To the extent possible under law, the Text Creation Partnership has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above, according to the terms of the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). This waiver does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. Please go to http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/ for more information.
HEE that followeth me walketh not in darknesse, saith our blessed Saviour the true light.
2 And because he is truth as well as light, we must follow him, if we will truly be enlightned, and cast off all the workes of darknesse.
3 Let it be then our chiefest care fully to tread in his blessed steps.
4 His sacred documents were
they rightly understood, doe farre ex∣ceed all humane instructions, and he that hath the spirit of Christ, shall be sure to find there the hidden Manna.
5 But so it falls out that many though they often read and heare this Gospell of peace, though they are ma∣ny times made partakers of these dain∣ties, yet they relish them not, because they have not the tast of the spirit.
6 But he that will be Christs best Schollar, must translate his words into deeds, and he that will truly know what his Saviour hath said, must be sure to practise what he hath done.
7 What will it profit a man pro∣foundly to dispute of the Trinity, and yet be puffed up with pride and so dis∣please the Trinity.
8 It is not eloquence of words, nor strength of understanding that makes any man more holy and just, but it is a vertuous and religious life that drawes neere unto God.
9 I had rather feele the effect of compunction in my heart, then know the nature of it in my head.
10 Suppose thou couldst repeat the whole Bible, and many other good
sayings without-book; it would argue thee to have a good memory, but not to be the better Christian.
11 Vanity of vanities and all is vanity besides the love of God, and his alone service.
12 This is chiefe wisdome, through the contempt of this world to passe un∣to a better.
13 It is vanity then to hunt after riches because they are transitory, or trust in them because they are uncer∣taine.
14 It is vanity also to be ambitious after honour, and greedy to climbe up into any high place.
15 It is vanity to follow after fleshly lusts, and desire that which will hereafter adde to thy punishment.
16 It is vanity to wish for a long life, and to be altogether carelesse of a good life.
17 It is vanity only to have a care of this present life, and not to have an eye to that which is to come.
17 It is vanity to love that which is quickly gone, and not to hasten thi∣ther where is joy without end.
18 Remember often that saying
The eie is not satisfied with seeing, nor the eare with hearing.
18 Labour then to withdraw thy soule from the love of things visible, and to fixe upon the delight of things invisible.
19 For those that follow their sensuality defile their conscience, and whiles they gaine the favour of men, they loose the grace of God.
EVery man doth naturally desire to know; but knowledge without the feare of God, what availeth it?
2 Better is the poore iusticke whose conversation is in heaven, then the proud Philosopher vvho is still ga∣zing into heaven.
3 He that knowes himselfe well indeed is vile in his owne eyes, and is not affected with the applause of men.
4 Though I knew all things in the world, yet had not charity, what would it helpe me before God? who will judge me according to my works
of charity. Be not very greedy to know much, for there is in it great distraction and deceipt.
5 Those that be learned would willingly be taken notice of and ac∣counted wise.
6 There be many things the know∣ledge of which doe profit the soule litle or nothing.
7 And he is very unwise that trou∣bles himselfe much with any thing, but that which may further his salva∣tion.
7 Multitude of words doe not sa∣tisfie the mind, but a good life doth re∣fresh the soule, and a cleare conscience makes us very confident with God.
The greater knowledge thou hast, the heavier shall be thy Iudgment, un∣lesse thy life be so much the more holy.
9 Be not then lifted up with any knowledge or learning, but rather let the increase of thy knowledge be the increase of thy feare.
10 If thou thinkest thou hast a good understanding and knowest much, yet know withall that thou art ignorant of much more then thou knowest.
11 Be not wise in thy owne con∣ceipt but rather acknowledge thine ig∣norance, and say, Lord I thanke thee that I am not ignorant how ignorant I am.
12 Why shouldst thou preferre thy selfe before any, when there are many more learned and skilfull then thy selfe
13 Wilt thou know and learne a∣ny thing for thy profit, study to be un∣knowne, and nothing to be accoun∣ted of.
14 This is the highest and most usefull study truly to know thy selfe, and then to despise thy selfe: To esteem nothing of thy selfe but alwaies to have a good and high opinion of others is great wisdome and perfection.
15 Though thou seest another o∣penly to offend or commit some great crime, yet thou shouldst not presently think thy selfe better then he, for though thou art so for the present, yet thou knowest not how long thou canst continue so.
16 'Tis true, we are all of us frail, yet this is the way to gather true strength, to think no man more fraile then thy selfe.
HAppy is he whom truth teacheth not by letters and words that va∣nish, but in its owne proper shape.
2 Our ovvne opinion and con∣ceit doth ofttimes deceive us, and at the best sees but a litle.
3 What profit is there to cavill much about secret and obscure points, seeing we shall never be called in que∣stion for not knowing them.
4 Great folly it is to neglect pro∣fitable and necessary studies, and busy our selves incurious and dangerous in∣quiries, for in so doing we have eyes but see not.
5 Why spend we so much time in learning genus and species, and other logicall words, he is rid from a great many of opinions, whom that everla∣sting Word doth speake unto.
6 All things have their being of that one Word, and all things doe speake ac∣cording to that one Word, & this is that beginning which doth speake unto us, without whom no mā understandeth or judgeth any thing aright.
7 Hee to whom all things are one, and who draweth all things to one, and beholdeth all things in one, the same can stand firme in his heart and repose himself quietly in his God.
8 O God which art the eternall truth make me one with thee in ever∣lasting love!
Many times to read much and to hear much, it••irketh me, in thee is all I would have or can desire.
9 Let all teachers hold their peace, let all Creatures keepe silence in thy sight, but speake Lord for thy servant heareth, speake thou alone unto me and it sufficeth!
10 By how much the more one is u∣nited to himself, & admitteth of no ad∣mixture within himselfe, by so much the more easily doth he cōceive high myste∣ries, because he is enlightned from above
11 A pure, sincere, and stayed spi∣rit is not distracted, though it be im∣ploy'd in diverse matters, for that it worketh all to the honour of God, and labouring for inward tranquillitie see∣keth not it selfe in any thing it doth.
12 Who hinders and troubles thee
more then the unmortified and unruly affections of thine owne heart!
13 A good and godly man before he doe any businesse outwardly abroad doth first rightly order it inwardly at home.
14 Neither shall his imployment drive him to any corrupt inclination, but he will draw it to the rule of right reason.
15 Great are the confliccts of e∣very good Christian, but of all com∣bates the forest is to conquer our selves.
16 This then should be our chiefe endeavour continually to maintaine the sight, and every day to be stronger and better then another.
16 The greatest perfection wee can attaine to in this life, it hath some imperfection annexed to it, and our greatest light of knowledge is not void of some darknesse.
17 An humble knowledge of thy selfe, is a more secure way to heaven, then a profound searching into other kinds of learning.
18 Not that humane learning is blame-worthy, nor the knowledge of any thing whatsoever is to be disliked,
because it is good in it selfe, and ordai∣ned of God.
19 But yet a good conscience is to be preferred before all knowledge, and a vertuous life before all learning.
20 But because men commonly labour more to know well, then to live well, this makes them so much to wan∣der out of the way and reap litle fruit of their labours.
21 O if men would be as carefull in removing vices, as they are in mo∣ving questions, there would not be so much loosness amongst the vulgar, nor such enormities in retir'd places!
22 Assuredly at the day of judg∣ment we shall not be examined how many bookes we have read, but how many good workes we have done; not how rhetorically we have spoken, but how religiously we have lived.
23 Tell me now what's become of all those great Doctors and Masters in Israell, which thou knewest to be so famous and pointed at in their life.
24 Others now possesse their pla∣ces and preferments, and perchance doe scarce ever so much as thinke of them.
26 In their life time they seemed to be some body; who but they? but now they are gone, we heare not a word of them.
27 O how quickly doth the glory of this world passe away; would God their life had been answerable to their learning, then had their study and rea∣ding been to good purpose!
28 Alas how many perish in the world through this vaine knowledge, in that they make small account of the worship of God.
29 And because they rather strive to be high then humble, therefore they vanish in their vaine imaginations.
30 Accosding to thy charity so is thy greatnesse, he is truly great who is litle in his own eyes, and lightly estee∣meth all height of honour.
