are now at peace, and shall remain with Me evermore in
+the Kingdom of My Father."
+
+(1) Zechariah xiv. 7.   (2) Romans vii. 24. (3) Psalm cxx.
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVIII
+
+Of the day of eternity and of the straitnesses of this life
+
+Oh most blessed mansion of the City which is above!  Oh most
+clear day of eternity which the night obscureth not, but the
+Supreme Truth ever enlighteneth!  Day always joyful, always
+secure and never changing its state into those which are
+contrary.  Oh would that this day might shine forth, and that all
+these temporal things would come to an end.  It shineth indeed
+upon the Saints, glowing with unending brightness, but only from
+afar and through a glass, upon those who are pilgrims on the
+earth.
+
+2. The citizens of heaven know how glorious that day is; the
+exiled sons of Eve groan, because this is bitter and wearisome.
+The days of this life are few and evil, full of sorrows and
+straits, where man is defiled with many sins, ensnared with many
+passions, bound fast with many fears, wearied with many cares,
+distracted with many questionings, entangled with many vanities,
+compassed about with many errors, worn away with many labours,
+weighed down with temptations, enervated by pleasures, tormented
+by poverty.
+
+3. Oh when shall there be an end of these evils?  When shall I be
+delivered from the wretched slavery of my sins?  When shall I be
+mindful, O Lord, of Thee alone?  When shall I rejoice in Thee to
+the full?  When shall I be in true liberty without any
+impediment, without any burden on mind or body?  When shall there
+be solid peace, peace immovable and secure, peace within and
+without, peace firm on every side?  Blessed Jesus, when shall I
+stand to behold Thee?  When shall I gaze upon the glory of Thy
+kingdom?  When shalt Thou be to me all in all?  Oh when shall I
+be with Thee in Thy Kingdom which Thou hast prepared from the
+foundation of the world for them that love Thee?  I am left
+destitute, an exile in a hostile land, where are daily wars and
+grievous misfortunes.
+
+4. Console my exile, mitigate my sorrow, for towards Thee all my
+desire longeth.  For all is to me a burden, whatsoever this world
+offereth for consolation.  I yearn to enjoy Thee intimately, but
+I cannot attain unto it.  I long to cleave to heavenly things,
+but temporal things and unmortified passions press me down.  In
+my mind I would be above all things, but in my flesh I am
+unwillingly compelled to be beneath them.  So, wretched man that
+I am, I fight with myself, and am made grievous even unto myself,
+while the spirit seeketh to be above and the flesh to be beneath.
+
+5. Oh how I suffer inwardly, while with the mind I discourse on
+heavenly things, and presently a crowd of carnal things rusheth
+upon me whilst I pray.  My God, be not Thou far from me, nor
+depart in wrath from Thy servant.  Cast forth Thy lightning and
+scatter them; send out Thine arrows,(1) and let all delusions of
+my enemy be confounded.  Recall my senses unto Thyself, cause me
+to forget all worldly things; grant me quickly to cast away and
+despise the imaginations of sin.  Succour me, O Eternal Truth,
+that no vanity may move me.  Come unto me, O Heavenly Sweetness,
+and let all impurity flee from before Thy face.  Pardon me also,
+and of Thy mercy deal gently with me, whensoever in prayer I
+think on anything besides Thee; for truly I confess that I am
+wont to be continually distracted.  For often and often, where in
+the body I stand or sit, there I myself am not; but rather am I
+there, whither I am borne by my thoughts.  Where my thought is,
+there am I; and there commonly is my thought where that which I
+love is.  That readily occurreth to me, which naturally
+delighteth, or pleaseth through custom.
+
+6. Wherefore Thou, who art the Truth, hast plainly said, Where
+your treasure is, there will your heart be also.(2)  If I love
+heaven, I gladly meditate on heavenly things.  If I love the
+world, I rejoice in the delights of the world, and am made sorry
+by its adversities.  If I love the flesh, I am continually
+imagining the things which belong to the flesh; if I love the
+spirit, I am delighted by meditating on spiritual things.  For
+whatsoever things I love, on these I readily converse and listen,
+and carry home with me the images of them.  But blessed is that
+man who for Thy sake, O Lord, is willing to part from all
+creatures; who doth violence to his fleshly nature and crucifieth
+the lusts of the flesh by the fervour of his spirit, so that with
+serene conscience he may offer unto Thee a pure prayer, and be
+made worthy to enter into the angelic choirs, having shut out
+from himself, both outwardly and inwardly, all worldly things.
+
+(1) Psalm lxxi. 12.   (2) Matthew vi. 21.
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIX
+
+Of the desire after eternal life, and how great blessings are
+promised to those who strive
+
+"My Son, when thou feelest the desire of eternal happiness to be
+poured into thee from above, and longest to depart from the
+tabernacle of this body, that thou mayest contemplate My glory
+without shadow of turning, enlarge thine heart, and take in this
+holy inspiration with all thy desire.  Give most hearty thanks to
+the Supreme Goodness, who dealeth with thee so graciously,
+visiteth thee so lovingly, stirreth thee up so fervently, raiseth
+thee so powerfully, lest thou sink down through thine own weight,
+to earthly things.  For not by thine own meditating or striving
+dost thou receive this gift, but by the sole gracious
+condescension of Supreme Grace and Divine regard; to the end that
+thou mayest make progress in virtue and in more humility, and
+prepare thyself for future conflicts, and cleave unto Me with all
+the affection of thy heart, and strive to serve Me with fervent
+will.
+
+2. "My Son, often the fire burneth, but the flame ascendeth not
+without smoke.  So also the desires of some men burn towards
+heavenly things, and yet they are not free from the temptation of
+carnal affection.  Thus therefore they are not acting with an
+altogether simple desire for God's glory when they pray to Him so
+earnestly.  Such, too, is oftentimes thy desire, when thou hast
+imagined it to be so earnest.  For that is not pure and perfect
+which is tainted with thine own self-seeking.
+
+3. "Seek thou not what is pleasant and advantageous to thyself,
+but what is acceptable and honourable unto Me; for if thou
+judgest rightly, thou must choose and follow after My appointment
+rather than thine own desire; yea, rather than anything that can
+be desired.  I know thy desire, and I have heard thy many
+groanings.  Already thou longest to be in the glorious liberty of
+the children of God; already the eternal home delighteth thee,
+and the heavenly country full of joy; but the hour is not yet
+come; there remaineth still another season, even a season of
+warfare, a season of labour and probation.  Thou desirest to be
+filled with the Chief Good, but thou canst not attain it
+immediately.  I AM that Good; wait for Me, until the Kingdom of
+God shall come.
+
+4. "Thou must still be tried upon earth, and be exercised in many
+things.  Consolation shall from time to time be given thee, but
+abundant satisfying shall not be granted.  Be strong therefore,
+and be thou brave both in working and in suffering things which
+are against thy nature.  Thou must put on the new man, and be
+changed into another man.  Thou must often do what thou wouldst
+not; and thou must leave undone what thou wouldst do.  What
+pleaseth others shall have good success, what pleaseth thee shall
+have no prosperity.  What others say shall be listened to; what
+thou sayest shall receive no heed.  Others shall ask and receive;
+thou shalt ask and not obtain.  Others shall be great in the
+report of men, but about thee shall nothing be spoken.  To others
+this or that shall be entrusted; thou shalt be judged useful for
+nought.
+
+5. "For this cause nature shall sometimes be filled with sadness;
+and it is a great thing if thou bear it silently.  In this and
+many like things the faithful servant of the Lord is wont to be
+tried, how far he is able to deny himself and bring himself into
+subjection in all things.  Scarcely is there anything in which
+thou hast need to mortify thyself so much as in seeing things
+which are adverse to thy will; especially when things are
+commanded thee to be done which seem to thee inexpedient or of
+little use to thee.  And because thou darest not resist a higher
+power, being under authority, therefore it seemeth hard for thee
+to shape thy course according to the nod of another, and to
+forego thine own opinion.
+
+6. "But consider, My Son, the fruit of these labours, the swift
+end, and the reward exceeding great; and thou shalt find it no
+pain to bear them then, but rather the strongest solace of thy
+patience.  For even in exchange for this trifling desire which
+thou hast readily forsaken, thou shalt always have thy will in
+Heaven.  There verily thou shalt find all that thou wouldst, all
+that thou canst long for.  There thou shalt have all good within
+thy power without the fear of losing it.  There thy will, ever at
+one with Mine, shall desire nothing outward, nothing for itself.
+There no man shall withstand thee, none shall complain of thee,
+none shall hinder, nothing shall stand in thy path; but all
+things desired by thee shall be present together, and shall
+refresh thy whole affection, and fill it up even to the brim.
+There I will glory for the scorn suffered here, the garment of
+praise for sorrow, and for the lowest place a throne in the
+Kingdom, for ever.  There shall appear the fruit of obedience,
+the labour of repentance shall rejoice, and humble subjection
+shall be crowned gloriously.
+
+7. "Now therefore bow thyself humbly under the hands of all men;
+nor let it trouble thee who said this or who ordered that; but
+take special heed that whether thy superior, thy inferior, or thy
+equal, require anything from thee, or even show a desire for it;
+take it all in good part, and study with a good will to fulfil
+the desire.  Let one seek this, another that; let this man glory
+in this, and that man in that, and be praised a thousand thousand
+times, but rejoice thou only in the contempt of thyself, and in
+Mine own good pleasure and glory.  This is what thou art to long
+for, even that whether by life or by death God may be ever
+magnified in thee."(1)
+
+(1) Philippians i. 20.
+
+
+CHAPTER L
+
+How a desolate man ought to commit himself into the hands of God
+
+O Lord, Holy Father, be Thou blessed now and evermore; because as
+Thou wilt so it is done, and what Thou doest is good.  Let Thy
+servant rejoice in Thee, not in himself, nor in any other;
+because Thou alone art the true joy, Thou art my hope and my
+crown, Thou art my joy and my honour, O Lord.  What hath Thy
+servant, which he received not from Thee, even without merit of
+his own?  Thine are all things which Thou hast given, and which
+Thou hast made.  I am poor and in misery even from my youth
+up,(1) and my soul is sorrowful unto tears, sometimes also it is
+disquieted within itself, because of the sufferings which are
+coming upon it.
+
+2. I long after the joy of peace; for the peace of Thy children
+do I beseech, for in the light of Thy comfort they are fed by
+Thee.  If Thou give peace, if Thou pour into me holy joy, the
+soul of Thy servant shall be full of melody, and devout in Thy
+praise.  But if Thou withdraw Thyself as too often Thou art wont,
+he will not be able to run in the way of Thy commandments, but
+rather he will smite his breast and will bow his knees; because
+it is not with him as yesterday and the day before, when Thy
+candle shined upon his head,(2) and he walked under the shadow of
+Thy wings,(3) from the temptations which beset him.
+
+3. O Father, righteous and ever to be praised, the hour cometh
+when Thy servant is to be proved.  O beloved Father, it is well
+that in this hour Thy servant suffer somewhat for Thy sake.  O
+Father, evermore to be adored, as the hour cometh which Thou
+foreknewest from everlasting, when for a little while Thy servant
+should outwardly bow down, but always live inwardly with Thee;
+when for a little while he should be little regarded, humbled,
+and fail in the eyes of men; should be wasted with sufferings and
+weaknesses, to rise again with Thee in the dawn of the new light,
+and be glorified in the heavenly places.  O Holy Father, thou
+hast ordained it so, and so hast willed it; and that is done
+which Thou Thyself hast commanded.
+
+4. For this is Thy favour to Thy friend, that he should suffer
+and be troubled in the world for Thy love's sake, how often
+soever, and by whomsoever and whosoever Thou hast suffered it to
+be done.  Without Thy counsel and providence, and without cause,
+nothing cometh to pass on the earth.  It is good for me, Lord,
+that I had been in trouble, that I may learn Thy statutes,(4)
+and may cast away all pride of heart and presumption.  It is
+profitable for me that confusion hath covered my face, that I may
+seek to Thee for consolation rather than unto men.  By this also
+I have learned to dread Thine unsearchable judgment, who
+afflictest the just with the wicked, but not without equity and
+justice.
+
+5. Thanks be unto Thee, because Thou hast not spared my sins, but
+hast beaten me with stripes of love, inflicting pains, and
+sending troubles upon me without and within.  There is none who
+can console me, of all things which are under heaven, but Thou
+only, O Lord my God, Thou heavenly Physician of souls, who dost
+scourge and hast mercy, who leadest down to hell and bringest up
+again.(5)  Thy discipline over me, and Thy rod itself shall teach
+me.
