The follovving of Christ Diuided into foure bookes. Written in Latin by the learned and deuout man, Thomas a Kempis, canon-regular of the order of S. Augustine. Whereunto also is added the golden Epistle of S. Bernard. And also certaine rules of a Christian life, made by Iohn Picus the elder, Earle of Mirandula. Translated into English by B.F.

A prayer for enlightning of the minde.

SER.

4 Enlighten me, good Ie∣su, with the clearnes of inward light, and expel al darknes of my hart. Re∣presse the many wandring thoughts, and beat down the fury of the temp∣tations which violently assault mee. Fight strongly for me, and vanquish the euill beasts, that is, the alluring concupiscence, that peace may bee made in thy vertue, & abundance of thy praise sound in thy holy Court, which is a pure conscience. Com∣mand the windes and tempests; say vnto the Sea, Bee still; and to the North-winde, Blow not; and a great calme shall ensue. Mat. 8.

5 Send foorth thy light and thy truth, that they may shine vpon the earth, for I am emptie and vnprofi∣table earth, vntill thou impartest thy light vnto me. Psal. 42. Powre out thy grace from aboue, wash my hart

with heauenly dew, giue waters of deuotion, to wash the face of the earth, to bring forth good and per∣fect fruit. Lift vp my mind, ouerchar∣ged with the waight of sinne: draw vp my whole desire to heauenly trea∣sures, that hauing tasted the sweet∣nes of celestial happines, it may loath to thinke of earthly vanities.

6 Take me violently to thee, and deliuer mee from all vnstable com∣fort of creatures: for no created thing can fully quiet and satisfie my desire. Ioyne me vnto thee with an vnspea∣kable band of loue: for thou onely fillest the minde of him that loueth thee, and without thee all things are distastefull.