31 He is wise indeed who accoun∣teth all things else but dung that he may winne Christ, and he is learned indeed that abandoneth his owne will that he may doe Gods.
VVE must not rashly believe eve∣ry word of man, but warily and seriously ponder whether it be consonant to the will of God.
2 But alas such is our weaknesse and so great our infirmity, that we of∣tner think and speake the worst of ano∣ther then the best.
3 But such as be perfect will not easily give credit to every tale that is told them, they know how prone every man is by nature unto evill, and how easy it is to offend with the tongue.
4 It is a point of great wisdome to be neither rash in our actions nor stiffe in our opinions.
5 And as great wisdome it is not to believe all thou hearest, nor yet what thou hearest and believest, to be by and by telling it another.
6 Take advise of a wise and con∣scientious man, & follow his better in∣structions rather thē thine own fancies.
7 A good life maketh a man wise
to God-ward, and giveth him great experience in many things.
8 The more humble a man is in himselfe, and obedient to his God, the more prudent shall he be in all his af∣faires and injoy greater quietnesse of mind.
IN the holy Scriptures we must looke after the truth of the matter, not the eloquence of the words, and we should read them with the same spirit they were penn'd.
2 We ought rather to marke in them the evidence of the spirit, then the excellency of the words, for it is better to read a Booke that brings devotion to my heart, then knowledge to my head.
3 Let not the authority of the Writer be he of great or small account, but the pure love of truth, move thee to read and seeke out not so much who it is that speaketh, but diligently mark what it is that is spoken.
4 Men are here to day and gone to
morrow, but the truth of our Lord re∣maineth for ever. God speaketh to us sundry waies, without respect of per∣sons.
5 In reading the Scriptures our cu∣riosity doth often hurt us, when we goe about to comprehend that, which in∣deed we should let alone.
6 If thou desirest to reap commo∣dity read withall humility simplicity, and fidelity, and never covet to be ac∣counted learned.
7 Be questioning alwaies with godly men, and hearken with silence unto their sayings, be not offended with the Proverbes of thine elders, for they are not left unto us without a cause.
VVHensoever a man desireth a thing inordinately, he is pre∣sently disquieted within himselfe.
2 The proud and covetous men are never at rest, but the poore and meeke-spirited live together in a∣bundance
of peace.
4 The man that is not yet through∣ly mortified is quickly tempted, yea and overcome too with small and triviall things.
5 He that is weake in the spirit and as yet carnally minded, and prone unto sensuality, can hardly withdraw him∣selfe altogether from earthly desires.
6 And therefore it often grieveth him when he goeth about to with∣draw himselfe, and is easily moved to anger if any one doth withstand him.
7 But if he hath followed therein his appetite, he is presently gauled with remorse of conscience, because he hath yeelded to his unruly passions, which doth no whit make to the peace he sofght for.
8 Wherefore the true peace of mind is gotten, not by following but resisting wicked af••ections.
9 There is no peace then in the heart of a carnall man, nor in a man that is addicted to outward things, but to the upright man and him that is fer∣vent in the spirit, there is great quiet∣nesse.
IT is a vaine thing to trust either in man or any other creature, for there is no helpe in them.
2 Be not ashamed to be in subje∣ction to others for the love of Iesus Christ, and to be esteemed poore in this life, count it thy great riches.
3 Depend not upon thyselfe, but put thy confidence in the Lord, doe what lies in thee, and God will blesse thine endeavour.
4 Trust not to thine owne know∣ledge, nor in the policy of any mortall man, but rather in the grace and favour of God who exalteth the humble, and humbleth those who exalt themselves.
5 Glory not in thy wealth though thou have much, nor yet in thy friends though they be mighty, but in God who giveth all these, and would glad∣ly give thee himselfe before all these.
6 Be not proud neither of the beauty of thy face, or bignesse of thy body, for a litle sicknesse doth deforme the one, and consume the other.
7 Be not too well conceited of thy wit and abilities of nature, least thou displease God, who is the sole-gi∣ver of all the goods of nature.
1 Esteeme not thy selfe better then others, least God who best knows what is in man, account thee worse then others.
9 Be not proud of well doing, for God judgeth not as man doth, for that often offendeth him, that pleaseth them.
10 If thou hast any goodnesse in thee think that another hath more, so shalt thou preserve within thee that rich treasure of humility.
11 To debase thy selfe under all men can never hurt thee, but to pre∣ferre thy selfe before any man may doe thee some harme.
12 The humble man is in a con∣tinuall calme, but the haughty mind fumeth commonly with indignation.
OPen not thine heart to every man, but communicate thine affaires with the wise and godly.
2 Acquaint thy selfe with the grave and aged, and delight not much in young and strange company.
3 Flatter not the wealthy to make him proud of his riches, neither doe thou willingly appeare before great per∣sonages.
4 Keep company with the hum∣ble the sincere and devout, and con∣ferre with them of those things that may be for thy edifying.
5 Be not in speciall familiar with any woman, but in generall commend all good women to God.
6 Carefully avoid too much ac∣quaintance with men, that thou maist be the more familiar with God and his holy Angels.
7 Although thou oughtest to have charity towards all men, yet hold fami∣liarity but with a few.
8 Many men unknowne unto us
may be famous for their good parts whose bodily presence doth seeme to be but contemptible.
9 Some men we know not are cri∣ed up for their worth, who being well acquainted with deserve litle to be re∣garded.
10 We think sometimes to please others by being acquainted with them, whom yet we more distast with our lewd behaviour, then delight with our company.
THough it be very hard to live in o∣bedience under a Governour, and not to be at our owne disposing, yet it is farre better to obey then rule.
2 Many live under obedience ra∣ther out of necessity then willingly, such easily vexe and punish themselves, and are ready to murmure and repine upon a small occasion.
3 Neither can they attaine to any freedome of mind, unlesse they cheer∣fully submit from the heart and for God's sake.
4 Turn hither or thithér, goe whither thou wilt, thou shalt never find so much case as in humble subjection under a Governour.
5 The very imagination and change of places hath deceived many a man, when he was under he thought there was no life to a Ruler; now he commands, he holds it better to obey.
6 'Tis true, every man is willing to follow his owne fancie, and is apt to make much of those that are of his mind.
7 But if God be amongst us we will discard our owne opinion, rather then disturb the common peace.
8 It may so fall out that thou art in the wrong, for who is so wise that he can fully know all things.
9 Therefore trust not too much to thine owne opinion, but be willing to give an eare to the judgment of others.
10 But suppose thou art in the right, yet if for God's and quietnesse sake thou shalt forbeare thine opinion, thou shalt gaine more by thy humility, then thou shalt loose in thy know¦ledge.
11 I have oftentimes heard that it
is more safe and secure to heare and take counsell, then to give it.
12 It may so fall out that a mans owne judgment and opinion may be right enough; but not to hearken and yeeld to others when good reason re∣qu••res, must needs be a signe of great stubbornnesse and pride.
TAke heed of publique meetings as much as is possible, for to talke of worldly affaires doth us great harme mean we never so well.
2 For we are quickly defiled and even led captive by vanity, and for my part I have wished many times that I had been either silent or absent.
3 But what might be the reason we are so apt to conference, seeing we so seldome breake it off without some hurt of conscience.
4 The reason hereof I conceive to be this, that by mutuall communicati∣on we much comfort one another, and refresh our wearied soules oppressed with many cares.
5 Of what we love best or desire most we are apt to think and speak freely, or else of those things that doe most trouble and molest us.
6 But alas this is often to small purpose or profit, for this outward comfort is a great hindrance to the in∣ward, and our humane discourse to our heavenly consolation.
7 That thou passe not thy time idlely, spend it in watching and prayer, but if it be fit for thee to speak, speak those things that may edifie.
7 An evill custome and carelesse∣nesse of profitting in good workes, is a great meanes to make us very fruitfull in ill words.
8 To compare spirituall things with spirituall things doth greatly fur∣ther our progresse in the spirit, especial∣ly where men of like minds and spirit are joyned together in the Lord.