+
+6. Behold, O beloved Father, I am in Thy hands, I bow myself
+under the rod of Thy correction.  Smite my back and my neck that
+I may bend my crookedness to Thy will.  Make me a pious and lowly
+disciple, as Thou wert wont to be kind, that I may walk according
+to every nod of Thine.  To Thee I commend myself and all that I
+have for correction; better is it to be punished here than
+hereafter.  Thou knowest all things and each of them; and nothing
+remaineth hid from Thee in man's conscience.  Before they are,
+thou knowest that they will be, and Thou needest not that any man
+teach Thee or admonish Thee concerning the things which are done
+upon the earth.  Thou knowest what is expedient for my profit,
+and how greatly trouble serveth unto the scrubbing off the rust
+of sin.  Do with me according to Thy desired good pleasure, and
+despise not my life which is full of sin, known to none so
+entirely and fully as to Thee alone.
+
+7. Grant me, O Lord, to know that which ought to be known; to
+love that which ought to be loved; to praise that which pleaseth
+Thee most, to esteem that which is precious in Thy sight, to
+blame that which is vile in Thine eyes.  Suffer me not to judge
+according to the sight of bodily eyes, nor to give sentence
+according to the hearing of the ears of ignorant men; but to
+discern in true judgment between visible and spiritual things,
+and above all things to be ever seeking after the will of Thy
+good pleasure.
+
+8. Oftentimes the senses of men are deceived in judging; the
+lovers of the world also are deceived in that they love only
+visible things.  What is a man better because by man he is
+reckoned very great?  The deceiver deceiveth the deceiver, the
+vain man the vain, the blind man the blind, the weak man the
+weak, when they exalt one another; and in truth they rather put
+to shame, while they foolishly praise.  For as humble St. Francis
+saith, "What each one is in Thine eyes, so much he is, and no
+more."
+
+(1) Psalm lxxxviii. 15.   (2) Job xxix. 3.   (3) Psalm xvii. 8.
+(4) Psalm cxix. 71.   (5) Job xiii. 2.
+
+
+CHAPTER LI
+
+That we must give ourselves to humble works when we are unequal
+to those that are lofty
+
+"My Son, thou art not always able to continue in very fervent
+desire after virtues, nor to stand fast in the loftier region of
+contemplation; but thou must of necessity sometimes descend to
+lower things because of thine original corruption, and bear about
+the burden of corruptible life, though unwillingly and with
+weariness.  So long as thou wearest a mortal body, thou shalt
+feel weariness and heaviness of heart.  Therefore thou oughtest
+to groan often in the flesh because of the burden of the flesh,
+inasmuch as thou canst not give thyself to spiritual studies and
+divine contemplation unceasingly.
+
+2. "At such a time it is expedient for thee to flee to humble and
+external works, and to renew thyself with good actions; to wait
+for My coming and heavenly visitation with sure confidence; to
+bear thy exile and drought of mind with patience, until thou be
+visited by Me again, and be freed from all anxieties.  For I will
+cause thee to forget thy labours, and altogether to enjoy eternal
+peace. I will spread open before thee the pleasant pastures of the
+Scriptures, that with enlarged heart thou mayest begin to run in
+the way of My commandments.  And thou shalt say, 'The sufferings
+of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory
+which shall be revealed in us.'"(1)
+
+(1) Romans viii. 18.
+
+
+CHAPTER LII
+
+That a man ought not to reckon himself worthy of consolation, but
+more worthy of chastisement
+
+O Lord, I am not worthy of Thy consolation, nor of any spiritual
+visitation; and therefore Thou dealest justly with me, when Thou
+leavest me poor and desolate.  For if I were able to pour forth
+tears like the sea, still should I not be worthy of Thy
+consolation.  Therefore am I nothing worthy save to be scourged
+and punished, because I have grievously and many a time offended
+Thee, and in many things have greatly sinned.  Therefore, true
+account being taken, I am not worthy even of the least of Thy
+consolations.  But Thou, gracious and merciful God, who willest
+not that Thy works should perish, to show forth the riches of Thy
+mercy upon the vessels of mercy,(1) vouchsafest even beyond all
+his own deserving, to comfort Thy servant above the measure of
+mankind.  For Thy consolations are not like unto the discoursings
+of men.
+
+2. What have I done, O Lord, that Thou shouldst bestow any
+heavenly comfort upon me?  I remember not that I have done any
+good, but have been ever prone to sin and slow to amendment.  It
+is true and I cannot deny it.  If I should say otherwise, Thou
+wouldst rise up against me, and there would be none to defend
+me.  What have I deserved for my sins but hell and everlasting
+fire?  In very truth I confess that I am worthy of all scorn and
+contempt, nor is it fit that I should be remembered among Thy
+faithful servants.  And although I be unwilling to hear this,
+nevertheless I will for the Truth's sake, accuse myself of my
+sins, that the more readily I may prevail to be accounted worthy
+of Thy mercy.
+
+3. What shall I say, guilty that I am and filled with confusion?
+I have no mouth to utter, unless it be this word alone, "I have
+sinned, Lord, I have sinned; have mercy upon me, forgive me."
+Let me alone, that I may take comfort a little before I go whence
+I shall not return even to the land of darkness and the shadow of
+death.(2)  What dost Thou so much require of a guilty and
+miserable sinner, as that he be contrite, and humble himself for
+his sins?  In true contrition and humiliation of heart is
+begotten the hope of pardon, the troubled conscience is
+reconciled, lost grace is recovered, a man is preserved from the
+wrath to come, and God and the penitent soul hasten to meet each
+other with a holy kiss.(3)
+
+4. The humble contrition of sinners is an acceptable sacrifice
+unto Thee, O Lord, sending forth a smell sweeter far in Thy sight
+than the incense.  This also is that pleasant ointment which Thou
+wouldst have poured upon Thy sacred feet, for a broken and
+contrite heart Thou hast never despised.(4)  There is the place
+of refuge from the wrathful countenance of the enemy.  There is
+amended and washed away whatsoever evil hath elsewhere been
+contracted.
+
+(1) Romans ix. 23.   (2) Job x. 20, 21.   (3) Luke xv. 20.
+(4) Psalm li. 17.
+
+
+CHAPTER LIII
+
+That the Grace of God doth not join itself to those who mind
+earthly things
+
+"My Son, precious is My grace, it suffereth not itself to be
+joined with outward things, nor with earthly consolations.
+Therefore thou oughtest to cast away all things which hinder
+grace, if thou longest to receive the inpouring thereof.  Seek a
+secret place for thyself, love to dwell alone with thyself,
+desire the conversation of no one; but rather pour out thy devout
+prayer to God, that thou mayest possess a contrite mind and a
+pure conscience.  Count the whole world as nought; seek to be
+alone with God before all outward things.  For thou canst not be
+alone with Me, and at the same time be delighted with transitory
+things.  Thou oughtest to be separated from thy acquaintances and
+dear friends, and keep thy mind free from all worldly comfort.
+So the blessed Apostle Peter beseecheth, that Christ's faithful
+ones bear themselves in this world as strangers and pilgrims.(1)
+
+2. "Oh how great a confidence shall there be to the dying man
+whom no affection to anything detaineth in the world?  But to
+have a heart so separated from all things, a sickly soul doth not
+yet comprehend, nor doth the carnal man know the liberty of the
+spiritual man.  But if indeed he desire to be spiritually minded,
+he must renounce both those who are far off, and those who are
+near, and to beware of no man more than himself.  If thou
+perfectly conquer thyself, very easily shalt thou subdue all
+things besides.  Perfect victory is the triumph over oneself.
+For whoso keepeth himself in subjection, in such manner that the
+sensual affections obey the reason, and the reason in all things
+obeyeth Me, he truly is conqueror of himself, and lord of the
+world.
+
+3. "If thou desire to climb to this height, thou oughtest to
+start bravely, and to lay the axe to the root, to the end that
+thou mayest pull up and destroy the hidden inordinate inclination
+towards thyself, and towards all selfish and earthly good.  From
+this sin, that a man loveth himself too inordinately, almost
+everything hangeth which needeth to be utterly overcome: when
+that evil is conquered and put under foot, there shall be great
+peace and tranquillity continually.  But because few strive
+earnestly to die perfectly to themselves, and do not heartily go
+forth from themselves, therefore do they remain entangled in
+themselves, and cannot be raised in spirit above themselves.  But
+he who desireth to walk at liberty with Me, must of necessity
+mortify all his evil and inordinate affections, and must cling to
+no creature with selfish love."
+
+(1) 1 Peter ii. 11.
+
+
+CHAPTER LIV
+
+Of the diverse motions of Nature and of Grace
+
+"My Son, pay diligent heed to the motions of Nature and of Grace,
+because they move in a very contrary and subtle manner, and are
+hardly distinguished save by a spiritual and inwardly enlightened
+man.  All men indeed seek good, and make pretence of something
+good in all that they say or do; and thus under the appearance of
+good many are deceived.
+
+2. "Nature is deceitful and draweth away, ensnareth, and
+deceiveth many, and always hath self for her end; but Grace
+walketh in simplicity and turneth away from every appearance of
+evil, maketh no false pretences, and doeth all entirely for the
+sake of God, in whom also she finally resteth.
+
+3. "Nature is very unwilling to die, and to be pressed down, and
+to be overcome, and to be in subjection, and to bear the yoke
+readily; but Grace studieth self-mortification, resisteth
+sensuality, seeketh to be subdued, longeth to be conquered, and
+willeth not to use her own liberty.  She loveth to be held by
+discipline, and not to have authority over any, but always to
+live, to remain, to have her being under God, and for God's sake
+is ready to be humbly subject to every ordinance of man.
+
+4. "Nature laboureth for her own advantage, and considereth what
+profit she may gain from another; but Grace considereth more, not
+what may be useful and convenient to self, but what may be
+profitable to the many.
+
+5. "Nature willingly receiveth honour and reverence; but Grace
+faithfully ascribeth all honour and glory to God.
+
+6. "Nature feareth confusion and contempt, but Grace rejoiceth to
+suffer shame for the name of Jesus.
+
+7. "Nature loveth ease and bodily quiet; Grace cannot be
+unemployed, but gladly embraceth labour.
+
+8. "Nature seeketh to possess things curious and attractive, and
+abhorreth those which are rough and cheap; Grace is delighted
+with things simple and humble, despiseth not those which are
+rough, nor refuseth to be clothed with old garments.
+
+9. "Nature hath regard to things temporal, rejoiceth in earthly
+lucre, is made sad by loss, vexed by any little injurious word;
+but Grace reacheth after things eternal, cleaveth not to those
+which are temporal, is not perturbed by losses, nor embittered by
+any hard words, because she hath placed her treasure and joy in
+heaven where nought perisheth.
+
+10. "Nature is covetous, and receiveth more willingly than she
+giveth, loveth things that are personal and private to herself;
+while Grace is kind and generous, avoideth selfishness, is
+contented with a little, believeth that it is more blessed to
+give than to receive.
+
+11. "Nature inclineth thee to created things, to thine own flesh,
+to vanities and dissipation; but Grace draweth to God and to
+virtues, renounceth creatures, fleeth from the world, hateth the
+desires of the flesh, restraineth vagaries, blusheth to be seen
+in public.
+
+12. "Nature is glad to receive some outward solace in which the
+senses may have delight; but Grace seeketh to be comforted in God
+alone, and to have delight in the chief good above all visible
+things.
+
+13. "Nature doeth everything for her own gain and profit, can do
+nothing as a free favour, but hopeth to attain something as good
+or better, or some praise or favour for her benefits; and she
+loveth that her own deeds and gifts should be highly valued; but
+Grace seeketh nothing temporal, nor requireth any other gift of
+reward than God alone; neither longeth she for more of temporal
+necessities than such as may suffice for the attaining of eternal
+life.
+
+14. "Nature rejoiceth in many friends and kinsfolk, she boasteth
+of noble place and noble birth, she smileth on the powerful,
+flattereth the rich, applaudeth those who are like herself; but
+Grace loveth even her enemies, and is not lifted up by the
+multitude of friends, setteth no store upon high place or high
+birth, unless there be greater virtue therewith; favoureth the
+poor man more than the rich, hath more sympathy with the innocent
+than with the powerful; rejoiceth with the truthful, not with the
+liar; always exhorteth the good to strive after better gifts of
+grace, and to become by holiness like unto the Son of God.
+
+15. "Nature quickly complaineth of poverty and of trouble; Grace
+beareth want with constancy.
+
+16. "Nature looketh upon all things in reference to herself;
+striveth and argueth for self; but Grace bringeth back all things
+to God from whom they came at the beginning; ascribeth no good to
+herself nor arrogantly presumeth; is not contentious, nor
+preferreth her own opinion to others, but in every sense and
+understanding submitteth herself to the Eternal wisdom and the
+Divine judgment.
+
+17. "Nature is eager to know secrets and to hear new things; she
+loveth to appear abroad, and to make experience of many things
+through the senses; she desireth to be acknowledged and to do
+those things which win praise and admiration; but Grace careth
+not to gather up new or curious things, because all this
+springeth from the old corruption, whereas there is nothing new
+or lasting upon earth.  So she teacheth to restrain the senses, to
+shun vain complacency and ostentation, to hide humbly those
+things which merit praise and real admiration, and from
+everything and in all knowledge to seek after useful fruit, and
+the praise and honour of God.  She desireth not to receive praise
+for herself or her own, but longeth that God be blessed in all
+His gifts, who out of unmingled love bestoweth all things."
+
+18. This Grace is a supernatural light, and a certain special
+gift of God, and the proper mark of the elect, and the pledge of
+eternal salvation; it exalteth a man from earthly things to love
+those that are heavenly; and it maketh the carnal man spiritual.
+So far therefore as Nature is utterly pressed down and overcome,
+so far is greater Grace bestowed and the inner man is daily
+created anew by fresh visitations, after the image of God.
+
+
+CHAPTER LV
+
+Of the corruption of Nature and the efficacy of Divine Grace
+
+O Lord my God, who hast created me after thine own image and
+similitude, grant me this grace, which Thou hast shown to be so
+great and so necessary for salvation, that I may conquer my
+wicked nature, which draweth me to sin and to perdition.  For I
+feel in my flesh the law of sin, contradicting the law of my
+mind, and bringing me into captivity to the obedience of
+sensuality in many things; nor can I resist its passions, unless
+Thy most holy grace assist me, fervently poured into my heart.
+
+2. There is need of Thy grace, yea, and of a great measure
+thereof, that my nature may be conquered, which hath alway been
+prone to evil from my youth.  For being fallen through the first
+man Adam, and corrupted through sin, the punishment of this
+stain descended upon all men; so that Nature itself, which was
+framed good and right by Thee, is now used to express the vice
+and infirmity of corrupted Nature; because its motion left unto
+itself draweth men away to evil and to lower things.  For the
+little power which remaineth is as it were one spark lying hid in
+the ashes.  This is Natural reason itself, encompassed with thick
+clouds, having yet a discernment of good and evil, a distinction
+of the true and the false, though it be powerless to fulfil all
+that it approveth, and possess not yet the full light of truth,
+nor healthfulness of its affections.
+
+3. Hence it is, O my God, that I delight in Thy law after the
+inward man,(1) knowing that Thy commandment is holy and just and
+good; reproving also all evil, and the sin that is to be avoided:
+yet with the flesh I serve the law of sin, whilst I obey
+sensuality rather than reason.  Hence it is that to will to do
+good is present with me, but how to perform it I find not.(2)
+Hence I ofttimes purpose many good things; but because grace is
+lacking to help mine infirmities, I fall back before a little
+resistance and fail.  Hence it cometh to pass that I recognize
+the way of perfectness, and see very clearly what things I ought
+to do; but pressed down by the weight of my own corruption, I
+rise not to the things which are more perfect.
+
+4. Oh how entirely necessary is Thy grace to me, O Lord, for a
+good beginning, for progress, and for bringing to perfection.
+For without it I can do nothing, but I can do all things through
+Thy grace which strengtheneth me.(3)  O truly heavenly grace,
+without which our own merits are nought, and no gifts of Nature
+at all are to be esteemed.  Arts, riches, beauty, strength, wit,
+eloquence, they all avail nothing before Thee, O Lord, without
+Thy grace.  For the gifts of Nature belong to good and evil
+alike; but the proper gift of the elect is grace--that is, love--
+and they who bear the mark thereof are held worthy of everlasting
+life.  So mighty is this grace, that without it neither the gift
+of prophecy nor the working of miracles, nor any speculation,
+howsoever lofty, is of any value at all.  But neither faith, nor
+hope, nor any other virtue is accepted with Thee without love and
+grace.
+
+5. O most blessed grace that makest the poor in spirit rich in
+virtues, and renderest him who is rich in many things humble in
+spirit, come Thou, descend upon me, fill me early with Thy
+consolation, lest my soul fail through weariness and drought of
+mind.  I beseech thee, O Lord, that I may find grace in Thy
+sight, for Thy grace is sufficient for me,(4) when I obtain not
+those things which Nature longeth for.  If I be tempted and vexed
+with many tribulations, I will fear no evil, while Thy grace
+remaineth with me.  This alone is my strength, this bringeth me
+counsel and help.  It is more powerful than all enemies, and
+wiser than all the wise men in the world.
+
+6. It is the mistress of truth, the teacher of discipline, the
+light of the heart, the solace of anxiety, the banisher of
+sorrow, the deliverer from fear, the nurse of devotion, the
+drawer forth of tears.  What am I without it, save a dry tree, a
+useless branch, worthy to be cast away!  "Let Thy grace,
+therefore, O Lord, always prevent and follow me, and make me
+continually given to all good works, through Jesus Christ, Thy
+Son.  Amen."
+
+(1) Romans vii. 12, 22. 25.   (2) Romans vii. 18.   (3) Philippians iv. 13.
+(4) 2 Corinthians xii. 9.
+
+CHAPTER LVI
+
+That we ought to deny ourselves, and to imitate Christ by means
+of the Cross
+
+My Son, so far as thou art able to go out of thyself so far shalt
+thou be able to enter into Me.  As to desire no outward thing
+worketh internal peace, so the forsaking of self inwardly joineth
+unto God.  I will that thou learn perfect self-denial, living in
+My will without contradiction or complaint.  Follow Me: I am the
+way, the truth, and the life.(1)  Without the way thou canst not
+go, without the truth thou canst not know, without the life thou
+canst not live.  I am the Way which thou oughtest to follow; the
+Truth which thou oughtest to believe; the Life which thou oughtest
+to hope for.  I am the Way unchangeable; the Truth infallible;
+the Life everlasting.  I am the Way altogether straight, the
+Truth supreme, the true Life, the blessed Life, the uncreated
+Life.  If thou remain in My way thou shalt know the Truth, and
+the truth shall make thee free,(2) and thou shalt lay hold on
+eternal life.
+
+2. "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.(3)  If
+thou wilt know the truth, believe in Me.  If thou wilt be
+perfect, sell all that thou hast.  If thou wilt be My disciple,
+deny thyself.  If thou wouldst possess the blessed life, despise
+the life which now is.  If thou wilt be exalted in heaven, humble
+thyself in the world.  If thou wilt reign with Me, bear the cross
+with Me; for only the servants of the cross find the way of
+blessedness and of true light."
+
+3. O Lord Jesu, forasmuch as Thy life was straitened and despised
+by the world, grant unto me to imitate Thee in despising the
+world, for the servant is not greater than his lord, nor the
+disciple above his master.(4)  Let Thy servant be exercised in
+Thy life, because there is my salvation and true holiness.
+Whatsoever I read or hear besides it, it refresheth me not, nor
+giveth me delight.
+
+4. "My son, because thou knowest these things and hast read them
+all, blessed shalt thou be if thou doest them.  He who hath My
+commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me, and I
+will love him, and will manifest Myself to him,(5) and I will
+make him to sit down with Me in My Father's Kingdom."
+
+5. O Lord Jesu, as Thou hast said and promised, even so let it be
+unto me, and grant me to prove worthy.  I have received the cross
+at Thy hand; I have carried it, and will carry it even unto
+death, as Thou hast laid it upon me.  Truly the life of a truly
+devoted servant is a cross, but it leadeth to paradise.  I have
+begun; I may not return back nor leave it.
+
+6. Come, my brothers, let us together go forward.  Jesus shall be
+with us.  For Jesus' sake have we taken up this cross, for Jesus'
+sake let us persevere in the cross.  He will be our helper, who
+was our Captain and Forerunner.  Behold our King entereth in
+before us, and He will fight for us.  Let us follow bravely, let
+no man fear terrors; let us be prepared to die bravely in battle,
+and let us not so stain our honour,(6) as to fly from the cross.
+
+(1) John xiv. 6.   (2) John viii. 32.   (3) Matthew xix. 17, 21.
+(4) Matthew x. 24.   (5) John xiv. 21.   (6) 1 Mac. ix. 10.
+
+
+CHAPTER LVII
+
+That a man must not be too much cast down when he falleth into
+some faults
+
+"My Son, patience and humility in adversities are more pleasing
+to Me than much comfort and devotion in prosperity.  Why doth a
+little thing spoken against thee make thee sad?  If it had been
+more, thou still oughtest not to be moved.  But now suffer it to
+go by; it is not the first, it is not new, and it will not be the
+last, if thou live long.  Thou art brave enough, so long as no
+adversity meeteth thee.  Thou givest good counsel also, and
+knowest how to strengthen others with thy words; but when
+tribulation suddenly knocketh at thine own door, thy counsel and
+strength fail.  Consider thy great frailty, which thou dost so
+often experience in trifling matters nevertheless, for thy soul's
+health these things are done when they and such like happen unto
+thee.
+
+2. "Put them away from thy heart as well as thou canst, and if
+tribulation hath touched thee, yet let it not cast thee down nor
+entangle thee long.  At the least, bear patiently, if thou canst
+not joyfully.  And although thou be very unwilling to hear it,
+and feel indignation, yet check thyself, and suffer no unadvised
+word to come forth from thy lips, whereby the little ones may be
+offended.  Soon the storm which hath been raised shall be
+stilled, and inward grief shall be sweetened by returning grace.
+I yet live, saith the Lord, ready to help thee, and to give thee
+more than wonted consolation if thou put thy trust in Me, and
+call devoutly upon Me.
+
+3. "Be thou more calm of spirit, and gird thyself for greater
+endurance.  All is not frustrated, though thou find thyself very
+often afflicted or grievously tempted.  Thou art man, not God;
+thou art flesh, not an angel.  How shouldst thou be able to
+remain alway in the same state of virtue, when an angel in heaven
+fell, and the first man in paradise?  I am He who lifteth up the
+mourners to deliverance, and those who know their own infirmity I
+raise up to my own nature."
+
+4. O Lord, blessed be Thy word, sweeter to my mouth than honey
+and the honeycomb.  What should I do in my so great tribulations
+and anxieties, unless Thou didst comfort me with Thy holy words?
+If only I may attain unto the haven of salvation, what matter is
+it what things or how many I suffer?  Give me a good end, give me
+a happy passage out of this world.  Remember me, O my God, and
+lead me by the right way unto Thy Kingdom.  Amen.
+
+
+CHAPTER LVIII
+
+Of deeper matters, and God's hidden judgments which are not to be
+inquired into
+
+"My Son, beware thou dispute not of high matters and of the
+hidden judgments of God; why this man is thus left, and that man
+is taken into so great favour; why also this man is so greatly
+afflicted, and that so highly exalted.  These things pass all
+man's power of judging, neither may any reasoning or disputation
+have power to search out the divine judgments.  When therefore
+the enemy suggesteth these things to thee, or when any curious
+people ask such questions, answer with that word of the Prophet,
+Just art Thou, O Lord, and true is Thy judgment,(1) and with
+this, The judgments of the Lord are true, and righteous
+altogether.(2)  My judgments are to be feared, not to be disputed
+on, because they are incomprehensible to human understanding.
+
+2. "And be not given to inquire or dispute about the merits of
+the Saints, which is holier than another, or which is the greater
+in the Kingdom of Heaven.  Such questions often beget useless
+strifes and contentions: they also nourish pride and vain glory,
+whence envyings and dissensions arise, while one man arrogantly
+endeavoureth to exalt one Saint and another another.  But to wish
+to know and search out such things bringeth no fruit, but it
+rather displeaseth the Saints; for I am not the God of confusion
+but of peace;(3) which peace consisteth more in true humility
+than in self-exaltation.
+
+3. "Some are drawn by zeal of love to greater affection to these
+Saints or those; but this is human affection rather than divine.
+I am He Who made all the Saints: I gave them grace, I brought
+them glory; I know the merits of every one; I prevented them with
+the blessings of My goodness.(4)  I foreknew my beloved ones from
+everlasting, I chose them out of the world;(5) they did not
+choose Me.  I called them by My grace, drew them by My mercy, led
+them on through sundry temptations.  I poured mighty consolations
+upon them, I gave them perseverance, I crowned their patience.
+
+4. "I acknowledge the first and the last; I embrace all with
+inestimable love.  I am to be praised in all My Saints; I am to
+be blessed above all things, and to be honoured in every one whom
+I have so gloriously exalted and predestined, without any
+preceding merits of their own.  He therefore that shall despise
+one of the least of these My people, honoureth not the great;
+because I made both small and great.(6)  And he who speaketh
+against any of My Saints speaketh against Me, and against all
+others in the Kingdom of Heaven."
+
+   They are all one through the bond of charity; they think the
+same thing, will the same thing, and all are united in love one
+to another.
+
+5. "But yet (which is far better) they love Me above themselves
+and their own merits.  For being caught up above themselves, and
+drawn beyond self-love, they go all straightforward to the love
+of Me, and they rest in Me in perfect enjoyment.  There is
+nothing which can turn them away or press them down; for being
+full of Eternal Truth, they burn with the fire of
+inextinguishable charity.  Therefore let all carnal and natural
+men hold their peace concerning the state of the Saints, for they
+know nothing save to love their own personal enjoyment.  They
+take away and add according to their own inclination, not as it
+pleaseth the Eternal Truth.