VVOuld we not busie our selves in other mens imployments, which we have nothing to doe withall, we might enjoy at home much peace within our selves.
2 How can he continue long in any quietnesse, that thrusteth himselfe into other mens affaires, who seeketh occa∣sion to be busie abroad, and seldome takes occasion to recollect himselfe at home.
3 Blessed are the simple and pure in heart, for they shall inherit abundance of peace.
4 Why are some of the Saints come to such perfection, & given to so much contemplation, but because their whole care hath beene to mortify themselves and their earthly desires.
5 And this hath made them able freely to attend their own affaires, and with the whole strength of their soule to unite themselves to their God.
6 But as for us we are too much car∣ried
away with our unbridled passions and too too sollicitous for temporall trash.
7 We also seldome overcome any one vice as we should, we are not enflamed to profit daily more and more, and this makes us continue cold in devotion, and luke-warme in Religion.
8 Were we but once throughly dead unto our selves, and not inwardly en∣tangled in our owne soules, then should we relish the things that are a∣bove, and get some experience of hea∣venly contemplations.
9 The greatest and indeed the only impediment is, that we are in bondage to our passions and vile affections, and labour not to follow the perfect foot∣steps of the faithfull.
10 And when any small adversity be∣falleth us, then we are very soone cast downe, and betake our selves to the miserable comforters of this world.
Now if we would not give back but like valiant souldiers stand upon our guard doubtlesse the Lord would send us helpe from above.
12 For he that gives occasion to fight, to the end we may get the victory, sure∣ly
is ready to helpe those that fight manfully.
14 If we place our progresse in re∣ligion onely in these outward obser∣vances, then will our devotion come quickly to an end.
15 Wherefore we must lay the Axe to the very roote, that our unquiet affe∣ctions being eradicated we may finde rest to our soules.
16 If every yeare we did but root out one vice, we should in a few yeares become perfect men.
17 But we often finde it to bee cleane contrary, that we were better and purer at the beginning of our con∣version, then we have been after many yeares of our profession.
18 And whereas our fervour and forwardnesse should increase daily more and more, we think it a great matter if a man retaine but some part of his first love.
19 Did we but straine and force our selves a litle at the first, then might we doe all things afterwards with ease and delight.
20 I confesse indeed it is hard to leave old wonts, and as hard, yea har∣der
to goe against our owne wills.
21 If thou art not able to over∣come these things that be litle and light, how wilt thou be able to conquer those things that are more difficult?
22 At the beginning therefore strive with thine owne inclination, and unlearne if thou canst a naughty cu∣stome, lest otherwise when thou wouldst, thou canst not so easily, and all that thou endeavourest will be but in vaine.
23 O if thou didst but consider what peace thou should'st reape unto thy selfe, and joy unto others by be∣haveing thy selfe well, I suppose thou wouldst be more carefull of thy profi∣ciency towards God, and fearefull to give any offence unto man.
IT is good for us sometimes to suffer affliction and contradiction, because they oftentimes call a man home unto himselfe.
2 They make a man to know that he liveth here but in banishment,
and that he must not trust to any thing in this world.
3 It is good for us sometimes to be crossed and contradicted, yea to be ill spoken of, and ill thought of, al∣though we both doe and mean well.
4 These wonderfully increase in us the vertue of humility, and strongly beat downe in us the vice of vain-glo∣ry.
5 For then we more earnestly call God to witnesse in us and for us, when men abroad dis-esteeme us and give no credit unto us,
6 Therefore ought a man so wholly to depend upon God, that he needeth not to seeke after many com∣forts amongst men.
7 When a man of good meaning is troubled or tempted, when he is vex∣ed outwardly in body or inwardly in mind.
8 The more he considereth he standeth in need of God's assistance, without whose helpe he perceiveth he can doe nothing that is good.
9 Then he sorroweth and greatly ••igheth and desireth to be delivered ••rom the miseries he endureth.
10 Then is he weary of living a∣ny longer, and wisheth death were at hand that he might be dissolved and be with Christ.
11 Then also he well perceiveth and is throughly perswaded that full security and perfect peace cannot be had in this world.
SO long as we live in this wicked world we must look to be troubled with miseries and ••••mptations.
2 Hence we find it written in that holy Book of Iob, The life of man upon earth is but a warfare and temptation.
3 Therefore ought every one to be very carefull of his courses; and that he be not led into temptation through∣ly arme himselfe with watching and praier.
4 Lest the Devill find occasion to entrappe and deceive us, who never slumbereth but rangeth about seeking whom he may devour.
5 There is no man so holy or per∣fect but is tempted sometimes, and to
be utterly without them is altogether impossible.
6 Though temptations seeme for the present to be grievous and trouble∣some, yet are they often very profitable to us in the end.
7 They are instructions, purgati∣ons and humiliations unto us, they in∣struct our lives, they purge our affecti∣ons, and humble our soules.
8 All the saints of God have pro∣fited in this life, and passed unto a bet∣ter through many tribulations and temptations.
9 And those that have not beene able to endure these temptations, have become reprobates in themselves and back-sliders from God.
10 There is no order so sacred, no place so secret, where there is not ei∣ther temptations to try thee or troubles to molest thee.
11 There is no man whilst hee lives can be wholly free and secure from temptations.
12 Though we had none with∣out us, we have enough within us, be∣ing all of us borne in concupiscence and sinne.
13. Temptations come upō tempta∣tions, miseries upon miseries, & having lost our first happinesse, we have ever∣some unhappinesse or other to endure.
14 Whilst many sèeke to avoid temptations, they are plung'd into them deeper, and some to shunne one trouble fall into a worse.
15 By flying wee shew our selves not conquerors but cowards, it is pa∣tient abideing and true humility that make us stronger then all our enemies.
16 He that cuts off but the branches of temptations, and plucks not up the roote from whence they spring, shall be litle the better.
17 For they will assaile him so much the sooner and make him worse then he was before.
18 By litle and litle (through Gods helpe,) by patience and longa∣ni••ity thou shalt more easily get the mastery, then by any sudden violence or ••turdy importunity.
19 Often take good advise when thou thy selfe art tempted, and deale not roughly with another that is temp∣ted, but minister unto him comfort, as thou wouldst be comforted thy selfe.
20 The very roote and originall of all evill temptations, is the great in∣constancy of our mindes, and the litle confidence we have in our God.
21 For as a ship without a sterne is tossed to and fro with wind and weather, so a carelesse and unconstant man hath great variety of temptations.
22 As fire tryeth yron, so tempta∣tion a just man, we know not often∣times what we are able to doe, untill temptations doe shew us what we are.
23 We must be very watchfull then especially, when temptation is but newly begunne, for then is the enemy more easily overcome.
24 If thou suffer him not to enter in at the doore of thine heart, but gi∣vest him his answer at the threshold when he gives the first knocke.
25 Wherefore one said very well,
Take a disease at the first, and 'twill easily be cur'd, But an after remedy will be hard∣ly endur'd.26 For first of all there comes in∣to thy minde a bare cogitation, next a strong and vehement imagination, after that an evill motion and consent joyn∣ed
with a wonderfull delectation.
27 And so our deadly enemy if we set him but put in his head, doth after with greater ease draw in the whole body.
28 And by how much the longer before any man stirreth against his ene∣my, by so much the weaker is he when he doth resist, and his enemy the stron∣ger whom he must resist.
29 Some suffer greatest assaults in the beginning of their conversion, and some at the later end, but others are much troubled all their life long.
30 Some againe are but gently and lightly assaulted according to the wis∣dome and equity of the divine appoint∣ment, which weigheth the state and conditions of all men, and pre-ordain∣eth all things to the salvation of his e∣lect.
31 We ought not therefore to de∣spaire when we are tempted, but so much the more fervently pray unto God, who is ready to helpe us in all our adversities.
32 Who according to the saying of S. Paul will not suffer us to be temp∣ted above that we are able, but will
give an issue with the temptation, that we may be able to beare it.
33 So then in all temptations and tribulations let us humble our soules under the mighty hand of God for the humble in spirit will he save and exalt.
34 In these troubles and adversi∣ties a manis proved how much he hath profited, and the more his vertue hath been manifested here, the greater shall be his reward hereafter.