+
+6. "In many men this is ignorance, chiefly is it so in those who,
+being little enlightened, rarely learn to love any one with
+perfect spiritual love.  They are still much drawn by natural
+affection and human friendship to these or to those: and as they
+reckon of themselves in lower matters, so also do they frame
+imaginations of things heavenly.  But there is an immeasurable
+difference between those things which they imperfectly imagine,
+and these things which enlightened men behold through
+supernatural revelation.
+
+7. "Take heed, therefore, My son, that thou treat not curiously
+those things which surpass thy knowledge, but rather make this
+thy business and give attention to it, namely, that thou seek to
+be found, even though it be the least, in the Kingdom of God.
+And even if any one should know who were holier than others, or
+who were held greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven; what should that
+knowledge profit him, unless through this knowledge he should
+humble himself before Me, and should rise up to give greater
+praise unto My name?  He who considereth how great are his own
+sins, how small his virtues, and how far he is removed from the
+perfection of the Saints, doeth far more acceptably in the sight
+of God, than he who disputeth about their greatness or
+littleness.
+
+8. "They are altogether well content, if men would learn to be
+content, and to refrain from vain babbling.  They glory not of
+their own merits, seeing they ascribe no good unto themselves,
+but all unto Me, seeing that I of my infinite charity have given
+them all things.  They are filled with so great love of the
+Divinity, and with such overflowing joy, that no glory is lacking
+to them, neither can any felicity be lacking.  All the Saints,
+the higher they are exalted in glory, the humbler are they in
+themselves, and the nearer and dearer are they unto Me.  And so
+thou hast it written that they cast their crowns before God and
+fell on their faces before the Lamb, and worshipped Him that
+liveth for ever and ever.(7)
+
+9. "Many ask who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, who know
+not whether they shall be worthy to be counted among the least.
+It is a great thing to be even the least in Heaven, where all are
+great, because all shall be called, and shall be, the sons of
+God.  A little one shall become a thousand, but the sinner being
+an hundred years old shall be accursed.  For when the disciples
+asked who should be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, they
+received no other answer than this, Except ye be converted and
+become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of
+Heaven.  But whosoever shall humble himself as this little child,
+the same shall be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven."(8)
+
+10. Woe unto them who disdain to humble themselves willingly with
+the little children; for the low gate of the kingdom of Heaven
+will not suffer them to enter in.  Woe also to them who are rich,
+who have their consolation here;(9) because whilst the poor
+enter into the kingdom of God, they shall stand lamenting
+without.  Rejoice ye humble, and exult ye poor, for yours is the
+kingdom of God if only ye walk in the truth.
+
+(1) Psalm cxix. 137.  (2) Psalm xix. 9.
+(3) Corinthians xiv. 33.   (4) Psalm xxi. 3.   (5) John xv. 19.
+(6) Wisd. vi. 8.   (7) Revelation iv. 10; v. 14.
+(8) Matthew xviii. 3.   (9) Philippians ii. 21.
+
+
+CHAPTER LIX
+
+That all hope and trust is to be fixed in God alone
+
+O Lord, what is my trust which I have in this life, or what is my
+greatest comfort of all the things which are seen under Heaven?
+Is it not Thou, O Lord my God, whose mercies are without number?
+Where hath it been well with me without Thee?  Or when could it
+be evil whilst Thou wert near?  I had rather be poor for Thy
+sake, than rich without Thee.  I choose rather to be a pilgrim
+upon the earth with Thee than without Thee to possess heaven.
+Where Thou art, there is heaven; and where Thou are not, behold
+there death and hell.  Thou art all my desire, and therefore must
+I groan and cry and earnestly pray after Thee.  In short I can
+confide fully in none to give me ready help in necessities, save
+in Thee alone, O my God.  Thou art my hope, Thou art my trust,
+Thou art my Comforter, and most faithful in all things.
+
+2. All men seek their own;(1) Thou settest forward only my
+salvation and my profit, and turnest all things unto my good.
+Even though Thou dost expose me to divers temptations and
+adversities, Thou ordainest all this unto my advantage, for Thou
+are wont to prove Thy beloved ones in a thousand ways.  In which
+proving Thou oughtest no less to be loved and praised, than if
+Thou wert filling me full of heavenly consolations.
+
+3. In Thee, therefore, O Lord God, I put all my hope and my
+refuge, on Thee I lay all my tribulation and anguish; because I
+find all to be weak and unstable whatsoever I behold out of Thee.
+For many friends shall not profit, nor strong helpers be able to
+succour, nor prudent counsellors to give a useful answer, nor the
+books of the learned to console, nor any precious substance to
+deliver, nor any secret and beautiful place to give shelter, if
+Thou Thyself do not assist, help, strengthen, comfort, instruct,
+keep in safety.
+
+4. For all things which seem to belong to the attainment of peace
+and felicity are nothing when Thou art absent, and bring no
+felicity at all in reality.  Therefore art Thou the end of all
+good, and the fulness of Life, and the soul of eloquence; and to
+hope in Thee above all things is the strongest solace of Thy
+servants.  Mine eyes look unto Thee,(2) in Thee is my trust, O my
+God, Father of mercies.
+
+5. Bless and sanctify my soul with heavenly blessing that it may
+become Thy holy habitation, and the seat of Thy eternal glory;
+and let nothing be found in the Temple of Thy divinity which may
+offend the eyes of Thy majesty.  According to the greatness of
+Thy goodness and the multitude of Thy mercies look upon me, and
+hear the prayer of Thy poor servant, far exiled from Thee in the
+land of the shadow of death.  Protect and preserve the soul of
+Thy least servant amid so many dangers of corruptible life, and
+by Thy grace accompanying me, direct it by the way of peace unto
+its home of perpetual light.  Amen.
+
+(1) Luke vi.   (2) Psalm cxli. 8.
+
+
+
+
+THE FOURTH BOOK
+
+
+
+OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR
+
+A devout exhortation to the Holy Communion
+
+The Voice of Christ
+
+Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will
+refresh you,(1) saith the Lord.  The bread that I will give is My
+flesh which I give for the life of the world.(2)  Take, eat: this
+is My Body, which is given for you; this do in remembrance of
+Me.(3)  He that eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood dwelleth in
+Me and I in him.  The words that I speak unto you, they are
+spirit, and they are life.(4)
+
+(1) Matthew xi. 28   (2) John vi. 51.
+(3) Matthew xxi. 26; Luke xxii. 19.   (4) John vi. 51, 63.
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+With how great reverence Christ must be received
+
+The Voice of the Disciple
+
+These are Thy words, O Christ, Eternal Truth; though not uttered
+at one time nor written together in one place of Scripture.
+Because therefore they are Thy words and true, I must gratefully
+and faithfully receive them all.  They are Thine, and Thou hast
+uttered them; and they are mine also, because Thou didst speak
+them for my salvation.  Gladly I receive them from Thy mouth,
+that they may be more deeply implanted in my heart.  Words of
+such great grace arouse me, for they are full of sweetness and
+love; but my own sins terrify me, and my impure conscience
+driveth me away from receiving so great mysteries.  The sweetness
+of Thy words encourageth me, but the multitude of my faults
+presseth me down.
+
+2. Thou commandest that I draw near to Thee with firm confidence,
+if I would have part with Thee, and that I receive the food of
+immortality, if I desire to obtain eternal life and glory.  Come
+unto Me, sayest Thou, all that labour and are heavy laden, and I
+will refresh you.  Oh, sweet and lovely word in the ear of the
+sinner, that Thou, O Lord my God, dost invite the poor and needy
+to the Communion of Thy most holy body and blood.  But who am I,
+O Lord, that I should presume to approach unto Thee?  Behold the
+heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee, and yet Thou sayest, Come
+ye all unto Me.
+
+3. What meaneth this most gracious condescension, this most
+lovely invitation?  How shall I dare to come, who know no good
+thing of myself, whence I might be able to presume?  How shall I
+bring Thee within my house, seeing that I so often have sinned in
+Thy most loving sight?  Angels and Archangels stand in awe of
+Thee, the Saints and just men fear Thee, and Thou sayest, Come
+unto Me!  Except Thou, Lord, hadst said it, who should believe it
+true?  And except Thou hadst commanded, who should attempt to draw
+near?
+
+4. Behold, Noah, that just man, laboured for a hundred years in
+building the ark, that he might be saved with the few; and I, how
+shall I be able in one hour to prepare myself to receive the
+Builder of the world with reverence?  Moses, Thy servant, Thy
+great and especial friend, made an ark of incorruptible wood,
+which also he covered with purest gold, that he might lay up in
+it the tables of the law, and I, a corruptible creature, shall I
+dare thus easily to receive Thee, the Maker of the Law and the
+Giver of life?  Solomon, the wisest of the kings of Israel, was
+seven years building his magnificent temple to the praise of Thy
+Name, and for eight days celebrated the feast of its dedication,
+offered a thousand peace offerings, and solemnly brought up the
+Ark of the Covenant to the place prepared for it, with the sound
+of trumpets and great joy, and I, unhappy and poorest of mankind,
+how shall I bring Thee into my house, who scarce know how to
+spend half an hour in devotion?  And oh that it were even one
+half hour worthily spent!
+
+5. O my God, how earnestly these holy men strove to please Thee!
+And alas! how little and trifling is that which I do! how short
+a time do I spend, when I am disposing myself to Communion.
+Rarely altogether collected, most rarely cleansed from all
+distraction.  And surely in the saving presence of Thy Godhead no
+unmeet thought ought to intrude, nor should any creature take
+possession of me, because it is not an Angel but the Lord of
+the Angels, that I am about to receive as my Guest.
+
+6. Yet there is a vast difference between the Ark of the Covenant
+with its relics, and Thy most pure Body with its ineffable
+virtues, between those sacrifices of the law, which were figures
+of things to come, and the true sacrifice of Thy Body, the
+completion of all the ancient sacrifices.
+
+7. Wherefore then do I not yearn more ardently after Thy adorable
+presence?  Why do I not prepare myself with greater solicitude to
+receive Thy holy things, when those holy Patriarchs and Prophets
+of old, kings also and princes, with the whole people, manifested
+so great affection of devotion towards Thy Divine Service?
+
+8. The most devout king David danced with all his might before
+the Ark of God, calling to mind the benefits granted to his
+forefathers in days past; he fashioned musical instruments of
+various sorts, put forth Psalms, and appointed them to be sung
+with joy, played also himself ofttimes on the harp, being
+inspired with the grace of the Holy Ghost; he taught the people
+of Israel to praise God with the whole heart, and with unity of
+voice to bless and praise Him every day.  If so great devotion
+was then exercised, and celebration of divine praise was carried
+on before the Ark of the Testimony, how great reverence and
+devotion ought now to be shown by me and all Christian people at
+the ministering of the Sacrament, at receiving the most precious
+Body and Blood of Christ.
+
+9. Many run to diverse places to visit the memorials of departed
+Saints, and rejoice to hear of their deeds and to look upon the
+beautiful buildings of their shrines.  And behold, Thou art
+present here with me, O my God, Saint of Saints, Creator of men
+and Lord of the Angels.  Often in looking at those memorials men
+are moved by curiosity and novelty, and very little fruit of
+amendment is borne away, especially when there is so much
+careless trifling and so little true contrition.  But here in the
+Sacrament of the Altar, Thou art present altogether, My God, the
+Man Christ Jesus; where also abundant fruit of eternal life is
+given to every one soever that receiveth Thee worthily and
+devoutly.  But to this no levity draweth, no curiosity, nor
+sensuality, only steadfast faith, devout hope, and sincere
+charity.
+
+10. O God, invisible Creator of the world, how wondrously dost
+Thou work with us, how sweetly and graciously Thou dealest with
+Thine elect, to whom Thou offerest Thyself to be received in this
+Sacrament!  For this surpasseth all understanding, this specially
+draweth the hearts of the devout and enkindleth their affections.
+For even thy true faithful ones themselves, who order their whole
+life to amendment, oftentimes gain from this most excellent
+Sacrament great grace of devotion and love of virtue.
+
+11. Oh admirable and hidden grace of the Sacrament, which only
+Christ's faithful ones know, but the faithless and those who serve
+sin cannot experience!  In this Sacrament is conferred spiritual
+grace, and lost virtue is regained in the soul, and the beauty
+which was disfigured by sin returneth again.  So great sometimes
+is this grace that out of the fulness of devotion given, not only
+the mind but also the weak body feeleth that more strength is
+supplied unto it.
+
+12. But greatly must we mourn and lament over our lukewarmness
+and negligence, that we are not drawn by greater affection to
+become partakers of Christ, in whom all the hope and the merit of
+those that are to be saved consist.  For He Himself is our
+sanctification and redemption.(1)  He is the consolation of
+pilgrims and the eternal fruition of the Saints.  Therefore it is
+grievously to be lamented that many so little consider this
+health-giving mystery, which maketh heaven glad and preserveth
+the whole world.  Alas for the blindness and hardness of man's
+heart, that he considereth not more this unspeakable gift, and
+even slippeth down through the daily use, into carelessness.
+
+13. For if this most holy Sacrament were celebrated in one place
+only, and were consecrated only by one priest in the whole world,
+with what great desire thinkest thou, would men be affected
+towards that place and towards such a priest of God, that they
+might behold the divine mysteries celebrated?  But now are many
+men made priests and in many places the Sacrament is celebrated,
+that the grace and love of God towards men might the more appear,
+the more widely the Holy Communion is spread abroad over all the
+world.  Thanks be unto Thee, O good Jesus, Eternal Shepherd, who
+hast vouchsafed to refresh us, poor and exiled ones, with Thy
+precious Body and Blood, and to invite us to partake these holy
+mysteries by the invitation from Thine own mouth, saying, Come
+unto Me, ye who labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh
+you.
+
+(1) 1 Corinthians i. 30.
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+That the greatness and charity of God is shown to men in the
+Sacrament
+
+The Voice of the Disciple
+
+Trusting in Thy goodness and great mercy, O Lord, I draw near,
+the sick to the Healer, the hungering and thirsting to the
+Fountain of life, the poverty-stricken to the King of heaven, the
+servant to the Lord, the creature to the Creator, the desolate to
+my own gentle Comforter.  But whence is this unto me, that Thou
+comest unto me?  Who am I that Thou shouldest offer me Thyself?
+How doth a sinner dare to appear before Thee?  And how dost thou
+vouchsafe to come to the sinner?  Thou knowest Thy servant, and
+Thou knowest that he hath in him no good thing for which Thou
+shouldest grant him this grace.  I confess therefore mine own
+vileness, I acknowledge Thy goodness, I praise Thy tenderness,
+and I give Thee thanks for Thine exceeding great love.  For Thou
+doest this for Thine own sake, not for my merits, that Thy
+goodness may be more manifest unto me, Thy charity more
+abundantly poured out upon me, and Thy humility more perfectly
+commended unto me.  Therefore because this pleaseth Thee and Thou
+hast commanded that thus it shall be, Thy condescension pleaseth
+me also; and oh that mine iniquity hinder it not.
+
+2. O most sweet and tender Jesus, what reverence, what giving of
+thanks is due to Thee with perpetual praise for the receiving of
+Thy sacred Body and Blood, the dignity whereof no man is found
+able to express.  But what shall I think upon in this Communion
+in approaching my Lord, whom I am not able worthily to honour,
+and nevertheless whom I long devoutly to receive?  What shall be
+better and more healthful meditation for me, than utter
+humiliation of myself before Thee, and exaltation of Thine
+infinite goodness towards me?  I praise Thee, O my God, and exalt
+Thee for evermore.  I despise myself, and cast myself down before
+Thee into the deep of my vileness.
+
+3. Behold, Thou art the Saint of saints and I the refuse of
+sinners; behold, Thou stoopest unto me who am not worthy to look
+upon Thee; behold, Thou comest unto me, Thou willest to be with
+me, Thou invitest me to Thy feast.  Thou willest to give me the
+heavenly food and bread of angels to eat; none other, in truth,
+than Thyself, The living bread, which didst descend from heaven;
+and givest life to the world.(1)
+
+4. Behold, whence this love proceedeth! what manner of
+condescension shineth forth herein.  What great giving of thanks
+and praise is due unto Thee for these benefits!  Oh how salutary
+and profitable Thy purpose when Thou didst ordain this!  How
+sweet and pleasant the feast when Thou didst give Thyself for
+food!  Oh how admirable is thy working, O Lord, how mighty Thy
+power, how unspeakable Thy truth!  For Thou didst speak the word,
+and all things were made; and this is done which Thou hast
+commanded.
+
+5. A thing wonderful, and worthy of faith, and surpassing all the
+understanding of man, that Thou, O Lord my God, very God and very
+man, givest Thyself altogether to us in a little bread and wine,
+and art so our inexhaustible food.  Thou, O Lord of all, who hast
+need of nothing, hast willed to dwell in us through Thy
+Sacrament.  Preserve my heart and my body undefiled, that with a
+joyful and pure conscience I may be able very often to
+[celebrate, and](2) receive to my perpetual health.  Thy
+mysteries, which Thou hast consecrated and instituted both for
+Thine own honour, and for a perpetual memorial.
+
+6. Rejoice, O my soul, and give thanks unto God for so great a
+gift and precious consolation, left unto thee in this vale of
+tears.  For so oft as thou callest this mystery to mind and
+receivest the body of Christ, so often dost thou celebrate the
+work of thy redemption, and art made partaker of all the merits
+of Christ.  For the charity of Christ never groweth less, and the
+greatness of His propitiation is never exhausted.  Therefore, by
+continual renewal of thy spirit, thou oughtest to dispose thyself
+hereunto and to weigh the great mystery of salvation with
+attentive consideration.  So great, new, and joyful ought it to
+appear to thee when thou comest to communion, as if on this
+self-same day Christ for the first time were descending into the
+Virgin's womb and becoming man, or hanging on the cross,
+suffering and dying for the salvation of mankind.
+
+(1) John vi. 51.
+(2) The words in brackets are only suitable for a priest.
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+That it is profitable to Communicate often
+
+The Voice of the Disciple
+
+Behold I come unto Thee, O Lord, that I may be blessed through
+Thy gift, and be made joyful in Thy holy feast which Thou, O God,
+of Thy goodness hast prepared for the poor.(1)  Behold in Thee is
+all that I can and ought to desire, Thou art my salvation and
+redemption, my hope and strength, my honour and glory.  Therefore
+rejoice the soul of Thy servant this day, for unto Thee, O Lord
+Jesus, do I lift up my soul.(2)  I long now to receive Thee
+devoutly and reverently, I desire to bring Thee into my house, so
+that with Zacchaeus I may be counted worthy to be blessed by Thee
+and numbered among the children of Abraham.  My soul hath an
+earnest desire for Thy Body, my heart longeth to be united with
+Thee.
+
+2. Give me Thyself and it sufficeth, for besides Thee no
+consolation availeth.  Without Thee I cannot be, and without Thy
+visitation I have no power to live.  And therefore I must needs
+draw nigh unto Thee often, and receive Thee for the healing of my
+soul, lest haply I faint by the way if I be deprived of heavenly
+food.  For so Thou, most merciful Jesus, preaching to the people
+and healing many sick, didst once say, I will not send them away
+fasting to their own homes, lest they faint by the way.(3)  Deal
+therefore now to me in like manner, for Thou left Thyself for the
+consolation of the faithful in the Sacrament.  For Thou art the
+sweet refreshment of the soul, and he who shall eat Thee worthily
+shall be partaker and inheritor of the eternal glory.  Necessary
+indeed it is for me, who so often slide backwards and sin, so
+quickly wax cold and faint, to renew, cleanse, enkindle myself by
+frequent prayers and penitences and receiving of Thy sacred Body
+and Blood lest haply by too long abstinence, I fall short of my
+holy resolutions.
+
+3. For the imaginations of man's heart are evil from his
+youth,(4) and except divine medicine succour him, man slideth
+away continually unto the worse.  The Holy Communion therefore
+draweth us back from evil, and strengtheneth us for good.  For if
+I now be so negligent and lukewarm when I communicate [or
+celebrate], how should it be with me, if I receive not this
+medicine, and sought not so great a help?  [And though I am not
+every day fit nor well prepared to celebrate, I will nevertheless
+give diligent heed at due season, to receive the divine
+mysteries, and to become partaker of so great grace].  For this
+is the one principal consolation of a faithful soul, so long as
+it is absent from Thee in mortal body, that being continually
+mindful of its God, it receiveth its Beloved with devout spirit.
+
+4. Oh wonderful condescension of Thy pity surrounding us, that
+Thou, O Lord God, Creator and Quickener of all spirits, deignest
+to come unto a soul so poor and weak, and to appease its hunger
+with Thy whole Deity and Humanity.  Oh happy mind and blessed
+soul, to which is granted devoutly to receive Thee its Lord God,
+and in so receiving Thee to be filled with all spiritual joy!  Oh
+how great a Lord doth it entertain, how beloved a Guest doth it
+bring in, how delightful a Companion doth it receive, how
+faithful a Friend doth it welcome, how beautiful and exalted a
+Spouse, above every other Beloved, doth it embrace, One to be
+loved above all things that can be desired!  Oh my most sweet
+Beloved, let heaven and earth and all the glory of them, be
+silent in Thy presence; seeing whatsoever praise and beauty they
+have it is of Thy gracious bounty; and they shall never reach
+unto the loveliness of Thy Name, Whose Wisdom is infinite.(5)
+
+(1) Psalm lxviii. 10.   (2) Psalm lxxxvi. 4.
+(3) Matthew xv. 32.   (4) Genesis viii. 21.
+(5) Psalm cxlvii. 5.
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+That many good gifts are bestowed upon those who Communicate
+devoutly
+
+The Voice of the Disciple
+
+O Lord my God, prevent Thou Thy servant with the blessings of Thy
+sweetness, that I may be enabled to draw near worthily and
+devoutly to Thy glorious Sacrament.  Awaken my heart towards
+Thee, and deliver me from heavy slumber.  Visit me with Thy
+salvation that I may in spirit taste Thy sweetness, which
+plentifully lieth hid in this Sacrament as in a fountain.
+Lighten also mine eyes to behold this so great mystery, and
+strengthen me that I may believe it with undoubting faith.  For
+it is Thy word, not human power; it is Thy holy institution, not
+the invention of man.  For no man is found fit in himself to
+receive and to understand these things, which transcend even the
+wisdom of the Angels.  What portion then shall I, unworthy
+sinner, who am but dust and ashes, be able to search into and
+comprehend of so deep a Sacrament?
+
+2. O Lord, in the simplicity of my heart, in good and firm faith,
+and according to Thy will, I draw nigh unto Thee with hope and
+reverence, and truly believe that Thou art here present in the
+Sacrament, God and man.  Thou willest therefore that I receive
+Thee and unite myself to Thee in charity.  Wherefore I beseech
+Thy mercy, and implore Thee to give me Thy special grace, to this
+end, that I may be wholly dissolved and overflow with love
+towards Thee, and no more suffer any other consolation to enter
+into me.  For this most high and most glorious Sacrament is the
+health of the soul and the body, the medicine of all spiritual
+sickness, whereby I am healed of my sins, my passions are
+bridled, temptations are conquered or weakened, more grace is
+poured into me, virtue begun is increased, faith is made firm,
+hope is strengthened, and charity is enkindled and enlarged.
+
+3. For in this Sacrament Thou hast bestowed many good things and
+still bestowest them continually on Thine elect who communicate
+devoutly, O my God, Lifter up of my soul, Repairer of human
+infirmity, and Giver of all inward consolation.  For Thou pourest
+into them much consolation against all sorts of tribulation, and
+out of the deep of their own misery Thou liftest them up to the
+hope of Thy protection, and with ever new grace, dost inwardly
+refresh and enlighten them; so that they who felt themselves to
+be anxious and without affection before Communion, afterwards
+being refreshed with heavenly food and drink, find themselves
+changed for the better.  And even in such wise Thou dealest
+severally with Thine elect, that they may truly acknowledge and
+clearly make proof that they have nothing whatsoever of their
+own, and what goodness and grace come to them from Thee; because
+being in themselves cold, hard of heart, indevout, through Thee
+they become fervent, zealous, and devout.  For who is there
+coming humbly to the fountain of sweetness, carrieth not away
+thence at the least some little of that sweetness?  Or who
+standing by a large fire, feeleth not from thence a little of its
+heat?  And Thou art ever a full and overflowing fountain, a fire
+continually burning, and never going out.
+
+4. Wherefore if it is not suffered to me to draw from the fulness
+of the fountain, nor to drink unto satisfying, yet will I set my
+lips to the mouth of the heavenly conduit, that at least I may
+receive a small drop to quench my thirst, that I dry not up
+within my heart.  And if I am not yet able to be altogether
+heavenly and so enkindled as the Cherubim and Seraphim, yet will
+I endeavour to give myself unto devotion, and to prepare my
+heart, that I may gain if it be but a little flame of the divine
+fire, through the humble receiving of the life-giving Sacrament.
+But whatsoever is wanting unto me, O merciful Jesus, Most Holy
+Saviour, do Thou of Thy kindness and grace supply, who hast
+vouchsafed to call all unto Thee, saying, Come unto me, all ye
+that are weary and heavy laden, and I will refresh you.
+
+5. I indeed labour in the sweat of my face, I am tormented with
+sorrow of heart, I am burdened with sins, I am disquieted with
+temptations, I am entangled and oppressed with many passions, and
+there is none to help me, there is none to deliver and ease me,
+but Thou, O Lord God, my Saviour, to whom I commit myself and all
+things that are mine, that Thou mayest preserve me and lead me
+unto life eternal.