35 Nor is it any great matter for a man to be zealous and devout when nothing doth trouble him, but if in time of adversity he beare himselfe patient∣ly there is good hope he hath profited not a litle.
36 Some there are who in great and fierce temptations are strangely preserved, who in small and ordinary trials are often overcome.
37 To the end that being truly humbled they never in great matters trust to their owne strength, who in such small trifles have shewed them∣selves to be so weak.
BEware thou judge not rashly the deeds of other men which thou shalt the better take heed of, if thou let thine eyes reflect upon thy selfe.
2 In judging of others a man la∣bours in vain, is commonly deceived and easily offendeth, but in judging and examining himselfe, his pains is alwaies well bestowed.
3 As we fancie any thing com∣monly we judge of it thereafter, for private affection doth easily oversway sound judgment.
4 If God were alwaies the pure intention of our desire, we should not be so much troubled with the repug∣nancy of our sensuality.
5 But still some inward secret in∣clination, or some outward molestation comes in thy way, and either the flesh within, or the world without drawes us along after them.
6 Many in their actions would make you believe, nay have made themselves beleeve, they intend some
publique good, when indeed they aim'd at their own private ends.
7 They seeme also to live at their hearts ease, so long as things goe well with them but if any thing fall out o∣therwise then they look for, then quick∣ly they are troubled and discontented.
8 Great dissention riseth many times amongst friends and neighbours, yea amongst those that be zealous and religious through diversity of opi∣nions.
9 It is a very hard matter to leave an old custome, and no man is willing∣ly drawne further then his owne eyes will lead him.
10 If thou followest the conduct of thine owne reason and industry, more then the subduing vertue of thy Saviour, seldome and slowly shalt thou be illuminated from above.
11 For God will have us fully and perfectly submit our selves to him, and transcend the narrew reach of all reason by love that is enflamed.
VVE ought to doe no kind of evill either for any profit to be got∣in this world, or for the pleasure of a∣ny man.
2 Yet for the helpe of the needy we may passe over it for a time, or doe another insteed of it, and this is not the losse but the change of a worke and that for a better.
3 Let thy worke be never so great and glorious, without charity it is no∣thing worth; be thy worke but small and triviall, yet done in charity, is very effectuall.
4 For God regardeth not so much what is done, as how and with what affection a thing is done, he doth most, that loves most.
5 He doth much that doth a thing as it should be done, and he doth so who preferres the publique good, be∣fore his owne private affections.
6 Naturall inclination, selfe will, hope of reward, desire of gaine, are
seldome wanting to our workes, and so that which seemes to be charity is rather indeed carnality.
7 He that is endowed with true and perfect charity, he seeketh himselfe in nothing, but desireth and only stu∣dieth God's glory in all things.
8 He doth also repine at no body because he loveth no private ioy, nor will he reioyce in himselfe, but above all things desireth to be blessed in his God.
8 He attributeth nothing that is good to others, but wholly referreth them all unto God, from whom as from a fountain all things doe proceed, and in whom finally all the Saints have their fruition of rest.
9 O he that hath but one spark of true charity would easily discerne all earthly things how full they are of va∣nity.
THose things which no man can amend either in himselfe or in o∣thers he ought to beare patiently until
God have otherwise disposed.
2 Think with thy selfe, that per∣chance it is better to be so for thy triall and patience, without which all our good works are litle to be regarded.
3 Thou oughtest to pray notwith∣standing when thou hast such impedi∣ments, that God would vouchsafe to helpe thee that thou maist beare them patiently.
4 If one that that is once or twice admonished cannot endure it, or will not amend, be not rigorous with him, because he hath offended, doe not thou offend.
5 But commit thy whole cause to God, that his will may be fulfilled and his name honoured in all his servants, for he that can turne all things to the best can worke good out of evill.
6 Endeavour thy selfe patiently to bear with any faults and infirmities of others, for that thou thy selfe hast many things that must be borne with∣all by others.
7 If thou canst not make thy selfe such a one as thou wouldst be, how canst thou expect to have another to thy liking in all things.
8 It is injustice to expect that in another which thou hast not in thy self, to looke for perfection in others, and yet not to amend imperfections in our selves.
9 We will have others severely punisht, and will not amend our selves; the large liberty of others disliketh us, and yet we will not have our desires deni'd us, we will have rigorous Lawes imposed upon others, but in no sort will we our selves be restrained.
10 And thus it appeareth howsel∣dome we weigh our neighbours in the same ballance with our selves. If all men were perfect what then should we have to suffer at other mens hands for God's sake.
11 But now God hath thus ordai∣ned that every man should have a bur∣then of his owne, let us learne to sup∣port and beare one anothers burthens.
12 For there is none without de∣fect, none without his burthen, no man sufficient by himselfe, no man wise e∣nough of himselfe.
13 But we ought to bear with on•• another, comfort one another, equally helpe, instruct, and admonish one ano∣ther.
14 By occasion of adversity every man knoweth what great vertue is in himselfe, for such occasions make thee not frail, but shew thee what thou art.
THou must learne to breake thy selfe of thine owne will in many things, if thou wilt keepe peace and concord with others.
2 It is no small matter to lead a•• contemplative or practicall life, to live in either of those places without re∣proofe, and to persevere therein faith∣fully unto the death.
3 Blessed is he that hath there lived well and died as he ought to doe••.
4 If thou wilt stand uprightly and perfect in vertue as thou oughtst, car∣ry thy selfe as a pilgrime and stranger upon the earth.
5 Thou must be contented to be esteemed a foole for the love of Christ, if thou wilt lead a religious and Chri∣stian life.
6 The choice raiment and shorne head make litle to the purpose, but
change of manners and cutting of un∣ruly passions make a man truly Reli∣gious.
7 He that seeketh after any thing but God and his soules health, shall be sure to find nothing but tribulation and griefe.
8 Neither can he long injoy a peaceable and quiet mind, who striveth not to be the least & veriest abject of all.
9 Thou art come hither not to be served but to serve, know that thou art called to suffer and to labour, not to loi∣ter and live at ease.
10 As gold in the furnace so are men tried in this world, here none can stand upright, but he that stoopeth in all humility▪ & heartily for the Lords sake.
COnsider the lively examples of those holy Fathers who are dead, who shined so bright in true perfection and Religion.
2 You shall easily perceive how li∣tle or nothing at all it is that we doe,
alas what is our life, if you doe but compare it with theirs?
3 Those holy men and freinds of Christ served the Lord in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakednesse, in labour and wearinesse, in watching and fa∣sting, in praiers and holy meditations in persecutions and many reproaches.
4 O how many and grievous tri∣bulations suffered the Apostles, Mar∣tyrs, Confessours, Virgins, and all the rest who endeavoured to follow Christ•• steps, they hated their lives here that they might have life everlasting.
5 O how strict and severe a life led those holy Father•• in the wil∣dernesse? What long and grievous tem∣ptations did they endure? How often were they vexed with our common e∣nemy?
6 What often and fervent praiers did they offer unto God? How rigo∣rous abstinency did they daily under∣goe? What fervent care and zeale had they to profit in the spirit?
How great and sharp a combate had they for the taming of their vices? how pure an dright an intention had they to Godvvard? They laboured all day▪ &
praied all night, although when they la∣broured with the body they prayed with the mind.
7 In a word, they spent all their time to their best advantage, and thought the houre to soone at an end they imployed in God's service.
8 For the great sweetnesse they found in heavenly contemplations, they forgot the necessity of their corporall refection, and for the food of their soules did not regard the reliefe of their bodies.
9 As for all riches, dignities, ho∣nours, friends and kinsfolkes, they ut∣terly renounced them all, and desired to have nothing this world can afford.
10 They could hardly be perswa∣ded to take the necessary sustenance of their life, and to yeeld to their body in that they must needs, was with a great deale of repugnancy.
11 They were very poore in out∣ward goods, but very rich in inward grace, without they seemed needy, but within they were refreshed with grace and heavenly consolation.
12 They were meere strangers to the world but were neere and familiar
friends to God, in their owne eyes, and in the sight of the world they were but abject and despised persons, but in the eyes of God very p••etious and beloved.
13 They were grounded in humi∣lity, lived in obedience, walked in chari∣ty and patience, therefore did they dai∣ly profit in the spirit and obtained great favour at the hands of God.
14 They were set out for exam∣ples to all righteous men, and these few men should more provoke us to a spirituall progresse, then the great num∣ber of luke-warme Christians to a re∣misnesse in behaviour.
15 O how great was the fervour of all religious persons in the begin∣ning of their holy institution?
16 How great was their devotion•• to praier, how great emulation of ver∣tue? How exact discipline was set on ••oote? how great reverence and obe∣dience observed they in all things un∣der the rule of their superiors?
17 Their footsteps yet remaining do testifie that they were indeed holy and perfect men, who fighting so stout∣ly trod the world under their feet.
18 Now he is thought a jolly man
that is not an open offender, and can but patiently endure what he hath al∣ready undertaken.
19 O the coldnesse and negligence of our time and state that we soone de∣cline from our first fervour, that by rea∣son of our luke-warmnesse and sloath we are even weary of our lives.
20 It is a signe that all proficiency in vertue is utterly dead in us, when we follow not the examples of so many godly men before us.
THe life of a good religious person ought to excell in all kind of ver∣tue, that he may be such a one inward∣ly to God, as he seemeth to be out wardly to men.
2 Yea for a good reason he should be better within then he appeares with∣out, for God beholdeth the heart, whom we ought highly to reverence, wheresoever we are, and walke in pu∣rity like Angels in his sight.
3 We ought every day to renew
our good intention, and stirre up our selves to fervour and devotion, as though this were the first time of our conversion, and say thus,
4 Helpe me O Lord my God in this my good purpose and in thy holy service, and give me grace this day to make a good entrance and beginning, for what I have done hitherto is to li∣tle purpose.
5 According to our purpose and good endavour you must judge of ones course and well doing, and he that will reape great commodity must be care∣full to use great diligence.
6 For if he that goeth on couragi∣ously findeth great rubbs in his way, how many will he finde that setteth forward, but seldome and uncertainly.
7 There be many things that cause us to leave our good intents, and the least omission of spirituall exercises, bringeth ••o litle hinderance to our soul••s.
8 The determinations of the just depend upon Gods grace, and not up∣on their owne wisdome, upon whom they alwaies relye, for whatsoever they take in hand.
9 For man doth propose but God doth dispose, neither is the way of man in his owne hands.
10 If usuall exercise be sometimes omitted either for piety towards God, or profit to my neighbour, it may easily afterwards be recovered againe.
11 But if out of a sloathful mind or carelesse negligence we for sake the same, it is a great offence against God, and very prejudiciall to our selves.
12 Let us doe the best we can, we shall faile in many things, yet let us al∣waies take some certaine course, and e∣specially against those vices which doe most of all molest us.
13 We must diligently search into and set in order both the outward and the inward man, because both of them are very necessary to our comming for∣ward in godlinesse.
14 If thou canst not continually call thy selfe to an account, yet doe it sometimes, at the least once a day, to wit, at morning or at night.
17 In the morning consider what thou intendest to doe, and at night ex∣amine thy selfe what thou hast done.
16 How thou hast behav'd thy
selfe in thought word and deed; for in these perhaps thou hast often offen∣ded both God and thy Neighbour.
17 Gird thy loines like am an a∣gainst the vile assaults of the Divell, bridle thy riotous appetite, and thou shalt be the better able to keepe under all the unruly motions of the flesh.
11 Be thou at no time idle alto∣gether but either reading or writing, or praying or meditating, or endeavouring some thing for the publique good.
19 As for bodily exercises they must be used with great discretion, nei∣ther are they to be practised of all men alike.
20 The exercises that are not com∣mon are not to be exposed to publique view; for things private are practised ••ore saf••ly at home.
21 Neverthelesse thou must be∣ware thou neglect not that which is common, and be more ready for pri∣vate occasions.
22 But having fully and faithfully accomplished all, thou ar•• bound and enjoyn'd to doe, if thou hast any spare time be take thee to thy selfe, as they de∣votion shall require.
23 All cannot use one kind of ex∣ercise, but one is more convenient for this person another for that accor∣ding to the diversity of times also, di∣verse exercises are fitting.
24 Some sutes better with us on working daies, other on holy daies, some we have need of in tempta∣tion, and of others in time of peace and quietnesse. Some we mind when we are pensive, and other some when we rejoyce in the Lord.
25 When chiefe festivals draw neere, good exercises are to be renewed and the praiers of holy men more fer∣vently to be implored.
26 From feast to feast we should think thus with our selves, as though we were then to depart out of this world, and to be made partakers of that everlasting feast in heaven.
27 Therefore ought we carefully to prepare our selves against such holy times, and lead our conversation so strictly as though we were shortly at God's hands to receive the reward of our labours.
28 But if our departure be defer∣red, let us think with our selves that we
are not sufficiently prepared, and un∣worthy yet of so great glory which shall be rev••aled to us in due time, and let us endeavour to prepare our selves more diligently to our end.
29 Blessed is that servant (saith S. Luke the Evandgelist) whom when his Lord cometh shall find him watching; verily I say unto you he shall make him Ruler over all his goods.
Seeke for an apt and convenient time to be at leasure to thy selfe, and me∣ditate often upon God's benefits and blessings.
2 Meddle not with curiosities, but persue such matter which may rather yeeld compunction to thy heart, then information to thy head.
3 If thou wilt withdraw thy selfe from speaking vainly and from gad∣ding idlely, as also from harkning af∣ter novelties and rumours, thou shale▪ find leasure sufficient and convenient enough to meditate of good things.
4 The greatest and best of God's
Saints avoided the societie of men when they could coveniently, and did rather chuse to live secretly, and set themselves apart unto God.
5 One said, as oft as I have been among men, I returned home lesse a man then I was before, and this we find true when we talk long together.
6 It is easier not to speak a word at all, then not to speake more words then we should, it is easier for a man to keepe home, then to keepe himselfe wel when he is abroad.
7 He therefore that intends to in∣crease in the spirit and inner man, must with Iesus depart from the multitude and presse of people.
8 No man safely doth goe abroad, but he which gladly can abide at home, no man speakes securely but he that holds his peace willingly.
9 No man ruleth safely but he that is ruled willingly, no man securely doth command, but he that hath lear∣ned readily to obey.
10 No man reioyceth securely, un∣lesse he hath the testimony of a good ••onscience, yet the security of the Saints was alwaies full of the feare of God.
11 Neither did those eminent gifts and excellent graces that were in them, make them more haughty, but more humble.
12 But the security of the wicked as it ariseth of pride and presumption, so in the end it deceiveth them and tur∣neth to their owne destruction.
13 Although thou seeme to be a good religious man, or never so devou•• yet promise not to thy selfe security in this life.
14 It falleth out many times that those have fallen into great••st danger by overmuch confidence and presumption who have been in greatest esteem and account amongst men.
15 Wherefore it is better for ma∣ny not to be altogether free from tem∣ptations, but often assaulted least by too much security they should be pu••fed up with pride, or rely too much upon worldly comforts.
16 O how good a conscience would he keep, that would not seek after transitory joy, who would not entangle himselfe with the affaires of this world.
17 O how great peace and quiet¦nesse should he possesse, that can cast a∣way
all vain-cares, and think only up∣on heavenly things, and would place all his hope and confidence in God!
18 No man is worthy of heaven∣ly comfort, unlesse he have diligently exercised himselfe in holy compun∣ction.
19 If thou desirest true contrition of heart enter into thy closet and shut out all worldly tumult as it is written, examine your owne hearts upon your be••s and be still.
20 In thy closet thou shalt find what abroad thou shalt often loose, the more thou visitt thy closet, the more thou wilt lik it, the lesse thou comest thereunto the more thou wilt loath it.
21 If in the beginning of thy a∣mendment thou art content to remain in it, and keepe it well, it will after∣wards be to thee a deare friend, and a most pleasant comfort.
22 In silence and in quietnesse a devout soule maketh her selfe perfect, and learneth the secrets and mysteries of holy Scripture.