+
+   Receive me unto the praise and glory of Thy name, who hast
+prepared Thy Body and Blood to be my meat and drink.  Grant, O
+Lord God my Saviour, that with coming often to Thy mysteries the
+zeal of my devotion may increase.
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+Of the dignity of this Sacrament, and of the office of the priest
+
+The Voice of the Beloved
+
+If thou hadst angelic purity and the holiness of holy John the
+Baptist, thou wouldest not be worthy to receive or to minister
+this Sacrament.  For this is not deserved by merit of man that a
+man should consecrate and minister the Sacrament of Christ, and
+take for food the bread of Angels.  Vast is the mystery, and
+great is the dignity of the priests, to whom is given what is not
+granted to Angels.  For priests only, rightly ordained in the
+church, have the power of consecrating and celebrating the Body
+of Christ.  The priest indeed is the minister of God, using the
+Word of God by God's command and institution; nevertheless God is
+there the principal Author and invisible Worker, that to whom all
+that He willeth is subject, and all He commandeth is obedient.
+
+2. Therefore thou must believe God Almighty in this most
+excellent Sacrament, more than thine own sense or any visible
+sign at all.  And therefore with fear and reverence is this work
+to be approached.  Take heed therefore and see what it is of
+which the ministry is committed to thee by the laying on of the
+Bishop's hand.  Behold thou art made a priest and art consecrated
+to celebrate.  See now that thou do it before God faithfully and
+devoutly at due time, and shew thyself without blame.  Thou hast
+not lightened thy burden, but art now bound with a straiter bond
+of discipline, and art pledged to a higher degree of holiness.  A
+priest ought to be adorned with all virtues and to afford to
+others an example of good life.  His conversation must not be
+with the popular and common ways of men, but with Angels in
+Heaven or with perfect men on earth.
+
+3. A priest clad in holy garments taketh Christ's place that he
+may pray unto God with all supplication and humility for himself
+and for the whole people.  He must always remember the Passion of
+Christ.  He must diligently look upon Christ's footsteps and
+fervently endeavour himself to follow them.  He must bear meekly
+for God whatsoever ills are brought upon him by others.  He must
+mourn for his own sins, and for the sins committed by others, and
+may not grow careless of prayer and holy oblation, until he
+prevail to obtain grace and mercy.  When the priest celebrateth,
+he honoureth God, giveth joy to the Angels, buildeth up the
+Church, helpeth the living, hath communion with the departed, and
+maketh himself a partaker of all good things.
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+An inquiry concerning preparation for Communion
+
+The Voice of the Disciple
+
+When I consider Thy dignity, O Lord, and mine own vileness, I
+tremble very exceedingly, and am confounded within myself.  For
+if I approach not, I fly from life; and if I intrude myself
+unworthily, I run into Thy displeasure.  What then shall I do, O
+my God, Thou helper and Counsellor in necessities.
+
+2. Teach Thou me the right way; propound unto me some short
+exercise befitting Holy Communion.  For it is profitable to know
+how I ought to prepare my heart devoutly and reverently for Thee,
+to the intent that I may receive Thy Sacrament to my soul's
+health [or it may be also for the celebrating this so great and
+divine mystery].
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+Of the examination of conscience, and purpose of amendment
+
+The Voice of the Beloved
+
+Above all things the priest of God must draw nigh, with all
+humility of heart and supplicating reverence, with full faith and
+pious desire for the honour of God, to celebrate, minister, and
+receive this Sacrament.  Diligently examine thy conscience and
+with all thy might with true contrition and humble confession
+cleanse and purify it, so that thou mayest feel no burden, nor
+know anything which bringeth thee remorse and impedeth thy free
+approach.  Have displeasure against all thy sins in general, and
+specially sorrow and mourn because of thy daily transgressions.
+And if thou have time, confess unto God in the secret of thine
+heart, all miseries of thine own passion.
+
+2. Lament grievously and be sorry, because thou art still so
+carnal and worldly, so unmortified from thy passions, so full of
+the motion of concupiscence, so unguarded in thine outward
+senses, so often entangled in many vain fancies, so much inclined
+to outward things, so negligent of internal; so ready to laughter
+and dissoluteness, so unready to weeping and contrition; so prone
+to ease and indulgence of the flesh, so dull to zeal and fervour;
+so curious to hear novelties and behold beauties, so loth to
+embrace things humble and despised; so desirous to have many
+things, so grudging in giving, so close in keeping; so
+inconsiderate in speaking, so reluctant to keep silence; so
+disorderly in manners, so inconsiderate in actions; so eager
+after food, so deaf towards the Word of God; so eager after rest,
+so slow to labour; so watchful after tales, so sleepy towards
+holy watchings; so eager for the end of them, so wandering in
+attention to them; so negligent in observing the hours of prayer,
+so lukewarm in celebrating, so unfruitful in communicating; so
+quickly distracted, so seldom quite collected with thyself; so
+quickly moved to anger, so ready for displeasure at others; so
+prone to judging, so severe at reproving; so joyful in
+prosperity, so weak in adversity; so often making many good
+resolutions and bringing them to so little effect.
+
+3. When thou hast confessed and bewailed these and thy other
+shortcomings, with sorrow and sore displeasure at thine own
+infirmity, make then a firm resolution of continual amendment of
+life and of progress in all that is good.  Then moreover with
+full resignation and entire will offer thyself to the honour of
+My name on the altar of thine heart as a perpetual whole
+burnt-offering, even by faithfully presenting thy body and soul
+unto Me, to the end that thou mayest so be accounted worthy to
+draw near to offer this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to
+God, and to receive the Sacrament of My Body and Blood to thy
+soul's health.  For there is no oblation worthier, no
+satisfaction greater for the destroying of sin, than that a man
+offer himself to God purely and entirely with the oblation of
+the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Communion.  If a man
+shall have done what in him lieth, and shall repent him truly,
+then how often soever he shall draw nigh unto Me for pardon and
+grace, As I live, saith the Lord, I have no pleasure in the death
+of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted, and live.
+All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be
+mentioned unto him.(1)
+
+(1) Ezekiel xviii. 22, 23.
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+Of the oblation of Christ upon the cross, and of resignation of
+self
+
+The Voice of the Beloved
+
+As I of my own will offered myself unto God the Father on the
+Cross for thy sins with outstretched hands and naked body, so
+that nothing remained in Me that did not become altogether a
+sacrifice for the Divine propitiation; so also oughtest thou
+every day to offer thyself willingly unto Me for a pure and holy
+oblation with all thy strength and affections, even to the utmost
+powers of thine heart.  What more do I require of thee than thou
+study to resign thyself altogether unto Me?  Whatsoever thou givest
+besides thyself, I nothing care for, for I ask not thy gift, but
+thee.
+
+2. As it would not be sufficient for thee if thou hadst all
+things except Me, even so whatsoever thou shalt give Me, if thou
+give Me not thyself, it cannot please Me.  Offer thyself to Me,
+and give thyself altogether for God, so shall thy offering be
+accepted.  Behold I offered Myself altogether to the Father for
+thee, I give also My whole body and blood for food, that thou
+mightest remain altogether Mine and I thine.  But if thou stand
+in thyself, and offer not thyself freely to My will, thy offering
+is not perfect, neither shall the union betwixt us be complete.
+Therefore ought the freewill offering of thyself into the hands
+of God to go before all thy works, if thou wilt attain liberty
+and grace.  For this is the cause that so few are inwardly
+enlightened and made free, that they know not how to deny
+themselves entirely.  My word standeth sure, Except a man forsake
+all, he cannot be My disciple.(1)  Thou therefore, if thou wilt
+be My disciple, offer thyself to Me with all thy affections.
+
+(1) Luke xiv. 33.
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+That we ought to offer ourselves and all that is ours to God, and
+to pray for all
+
+The Voice of the Disciple
+
+Lord, all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine.(1)  I
+desire to offer myself up unto thee as a freewill offering, and
+to continue Thine for ever.  Lord, in the uprightness of mine
+heart I willingly offer(2) myself to Thee to-day to be Thy
+servant for ever, in humble submission and for a sacrifice of
+perpetual praise.  Receive me with this holy Communion of Thy
+precious Body, which I celebrate before Thee this day in the
+presence of the Angels invisibly surrounding, that it may be for
+the salvation of me and of all Thy people.
+
+2. Lord, I lay before Thee at this celebration all my sins and
+offences which I have committed before Thee and Thy holy Angels,
+from the day whereon I was first able to sin even unto this hour;
+that Thou mayest consume and burn them every one with the fire of
+Thy charity, and mayest do away all the stains of my sins, and
+cleanse my conscience from all offence, and restore me to Thy
+favour which by sinning I have lost, fully forgiving me all, and
+mercifully admitting me to the kiss of peace.
+
+3. What can I do concerning my sins, save humbly to confess and
+lament them and unceasingly to beseech Thy propitiation?  I
+beseech Thee, be propitious unto me and hear me, when I stand
+before Thee, O my God.  All my sins displease me grievously: I
+will never more commit them; but I grieve for them and will grieve
+so long as I live, steadfastly purposing to repent me truly, and
+to make restitution as far as I can.  Forgive, O God, forgive me
+my sins for Thy holy Name's sake; save my soul, which Thou hast
+redeemed with Thy precious blood.  Behold I commit myself to Thy
+mercy, I resign myself to Thy hands.  Deal with me according to
+Thy loving-kindness, not according to my wickedness and iniquity.
+
+4. I offer also unto Thee all my goodness, though it is
+exceedingly little and imperfect, that Thou mayest mend and
+sanctify it, that Thou mayest make it well pleasing and
+acceptable in Thy sight, and ever draw it on towards perfection;
+and furthermore bring me safely, slothful and useless poor
+creature that I am, to a happy and blessed end.
+
+5. Moreover I offer unto Thee all pious desires of the devout,
+necessities of parents, friends, brothers, sisters, and all who
+are dear to me, and of those who have done good to me, or to
+others for Thy love; and those who have desired and besought my
+prayers for themselves and all belonging to them; that all may
+feel themselves assisted by Thy grace, enriched by consolation,
+protected from dangers, freed from pains; and that being
+delivered from all evils they may joyfully give Thee exceeding
+thanks.
+
+6. I offer also to Thee prayers and Sacramental intercessions for
+those specially who have injured me in aught, made me sad, or
+spoken evil concerning me, or have caused me any loss or
+displeasure; for all those also whom I have at any time made sad,
+disturbed, burdened, and scandalized, by words or deeds,
+knowingly or ignorantly; that to all of us alike, Thou mayest
+equally pardon our sins and mutual offences.  Take away, O Lord,
+from our hearts all suspicion, indignation, anger, and
+contention, and whatsoever is able to injure charity and diminish
+brotherly love.  Have mercy, have mercy, Lord, on those who
+entreat Thy mercy; give grace to the needy; and make us such that
+we may be worthy to enjoy Thy grace, and go forward to the life
+eternal.  Amen.
+
+(1) 1 Chronicles xxix. 11.   (2) 1 Chronicles xxix. 17.
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+That Holy Communion is not lightly to be omitted
+
+The Voice of the Beloved
+
+Thou must frequently betake thee to the Fountain of grace and
+divine mercy, to the Fountain of goodness and all purity; to the
+end that thou mayest obtain the healing of thy passions and
+vices, and mayest be made stronger and more watchful against all
+temptations and wiles of the devil.  The enemy, knowing what
+profit and exceeding strong remedy lieth in the Holy Communion,
+striveth by all means and occasions to draw back and hinder the
+faithful and devout, so far as he can.
+
+2. For when some set about to prepare themselves for Holy
+Communion, they suffer from the more evil suggestions of Satan.
+The very evil spirit himself (as is written in Job), cometh among
+the sons of God that he may trouble them by his accustomed evil
+dealing, or make them over timid and perplexed; to the intent
+that he may diminish their affections, or take away their faith
+by his attacks, if haply he may prevail upon them to give up Holy
+Communion altogether, or to come thereto with lukewarm hearts.
+But his wiles and delusions must not be heeded, howsoever wicked
+and terrible they be; but all his delusion must be cast back upon
+his own head.  The wretch must be despised and laughed to scorn:
+neither must Holy Communion be omitted because of his insults and
+the inward troubles which he stirreth up.
+
+3. Often also too much carefulness or some anxiety or other
+touching confession hindereth from obtaining devotion.  Do thou
+according to the counsel of wise men, and lay aside anxiety and
+scruple, because it hindereth the grace of God and destroyeth
+devotion of mind.  Because of some little vexation or trouble do
+not thou neglect Holy Communion, but rather hasten to confess it,
+and forgive freely all offences committed against thee. And if
+thou hast offended any man, humbly beg for pardon, and God shall
+freely forgive thee.
+
+4. What profiteth it to put off for long time the confession of
+thy sins, or to defer Holy Communion?  Cleanse thyself forthwith,
+spit out the poison with all speed, hasten to take the remedy,
+and thou shalt feel thyself better than if thou didst long defer
+it.  If to-day thou defer it on one account, to-morrow perchance
+some greater obstacle will come, and so thou mayest be long time
+hindered from Communion and become more unfit.  As soon as thou
+canst, shake thyself from thy present heaviness and sloth, for it
+profiteth nothing to be long anxious, to go long on thy way with
+heaviness of heart, and because of daily little obstacles to
+sever thyself from divine things: nay it is exceeding hurtful to
+defer thy Communion long, for this commonly bringeth on great
+torpor.  Alas! there are some, lukewarm and undisciplined, who
+willingly find excuses for delaying repentance, and desire to
+defer Holy Communion, lest they should be bound to keep stricter
+watch upon themselves.
+
+5. Alas! how little charity, what flagging devotion, have they
+who so lightly put off Holy Communion.  How happy is he, how
+acceptable to God, who so liveth, and in such purity of conscience
+keepeth himself, that any day he could be ready and well inclined
+to communicate, if it were in his power, and might be done without
+the notice of others.  If a man sometimes abstaineth for the sake
+of humility or some sound cause, he is to be commended for his
+reverence.  But if drowsiness have taken hold of him, he ought
+to rouse himself and to do what in him lieth; and the Lord will
+help his desire for the good will which he hath, which God
+specially approveth.
+
+6. But when he is hindered by sufficient cause, yet will he ever
+have a good will and pious intention to communicate; and so he
+shall not be lacking in the fruit of the Sacrament.  For any
+devout man is able every day and every hour to draw near to
+spiritual communion with Christ to his soul's health and without
+hindrance.  Nevertheless on certain days and at the appointed
+time he ought to receive the Body and Blood of his Redeemer with
+affectionate reverence, and rather to seek after the praise and
+honour of God, than his own comfort.  For so often doth he
+communicate mystically, and is invisibly refreshed, as he
+devoutly calleth to mind the mystery of Christ's incarnation and
+His Passion, and is inflamed with the love of Him.
+
+7. He who only prepareth himself when a festival is at hand or
+custom compelleth, will too often be unprepared.  Blessed is he
+who offereth himself to God for a whole burnt-offering, so often
+as he celebrateth or communicateth!  Be not too slow nor too
+hurried in thy celebrating, but preserve the good received custom
+of those with whom thou livest.  Thou oughtest not to produce
+weariness and annoyance in others, but to observe the received
+custom, according to the institution of the elders; and to
+minister to the profit of others rather than to thine own
+devotion or feeling.
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+That the Body and Blood of Christ and the Holy Scriptures are
+most necessary to a faithful soul
+
+The Voice of the Disciple
+
+O most sweet Lord Jesus, how great is the blessedness of the
+devout soul that feedeth with Thee in Thy banquet, where there is
+set before it no other food than Thyself its only Beloved, more
+to be desired than all the desires of the heart?  And to me it
+would verily be sweet to pour forth my tears in Thy presence from
+the very bottom of my heart, and with the pious Magdalene to
+water Thy feet with my tears.  But where is this devotion?  Where
+the abundant flowing of holy tears?  Surely in Thy presence and
+in the presence of the holy Angels my whole heart ought to burn
+and to weep for joy; for I have Thee in the Sacrament verily
+present, although hidden under other form.
+
+2. For in Thine own Divine brightness, mine eyes could not endure
+to behold Thee, neither could the whole world stand before the
+splendour of the glory of Thy Majesty.  In this therefore Thou
+hast consideration unto my weakness, that Thou hidest Thyself
+under the Sacrament.  I verily possess and adore Him whom the
+Angels adore in heaven; I yet for a while by faith, but they by
+sight and without a veil.  It is good for me to be content with
+the light of true faith, and to walk therein until the day of
+eternal brightness dawn, and the shadows of figures flee away.(1)
+But when that which is perfect is come, the using of Sacraments
+shall cease, because the Blessed in heavenly glory have no need
+of Sacramental remedy.  For they rejoice unceasingly in the
+presence of God, beholding His glory face to face, and being
+changed from glory to glory(2) of the infinite God, they taste
+the Word of God made flesh, as He was in the beginning and
+remaineth for everlasting.
+
+3. When I think on these wondrous things, even spiritual comfort
+whatsoever it be becometh sore weariness to me; for so long as I
+see not openly my Lord in His own Glory, I count for nothing all
+which I behold and hear in the world.  Thou, O God, art my
+witness that nothing is able to comfort me, no creature is able
+to give me rest, save Thou, O my God, whom I desire to
+contemplate everlastingly.  But this is not possible, so long as
+I remain in this mortal state.  Therefore ought I to set myself
+unto great patience, and submit myself unto Thee in every desire.
+For even Thy Saints, O Lord, who now rejoice with Thee in the
+kingdom of heaven, waited for the coming of Thy glory whilst they
+lived here, in faith and great glory.  What they believed, that
+believe I; what they hoped, I hope; whither they have attained
+to, thither through Thy grace hope I to come.  I will walk
+meanwhile in faith, strengthened by the examples of the Saints.
+I will have also holy books for comfort and for a mirror of life,
+and above them all Thy most holy Body and Blood shall be
+for me a special remedy and refuge.
+
+4. For two things do I feel to be exceedingly necessary to me in
+this life, without which this miserable life would be intolerable
+to me; being detained in the prison of this body, I confess that
+I need two things, even food and light.  Thou hast therefore
+given to me who am so weak, Thy sacred Body and Blood, for the
+refreshing of my soul and body, and hast set Thy Word for a
+lantern to my feet.(3)  Without these two I could not properly
+live; for the Word of God is the light of my soul, and Thy
+Sacrament the bread of life.  These may also be called the two
+tables, placed on this side and on that, in the treasury of Thy
+holy Church.  One table is that of the Sacred Altar, bearing the
+holy bread, that is the precious Body and Blood of Christ; the
+other is the table of the Divine Law, containing holy doctrine,
+teaching the true faith, and leading steadfastly onwards even to
+that which is within the veil, where the Holy of Holies is.
+
+5. Thanks be unto Thee, O Lord Jesus, Light of Light everlasting,
+for that table of holy doctrine which Thou has furnished unto us
+by Thy servants the Prophets and Apostles and other teachers.
+Thanks be to Thee, O Creator and Redeemer of men, who to make
+known Thy love to the whole world has prepared a great supper, in
+which Thou hast set forth for good not the typical lamb, but
+Thine own most Holy Body and Blood; making all Thy faithful ones
+joyful with this holy banquet and giving them to drink the cup of
+salvation, wherein are all the delights of Paradise, and the holy
+Angels do feed with us, and with yet happier sweetness.
+
+6. Oh how great and honourable is the office of the priests, to
+whom it is given to consecrate the Sacrament of the Lord of
+majesty with holy words, to bless it with the lips, to hold it in
+their hands, to receive it with their own mouth, and to
+administer it to others!  Oh how clean ought those hands to be,
+how pure the mouth, how holy the body, how unspotted the heart of
+the priest, to whom so often the Author of purity entereth in!
+From the mouth of the priest ought naught to proceed but what is
+holy, what is honest and profitable, because he so often
+receiveth the Sacrament of Christ.
+
+7. His eyes ought to be single and pure, seeing they are wont to
+look upon the Body of Christ; the hands should be pure and lifted
+towards heaven, which are wont to hold within them the Creator
+of heaven and earth.  To priests is it specially said in the Law,
+Be ye holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.(4)
+
+8. Assist us with Thy grace, O Almighty God, that we who have
+taken upon us the priestly office, may be able to converse
+worthily and devoutly with Thee in all purity and good
+conscience.  And if we are not able to have our conversation in
+such innocency of life as we ought, yet grant unto us worthily to
+lament the sins which we have committed, and in the spirit of
+humility and full purpose of a good will, to serve Thee more
+earnestly for the future.
+
+(1) Cant. ii. 17.   (2) 2 Corinthians iii. 18.
+(3) Psalm cxix. 105.   (4) Leviticus xix. 2.
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+That he who is about to Communicate with Christ ought to prepare
+himself with great diligence
+
+The Voice of the Beloved
+
+I am the Lover of purity, and Giver of sanctity. I seek a pure
+heart, and there is the place of My rest.  Prepare for Me the
+larger upper room furnished, and I will keep the Passover at thy
+house with my disciples.(1)  If thou wilt that I come unto thee
+and abide with thee, purge out the old leaven,(2) and cleanse the
+habitation of thy heart.  Shut out the whole world, and all the
+throng of sins; sit as a sparrow alone upon the house-top,(3) and
+think upon thy transgressions with bitterness of thy soul.  For
+everyone that loveth prepareth the best and fairest place for his
+beloved, because hereby the affection of him that entertaineth
+his beloved is known.
+
+2. Yet know thou that thou canst not make sufficient preparation
+out of the merit of any action of thine, even though thou
+shouldest prepare thyself for a whole year, and hadst nothing
+else in thy mind.  But out of My tenderness and grace alone art
+thou permitted to draw nigh unto My table; as though a beggar
+were called to a rich man's dinner, and had no other recompense
+to offer him for the benefits done unto him, but to humble
+himself and to give him thanks.  Do therefore as much as lieth in
+thee, and do it diligently, not of custom, nor of necessity, but
+with fear, reverence, and affection, receive the Body of thy
+beloved Lord God, who vouchsafeth to come unto thee.  I am He who
+hath called thee; I commanded it to be done; I will supply what
+is lacking to thee; come and receive Me.
+
+3. When I give the grace of devotion, give thanks unto thy God;
+it is not because thou art worthy, but because I had mercy on
+thee.  If thou hast not devotion, but rather feelest thyself dry,
+be instant in prayer, cease not to groan and knock; cease not
+until thou prevail to obtain some crumb or drop of saving grace.
+Thou hast need of Me, I have no need of thee.  Nor dost thou come
+to sanctify Me, but I come to sanctify thee and make thee better.
+Thou comest that thou mayest be sanctified by Me, and be united
+to Me; that thou mayest receive fresh grace, and be kindled anew
+to amendment of life.  See that thou neglect not this grace, but
+prepare thy heart with all diligence, and receive thy Beloved
+unto thee.
+
+4. But thou oughtest not only to prepare thyself for devotion
+before Communion, thou must also keep thyself with all diligence
+therein after receiving the Sacrament; nor is less watchfulness
+needed afterwards, than devout preparation beforehand: for good
+watchfulness afterwards becometh in turn the best preparation for
+the gaining more grace.  For hereby is a man made entirely
+indisposed to good, if he immediately return from Communion to
+give himself up to outward consolations.  Beware of much
+speaking; remain in a secret place, and hold communion with thy
+God; for thou hast Him whom the whole world cannot take away from
+thee.  I am He to whom thou oughtest wholly to give thyself; so
+that now thou mayest live not wholly in thyself, but in Me, free
+from all anxiety.
+
+(1) Mark xiv. 14, 15.   (2) 1 Corinthians v. 7.
+(3) Psalm cii. 7.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+That the devout soul ought with the whole heart to yearn after
+union with Christ in the Sacrament
+
+The Voice of the Disciple
+
+Who shall grant unto me, O Lord, that I may find Thee alone, and
+open all my heart unto Thee, and enjoy Thee as much as my soul
+desireth; and that no man may henceforth look upon me, nor any
+creature move me or have respect unto me, but Thou alone speak
+unto me and I unto Thee, even as beloved is wont to speak unto
+beloved, and friend to feast with friend?  For this do I pray,
+this do I long for, that I may be wholly united unto Thee, and
+may withdraw my heart from all created things, and by means of
+Holy Communion and frequent celebration may learn more and more
+to relish heavenly and eternal things.  Ah, Lord God, when shall
+I be entirely united and lost in Thee, and altogether forgetful
+of myself?  Thou in me, and I in Thee;(1) even so grant that we
+may in like manner continue together in one.
+
+2. Verily Thou art my Beloved, the choicest among ten
+thousand,(2) in whom my soul delighteth to dwell all the days of
+her life.  Verily Thou art my Peacemaker, in Whom is perfect
+peace and true rest, apart from Whom is labour and sorrow and
+infinite misery.  Verily Thou art a God that hidest Thyself, and
+Thy counsel is not with the wicked, but Thy Word is with the
+humble and the simple.  O how sweet, O Lord, is Thy spirit, who
+that Thou mightest manifest Thy sweetness towards Thy children,
+dost vouchsafe to refresh them with the bread which is full of
+sweetness, which cometh down from heaven.  Verily there is no
+other nation so great, which hath its gods drawing nigh to them,
+as Thou, our God, art present unto all Thy faithful ones,(3) unto
+whom for their daily solace, and for lifting up their heart unto
+heaven, Thou givest Thyself for their food and delight.
+
+3. For what other nation is there so renowned as the Christian
+people?  Or what creature is so beloved under heaven as the
+devout soul to which God entereth in, that he may feed it with
+His glorious flesh?  O unspeakable grace!  O wonderful
+condescension!  O immeasurable love specially bestowed upon men!