23 There shee findeth flouds of teares wherein shee may every night wash and clense her selfe that she may
〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉
〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉
be so much the more familiar with her Creator, by how much the farther off she liveth from all worldly disquiet.
24 Who so therefore withdraw••th himselfe from his acquaintance and friends, God and his holy Angels will draw neere ••nto him.
25 It is better to live privately and to have regard to himselfe, then to neg∣lect himselfe and his owne salvation, though he could worke miracles.
26 It is very commendable in a religious person, seldome to goe abroad to be unwilling either to see or to be seen.
27 Why art tho•• willing and de∣sirous to see that which is unlawfull for thee to have and injoy? for the world passeth away and the lusts thereof.
28 Our sensuall desires draw us to ••oave abroad, but when the pleasure is past, what carriest thou home with thee but a grieved conscience and di∣stracted mind?
29 A merry going out bringeth commonly a mournfull returne home, and a joyfull evening makes many times a sad morning.
30 So all carnall joy hath a plea∣sant
entrance, but in the end it bites like an Adder, and stings like a Cockatrice.
31 What canst thou see elsewhere, which thou canst not see here? behold here are heaven and earth and all the Elements, for of these are all things created.
32 What canst thou see any where that can long continue under the sun? thou th••nkest perchance to satiate thy selfe and have thy fill, but thou shalt never attaine it.
33 Sho••ldst thou see all things present before thine eyes, it were but a vaine and unprofitable sight, lift up thine eyes to God in the highest, and pray him to pardon all thy sinnes and infirmities.
34 Leave vain things to the vain, and doe thou give heed to that which God commandeth, shut the doore up∣on thy selfe, and call unto thee Iesus thy Beloved.
35 Stay with him in thy closet for thou shalt not find so great peace any where else: hadst thou not gone abroad and hearkned to idle rumours, thou hadst lived more at hearts-ease.
36 And seeing thou delightest some∣times
to heare newes, it is fit thou suf∣fer for it some unquietnesse and trou∣ble of mind.
IF thou wilt any thing come forward, keepe thy selfe alwaies in the feare of God, and yeeld not too much scope to liberty.
2 Keepe in awe all thy senses un∣der the severe rod of Discipline, and give not thy selfe over to foolish mirth.
3 Give thy selfe to compunction of heart, and thou shalt find much de∣votion therein, compunction bringeth much good which dissolutenesse is wont quickly to destroy.
4 A wonder it is that any man can heartily rejoyce in this life, if he duly consider his banishment, and throughly weight the many perils wherewith his soule is invironed.
5 The levity of our minds and the litle care we have of our faults makes us insensible of the sorrowes of our soules.
6 But we often vainly laugh when
we should justly weepe: the service and feare of God is the truest liberty, and a good conscience a continuall feast.
7 Happy is he that can avoid all cause of distraction, and recollect him∣selfe to the union of holy compun∣ction.
8 Happy is he that can cast away from himselfe all that may defile his conscience, or any way grieve or bur∣then it.
9 Bestirre thy selfe like a man, one custome overcomes another, if thou canst forbeare medling in other mens matters, they likewise shall not have to doe with thine.
10 Busie not thy selfe in matters which appertaine to others, neither doe thou meddle at all with the affaires of thy betters.
11 Still have an eye to thy selfe first, and be sure more especially to in∣struct thy selfe before all thy loving friends.
12 If thou hast not the favour of men, be not grieved at it, but take this to heart because thou dost not carry thy selfe so warily and circumspectly as it becometh the servant of God and
a devout religious man.
13 It is better oftentimes and more secure that a man hath not consolati∣ons in this life, especially such as are consonant to our carnall desires.
14 But that we have not all or ve∣ry seldome tasted divine consolation, we may thank our selves, because we seeke not after inward compunction, as having not altogether forsaken out∣ward vanities.
15 Know that thou art unworthy of divine consolation, and that thouhast deserved much tribulation.
16 When a man hath perfect con∣trition, then is the whole world grie∣vous and loathsome unto him
17 A good man never wanteth matter of mourning, for whether he consider his owne or his neighbours e∣state, he knowes that none liveth here without great tribulation.
18 And by how much a man looks narrowly into himselfe, by so much he sees greater cause of lamen∣tation.
29 Our sinnes and wickednesses wherein we lye weltring, doe minister unto us so much matter of sorrow and
compunction, that we can seldome apply our selves to heavenly contem∣plations.
20 Didst thou but as often think with thy selfe how soone thou maist die, as how long thou maist live, there is no question but thou wouldst more earnestly labour thine amendment.
21 If thou but let the paines, that hereafter are to be endured, sink deeply into thy heart, I belieeve thou wouldst willingly undergoe any labour or sor∣row in this world, and not be afraid of the greatest severity.
22 But because we doe not take these things to heart, and as yet love those things only that delight us, this makes us so dull and key-cold in Re∣ligion.
23 If our body be amisse we may thank our selves for it, it is often our de∣cay, and want of spirit which makes our miserable body so easily complain.
24 Pray therefore unto the Lord with alll humility, that he will vouch∣safe to give thee the spirit of contrition.
25 And say with the Prophet, feed me O Lord with the bread of tears, and give me plenteousnesse of tears to drink.
MIserable thou art wheresoever thou be, or whithersoever thou turnest, unlesse thou turne thy selfe un to God.
2 Why art thou troubled, when things succeed not as thou wouldst or desirest, for who is he that hath all things accoording to his mind?
3 Neither I nor thou, nor any man upon the earth, there is none in this world be he King or Pope without some tribulation or other.
4 Who is then in the best estate or condition? even he who for God's sake can suffer affliction.
5 Many weake and fraile men can say, O what an happy life hath such a one, how wealthy, how mighty he is, in how great honour and credit.
6 But lift up thine eyes to the ri∣ches of heaven, and thou shall perceive that all the goods of this life are no∣thing so be accounted of.
7 They are very uncertain, rather
burthensome then delightfull, because they are never enjoyed without care∣fulnesse and feare.
8 Mans happinesse consisteth not in having abundance of wealth, but a meane estate should content him, it is truly misery enough even to live upon the earth.
9 The more a man hungreth after godlinesse, the more he abhorreth this life because he seeth more cleerly and perceiveth more sensibly the defects of humane corruption.
10 For to eat and to drink, to sleep and to watch, to labour and to rest, and to be subject to other necessities of na∣ture is doubtlesse a great misery to a devout mind, that would gladly be free and delivered from sinne.
11 For the inward man is much oppressed with these outward and cor∣porall necessities whilst we live in this world.
12 Therefore the holy Prophet prayeth with great devotion to be deli∣vered from them, saying, draw me O Lord out of my necessities.
13 But woe be to them that know not their owne misery, and a greater
woe to them that take delight in this miserable and corruptible life.
14 And some there be so much dote upon it, although with great la∣bour and paines they can scarce get bread to eat, yet could they live here alwaies, they would care but litle for the Kingdome of heaven.
15 O how mad are these in their braines and faithlesse in their hearts, who lie so deeply drowned in the earth that they can think of nothing but earthly things.
16 But miserable wretches as they are, they shall in the end feele to their cost how vile and vaine that was which they loved.
17 Whereas the Saints of God, and all the fast friends of Christ looke not on those things which pleased the flesh, and flourished for a time, but pan∣ted after everlasting rreasures with all greedinesse and desire.
18 Their whole desire was carried upward to things durable and invisi∣ble, that the desire of things visible might not draw them to things be∣low.
19 O Brother loose not thy con∣fidence
to come forward in godlinesse, there is yet time, the houre is not yet past.
20 Why wilt thou deferre thine a∣mendment from day to day, arise and begin this very instant, and say now is the time to be doing, now is the time to be working, now is the best time to amend my selfe.
21 When thou art ill at ease and much troubled, then is the time to pro∣fit best, thou must passe through fire and water before thou comest to a place of refreshing.
22 Vnlesse thou offer violence to thy selfe, thou shalt never get the victo∣ry over sinne so long as we carry about us this fraile body of ours we can ne∣ver be without sinne or live without sorrow.
23 We could gladly be quiet and freed from all misery, but seeing by sin we have lost our innocency, we have by that also forfeited our felicity.
24 Therefore we must hold our selves content, and expect the mercy of God till this our iniquitie be put a∣way, and this mortality of ours be swallowed up of life.
25 O how great is humane frailty which is alwaies prone to evill to day thou confessest thy sinnes, and to mor∣row thou committest the very same thou hast confessed.
26 Now thou art in the mind to looke well unto thy waies, and within a while thou so behavest thy selfe, as though thou hadst never any such mind at all.
27 Good cause have we therefore to humble our selves, and never to have any great conceit of our worth, we are so fraile in our nature, so inconstant in our courses.
28 Besides, that may quickly be lost by our owne negligence, which by the grace of God and our owne great paines we have scarce at length obtai∣ned.
29 What will become of us in the end, who begiu to waxe cold so timely?
30 Woe be unto us if we will now give our selves to ease, as if all were in peace, and safetie, when yet there ap∣peareeh no signe of sanctity in our conversations!
31 We have need like young be∣ginners be newly instructed againe to
good manners, if happily there be any hope of our future amendment and spirituall progresse.
THere will very quickly be an end of thee here, therefore see what will become of thee hereafter. To day a man, to morrow none, and out of sight, out of mind.
2 O the stupidity and hardnesse of mans heart, who thinketh only upon the present, and hath no care of the time to come!
3 Thou shouldst so order thy selfe in all thy thoughts and actions, as if to day, yea this very moment thou we, it ready to depart.
4 Hadst thou a clear conscience thou wouldst not greatly feare death, care not so much for the death of this body as the sinne of thy soule.
5 If thou art not prepared to day, how wilt thou be prepared to morrow? thou knowest not what will be to mor∣row, and how knowest thou that thou shalt live till to morrow?
6 What are we the better to live long, if we prove not the better by long living? for length of daies doth oftnes make our sinnes the greater, then our lives the better.
7 O that we had spent but one day well in this world.
8 Many keepe in mind how long it is since their conversion, and yet for∣get to fructifie in a holy conversation.
9 If to die be accounted dreadfull, to live long may prove more dangerous, happy is he that hath his end before his eies, and prepareth himselfe to die dai∣ly.
10 If at any time thou hast seen an other man die, make account thou must follow him, he hath shewed thee but the way.
11 When it is morning think thou maist die before night, and when eve∣ning comes, presume not upon next morning.
12 Be thou therefore alwaies in a readinesse, and so lead thy life that death may never take thee unprepa∣red.
13 Many die suddenly and when they look not for it, for the sonne of
man will come, when we think not of his comming.
14 When thy last sand shall be runne out, thou wilt have a farre diffe∣tent opinion of thy whole life that is past, and be exceeding sorry thou hast been so carelesse and remisse.
15 O how wise and happy is he that now laboureth to be such a one in his life, as he wisheth to be found at the houre of his death.
16 To contemne the world per∣fectly, to goe forward in vertue zealou∣sly, to love reprose willingly, to amend our lives seriously, to obey superiors gladly, to denie himselfe throughly, and to suffer affliction for his sake pa∣tiently, make us confident we shall die happily.
17 Whilst thou art in health thou maist doe many good deeds, but when thou art sick, I see not what thou art a∣ble to doe.
18 Few in the weaknesse of their bodies gather strength to their soules, as they who are walking abroad, are seldome setled at home.
19 Trust not to freinds and kin∣dred, neither doe thou put off the care
of thy soule till hereafter, for men will sooner forget thee, then thou art a∣ware of.
20 It is better to look to it betime and doe some good a fore hand, then to trust to other mens curtesies.
21 If thou dost not provide for thy selfe in this world, who will have care of thee in that which is to come.
22 The time that is now present is very precious, now is the day of sal∣vation, now is the acceptable time.
23 But alas that thou shouldst spend thy time so idlely here, where thou mightst purchase to live eternally hereafter.
24 The time will come when thou shalt desire one day or houre to amend in, and 'tis a great question whether it will be granted thee.
25 O be loved from how great danger mightst thou deliver thy selfe! from how great feare free thy selfe, if thou wouldst be now fearfull and care∣full how to die!
26 Labour now to live so, that at the houre of death thou maist rather rejoyce then fear, learn now to die to the world that thou maist begin to live with Christ.
27 Learn now to contemn all earthly things that thou maist freely goe to Christ.
28 Chastise thy body now by Re∣pentance that thou maist then have as∣sured confidence.
29 Ah foole, why dost thou think to live long, when thou canst not pro∣mise to thy selfe one day, how many have been deceived and suddenly snatcht away?
30 How often dost thou hear these reports, such a man is slain, ano∣ther is drowned, a third breaks his neck with a fall, this man died eating, and that man playing?
31 One perished by fire, another by the sword, another of the plague, and another was slain by theeves, thus death is the end of all, and mans life passeth away like a shadow.
32 Who shall remember thee when thou art dead? and who shall pray for thee when thou canst not help thy selfe?
33 Doe, doe now my beloved whatsoever thou art able to doe, for thou knowest not when thou shalt die, not yet what shall befall thee after thy death.
34 Now whilst thou hast time heap unto thy selfe everlasting trea∣sures, think on nothing but the salvati∣on of thy soule, care for nothing but the service of thy God.
35 Make now friends to thy selfe by honouring the Saints of God, and imitating their vertues, that when thou failest in this short life they may re∣ceive thee into everlasting habitati∣ons.
36 Esteem thy selfe as a stranger and Pilgrime upon the earth, and as one to whom the affaires of this world doe nothing appertain.
37 Keep thy heart free from the world and lifted up directly unto God, because thou hast here no abiding city.
38 Send thither thy daily praiers and sighes joyned with unfained tears, that after death thy spirit may be hap∣pily commended into the hands of the Almighty.
IN all thy waies have a speciall aim to thy end, for how canst thou be able to stand before a severe Iudge to whom nothing is hid.
2 Who is not pacified with gifts, nor admitteth any frivolous excuses, but will judge according to right and equity.
3 O wretched and foolish sinner, who sometimes fearest the counte∣nance of an angry and ignorant man, what answer wilt thou make to an an∣gry and all-knowing God?
4 Why dost not thou provide for thy selfe against that great day of Iudg∣ment, when no man can excuse or an∣swer for another, bu•• every one shall have enough to answer for himselfe?
5 Now are thy paines profitable, thy tears acceptable, thy groans audi∣ble, thy griefe pacifieth for thy sinnes and prepareth thy soule.
7 The patient man hath a great and vvholesome purgatory, who though
he receive injuries, yet grieveth more for the malice of an other then for his own wrongs.
8 Who prayeth willingly for his adversaries, and from his heart forgi∣veth their offences, and delaieth not to aske forgivenesse of whomsoever he hath offended.
9 Who is sooner moved to com∣passion then to anger, who often of∣fereth violence to himselfe, and labou∣reth earnestly to bring the body into subjection to the spirit.
10 It is better to purge our sinnes and offences here, then keepe them to be purged and punished hereafter veri∣ly we doe but deceive our selves through an inordinate love of the flesh.
11 What else will that fire con∣sume but thy sins, the more thou sparest thy selfe and followest thy pleasure now so much the more hereafter shall be thy punishment, and a greater fewel added to that flame.
12 In what thing a man hath sin∣ned in the same shall he be punished, there shall the sloathfull be pricked forward with burning goads, and the gluttons vexed with great hunger and thirst.
13 There shall the lascivious and loves of pleasure be bathed in burning pitch and stinking brimstone, and the envious like mad doggs shall howle for very griefe.
14 There is no fault but shall have its proper and peculiar torment, there the proud shall be filled with all hor∣rour and confusion, the covetous shall be pinched with exceeding penury, one houre of pain there shall be more bit∣ter, then a thousand years of the shar∣pest pennance here.
15 There is no quiet no comfort for the damned there, yet here we have some intermission of our labours and injoy the comfort of our friends.
16 Be now solicitous and sorrow∣full for thy sinnes, that at the day of judgment thou maist be secure with the company of blessed soules
17 For then shall the righteous with great boldnesse stand against such as have vexed and oppressed them, then shall he sit to judge men, who is now content to be judged of men.