+But what reward shall I give unto the Lord for this grace, for
+charity so mighty?  There is nothing which I am able to present
+more acceptable than to give my heart altogether unto God, and to
+join it inwardly to Him.  Then all my inward parts shall rejoice,
+when my soul shall be perfectly united unto God.  Then shall He
+say unto me, "If thou wilt be with Me, I will be with thee."  And
+I will answer Him, "Vouchsafe, O Lord, to abide with me, I will
+gladly be with Thee; this is my whole desire, even that my heart
+be united unto Thee."
+
+(1) John xv. 4.   (2) Cant. v. 10.   (3) Deuteronomy iv. 7.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+Of the fervent desire of certain devout persons to receive the
+Body and Blood of Christ
+
+The Voice of the Disciple
+
+O how great is the abundance of Thy sweetness, O Lord, which Thou
+hast laid up for them that fear Thee.  When I call to mind some
+devout persons who draw nigh to Thy Sacrament, O Lord, with the
+deepest devotion and affection, then very often I am confounded
+in myself and blush for shame, that I approach Thine altar and
+table of Holy Communion so carelessly and coldly, that I remain
+so dry and without affection, that I am not wholly kindled with
+love before Thee, my God, nor so vehemently drawn and affected as
+many devout persons have been, who out of the very earnest desire
+of the Communion, and tender affection of heart, could not
+refrain from weeping, but as it were with mouth of heart and body
+alike panted inwardly after Thee, O God, O Fountain of Life,
+having no power to appease or satiate their hunger, save by
+receiving Thy Body with all joyfulness and spiritual eagerness.
+
+2. O truly ardent faith of those, becoming a very proof of Thy
+Sacred Presence!  For they verily know their Lord in the breaking
+of bread, whose heart so ardently burneth within them(1) when
+Jesus walketh with them by the way.  Ah me! far from me for the
+most part is such love and devotion as this, such vehement love
+and ardour.  Be merciful unto me, O Jesus, good, sweet, and kind,
+and grant unto Thy poor suppliant to feel sometimes, in Holy
+Communion, though it be but a little, the cordial affection of
+Thy love, that my faith may grow stronger, my hope in Thy
+goodness increase, and my charity, once kindled within me by the
+tasting of the heavenly manna, may never fail.
+
+3. But Thy mercy is able even to grant me the grace which I long
+for, and to visit me most tenderly with the spirit of fervour
+when the day of Thy good pleasure shall come.  For, although I
+burn not with desire so vehement as theirs who are specially
+devout towards Thee, yet, through Thy grace, I have a desire
+after that greatly inflamed desire, praying and desiring to be
+made partaker with all those who so fervently love Thee, and to
+be numbered among their holy company.
+
+(1) Luke xxiv. 32.
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+That the grace of devotion is acquired by humility and
+self-denial
+
+The Voice of the Beloved
+
+Thou oughtest to seek earnestly the grace of devotion, to ask it
+fervently, to wait for it patiently and faithfully, to receive it
+gratefully, to preserve it humbly, to work with it diligently,
+and to leave to God the time and manner of heavenly visitation
+until it come.  Chiefly oughtest thou to humble thyself when thou
+feelest inwardly little or no devotion, yet not to be too much
+cast down, nor to grieve out of measure.  God ofttimes giveth in
+one short moment what He hath long time denied; He sometimes
+giveth at the end what at the beginning of prayer He hath
+deferred to give.
+
+2. If grace were always given immediately, and were at hand at
+the wish, it would be hardly bearable to weak man.  Wherefore the
+grace of devotion is to be waited for with a good hope and with
+humble patience.  Yet impute it to thyself and to thy sins when
+it is not given, or when it is mysteriously taken away.  It is
+sometimes a small thing which hindereth and hideth grace; (if
+indeed that ought to be called small and not rather great, which
+hindereth so great a good); but if thou remove this, be it small
+or great, and perfectly overcome it, thou wilt have what thou
+hast asked.
+
+3. For immediately that thou hast given thyself unto God with all
+thine heart, and hast sought neither this nor that according to
+thine own will and pleasure, but hast altogether settled thyself
+in Him, thou shalt find thyself united and at peace; because
+nothing shall give thee so sweet relish and delight, as the good
+pleasure of the Divine will.  Whosoever therefore shall have
+lifted up his will unto God with singleness of heart, and shall
+have delivered himself from every inordinate love or dislike of
+any created thing, he will be the most fit for receiving grace,
+and worthy of the gift of devotion.  For where the Lord findeth
+empty vessels,(1) there giveth He His blessing.  And the more
+perfectly a man forsaketh things which cannot profit, and the
+more he dieth to himself, the more quickly doth grace come, the
+more plentifully doth it enter in, and the higher doth it lift up
+the free heart.
+
+4. Then shall he see, and flow together, and wonder, and his
+heart shall be enlarged within him,(2) because the hand of the
+Lord is with him, and he hath put himself wholly in His hand,
+even for ever.  Lo, thus shall the man be blessed, that seeketh
+God with all his heart, and receiveth not his soul in vain.  This
+man in receiving the Holy Eucharist obtaineth the great grace of
+Divine Union; because he hath not regard to his own devotion and
+comfort, but, above all devotion and comfort, to the glory and
+honour of God.
+
+(1) 2 Kings iv.   (2) Isaiah lx. 5.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+That we ought to lay open our necessities to Christ and to
+require His Grace
+
+The Voice of the Disciple
+
+O most sweet and loving Lord, whom now I devoutly desire to
+receive, Thou knowest my infirmity and the necessity which I
+suffer, in what evils and vices I lie; how often I am weighed
+down, tempted, disturbed, and defiled.  I come unto Thee for
+remedy, I beseech of Thee consolation and support.  I speak unto
+Thee who knowest all things, to whom all my secrets are open, and
+who alone art able perfectly to comfort and help me.  Thou
+knowest what good thing I most stand in need of, and how poor I
+am in virtues.
+
+2. Behold, I stand poor and naked before Thee, requiring grace,
+and imploring mercy.  Refresh the hungry suppliant, kindle my
+coldness with the fire of Thy love, illuminate my blindness with
+the brightness of Thy presence.  Turn thou all earthly things
+into bitterness for me, all grievous and contrary things into
+patience, all things worthless and created into contempt and
+oblivion.  Lift up my heart unto Thee in Heaven, and suffer me
+not to wander over the earth.  Be Thou alone sweet unto me from
+this day forward for ever, because Thou alone art my meat and
+drink, my love and joy, my sweetness and my whole good.
+
+3. Oh that Thou wouldest altogether by Thy presence, kindle,
+consume, and transform me into Thyself; that I may be made one
+spirit with Thee, by the grace of inward union, and the melting
+of earnest love!  Suffer me not to go away from Thee hungry and
+dry; but deal mercifully with me, as oftentimes Thou hast dealt
+wondrously with Thy saints.  What marvel if I should be wholly
+kindled from Thee, and in myself should utterly fail, since Thou
+art fire always burning and never failing, love purifying the
+heart and enlightening the understanding.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+Of fervent love and vehement desire of receiving Christ
+
+The Voice of the Disciple
+
+With the deepest devotion and fervent love, with all affection
+and fervour of heart, I long to receive Thee, O Lord, even as many
+Saints and devout persons have desired Thee in communicating, who
+were altogether well pleasing to Thee by their sanctity of life,
+and dwelt in all ardent devotion.  O my God, Eternal Love, my
+whole Good, Happiness without measure, I long to receive Thee
+with the most vehement desire and becoming reverence which any
+Saint ever had or could have.
+
+2. And although I be unworthy to have all those feelings of
+devotion, yet do I offer Thee the whole affection of my heart,
+even as though I alone had all those most grateful inflamed
+desires.  Yea, also, whatsoever things a pious mind is able to
+conceive and long for, all these with the deepest veneration and
+inward fervour do I offer and present unto Thee.  I desire to
+reserve nothing unto myself, but freely and entirely to offer
+myself and all that I have unto Thee for a sacrifice.  O Lord my
+God, my Creator and Redeemer! with such affection, reverence,
+praise, and honour, with such gratitude, worthiness, and love,
+with such faith, hope, and purity do I desire to receive Thee
+this day, as Thy most blessed Mother, the glorious Virgin Mary,
+received and desired Thee, when she humbly and devoutly answered
+the Angel who brought unto her the glad tidings of the mystery of
+the Incarnation.  Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me
+according to thy word.(1)
+
+3. And as Thy blessed forerunner, the most excellent of Saints,
+John Baptist, being full of joy in Thy presence, leapt while yet
+in the womb of his mother, for joy in the Holy Ghost; and
+afterwards discerning Jesus walking amongst men, humbled himself
+exceedingly, and said, with devout affection, The friend of the
+bridegroom, who standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly
+because of the bridegroom's voice;(2) even so I wish to be
+inflamed with great and holy desires, and to present myself unto
+Thee with my whole heart.  Whence also, on behalf of myself and
+of all commended to me in prayer, I offer and present unto Thee
+the jubilation of all devout hearts, their ardent affections,
+their mental ecstasies, and supernatural illuminations and
+heavenly visions, with all the virtues and praises celebrated and
+to be celebrated by every creature in heaven and earth; to the
+end that by all Thou mayest worthily be praised and glorified for
+ever.
+
+4. Receive my prayers, O Lord my God, and my desires of giving
+Thee infinite praise and unbounded benediction, which, according
+to the multitude of Thine unspeakable greatness, are most justly
+due unto Thee.  These do I give Thee, and desire to give every
+day and every moment; and with beseechings and affectionate
+desires I call upon all celestial spirits and all Thy faithful
+people to join with me in rendering Thee thanks and praises.
+
+5. Let all peoples, nations, and tongues praise Thee, and magnify
+Thy holy and sweet-sounding Name, with highest jubilations and
+ardent devotion.  And let all who reverently and devoutly
+celebrate Thy most high Sacrament, and receive it with full
+assurance of faith, be accounted worthy to find grace and mercy
+with Thee, and intercede with all supplication for me a sinner;
+and when they shall have attained unto their wished-for devotion
+and joyous union with Thee, and shall depart full of comfort and
+wondrously refreshed from Thy holy, heavenly table, let them
+vouchsafe to be mindful of me, for I am poor and needy.
+
+(1) Luke i. 38.   (2) John iii. 29.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+That a man should not be a curious searcher of the Sacrament, but
+a humble imitator of Christ, submitting his sense to holy faith
+
+The Voice of the Beloved
+
+Thou must take heed of curious and useless searching into this
+most profound Sacrament, if thou wilt not be plunged into the
+abyss of doubt.  He that is a searcher of Majesty shall be
+oppressed by the glory thereof.(1)  God is able to do more than
+man can understand.  A pious and humble search after truth is to
+be allowed, when it is always ready to be taught, and striving
+to walk after the wholesome opinions of the fathers.
+
+2. Blessed is the simplicity which leaveth alone the difficult
+paths of questionings, and followeth the plain and firm steps of
+God's commandments.  Many have lost devotion whilst they sought
+to search into deeper things.  Faith is required of thee, and a
+sincere life, not loftiness of intellect, nor deepness in the
+mysteries of God.  If thou understandest not nor comprehendest
+the things which are beneath thee, how shalt thou comprehend
+those which are above thee?  Submit thyself unto God, and humble
+thy sense to faith, and the light of knowledge shall be given
+thee, as shall be profitable and necessary unto thee.
+
+3. There are some who are grievously tempted concerning faith and
+the Sacrament; but this is not to be imputed to themselves but
+rather to the enemy.  Care not then for this, dispute not with
+thine own thoughts, nor make answer to the doubts which are cast
+into thee by the devil; but believe the words of God, believe His
+Saints and Prophets, and the wicked enemy shall flee from thee.
+Often it profiteth much, that the servant of God endureth such
+things.  For the enemy tempteth not unbelievers and sinners,
+because he already hath secure possession of them; but he
+tempteth and harasseth the faithful and devout by various means.
+
+4. Go forward therefore with simple and undoubting faith, and
+draw nigh unto the Sacrament with supplicating reverence.  And
+whatsoever thou art not enabled to understand, that commit
+without anxiety to Almighty God.  God deceiveth thee not; he is
+deceived who believeth too much in himself.  God walketh with the
+simple, revealeth Himself to the humble, giveth understanding to
+babes, openeth the sense to pure minds, and hideth grace from the
+curious and proud.  Human reason is weak and may be deceived; but
+true faith cannot be deceived.
+
+5. All reason and natural investigation ought to follow faith,
+not to precede, nor to break it.  For faith and love do here
+especially take the highest place, and work in hidden ways in
+this most holy and exceeding excellent Sacrament.  God who is
+eternal and incomprehensible, and of infinite power, doth great
+and inscrutable things in heaven and in earth, and His wonderful
+works are past finding out.  If the works of God were of such
+sort that they might easily be comprehended by human reason, they
+should no longer be called wonderful or unspeakable.
+
+(1) Proverbs xxv. 27 (Vulg.).
+
+
+
+
+
+Project Gutenberg Etext Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A Kempis
+
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