18 Then shall the poor and hum∣ble have great confidence, but the proud man shall be compassed with
feare on every side.
29 Then will it appeare that he was wise in this world, who had lear∣ned for Christ to be a foole and despi∣sed.
30 Then shall affliction patiently undergone delight us, when the mouth of iniquity shall be stopped up, then shall the devout rejoyce and the pro∣phane mourne.
31 Then shall he more rejoyce that hath beat down his own flesh, then he that hath abounded in all pleasure and delight.
32 Then shall the poor garment shine and glitter, and the precious robes seem vile and contemptible, then shall be more commended the poor cottage, then the stately pallace.
33 Then will constant patience more avail us then all earthly power, and simple obedience be preferred be∣fore all worldly wisdome.
34 Then shall a good and cleare conscience more rejoyce a man then the profound learning of phylosophy, and the contempt of riches weigh more then all worldly treasures.
35 Then wilt thou be comforted
that thou hast praied devoutly, then fared daintily, and be more glad thou hast kept silence, then thou hast talked much.
36 Then will good works prevail more then godly words, then a strict life and severe repentance will be more pleasing then all earthly delight.
37 Prove first here what thou canst indure hereafter, accustome thy selfe now to suffer a little, that thou maist then be delivered from more grievous pains.
38 If now thou canst indure so li∣tle, how wilt thou then be able to in∣dure perpetuall torments, if a litle suf∣fering make thee so impatient, what will hell fire doe hereafter.
39 Assure thy selfe thou canst not have two Paradises; it is impossible to injoy delights in this world, and after that raign for ever with Christ.
40 Suppose thou hadst hitherto lived alwaies in honour and delights, what would all this avail thee if thou wert to die at this instant.
41 All therefore is but vanity and texation of spirit, besides the love of God and his alone service.
42 For he that loyeth God with all his heart is neither afraid of death nor judgment, nor of punishment, nor of hell, for perfect love gives secure ac∣cesse to God.
43 But he that takes delight in sin, what marveil is it if he be afraid both of Death and Iudgment? Yet it is good although love be not of force to withhold thee from sinne, that at least the feare of hell should restrain thee.
44 But he that laieth aside the fear of God, can never continue long in good estate, but falleth quickly into the snares of the Divell.
BE watchfull and diligent in the ser∣vice of God, and often bethink thy selfe wherefore thou camest hither, and why thou hast left the world.
2 Was it not that thou mightst live to God, and become a spirituall man, be fervent then to come forward, for shortly thou shalt receive a reward of thy labours,
3 There shall not be then any fear or sorrow in thy coasts, labour but now a litle, and thou shalt find great rest, yea perpetuall joy to thy soule.
4 If thou continuest faithfull and fervent in doing good, no doubt but God will be faithfull, and full in re∣warding thee.
5 Thou oughtst to have a good hope in getting the victory, but thou must not be seeme of it, lest thou waxe either negligent or proud.
6 When one that was in great an∣xiety of mind often wavering be∣tween fear and hope, did once being
〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉
〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉
very sorrowfull prostrate himselfe by praier in a Church before the Altar, be∣gan to think thus with himselfe, say∣ing,
7 O that I knew certainly I should persevere unto the end, and presently heard this heavenly answer within him, what if thou kn••wst it, what wouldst thou doe? doe but so now as thou wouldst then doe, and thou shalt be se∣cure.
8 And being straightway confor∣ted and strengthned in mind he com∣mited himselfe wholly to the will of God, and so left off all carefull doub∣ting.
9 Neither would he curiously search what should become of him, but rather, applied himselfe to know▪ the perfect and acceptable Will of God, for the beginning and accomplishing of e∣very good work.
10 Put thy trust in the Lord and doe good saith the Prophet, and inha∣bit the land, and thou shalt be fed with the plenty thereof.
11 One thing there is that draw∣eth men back from a progresse in good & a thorough reformation of evill, the
horrour of the difficulty and the labour of the combate.
12 For without doubt they espe∣cially above all others profit best in godlinesse, who strive more manfully to overcome these things, which are most grievous and averse from their own di∣spositions.
13 For there a man profits more and obtaines greater grace, where he more overcometh himselfe and morti∣fieth the inward man.
14 But all have not alike to over∣come and mortifie, for although, a man have stronger passions, yet if he be zea∣lous in the chase, shall sooner over∣come, then he that hath fewer, and is not so fervent.
15 Two things especially much further any great amendment, to wit•• to withdraw our selves violent 〈…〉〈…〉 that to which our nature is vitiou•••••• ••••clined, and earnestly to contend for the good we stand in need of.
16 Be carefull also to avoid with greater diligence those things in thy selfe which doe most displease thee in others.
17 Gather some profit to thy soul
out of every occasion whosoever thou be, so that if thou seest or hearest any good examples, be kindled and provoked to doe the like.
18 But if thou perceive any thing worthy of reproofe, take heed of doing the same, or if thou have done it, labour quickly to amend it.
19 As thou eyest other men so are other mens eies upon thee, how sweet and pleasant a thing is it to see those that be fervent and zealous, to be tra∣ctable and obed••ent.
20 Again how sorrowfull and sad a spectacle is it to see men live disso∣lutely and disorderly, not applying themselves to that whereunto they were called.
21 How hurtfull and pernitious is it to neglect the chiefe intent and 〈…〉〈…〉 of their callings, and busie 〈…〉〈…〉 in that which they have nothing to doe withall.
22 Be mindfull of that profession thou hast taken upon thee, and have alwaies in thy heart the remembrance of Christ Crucified.
23 When thou lookst upon his life thou maist well be ashamed of
thine own for though thou hast a long time professed christianity, yet hast thou not endeavoured much to conform thy selfe to Christ.
24 A religious man who exerci∣seth himselfe attentively and devoutly in the life & death of Christ, shall there abundantly find all things necessary and profitable, and out of Iesus he shal need to seek nothing.
25 O if Iesus Christ and him Cru∣cified would sink deep into our hearts, how quickly and sufficiently learned should we prove?
26 A religious man that is zea∣lous taketh and endureth all well that is commanded him, but he that is neg∣ligent and luke warme hath tribulati∣on npon tribulation.
27 Nay he is upon every side straightned and molested, for he is void of inward consolation, and forbidden to take any outward comfort.
28 A religious man without disci∣pline is in great danger of ruine, he that seeketh liberty and ease shall ever live in disquiet, for one thing or other will alwaies displease him.
29 O that we had nothing else t••
doe but alwaies with our mouth and whole heart to praise our Lord God!
30 O that thou mightst never have need to eat, nor drink, nor sleep, but al∣waies praise God, and only attend up∣on spirituall imployments.
31 Then shouldst thou be much happier then now thou art, when upon every occasion thou art so ready to fol∣low the lusts of the flesh.
32 Would we were not put to such necessities, but had only the spirituall ••efections of the soule, which alas we ••ast of too seldome.
33 When a man is come to that passe, that he seeketh no comfort in a∣ny creature, then doth God first begin▪ to be a sweet relish unto him.
34 Then will he be well content with whatsoever shall befall him, then shall not a great matter overjoy him, ••or a small matter trouble him.
35 But with great integrity and confidence commits himselfe to God, who shall be to him all in all, to whom nothing perisheth or dieth, but all things live unto him, and serve him without delay.
36 Remember alwaies thy end,
and how time lost never returnes, without care and diligence thou shalt never become vertuous.
37 If thou beginnest to waxe cold all is not well with thee, hut if thou give thy selfe to fervency thou shalt find much peace, and through the assistance of God's grace and love of vertue, thou shalt find thy labour but light.
38 The fervent and diligent man is ready at all assayes, it is easier to en∣dure the labour and pains of the body, then to conqu••re the vices and passions of ••he mind.
39 He that avoideth not small slips, by litle and litle may take a great fall, if thou spend the day well, thou wilt be alwaies merry at night.
40 Be watchfull over thy waies, and whatsoever become of others be carefull of thy selfe, the greater violence thou usest against thy selfe, the greater benefit shalt thou reap.